Experience fairy tale castles, vodka, caviar, Tolstoy and centuries past on this unique Russian voyage. Discover this distinguished country’s epic history, amazing architecture and captivating culture while traveling on the elegant MS Volga Dream - a winner of the prestiguous National Geographic Traveler "Tours of a Lifetime" award. Cruise through peaceful rivers, canals and lakes in classic 5* style as you enjoy the plethora of amenities available onboard this sophisticated ship. Disembark for fascinating shore excursions and guided tours of historic Yaroslavl, Goritsy, Vytegra, Kizhi and Mandrogi. Passenger will feel like they’re traveling thought time as they explore Moscow and St. Petersburg with the luxury of their own private expert guide. Tour the enchanting palaces, cathedrals, squares, museums and monuments that make that make these metropolises two of the most legendary cities in the world. See the majestic Kremlin, Red Square, Lenin’s tomb, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Novodevichi Monastery, Tretyakov Gallery, Nevsky Prospect, Hermitage Museum, Winter Palace, St. Isaac Cathedral and more!

This exclusive Russian journey features a welcome ‘Russian Vodka, Bread & Salt Ceremony’, 3 nights at 4* hotels, private guide & driver, elegant cruise cabin, nightly entertainment, traditional meals during the cruise (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner) as well as welcome fruit basket, champagne & snacks and complimentary house wine, draft beer and soft drinks while on board. In addition travellers enjoy 24/7 Kensington Support.

There are special themed departures from Moscow to St. Petersburg on August 11 and from St. Petersburg to Moscow on August 17: A unique departure featuring Professional Opera singers and artistic performances.

2012 Departure Dates:
May 20 - May 26 (from Moscow): June 1 - June 7 (from Moscow); June 7 - June 13 (from St. Petersburg); June 23 - June 29 (from St. Petersburg); June 30 - July 6 (from Moscow); July 6 - July 12 (from St. Petersburg); July 13 - July 19 (from Moscow); July 19 - July 25 (from St. Petersburg); July 26 - August 1 (from Moscow); August 1 - August 7 (from St. Petersburg); August 8 - August 14 (from Moscow); August 14 - August 20 (from St. Petersburg); September 7 - September 13 (from Moscow).

The focal point of Moscow is Red Square, on one side of which is the Kremlin surrounded by a thick red fortress wall containing 20 towers altogether. There a several gorgeous buildings in the square including the Uspensky Cathedral, the 14th-century Grand Kremlin Palace, the golden-domed Belfry of Ivan the Great, and the renowned St Basil’s Cathedral, famous for its brightly colored domes. Lenin’s Mausoleum is also located in Red Square and is still open to the public on certain days. Outside Red Square, Tverskaya Street is one of the main shopping streets. Old Arbat Street is a pedestrian zone with crafts and artists’ stalls and street performers. The world-famous Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater at Teatralnaya Square dates from 1824. Novodevichy Convent near Sportivnaya metro station houses a museum of rare and ancient Russian art, and is one of the finest examples of 16th- and 17th-century architecture in the city. The Metro system itself is steeped in history, with many of stations featuring beautiful decoration. Other sites include the superb Tretyakov Gallery, the Annunciation and Our Lady of Kazan Cathedrals, Gorky Park, and the macbre KGB museum.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Moscow with a private vehicle, Driver and an Assistant.

We will provide you with a letter of Invitation for your Russian Visa. Once payment has been received, the letter along with other important documents will be sent to you.

A welcome package with small wooden doll Matreshka, nice book on Russia, vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

The Holiday Inn Sokolniki (4*) is situated just a short drive from the Moscow City center and the Red Square. The hotel gives the Russian capital a new dimension with world class service and intriguing cuisine. All 523 guest rooms are spacious and are outfitted with modern amenities, and the five restaurants and bars cater to a variety of needs and tastes. This hotel is a great choice for both business and leisure travelers as it is close to the business quarter and famous Moscow attractions, which are easily accessible by car or metro.

Overnight at Holiday Inn Sokolniki (4*).

Enjoy a full day city tour of Moscow. View the panorama of the Kremlin from the Sophiskaya Embankment, Lubyanka Square, Tverskaya Street, Christ The Savior Cathedral, New Arbat Street, The White House of Russia and Victory Park, view of St. Basil Cathedrals, Kremlin Walks, Lenin Mausoleum, Alexabdrovsky Garden, Manezh Square and shopping. Tour the Kremlin, the city´s former military fortification, a palace, an armoury, the sovereign treasury and the workplace of the Russian President. The Armoury Palace features weaponry, imperial regalia and unique art. (Entrance inside Kremlin Walls and Armoury Chamber included in tour price).

Overnight at Holiday Inn Sokolniki (4*).

