Home
   - Russia River Cruises
        - Waterways of the Czars

2008 St. Petersburg to Moscow
Jun 4, 16, 21, 24, 28
Jul 15, 18, 22
Aug 8, 11, 15
Sep 1, 4, 8, 25, 28
Oct 2

2008 Moscow to St. Petersburg
Jun 9, 12, 16
Jul 3, 6, 10, 27, 30
Aug 3, 20, 23, 27
Sep 13, 16, 20
Oct 7, 10, 14, 20

2009 St. Petersburg to Moscow
May 8, 10
Jun 1, 3, 23, 25, 27
Jul 17, 19, 21
Aug 10, 12, 14
Sep 3, 5, 7, 29
Oct 1

2009 Moscow to St. Petersburg
May 18, 22
Jun 11, 15
Jul 7, 9, 31
Aug 2, 24, 26
Sep 15, 17, 19
Oct 9, 11, 13

Viking Pakhomov
Viking Kirov
Viking Surkov
Viking Lomonosov

1-888-942-3301

Certain restrictions apply. All rates in U.S. dollars. Prices, savings offers, and other terms subject to change without notice. Images, logos, photographs etc. on this page is copyrighted by Viking River Cruises. It is presumed to be accurate and is subject to change without notice.

Experience the grandeur of Russia’s most famous cities—Moscow and St. Petersburg. Visit Moscow’s Red Square and the Kremlin. In St. Petersburg, journey back to the time of Catherine the Great, as you explore her palace, and the Hermitage. You’ll also see another side of Russia as you journey to traditional villages and quaint towns along the Waterways of the Czars, including Uglich and Yaroslavl, as well as the open-air museum of Kizhi Island. Sail aboard a ship designed for taking in the picturesque riverside landscapes, whether through the restaurant’s panoramic windows, from the sun deck or open-air promenade decks, or from the comfort of your private, river-view cabin. Our onboard meals offer a choice of entrées, regional specialties and traditional favorites. Or, you may choose to sail aboard our $6 million fully-refurbished, all-deluxe ship, Viking Surkov.

Our English-speaking guides will take you to famous landmarks as well as hidden gems. Enjoy a traditional Russian tea and lectures on history, current affairs and Russian culture. Visit elegant palaces, architectural masterpieces and a fairy-tale church, and explore one of the world’s most renowned collections of fine art.

Day 1 St. Petersburg
Begin your journey in St. Petersburg, Russia's second largest city
Welcome to St. Petersburg, “The City of 300 Bridges.” We’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. Dinner included.

Day 2 St. Petersburg
Learn more about this city “built on bones”
This morning explore St. Petersburg on your city tour. See noted sights including St. Isaac’s Cathedral and Nevsky Prospect, and visit Peter & Paul Fortress. You’ll have lunch in a local restaurant followed by a visit to the Winter Palace to tour 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. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 3 St. Petersburg
Immerse yourself in this elegant Russian city
Today’s tour takes you to Pushkin. Visit elegant Catherine’s Palace, the rococo summer residence of the Russian Czars, named for Peter the Great’s widow, Catherine I. Tour its various halls, including the Amber Room and see the ornate décor throughout. Return to your ship for lunch. You have the rest of the day at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg. You may choose to take an optional canal cruise through the city. Dinner is served aboard. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 4 St. Petersburg
Explore this imperial capital at your own pace
You have most of today free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums. You can take the optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains and French Gothic interiors. Lunch and dinner are served aboard; your ship departs in the early evening. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 5 Svir River
Relax along this scenic historic waterway
Spend a full relaxing day cruising across Russia’s intricate waterways. Sail through Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake, and enjoy the differing landscapes of its picturesque banks. Continue along the scenic Svir River, sailing the 139-mile “Blue Route” as it takes you northeasterly to Lake Onega. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 6 Kizhi
Gaze at the artistry of Kizhi’s wooden wonders
As you cruise through the early morning, admire 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, you’ll see a range of wooden houses, windmills and churches representing ancient Russian architecture, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church. This fairy-tale structure was built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart in the late-morning and cruise through the night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 7 Volga-Baltic Waterway, Goritzy
Medieval villages a world away from modern Moscow
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. From here, you’ll visit the renowned Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397. Your guided walk takes you through the historic grounds, seeing many small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. Return to your ship for an afternoon departure. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 8 Yaroslavl
A pearl in the “Golden Ring” of ancient Russian cities
Arrive mid-afternoon in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities. Ride along the river banks where you’ll see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring wonderful frescoes and icons. Here, you’ll be treated to a choir performance. Take free time and shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning to your ship for dinner. Evening departure. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 9 Uglich
Cruise the Volga to this beautiful provincial village
After breakfast, disembark for your walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, another city in Russia’s Golden Ring. 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 will be served aboard; cruise through the night.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 10 Moscow Canal, Moscow
Walk through Red Square, formerly hidden behind the “Iron Curtain”
This morning, you cruise along the Moscow Canal and approach Moscow during lunch. Disembark for your half-day tour of Moscow. You’ll see the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral. You’ll also get the chance to experience the city’s Metro. Stay in the city center and enjoy a meal prepared by the ship so you can enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11 Moscow
Journey to the Kremlin and Russia’s legendary past
After breakfast, you travel to the city’s famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. Here, you’ll see its many tall towers, brightly colored cathedrals and elegant palaces. You’ll tour inside the Armory, home to a collection of royal jewels, crowns and armor. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to your ship. This afternoon is yours to explore Moscow or you can join one of the optional tours including one to the Tretyakov Gallery, the world’s foremost museum of Russian fine art. Dine aboard.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 12 Moscow
Discover more of Russia's capital on your own
You have a full day to further explore Moscow. Or join one of our optional tours including one to Sergiev Posad, a quaint Golden Ring city. All meals will be served aboard. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 13 Moscow
After breakfast, disembark and we’ll take you to the airport for your return flight.*
Breakfast included.


*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises.

Note: All passengers traveling to Russia require a visa. It is the passenger’s responsibility to obtain any required visa and/or documents prior to departure. Please allow approximately 4-6 weeks for processing.

Due to airline schedules beyond the control of Viking River Cruises, flights to/from Russia may require a hotel overnight. Viking River Cruises can assist with hotel reservations, but any associated costs for the overnight will be at the passenger’s expense.

Fountains at Peterhof Palace may not be operating early or late in the season due to cold weather conditions.

Schedules and activities are subject to change depending upon river water levels, port accessibility, and weather conditions. Tours often include walks over cobblestones, steps and uneven ground; for passenger safety and enjoyment, we recommend you be in good physical condition to participate fully in all tours. For safety reasons, sun deck access may be limited during times of high water levels/low bridge clearance.

This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction. Port sequence, tours and times may vary.