Volga River Cruise Highlights
Thinking about taking a Volga River cruise? Here are a few of the highlights this Russian cruise features:
The longest river in all of Europe the Volga River springs up in between Moscow and St. Petersburg, high in the Valdai Hills. The river wends its way across nearly 2,300 miles before emptying into the Caspian Sea. The lengthy river has numerous tributaries which, along with the Vulga River and its tributaries provides power and irrigation to much of the country. If you are lucky enough to take a Volga River cruise you will be traveling the “Golden Ring”, an ancient Russian trade route.
More About Volga River Cruises
In general, most Volga River cruises will last anywhere from 8 days to 2 1/2 weeks. Most cruises start out of Moscow or St. Petersburg, however there are itineraries offered from other Russian ports as well including Rostov-on-Don and Astakhan. Most cruises are offered between May and September while Russia is enjoying the warmest weather of the year.
Ports along the Volga River
Voyagers upon a Volga cruise can expect to see many of Russia’s most famous cities including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Uglich, Saratov, Goritsy, Volgograd, Kizhi Island and more. Some of the more comprehensive cruises, such as those departing from Rostov-on-Don afford passengers the opportunity to see almost all of Russia from north to south.
The cruise ships
Seven different cruise ships ply the Volga River. Smaller than their ocean-going cousins these vessels normally hold anywhere up to 300 passengers. Despite their relatively small size these vessels offer plenty of comfort. Cabins feature large windows and air conditioning to ensure passengers can enjoy the magnificent view in cool comfort.
The ships themselves offer several amenities for passengers, including pools, bars, lounges with nightly entertainment, saunas and spas. If it is a family friendly cruise ship then there will also be plenty of activities to keep children entertained.
Speaking of children, be sure to select your cruise package carefully as some ships are adult-only, and if you have children you will be somewhat limited in your selection of options.
Sight-seeing on a Volga River Cruise
As luxurious as the boat may be, the highlight of any cruise is ultimately the shore excursions. Passengers aboard a Volga River cruise will have the opportunity to see some of the most magnificent sights in Russia. Here are just a few of the biggest highlights:
In Moscow visitors will be mesmerized as they visit Red Square and Lenin’s Tomb. Of course these are just a couple of the historical monuments in the city, and for history buffs monasteries, museums and cathedrals await.
In Volgograd – formerly known as Stalingrad – passengers can explore Kizhi Island and check out its incredible 22 dome wooden cathedral. Amazingly the entire construct was built without any nails.
And in ancient Kostroma visitors can stare in awe at the golden dome of the medieval Ipatievsky Monastery.
Numerous other delights await in St. Petersburg and other major ports of call along the cruise’s route.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of Volga River cruise highlights. This is an adventure that must be experienced to be appreciated, and one that you will remember for a lifetime.
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- Volga River Cruise – See Russia In Luxury
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- Saone River Cruise Highlights
- Highlights of a Douro River Cruise
Filed under: European River Cruises