Cruise the waters of the Volga, the largest river in Europe in terms of length, discharge, and watershed. It flows through central Russia, and is widely viewed as the national river of Russia. Out of the twenty largest cities of Russia, eleven, including its capital Moscow, are situated in the Volga's drainage basin. Aboard your luxurious cruise ship, you'll be able to relax in comfort as you traverse the river between interesting ports-of-call.

Enjoy a private transfer with private vehicle, driver and English speaking assistance.

You will be welcomed on board in the best Russian traditions by women in local dress who will bring you good luck with Russian Bread & Salt. Enjoy a Russian vodka as well as a glass of champagne and snacks. You wil also receive a welcome fresh fruit basket in your cabin.

Fuel Surcharge is included in the cruise cost.

After a two-year comprehensive renovation the Volga Dream made her maiden voyage in June 2007. The ship carries 109 passengers and has 56 comfortable cabins each, regardless of its category, having either a window (Sun Deck, Promenade Deck, Main Deck) or porthole (Cabin Deck), and is equipped with air conditioning, mini-bar, safe deposit box, telephone, flat screen TV offering international satellite TV programs, as well as various radio and music channel options. On board there is a Lounge, Hair Salon, Gift Shop, and a Library (with two computers connected to the Internet), Sun Deck, Laundry Service and a Ship Safe. Wireless internet is available on the sun deck while dial up is available in the cabins. The on board fitness centre includes a stationary bike, running track, and rowing machine. Massages and a sauna are also available to guests.There are various different categories of cabins to choose from.

Overnight at MS Volga Dream (B,L,D).

During your multi day cruise, you will enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner each full day of your cruise, as well as afternoon tea. There is also a 24 hour coffee station that you are welcome to help yourself to. House wine, draft beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner are also included as well as bottled water in your cabin and on your shared shore excursons. In the evenings, enjoy live piano entertainment.

Enjoy a walking tour of Uglich - one of the Golden Ring cities. On your tour, visit the Chapel of Dimitry, a 17th-century architectural treasure built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s young son met his death. Visit the five-domed Church of the Transfiguration, noted for its beautiful iconostasis, and enjoy a concert of choral music.

Take in the majesty of the panoramic river view from the comfort of a leather armoire in the elegant wood-paneled lounge. Cocktails, champagne and stunning concerts from the onboard professional pianist take place here every evening whilst during the day you are welcome to avail of the complimentary afternoon tea served from an authentic Russian samovar. Meanwhile in the peaceful library you can pick up a book to read, challenge a friend to a game of chess or bridge and take advantage of the internet access point to keep in touch with friends and family back home.

Enjoy afternoon tea on board.

Overnight at MS Volga Dream (B,L,D).

Yaroslavl is the oldest city on the Volga River, and was unharmed during World War II, and many churches from the 13th to 17th centuries are intact. See the Savior Transfiguration Monastery, adorned with murals depicting Saint John’s apocalyptic visions. Visit the 17th century Church of Elijah the Prophet with its most prized asset – frescoes painted by renowned artists of ancient Russia. Visit a colorful farmer’s market to sample the fruit and buy local foods before returning to your vessel.

Get the most rich experience possible during your cruise by learning about the Russian cultures and traditions. To get around Russia you really need to know the Cyrillic alphabet. With this in mind, you will have the opportunity to learn how to read Russian words and how to sing some famous Russian songs with the onboard Cruise Director. Throughout the trip, a number of Oscar winning Russian films such as Doctor Zhivago and War and Peace on your private flat screen TV will be available for you to view. If you plan on buying some souvenirs but are concerned with knowing what is good and what is bad, have a listen to the Russian Fine Arts and crafts Expert that will be introduced to you who will tell you all the secrets of traditional Russian crafts and show you how to care for them. Have some fun in the kitchen with a number of cooking classes on baord and learn some traditional Russian recipes and insider tricks. You can learn more about the Russian tsars and Russia's turbulent imperial history whilst watching the award-winning BBC documentary on our big screen In Russia there’s nothing more traditional than vodka and you will be taught how to enjoy our national drink the authentic way.

Enjoy afternoon tea on board.

Overnight at MS Volga Dream (B,L,D).

Sail today on the White Lake, once known as the “czar’s fishing grounds.” Dock in Goritsy and tour the Kirillov Belozersky Monastery, founded by the hermit Saint Cyril. The monastery contains the 13th-century Cathedral of the Assumption, with superb frescoes.

The MS Volga Dream has a highly professional crew of 60 personnel who have years of experience of working on the Russian waterways. They take pride in their work and are delighted to show you what life is like behind the scenes on the ship. During the cruise you will have the opportunity to visit the kitchen to watch the Chef reveal the tricks of his trade, enjoy a barmen show from the professional cocktail master, meet the captain up on the bridge and go right into the heart of the ship - the engine rooms.

