A river cruise along Russia’s rivers and canals offers a fantastic opportunity to see two of the country’s biggest cities (Moscow and St. Petersburg) and the rural life in between. A cruise of 10-13 days will take you from Moscow to St. Petersburg or vice versa along the Neva, Svir and Volga rivers, lakes Ladoga and Onega and scenic waterways.
Cruise operators often stop in towns such as Uglich, Yaroslavl, Garitzy, Kizhi and Mandrogy for you to explore the culture and enjoy their attractions. The route’s intricate system of waterways is peaceful, serene and timeless with its silver birch and pine forests, sandy shores, calm flowing water and spectacular late sunsets.
A river cruise through Russia normally starts at Moscow or St. Petersburg depending on your plans but I would recommend starting in St. Petersburg. It is considered Russia’s most beautiful city and was the country’s capital for over 200 years before moving back Moscow. The city of St. Petersburg has 101 islands, 66 canals and hundreds of bridges.
In St. Petersburg you can visit the winter Palace and Hermitage Museum, which house vast collection of art antiquities, jewellery and scultures. Explore St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt and Catherine’s Palace and the fabled Amber and Agate Rooms.
En route visit the vodka museum in Mandrogy or shop for handmade Russian crafts. Cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake and visit the island of Kizhi. While there tour the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Russian wooden houses, churches and windmills and the Transfiguration Church – built in 1714 without a single nail.
See the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood and the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet Visit in the Ring cities of Uglich and Yaroslavl.
In Moscow you can visit the Kremlin and Red Square, see the Bolshoi Theatre, the colourful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral and shop at the famous GUM Department Store before making your way back home.