 Viking Russia
Several Routes, Larger Cabins.
About Russia & Ukraine
In 1939, Winston Churchill called Russia “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” For centuries, journeys in Russia were fraught with difficulties, regardless of the method of travel. Vikings explored on their long ships, and Napoleon’s army invaded on foot and horseback. Lewis Carroll traveled by rail, sleeping on the railcar floor with his head cushioned by his bag and coat. Lenin traveled by train too, arriving in St. Petersburg from Sweden in time to spark the October Revolution. Under Communist rule, travel in the Soviet Union was particularly problematic, with visits regulated and requiring government sanction. With the fall of Communism, travel in Russia has become significantly less difficult, and the tourism infrastructure continues to improve dramatically as more Westerners visit.
Today, a Viking River Cruises journey provides the perfect way to experience Russia’s countryside, culture and two great cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Moscow, Russia’s capital, boasts some 2,500 historical and architectural monuments, 70 museums, 50 theaters, 4,500 libraries and 540 colleges and research institutions. There is so much to see and experience there—Red Square, with the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, the tomb of Vladimir Lenin and the massive 120-year-old GUM department store, the nearby Kremlin, and of course the city’s world-famous Metro system. St. Petersburg provides gentler and more graceful pleasures with its romantic canals, baroque palaces and lovely avenues and squares designed along European lines. You will want to visit the Hermitage, both the historic Winter Palace and a world-class art museum with an extensive collection of works ranging from da Vinci and Michelangelo to Cézanne and Picasso; you will gaze in wonder upon the Peter and Paul Fortress with its baroque cathedral inside; and you will enjoy strolling and shopping along Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s main promenade, with its lively culture of street artists and performers.
Or, follow in the footsteps of the Cossacks along Ukraine’s Dnieper River from Kiev to Odessa by way of Zaporozhye, Kherson and Sevastopol. See historic cathedrals and monasteries, monuments to Vladimir Lenin, displays of legendary traditional horsemanship, colorful folkloric costumes, music and dance, and museums displaying artifacts from bygone eras. There is a special coach tour to the ancient Tatar city of Bakhchisarai to visit the 16th-century Khan palace, heavily influenced by Turkish culture.
Waterways of the CzarsSt. Petersburg to Moscow
Thinking of Russia, two great places immediately come to mind: Moscow and St. Petersburg. This monumental 13-day itinerary includes multiple days in both cities, touring such landmarks as Moscow’s Kremlin and Red Square as well as Pushkin, Peter & Paul Fortress and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. But, there is another side of Russia that only a river cruise can provide—the villages and quaint towns like Yaroslavl, Uglich and Goritzy. See opulent palaces, discover fortified monasteries and visit beautiful cathedrals. It is an unforgettable way to experience the history and culture of this unique and mysterious country.
St. Petersburg
Arrive in St. Petersburg, “The City of 300 Bridges.” We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)
St. Petersburg
This morning, explore St. Petersburg on a city tour. See noted sights including St. Isaac’s Cathedral and Nevsky Prospekt, and visit Peter & Paul Fortress. Have lunch in a local restaurant, then proceed to the Winter Palace to visit the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet or opera followed by a late dinner aboard. (B, L, D)
St. Petersburg
Today’s excursion goes to Pushkin. Visit elegant Catherine’s Palace, the rococo 18th-century summer residence of the Russian Czars named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber Room, and see the ornate décor throughout. Return aboard for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg. You may choose to take an optional canal cruise through the city. Dinner served aboard. (B, L, D)
St. Petersburg
Most of the day is free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums, or take an optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains and French Gothic interiors. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Lunch and dinner served aboard; ship departs early evening. (B, L, D)
Scenic Waterways & Mandrogy
Spend a relaxing day cruising along Russia’s intricate waterways. Sail on the Neva River, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake. Cruise the Svir River to Mandrogy where you have some free time to explore this model Russian community. Visit the vodka museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. Continue along the Svir’s 139-mile “Blue Route” toward Lake Onega. (B, L, D)
Kizhi
Cruise through the early morning, admiring the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake. Arrive during breakfast at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture. Here, see a collection of ancient Russian wooden houses, windmills and churches, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church. This fairy-tale structure was built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart late morning and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Volga-Baltic Waterway & Goritzy
Continue cruising along the Volga-Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and 7 locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. Arrive at lunchtime in Goritzy, a typical Russian village. Here, visit the renowned Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397; a guided walk takes you through the historic grounds, seeing many small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. Return aboard for an afternoon departure. (B, L, D)
