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Russian National Orchestra Cruise: Volgograd - Moscow: May 6 - 18

Cruise Summary:

  • Ship: Peter Tchaikovskiy
  • Days/Nights: 13/12
  • Boat Deck:
    $4350 - Boat deck - Cat. A
    $4150 - Upper deck - Cat. B
    $3950 - Main deck - Cat. C
    $5950 - Suite Cabin
    +$1950 - Single Cabin
  • Additional Fees:
    +50% - Double cabin/sgl use
    $100 - Port Taxes
    $70 - Fuel Surcharge
All Cruise Dates:
Day Location Program ARR DEP
1 Volgograd Volgograd arrival, embarkation, dinner and overnight.
Concert: Symphony Concert at the Concert hall from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.		    
2 Volgograd Volgograd originated with the foundation in 1589 of the fortress of Tsaritsyn at the confluence of the Tsaritsa and Volga Rivers. The fortress, which took its name from the local name Sary Su was established to defend the unstable southern border of Tsarist Russia and became the nucleus of a trading settlement. The city was the scene of heavy fighting during the Russian Civil War After its recapture, it was renamed Stalingrad (literally: "Stalin city") in 1925.Under Stalin, the city became heavily industrialized and was developed as a centre of heavy industry and trans-shipment by rail and river. During World war 2, the city of Stalingrad became the center of the Battle of Stalingrad as well as the pivotal turning point in the war against Germany. Visit the Mamaev Kurgan, a hill that saw some of the most intense fighting during the battle. Lunch and dinner on board.   15:00
3 Saratov Take the morning tour of Saratov City. The name Saratov may be conjectured to derive from theTurkic words Saryk Atov which means ‘hawks' island’. Another version of the name origin is "Sary Tau", meaning Yellow Mountain in Tatar language as the city is surrounded by a few sandy hills. Saratov became an important shipping port in the 1800s, and developed industrially after a railroad linking it to Moscow was finished in 1870.From Soviet times until 1991, Saratov was a "closed city", strictly off limits to all foreigners. Situated on the Volga River, this was a major military aircraft manufacturing site, the home of the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin, and a vital part of the Soviet space program. Lunch and dinner on board.
Concert: Symphony Concert at the Opera and Ballet Theater from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.		 10:30  
4 Saratov Cruising. Breakfast. Enjoy your day of cruising. On board entertainment: lectures, Russian language classes, your favorite movies, dancing. You will have the unique opportunity to see the Orchestra rehearsal. Lunch and dinner aboard.   8:00
5 Samara Today enjoy the city tour of Samara, the sixth-largest city in Russia. It is situated in the southeastern part of European Russia, the administrative center of Samara Oblast. It was founded in 1586 as a defense outpost, a fortress, and later grew into a major grain-trading center for the Volga region. It was renamed after the Soviet politician Valerian Kuybyshev under Soviet rule, but returned to its historical name after the fall of Communism.Now it is a large social, economic, industrial and cultural center of European Russia. Visit of a local Art Museum. 9:30 16:00
  Toliatti Transfer by bus to the city of Toliatti for the Concert. 10:00 23:00
6 Kazan Today explore the capital of Tatar Republic. Kazan was founded in the 13th century by Mongols, who had occupied Russia. In the 15th and 16th centuries Kazan became one of the principal cities of the mighty Golden Horde (Tatar) Empire. The city was conquered and almost destroyed in 1552 by Ivan the Terrible, who forced the Muslim khan to become Christian and forced Tatars to the country's borders. Later Kazan flourished as a gateway to Siberia. The city has preserved many of its ancient buildings, including the remarkable Kazan Kremlin, the Cathedral of the Annunciation, and the striking Syuyumbike Tower named after a long-suffering princess who was married to three successive khans.
