The Volga Delta 2022 (Astrakhan - Moscow)

DAY 1 Astrakhan
Welcome to Astrakhan! Following embarkation and a traditional “Bread & Salt” ceremony, you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and enjoy this evenings dinner. D

DAY 2 Astrakhan
Today explore this city, located at the mouth of River Volga on the Caspian Sea, it is the world’s caviar capital and fishing capital of Western Russia. In the morning embark on the city bus tour including the Kremlin built during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. BLD

DAY 3 Scenic Cruising
Spend a day on board as we begin to cruise up river to the city of Volgorad. There will be entertainment on board through out the day or take the day to simply relax. BLD

DAY 4 Volgorod
Originally called Tsaritsyn, this remarkable city has had three name changes in its tumultuous history. The site of epic battles during the Russian Revolution, it was known as Stalingrad from 1925 until 1961 and the city’s heroic defence against the German’s during World War II became the decisive battle of the Eastern Front. As part of your city bus tour you will visit Mamayev Mound, where the struggle saw its bloodiest fighting. BLD

DAY 5 Saratov
Once home to a large German community, today Saratov is known for its connection to Russia’s first cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, who lived and studied here. Here you will enjoy your bus city tour, before returning to the vessel for late lunch. BLD

DAY 6 Samara
Your morning will start with a city tour of Samara and includes a visit to Samara State Art Museum, which contains a large collection of 17th-20th century Russian art and a unique collection of 20th-century Russian Avant-garde and Soviet and Post-Soviet art. BLD

DAY 7 Kazan
This morning you will notice that Russian Orthodox Churches no longer dominate the banks of the Volga River. Instead, beautiful Muslim mosques appear from time to time as you cruise down river and enter the Republic of Tatarstan. Upon arrival, explore Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan and centre of Tatar culture of Russia on your bus tour. Visit the white-walled Kremlin where the famous Kul-Sherif Mosque is neighbour to the old Peter & Paul Cathedral. BLD

DAY 8 Cheboksary
Cheboksary is known to have existed since the mid 15th century, and a fortress was built there in 1555, the town remained unimportant until the building of a rail link to Kanash in 1939. Today Cheboksary is the capital of the Chuvashia Republic and is a major port on the Volga River. On your city tour there is no shortage of ancient churches and monasteries. BLD

DAY 9 Nizhny Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod, formerly Gorky, was once a wealthy centre poised on the trade routes to the East. During the Soviet era the city was closed to outsiders due to military activity, but today it is open for tourists. On a city tour learn of the city’s history as a place of exile for political prisoners, see the grounds and ramparts of the 16th-century Kremlin as well as elaborately painted churches. BLD

DAY 10 Kostroma and Yaroslavl
This morning visit Kostroma and join a coach city tour including the Ipatiev Monastery and Trinity Cathedral. Continue to the oldest city on the Volga River, Yaroslavl, a World Heritage site. See the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet and visit the 17th Century Church of St Nicholas the Wonderworker containing baroque iconostasis and frescoes depicting the life of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of commerce and traveling. Enjoy a tour of the Art museum, once the former Governor's House. Enjoy some free time at a local market. BLD

DAY 11 Uglich
Enjoy a walking tour of Uglich, including a visit to the Kremlin grounds Transfiguration Cathedral and the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son was killed. BLD

DAY 12 Moscow
Welcome to Russia's capital, Moscow! On today’s city tour see many of the city’s iconic landmarks including Red Square, the GUM, Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and Tverskaya Street. Enjoy a visit to the Tretyakov Gallery which houses a collection of more than 1300 works of Russian art dating from 11th - 20th century. BLD

DAY 13 Moscow
Explore the Kremlin grounds, seeing the famous Tsar Canon and Tsar Bell and visit to one of its historic cathedrals. This afternoon is free for you to further explore Moscow on your own or partake in one of the numerous optional tours on offer. BLD

DAY 14 Moscow
Say farewell to your crew and new friends as your Volga Delta cruise concludes after breakfast. B