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Lake Zurich Cruises: Everything You Need to Know

Are you looking for a fun cruise on Lake Zurich? This detailed guide will tell you everything you need to know about your lake and river cruise options from Zurich, so you’re definitely in the right place.

A cruise on the lake is one of the best activities you can do in Zurich because it is not only fun and relaxing but gives you a unique perspective on the city.

Types of cruises, ticket price information, and seasonal cruise timetables are all included in this detailed guide. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Lake Zurich cruises and start planning your adventure immediately!

Table of Contents

Cruise Recommendations

There are lots of cruises and boat trips on Lake Zurich, making it hard to choose. Although a cruise is fun, it is even better if you combine it with a walking tour, cable car ride or chocolate factory tour!

Below is a short selection of some tours worth considering (4.5-5 star ratings only). Many combine other great activities in Zurich so you save time and money!

• Small Group walking tour & cruise in Zurich
• 3 in 1 – Tour, Cruise and Cablecar ride with views over Zurich
• Private Tour:  Walking Tour & Boat Cruise
• Cruise, Tour and trip to Lindt Museum

Main Types of Cruises on Lake Zurich

We can sort the types of cruises on Lake Zurich by length and by theme. When it comes to the duration of the cruise, travelers can choose from mini, short, and long lake cruises.

Mini-Cruises

Mini cruises usually take up to 1-2 hours and take you to one of the nearby towns in the lower part of the lake, closer to the city. They’re short and sweet; perfect for travelers who want to experience a cruise on Lake Zurich or Limmat River.

Short Cruises

Short cruises usually last up to three hours and visit towns near the lake’s center. They often have an onboard restaurant so that you can enjoy snacks and drinks on board.

Long Cruises

Longer cruises on Lake Zurich are the best option for people who want to explore the surroundings, see the entire lake, and enjoy a full day out. These round trips are up to 4 hours long, taking you from Zurich to Rapperswil and then back to Zurich.

You can get off the boat in Rapperswil and explore the town, it’s well worth it. Even if you just manage to stroll along the lakeshore and maybe walk to the top of the Rapperswil Castle , it will give you a great overview of this stunning historic town.

Related Reading

Swimming in lake zurich: best spots & tips.

Unique Cruises

Lake Zurich is also famous for themed lake and river cruises. If you find a regular boat trip boring, consider going on a fondue cruise or even a murder mystery cruise!

Unique cruises take place on Lake Zurich just a few times in a season, so you will need to plan your entire trip around the cruise if that’s something you want.

However, some themed cruises happen more often than others. The fondue boat cruise is very popular in Zurich and takes place frequently, but the murder mystery trip happens once or twice a month.

My Recommendations

• 3 in 1 – Tour, Cruise and Cablecar ride with views over Zurich

Winter Cruises

Given the colder weather, there are fewer cruises in winter. However, that does not mean you can’t go on a Lake Zurich Cruise.

Lake Cruise Tours

A few companies still offer lake cruise tours, usually combined with a walking tour or visit to the Lindt Factory (because it is near a dock). Here are a few I have found:

• Best of Zurich and Surroundings – Extended City Sightseeing Tour with a local
• Zürich Charms Unveiled: Private City Center Walk and Lake Cruise
• Zurich Sightseeing With Lake Cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate
• The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat

Local Ferries

Local Zurich Lake ferries still run in winter, just on a reduced schedule. Just remember, that these are not “cruises” per se, but local ferries.

The simplest way to find the ferry times is on the SBB website, however as a general rule from the Bürkliplatz docks in Zurich there are

• two journeys a day to Rapperswil

• two boats a day to the Lindt Chocolate Factory and Museum (aka Kilchberg ZH (See))

Fondue Cruise

Another popular winter cruise option is the Fondue Cruise, which takes place at night on Lake Zurich

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices for Zurich lake cruises depend on a number of different things. If you already have the Swiss Travel Pass, you can go on a free cruise. It won’t be a themed cruise and you most likely won’t get any food for free, but you won’t have to pay for a ticket just to get on the boat.

As for all the other cruises, it’s important to note that themed cruises are a lot more expensive than sightseeing cruises. The themed cruises usually include dinner and drinks, and it’s no secret that going out in Zurich is not a cheap sport at all. The fondue cruise is around 65 CHF, while the murder mystery cruise costs around 115 CHF.