Concert: Symphony Concert at the Grand Concert Hall from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.		 14:00 24:00
7 Cheboksary In the afternoon, arrive in the capital of Chuvashia Repuplic. Tcheboksary has a rich historical past. Founded in 1781, it served as fortress outpost for Moscow Principality. The city is well known for its architectural landmarks, including the 17th century Vvedensky Cathidral. Enjoy your city tour.
Concert: Concert on board.		 9:00 17:00
8 Nizhnii Novgorod Take a city tour of Nizhniy Novgorod. Although the word Novgorod means "a new city", it is one of the oldest Russian cities. In a sense, Russian history began here. It was the first permanent settlement of the Varangian Norsemen who established the embryonic Russian State.
Concert: Symphony Concert at the Kremlin Concert hall from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
 11:00 12:00
  Gorodetz Transfer by bus to the city of Gorodetz for the Symphony Concert. 16:000 24:00
9 Kostroma In the morning, explore the City of Kostroma. Located on the left bank of the Volga River, it abounds in magnificent monuments of old architecture. Its picturesque suburbs have long been a source of inspiration for many Russian artists. Visit of Ipatievskiy Monastery. 10:00 11:00
  Yaroslavl In the afternoon, our bus will transfer you to Yaroslavl. After lunch today, tour of Yaroslavl, founded in the 11th century by Prince Yaroslav the Wise. The city tour includes the 16th-century Monastery of the Transfiguration and Church of Elijah the Prophet. 15:30 24:00
10 Uglich Take a walking tour of this lovely 10th-century town - one of Russia's most ancient. Visit the Kremlin, with its 16th-century Church of the Transfiguration. Explore the Flea Market. Lunch and dinner on board. 12:00 14:00
11 Moscow Arrival in Moscow. Sightseeing motor coach tour of this ancient Russian capital, including Tverskaya Street, Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral, Bolshoi Theater and Moscow State University for a panoramic view of the city. Visit to Novodevichiy Convent. Lunch, dinner 15:00  
12 Moscow Morning tour of the Kremlin: Originally a fortress, it comprises beautiful cathedrals, ornate palaces and government buildings. This afternoon free time to explore Moscow on your own. Whatever your interest, our local hosts ease your way by making all arrangements for tours, theater, ballet or opera tickets. Lunch and farewell dinner aboard.    
13 Moscow Time to bid farewell to your new friends after your unforgettable journey through this fascinating land.    
  • Cheboksary
    is the capital of Chuvashia. It is situated on the right bank of the Volga. It is a port has a railway, a carway and an airport. The population of the town is 444 thousand people. Cheboksary has been known since 1469. Since 1555 it has been a fortress of the Moscow state. In 1611-1612 the citizens took part in the home guard of Minin and Pozharsky. At the end of 17th and 18th centuries Cheboksary was a large trading city of Povolzhiya. Then it became a new industrial and cultural centre.
  • Goritsy
    You will visit one of the oldest and most famous monasteries in Russia – the Monastery of St. Cyril of the White Lake. Dating back to the 14th century, it is a home to a the most exquisite icon collection in the world.
  • Kizhi
    Enjoy the magnificent Northern Russian nature and scenery while cruising trough Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe. Arrival and an island highlights tour of Kizhi island including visit to the Museum of Wooden Architecture with a beautiful ensemble of wooden churches, chapels and houses. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Russia and a UNESCO. The most impressive thing about these structures is that they were erected without any nails or other metal ties. Return to the ship, departure, dinner on board entertainment.
  • Kostroma
    Kostroma is the jewels among the Golden Ring towns. It is also the only Russian city that has retained its original 18th century street plan commissioned by the Ekaterina the Geat, with the main streets radiating from the centre like the spokes of a wheel. Your sightseeing tour highlights will include the world renown Museum of Wooden Architecture and the 14th century Ipatyevsky Monastery. Return to the ship, departure, dinner on board entertainment.
  • Mandrogi
    This is a recreational stop, specially designed to for you to enjoy the relaxing rustic atmosphere and famous Russian cuisine and hospitality. Enjoy Russian outdoor dining specialties and entertainment by local folklore entertainers.