Yaroslavl
Arrive midafternoon in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities—ancient towns that preserve the memory of Russia’s historical events. Ride along the river banks where you see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you are treated to a traditional choir performance. Take free time to shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning aboard for dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D)
Uglich
After breakfast, disembark for a walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, another Golden Ring city. 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. Lunch served aboard; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Moscow Canal & Moscow
This morning, cruise along the Moscow Canal, approaching Moscow during lunch. Disembark for a half-day city tour. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral. You will also get the chance to experience the city’s Metro. Stay in the city center to enjoy a meal prepared by the ship’s chef and an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music. (B, L, D)
Moscow
After breakfast, travel to the city’s famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. See its many tall towers, brightly colored cathedrals and elegant palaces. Tour inside the Armory, home to a collection of royal jewels, crowns and armor. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. This afternoon is yours to explore Moscow or you can join an optional tour to the Tretyakov Gallery, the world’s foremost museum of Russian fine art. Dine aboard. (B, L, D)
Moscow
Enjoy a full day to further explore Moscow. Or join an optional tour to Sergiev Posad, a Golden Ring city named for the greatly venerated St. Sergius of Radonezh, to see one of the four most important Russian Orthodox monasteries in Russia. All meals served aboard. (B, L, D)
Moscow
After breakfast, disembark and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* (B)
| Viking Kirov |
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| Viking Lomonosov |
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| Viking Pakhomov |
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| Viking Surkov |
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Best River Ships in Russia
We have dramatically upgraded our Russian fleet -Viking Surkov offers deluxe staterooms throughout, including suites and singles, and Viking Kirov joins her in 2009 after a full renovation. These are the best river cruise ships in Russia.
Life Onboard the Viking Surkov
Viking Surkov travels the waterways between Moscow and St. Petersburg, exploring part of the vast network of rivers, lakes and inland seas that was Russia’s first natural highway. While cruising the Volga, Svir and Neva Rivers you will be charmed by the country’s beauty. Ancient Russia comes to life in the famous Golden Ring cities of Yaroslavl and Uglich, with their historic kremlins and monasteries. Viking Surkov, built to European standards and extensively refurbished in 2007/ 2008, is now the best river cruise ship in Russia and features one restaurant and two bars, three walk-around open air promenade decks, a sun deck, a hair salon and doctor on board, and 106 deluxe outside staterooms each equipped with air conditioning.
 Fine dining consists of: early bird breakfast, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests may choose between several courses during lunch and dinner.
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Laundry and massage services
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Beauty salon
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Doctor on board
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Staterooms Aboard the Viking Surkov
- Staterooms: 106 (104 deluxe, 2 single stateroom)
- Deluxe Stateroom: (Cat A, B, C & F) 161 sq. ft.
- Deluxe Stateroom (Cat D) 136 sq. ft.
- Deluxe Stateroom (Cat E) 215 sq. ft.
- All staterooms are outside with river view
- Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds
- All beds are equipped with a feather duvet (or hypoallergenic substitute on request)
- Windows open in most categories
- Additionally, the following is supplied in all staterooms on embarkation day: ship information folder containing welcome letter and two postcards.
- The Daily Program for the following day will be delivered each evening to your room.
Also Available
Footsteps of the Cossacks 11 or 12 DAYS
Discover Ukraine’s colorful culture along the Dnieper River. Tour palaces, monasteries and botanical gardens in Kiev, Yalta and Odessa, learn about the country’s maritime history in Sevastopol, and immerse yourself in Cossack traditions in Zaporozhye. See the influences of the Vikings, the Tatars and others on Ukraine’s architecture and people.
Ports of callKiev | Odessa | Sevastopol | Yalta | Zaporozhye
Russian Rhapsody 16 DAYS
A 16-day in-depth Russia experience awaits! Explore landmarks of St. Petersburg and Moscow—the Hermitage, Catherine’s Palace, Red Square, the Kremlin and more. You also sail along the Lower Volga to Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad), Samara and Kazan to see mementos of the 20th century, and discover quaint riverside villages of Russia’s Golden Ring.Ports of callKazan | Kostroma | Moscow | Moscow Canal | Samara | Saratov | St. Petersburg | Uglich | Ulyanovsk | Yaroslavl
Our best Early Booking Incentive ever
The price of these Viking River Cruises vacation includes all meals, shore excursions, guided tours with tour headphones, entertainment and activities.
Call 800-640-4899 for detailed Itineraries
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Viking Russia