Sightseeing cruises are dirt cheap compared to themed ones. Prices for the mini round trip cruise start at around 7 CHF and go up to 43 CHF for a long lake cruise. In any case, expect to spend at least 50 CHF if you want to eat and drink something on the boat. You can bring your own food and drinks to save money, and this is the best thing to do if you want to get off the boat at some point and explore towns on the lake shore.

You can buy the tickets online at the ZVV and SBB online shops, as well as onboard all ZSG boats. Tickets are also available for purchase at the tourist information office at Zurich main station, the ticket office in Zürich Bürkliplatz, and all ZVV and SBB ticket machines.

On top of all that, you should know that tickets are necessary for children and dogs, and they’re 50% cheaper than regular adult tickets.

The timetable for cruises on Lake Zurich depends on the season, weather conditions, and destination. There are fewer departures in the winter season, especially for longer routes. Departures for one-way trips and shorter routes are more common, especially in smaller lakeshore towns.

Cruises are more popular in the summer season, so there are more departures from all docks along the shore. In any case, you can see the current timetable for cruises on Lake Zurich right here .

Things To Do In Zurich: History, Culture, and Swiss Delicacies

How to get to the main boat docks in zurich.

Most boat cruises depart from Zürich Bürkliplatz. This is a public square on the shore of the lake, which doubles as one of the most important transport hubs in the city. Most tram and bus lines in Zurich pass through here, so it’s really easy to reach the ferry terminal.

If you happen to have accommodation in Zurich’s old town, you can just walk to Zürich Bürkliplatz; it’s at the end of Bahnhofstrasse, so it will be a pleasant walk through the heart of the city. The pier is just a 10-minute walk away from both Fraumunster Church and Zurich Opera House, so it’s easily accessible from the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cruises on Lake Zurich

Is A Zurich Lake Cruise Included in the Swiss Pass?

Yes, you can go on a free Lake Zurich cruise if you purchased the Swiss Travel Pass Flex . It’s not included in the cheapest travel pass option, but only in the mid-range one. You will still need to pay for any food and drinks you consume on board, but you don’t have to spend any money on a ticket.

It’s important to note that the Travel Pass covers only sightseeing lake cruises. If you’re interested in one of the themed cruises, you must pay the full price.

How much does it cost to go to Lake Zurich?

That depends on so many different things. It can be anywhere from a few francs to several thousand, depending on whether you’re including the cost of plane tickets, accommodation, transport through Switzerland, and finally, boat cruise tickets.

Even without the plane tickets, it will cost you hundreds of $/€/£/₣. Hostels in Zurich start at around 100 Francs per night, and that’s for the cheapest type of accommodation available. The lake cruise can cost anywhere from a few francs to several hundred, eating out in Zurich is quite pricey, and train tickets to other nearby towns aren’t cheap either.

The Swiss Travel Pass can get you some great discounts, but it costs around 250 Francs for 3 days, and that’s the cheapest option that doesn’t include a Lake Zurich cruise. So to answer your question, it costs a lot of money to go to Lake Zurich – 300-400 Francs for a couple of days at least, not including the plane tickets.

Is Lake Zurich worth visiting?

Lake Zurich is definitely worth visiting if you’re staying somewhere in the area and you’ve never been before. The city of Zurich is absolutely amazing, and one of the most popular places to visit in entire Switzerland.

But if you want to visit Lake Zurich specifically for the lake and fun water activities, you might be a bit disappointed. Sure, there are things to do and places to see, but it’s not quite as popular as the lakes of Thun, Brienz, Lucerne, and Neuchatel. These are better options for people who want to have fun on the water and swim, but none of those will allow you to walk through the streets of Zurich.

Can you swim in Lake Zurich?

Yes, Lake Zurich offers plenty of opportunities for swimming. There’s a small beach area in the city of Zurich, but if you want to avoid the crowds it’s best to head to a more remote part of the lake. There are plenty of beaches along the shore of Lake Zurich that are rarely as busy as the swimming areas in the city.

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One thought on “ Lake Zurich Cruises: Everything You Need to Know ”

Hi there, appreciate if you can explain more details on Zurich Lake and River cruise particularly during winter season. I planned to go to Zurich sometimes in late February and really interested to take one of either mini or short cruise, however I noticed that you didn’t mentioned on its availability during winter time. If available, what their time-table would be? Thank you and best regards.

