Volga Dream Grand Volga, Volgograd - Moscow 2021

Day 1: Arrival in Volgograd
Upon arrival in Volgograd, you head straight for the deluxe MS Volga Dream. The rest of the day is yours to relax after your flight.

Day 2: Volgograd City Tour
Originally named Tsaritsyn, this remarkable city has had three name changes in its tumultuous history. The site of epic battles during the Russian, Revolution – between 1925 and 1961 it was known as Stalingrad. The people’s heroic defence of the city during World War II was destined to become the decisive battle of the conflict on the eastern front.
You will then visit the imposing memorial on Mamayev Hill, which saw the bloodiest fighting of the war, and Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Day 3: Saratov City Tour
Today you arrive in Saratov that is known as the Motherland of Yuri Gagarin, Russia's first cosmonaut. You have a city tour around the most amazing city landmarks and visit the Radishev State Art Museum - the first Russian picture gallery outside St. Petersburg and Moscow.

After the tour you return on board and continue cruising.

Day 4: Samara City Tour
In the morning enjoy incredible views as you sail by the Zhigulevskie mountains. Today you arrive in Samara and have a guided city tour around its most interesting attractions, including the Space Museum, the Samara State Art Museum, and take a walk down the Volga River embankment.

After the tour you return to your ship and enjoy a barbecue on the open deck.

Day 5: Kazan City Tour
Today you arrive in Kazan - the beautiful capital of the Republic of Tatarstan and the center of Tatar culture in Russia.

In the afternoon prepare for a guided tour during which you visit the white-walled Kazan Kremlin where you see the famous mosque Kul-Sherif and the old Peter and Paul Cathedral. Later this day you enjoy a concert by a local Tatar folk group.

After the tour you return on board and are free to attend a piano concert consisting of pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff.

Day 6: Nizhny Novgorod City Tour
Today you arrive in Nizhny Novgorod, which was once an important center of trade and commerce on the East before it became a closed military city during the Soviet times.

During the city tour you walk the ramparts of the 16th-century Kremlin and visit lavishly-decorated churches. As a highlight of the day this evening you attend a concert by a local children folk group.

After the tour you return on board and enjoy Russian dinner and Vodka tasting party.

Day 7: Day On Board the Volga Dream
This day is reserved for leisure. Immerse yourself in the picturesque views as you sail by small villages, provincial towns, churches, and monasteries, set along the Volga River.

You are also welcome to attend a lecture by our guest speaker about the history and traditions of this part of Russia.

Day 8: Yaroslavl City Tour
Today you explore one of the oldest Russian cities and the gem of the Volga River - Yaroslavl. During your guided city tour of Yaroslavl, which is a World Heritage Site, you explore the Spassky Monastery where you see the icon Transfiguration of the Savior, visit the wonderful Church of Elijah the Prophet with incredible mosaic decoration, and participate in a costumed reception at the Governor's House.

After the tour you return on board your ship. In the evening you can join a Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony.

Day 9: Uglich City Tour
Today you arrive in Uglich, that dates back to the 10th century and is the place where a historically significant political turmoil known as the Times of Trouble started.

During your walking city tour you visit the famous Church of St. Dmitry-on-Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible's son, Dmitry, was mortally wounded in 1591, explore the Church of the Transfiguration and attend a fascinating concert of choral music.

After the tour you return to your ship. In the evening you enjoy Farewell dinner in a company of your fellow travelers. 

Day 10: Arrival in Moscow & Moscow City Tour 
Today you arrive in the brilliant capital of Russia - Moscow. This glorious megapolis is a major travel destination and the crown jewel of all Russian cities.

Following breakfast, you meet your guide and start today's program with an orientation tour around the most famous Moscow attractions.

Visit the magnificent Red Square and see its famous landmarks: Lenin's Tomb and St. Basil's Cathedral, drive by the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, one of Russia's most important cathedrals, completely destroyed in Stalin's time and restored in 1990. Then we head for the famous Novodevichi Cemetery, where many noted Russian authors, musicians, playwrights, and poets are buried along with famous actors, political leaders, and scientists. 

After lunch in a local restaurant, you visit the Old
Tretyakov gallery to view its extraordinary collection of Russian art, ranging from XIX-century icons to XX-century masterpieces. Explore Moscow’s Metro, famed for its architectural splendor.

Day 11: Visiting the Kremlin & Armoury Chamber
Following breakfast meet your guide and devote the day to the exploration of a real Russian miracle and its most famous symbol - the mighty Kremlin.

Today you go on a guided tour of this historical fortress, that includes a visit to its wonderful Armoury Chamber that houses a unique collection of crown jewels, stunning coronation finery, hand-forged armor and weapons, royal carriages and sleighs, and world-famous Faberge eggs. You finish your Kremlin tour with a visit to the famous Square of Four Cathedrals, where you go inside the gorgeous 15th-century Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals decorated with magnificent frescoes.

Day 12: Departure
This is the last day on board MS Volga Dream. Following breakfast, you have a transfer to the airport.