Enjoy afternoon tea on board.

Overnight at MS Volga Dream (B,L,D).

Cruise Lake Onega to reach a tiny, picturesque Kizhy Island for a walking tour. See the open-air Museum of Architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration, an oniondomed masterpiece with twenty-two cupolas resembling something out of a Russian fairy tale. This amazing church was built without a single nail.

Enjoy afternoon tea on board.

Overnight at MS Volga Dream (B,L,D).

Cruise the scenic Svir River, connecting Lake Onega and Lake Ladoga. Disembark in Mandrogi to experience daily life in a quaint wooden village. You may wish to visit the local crafts’ center to see how famous “matryoshka” dolls are hand painted.

Enjoy afternoon tea on board.

Celebrate the end of your great cruise with a complimentary coktail and regale the high points of your trip with your fellow passengers!

Overnight at MS Volga Dream (B,L,D).

St Petersburg is known as a cultural center and for its elegant buildings, and is spread over 42 islands in the delta of the River Neva. In comparison to Moscow, which tended to be more Eastern in character, St Petersburg has always retained a European flavor and was intended as a ‘Window to the West’. It was built by Peter the Great in 1703 and remained the capital of Tsarist Russia for 200 years. Wide boulevards, tranquil canals, bridges and some of the best examples of tsarist architecture gave rise to the epithet the ‘Venice of the North’. The Palace Square and the Winter Palace (Hermitage Museum) are among the most popular attractions for enthusiasts of Russian history.

Port transfer with private vehicle and driver.

Take a panoramic tour and get acquainted with the main architectural and historical monuments of St Petersburg, ride along its main streets and prospects, and enjoy its splendid parks and gardens. Drive along world famous "Nevsky Prospect" lined with marble palaces of Russian royalty and aristocracy, with most fashionable boutiques. View Monastery of Alexander Nevsky with its magnificent Trinity Cathedral and its cemetery where Dostoevsky, Tchaikovsky and other world celebrities were buried. Visit St. Peter and St. Paul's fortress, view St. Isaac Cathedral with «The Bronze Horseman». Drive by Summer Garden with the oldest royal stone palace and breathtaking collection of Italian statues and sculpture set in a natural surrounding. Stop in the Field of Mars with the eternal flame lit in the centre of the monument to victims of revolutions and wars, at the Resurrection Cathedral on the Spilt Blood at its background, one of the most unusual monuments of Russian Orthodox. Drive through the Square of Arts which is a perfect classical ensemble of the city, enjoy an overwhelming beauty of the third largest square in the world, the Palace Square with the Alexander Column, the Triumphal Arch of the general Staff building, and the Winter Palace complex. Entrance fee to Peter and Paul's Fortress is included in the tour price.

Enjoy a private guided 5hr tour of the Hermitage and admire the gems of the collection. During the tour you will see the State Rooms of the Winter Palace, a part of the collection of paintings of Old Masters and other exciting exhibits and works of art. Value the splendour of the Gala stair-way, Peter's Memorial Hall, the Armorial Hall, the Gallery of 1812 with its numerous portraits, the Pavilion Hall and its various amusements and other gala rooms. You are sure to enjoy the works of applied arts, precious items and paintings. The collection of Western European art, numbering over 600,000 items, is considered to be one of the finest in the world. It presents all the stages of the development of art from the Middle Ages to the present. Enjoy masterpieces by outstanding Western European artists, as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Giorgione, Titian, Michelangelo, Francisco de Goya, Renoir, Picasso and others. You will have an opportunity to see such world-famous masterpieces as works by Degas, Renoir, Pissarro, Van Gogh, Gauguin and others. Admire the richest collection of ancient and early medieval items, works of art from Ancient Greece and Rome, fabulous treasures of oriental culture and wonderful European art. (Entrance fee to Hermitage Museum is included in the tour price).

Choose between one of the various evening entertainment options St. Petersburg has to offer: performances at the Marinsky theater, folklore show in Nikolaevskey palace, a show at the famous Circus, or a river cruise, combined with a folklore show. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding a show to your itinerary during your time in St. Petersburg.

Located in St. Petersburg, the Ambassador Hotel (4*) is a unique complex, combining a modern building with an architectural gem from the 19th century. The hotel has 255 air-conditioned bedrooms that are comfortable and provide a homely ambience. Whatever the day, whatever the hour, the Ambassador hotel offers a room catering service for your convenience. In adhering to culinary traditions, the onsite restaurants are renowned for high standards and exceptional style. Despite the stylistic differences of the hotel's facades, the interiors are all in the classical style. Guests have access to gymnasium, sauna and swimming pool as well as beauty salon, currency exchange point and newspaper stand.

Overnight at Ambassador (4*).

Avail of a private airport transfer in St Petersburg.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).