5-Star Luxury River Cruise - Moscow - Golden Ring - St. Petersburg - 8 Days (CR-57)

On arrival at the airport your driver will meet you and transfer you to the river port. Board the MS Mustai Karim, settle in and get to know your fellow travellers this evening at the welcome cocktail party. You’ll enjoy sparkling wine and a traditional Russian speciality, red caviar. Afterwards, a lavish dinner will be served in the restaurant on the main deck.

We can extend your stay in Moscow and arrange hotel accommodation and sightseeing tours. Please contact us if you wish to book additional programme.

A number of attractive historic towns, collectively known as the Golden Ring, encircle Moscow. You’ll reach one of them this lunchtime, the ancient town of Uglich. There, you’ll tour Uglich’s Kremlin and a beautiful church with the dark name of the Church of St. Dmitry on the Spilled Blood. It was built on the spot where the son of Ivan the Terrible died in mysterious circumstances. Exclusively for the guests of Mustai Karim, there’ll be a concert featuring the Kovcheg choir. Spend the rest of the afternoon being hosted in the home of a local family, who we know will supply special treats and engaging conversation to make your visit a memorable one.

This morning, the ship reaches the peaceful village of Goritsy, from where you’ll make your way to the ancient Feropontov monastery. Founded at the end of the 14th century, it is considered to be one of the purest examples of mediaeval art. The monastery is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is unique in its beauty and authenticity. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Nativity of the Virgin, whose walls are covered with priceless frescoes by the great Dionisius, the head of the Moscow school of icon painters.

The ship crosses Europe’s second largest lake today. Kizhi Island is marooned in the centre of this cast body of water, another of Russia’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Alight and explore the unique historical, cultural and natural treasures of this place. Admire the beauty of Transfiguration Cathedral, according to legend, built without the use of a single nail. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit a traditional wooden house and experience a Russian banya (sauna). After your tour, enjoy an exclusive concert performance entitled “Music of the Northern Villages”.

As the MS Mustai Karim edges closer to St Petersburg, you’ll enjoy a relaxing day on board this luxurious ship. Another of Russia's countryside gems today as we reach Mandrogi, a picturesque village in a woodland setting. The villagers will turn out to meet us to put on a display of their traditions and culture. For lunch we'll enjoy a delicious picnic lunch of Russian shashlik (shish kebab) and then the afternoon is yours to partake in some walks. See for yourself the village's wooden buildings or take a walk in the forest.

Cross the remainder of Lake Onega and then traverse Lake Ladoga, the largest lake entirely in Europe, and the 14th largest freshwater lake by area in the world. Today we reach Valaam, the largest island in Lake Ladoga, where will have a guided walking tour of the Central Manor of Holy Transfiguration Monastery.

You’ll get to know the northern capital of Russia during a city tour by bus as well as a special tour of the city’s many rivers and canals. We will finish the day with a passage under the world renowned drawbridges of St Petersburg.

It’s time to disembark the MS Mustai Karim and bid farewell to your crew, fellow travellers and Russia itself as you head to the airport for your flight home. We wish you a safe journey, and hope to see you again onboard the MS Mustai Karim very soon.

We can also extend your stay in St. Petersburg and arrange hotel accommodation and sightseeing tours. Please contact us if you wish to book additional programme.