  • Moscow
    The capital of Russia since the late 15th century, Moscow has always been a popular destination for more adventurous tourists. During your stay, you will have an opportunity to see city’s world renown attractions that include the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Kremlin, St. Basils Cathedral and the Church of the Ascension at Kolomenskoye, all dating from between the 14th and 17th centuries. The options for sightseeing, the local guides will offer you in Moscow, include Red Square; the Tretyakov Gallery; the National Museum of Russian Fine Art; the Moscow Metro; and a tour of the Armoury with its spectacular and priceless collection of royal jewels, crowns, thrones, and armour of the czars. For groups, an additional optional evening entertainment and tours are available, and you are welcome to take a Moscow by Night city tour, or attend a circus or theatre performance.
  • Nizhnii Novgorod
    Founded in 1221, this city was a famous meeting place where people from the Orient, Siberia and Turkistan came to barter and trade. Formerly named Gorki, it was later home of political exiles and therefore closed to outsiders for many years. Nizhny Novgorod has only recently opened its doors for visitors, where many well preserved memorials from the 13th and 14th centuries are found. Of special interest is the ancient Kremlin cathedrals, convents and the palace of the early ruling family.
  • Samara
    Founded in the 16th century Samara is today an important industrial and cultural center of the region. Formerly known as Kuibyshev, the city played a big role in the Peasant Uprising of 1670 under Styepan Razin and again in 1773 under Yemelian Pugachev. Recently Stalin’s bunker was discovered here and opened to the public.
  • Saratov
    A beautiful city surrounded by outlying villages, Saratov was settled by Germans in the 18th and 19th centuries. Chernyshevsky, the famous Russian writer and democrat was born here and Yuriy Gagarin, the world’s first cosmonaut was a member of the Saratov Flying Club.
  • St. Petersburg
    Extraordinary city of St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703, is the highlight of your Russian River adventure. Your guided tour highlights will include the Nevsky Prospekt, the Admiralty Building, the Royal Square, Peter and Paul Fortress the treasure chest of the world world-famous art – the Hermitage Museum. You are also free to explore this magnificent and romantic city on your own, or purchase optional tours to Pushkin and see beautiful and fascinating Catherine's Palace and visit to the magnificent gardens and spectacular fountains of opulent Peterhof, czars’ Summer Palace located on the coast of the Finland Gulf. Your evening schedule is free, and you are welcome to join the optional Gala Folklore show excursion, or a ballet performance at the Hermitage Theatre, once the private theatre of the Czars.
  • Uglich
    Uglich is one of the oldest Russian towns, and a place of a pilgrimage of Russian Czars. According to a local legend its origin goes back to back to 937. During the guided walking tour you’ll visit the magnificent five domed Transfiguration Cathedral and Church of Czarevich Dmitri on the Blood – build to commemorate the most famous event in the town's history – a mysterious death of the 7-year old Czarevich Dmitri, the last scion of Dimitriy Rurik dynasty. Return to the ship, departure, dinner on board entertainment.
  • Simbirsk
    The birthplace of Vladimir Uljanov, known in the world as Lenin. The city was a Soviet shrine for almost 70 years. The Lenin Memorial Complex includes the house in which he was born and other buildings associated with his life.
  • Volgograd
    Stretching along the Volga River for 43 miles is Volgograd. This thriving center was built as a living monument to the valor and courage of the defenders of Stalingrad during World War II, whose steadfastness created a major turning point of the war.
  • Yaroslavl
    A sightseeing tour of a port town of Yaroslavl will include old city canter, a UNESCO world heritage site, and the beautiful Transfiguration Monastery, dating back to the 16th century. You will also stop at the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, and have an opportunity to see its famous 13th century frescoes.

* Daily schedule includes breakfast, lunch and dinner and on board entertainment. Optional site seeing and entertainment choice are available for the duration of stay.

** Town and city tour highlights are subject to change without prior notice