Waterways of the Tsars

Overview

Waterways of the Tsars

See the swirling onion domes and stout towers of Moscow’s Red Square. Share stories at the kitchen table of an Uglich family. Savor Russian caviar with your blini pancakes. Soak up the steam in a traditional banya in riverside Mandrogy village. Envision Peter the Great luxuriating in massive Peterhof Palace, then see how multiple families shared living space at a Soviet-era kommunalka. From Moscow to St. Petersburg, this 13-day voyage reveals the real Russia as never before.

What's Included

  • Return travel from the UK
  • 10 guided tours with audio headset
  • All meals: 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches & 12 dinners, featuring regional specialties and including Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch
  • Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Culture Curriculum: Enjoy onshore music and dance performances; learn a little Russian; listen to lectures about Romanov Tsars, the Soviet Union & current affairs; attend a Russian cooking workshop; participate in Russian tea time
  • All port charges
  • Free Wi-Fi

Hand Picked By

Hayley Peachey

You no longer need to book Viking River Cruises direct but can now book them through ourselves.Viking is the world’s leading river cruise line. Inspiring destinations, award-winning ships, spacious, comfortable staterooms and unrivalled food and service. Viking River cruises offers remarkable value for money, with so much included in the price.

Hayley Peachey

Additional Information

  • Departure Date: June 2021 - October 2022
  • Duration: 12 nights
  • Highlights: On this cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg, discover the real Russia like never before.

Ship Overview

Viking Helgi

The Viking fleet in Russia and Eastern Europe offers exceptional ambiance with all the comforts of a fine hotel. Enjoy spacious staterooms and suites, an inviting restaurant and beautiful public spaces on elegant ships that set a new standard of river cruising excellence in the region.

Viking Helgi Profile

  • Sun deck with shaded sitting area
  • A walk-around, open air promenade deck
  • Restaurant with panoramic views
  • Elevator
  • The Lounge & two bars with panoramic windows
  • Free WiFi
  • Doctor on board
  • Laundry service
  • Voltage: 220V & 110V (U.S. outlet) in stateroom

Viking Helgi Deck Plan

Full Itinerary

Day 1 - Moscow

Arrive in Moscow and transfer to your ship. After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. (Dinner is included)

Day 2 - Moscow

Relax this morning and enjoy an early lunch before your half-day tour of the beautiful city of Moscow. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the brightly colored St. Basil’s Cathedral and a visit to the famous Glavny Universalny Magazin (GUM) Department Store. You'll also get the chance to experience the city’s Metro and stay in the city center for an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music. (Breakfast lunch and dinner included)

Day 3 - Moscow

Today you have a full day to explore Moscow’s many buildings, parks and monuments further. Or you may choose an optional experience: Take a morning tour to Tretyakov Gallery, the world’s foremost museum of Russian fine art. This afternoon you may visit the Cosmonaut Museum with displays that trace the history of space exploration or take a Jewish Moscow tour, illustrating the history and spirit of the Jewish people who settled in the city. Dine aboard for dinner, then relax or take an optional 'Moscow by Night' tour. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 4 - Moscow

After breakfast you'll travel to the city’s famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. You’ll go behind its walls to see historic gems like Tsar’s Canon and Tsar’s Bell and tour inside two cathedrals. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moscow Canal after lunch as you depart the city. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 5 - Uglich

Cruising through the morning you'll enjoy your lunch before disembarking for your walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich; one of the Golden Ring cities that preserve the memory of Russia’s historical events. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood; built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son Dmitry was mysteriously killed. This afternoon, a local family invites you into their home for tea and friendly conversation before departing before dinner and cruising through the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 6 - Yaroslavl

This morning you'll arrive in Yaroslavl, another Golden Ring city. Tour this ancient town rich in monuments and visit the covered food market where you may like to shop for handcrafted souvenirs. During your free time, you may visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Return to your ship for lunch and departure. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 7 - Kuzino

Docking this morning in Kuzino, a typical Russian village, you'll visit the renowned Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397. Take a guided walk through the monastery’s historic grounds and see its several small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. You'll also have the opportunity to visit a children’s school in Kuzino. Returning to the ship for lunch ready for an afternoon departure. Spend the remainder of the day cruising along the Volga-Baltic Waterway, a system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and seven locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 8 - Kizhi

Today you'll cruise through the morning, admiring the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake before arriving this afternoon at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, see a collection of wooden houses, windmills and churches representing ancient Russian architecture, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church - a fairy-tale-like structure built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart in the evening and cruise through the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 9 - Mandrogy

Spend a relaxing day cruising Russia’s intricate waterways. Sail the scenic Svir River, traveling the 139-mile “Blue Route” as it takes you southwest from Lake Onega. Stop in Mandrogy and take some time to explore this museum village. Visit the Vodka Museum or shop for handmade, Russian craft items. For a truly immersive experience, try an optional visit to a banya; (traditional Russian bath house), or choose an optional tour where you'll witness and participate in the art of matryoshka doll making (both bookable on board only). Continue along the Svir, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake, on your way to the Neva River. All meals are served aboard your ship. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 10 - St. Petersburg

Early this morning you'll sail on the Neva River into St. Petersburg. After a leisurely breakfast, you'll visit the Winter Palace and tour the legendary Hermitage Museum, where you marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelery and sculpture. Return aboard for an early dinner, followed by an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 11 - St. Petersburg

Today’s excursion goes to the Pushkin area where you visit Catherine Palace; the elegant rococo 18th-century summer residence of the Russian tsars. Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate decor throughout. Return to your ship for lunch. After lunch embark on a city tour; see noted sights including St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. Dine aboard, then relax or attend an optional evening folkloric performance. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 12 - St. Petersburg

Today is free to see the sights that interest you at leisure. Why not visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums, or take an optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace? With its landscaped gardens and beautiful fountains, it's sure to take your breath away. This afternoon, you may choose to join an optional kommunalka visit and get a glimpse of these communal living spaces or perhaps take an optional tour of St. Petersburg from the water. Lunch and dinner are served aboard. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 13 - St. Petersburg

After breakfast, you'll disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight. Or perhaps you'd like to extend your journey into another country with 3 nights in Helsinki, Finland, the “White City of the North.” (Breakfast included)

Additional Information

  • Departure Date: June 2021 - October 2022
  • Duration: 12 nights
  • Highlights: On this cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg, discover the real Russia like never before.

Cabin and Fares

Cabin TypeGuide PriceAdditional InfoCabinEnquire
Outside CabinFrom £3,095ppView Cabin

Outside Cabin

Approximately 150 sq. ft.

Our most spacious and luxurious accommodations, offers panoramic windows that open onto private veranda, private bathroom with shower and premium bath products, telephone, refrigerator, safe, hair dryer & bottled water replenished daily, kettle and instant coffee available in the stateroom & Sony 40-inch flat-panel TV with premium entertainment package!

Enquire Now
View Cabin

Outside Cabin

Approximately 150 sq. ft.

Our most spacious and luxurious accommodations, offers panoramic windows that open onto private veranda, private bathroom with shower and premium bath products, telephone, refrigerator, safe, hair dryer & bottled water replenished daily, kettle and instant coffee available in the stateroom & Sony 40-inch flat-panel TV with premium entertainment package!

Enquire Now