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Affordable cruising on Lake Zürich

Zürich has an abundance of pretty sights and things to do. There is wandering around in the old town of Zürich, enjoying cool places like Frau Gerolds Garten and Urban Surf, and of course, there is the lake! Tourists and locals alike spend sunny days out by the lakeside, walking the long promenade from the inner city all the way to the Zürichhorn park and beach. Meanwhile, ships and boats glide over the water next to them. What many tourists may not know is that many of the ships are actually part of the Zürich public transport network, making a trip on Lake Zürich surprisingly affordable!

The Zürich Navigation Company (ZSG Rundfahrten) offers a wide variety of what they call ‘unique cruises’. Think of cruises allowing you to dance on a boat in Lake Zürich, or culinary cruises where you can eat burgers, mezze or of course Swiss cheese fondue. While these cruises are a great way to combine food with a lake experience, they are rather pricy.

Shorter lake cruises for a fraction of the price

If you have the budget for the more unique cruises offered on Lake Zürich, I think you should absolutely go for it. However, it is great to see that even more budget -conscious travellers can enjoy the lake for a fraction of the price. In collaboration with the Zürich public transport company, there are several cruises that you can take without breaking the bank. The one that we took and that I recommend taking is the so-called ‘Mini lake cruise’. This cruise only takes about an hour and is thus great to combine with other activities in Zürich.

The mini-lake cruise starts at Zürich Bürkliplatz, right in the middle of the center at the end of the famous Bahnhofstrasse. From there, the mini-lake cruise takes you to different places around the lake such as Zürichhorn, Zollikon and Wollishofen. There are cruises that take you further out on the lake, but these are more expensive and might be a bit too long for visitors with limited time in Zürich. You can find an overview of all cruises under ’round trips on the ZSG website .

We enjoyed the mini-lake cruise so much because it was a great way to get a glimpse of lake life in Zürich, while still being able to do other activities in the city. Especially as we only did a day trip from Luzern where we live, spending several hours on a boat would have been too long for us.

Seats both inside and outside

Naturally, sunny days are preferred when taking a cruise on the lake. However, even for colder and overcast or rainy days, the cruise could be part of your day program. There are seats inside the ship, where panorama windows still allow you to look out and see the lakeside parks, mansions and other sights.

The outside seating on the boats fill up quickly, especially on sunny days, so prepare to either wait or sit inside during your cruise.

Only CHF 6.80, or included in your Zürich day card

Tickets for the cruise can not be reserved or booked in advance. Instead, you buy a ticket at any of the ZVV ticket machines, in the SBB app, or onboard the ship. Tickets for the mini-lake cruise only cost CHF 6.80 for adults, and 3.40 CHF if you have the half fare card.

For visitors with a public transport day pass for Zürich, the mini-lake is free of charge. The same applies to those with a ‘ Zürich Card ‘. However, as the Zürich Card also includes other cruises on the Limmat river and the lake, the mini-lake cruise might not be your best option.

So there you have it, want to enjoy Lake Zürich without breaking the bank? Head over to the ZSG website and find departure times that fit your travel itinerary!

• lake cruise
• mini-lake cruise

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Take the boat for a short ride around Lake Zurich. The trip starts and ends at Bürkliplatz in Zurich and goes via Zurich Wollishofen and Zollikon. Optionally, you can also get on at other landing stages.

Unfortunately, this offer is not bookable at the moment.

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Mini lake cruise Lake Zurich from Zurich

About this ticket.

Small round trip by boat in ZVV zones 110 and 140

Optional exit on the way with the 24 hours ticket

Catering in the on-board restaurant

• Enjoy a short, one-hour round trip across Lake Zurich
• Start your round trip at Bürkliplatz or at one of the other indicated landing points
• Get on or off at any of the five landing stages on Lake Zurich with a 24-hour ticket
• Discover the surroundings of Zurich from the lake
• With the GA travelcard, Swiss Travel Pass and SBB Day Passes, you can travel for free

Description

With the ticket you can use the boats on Lake Zurich between Zurich Bürkliplatz and Zollikon. You can start your little round trip at any of the following stops.

• Zurich Bürkliplatz
• Zurich Tiefenbrunnen
• Zurich Wollishofen

Without getting off, the round trip takes just under an hour. If you want to get off on the way, you need a 24-hour ticket for zones 110 and 140.

At the on-board restaurant you have the possibility to buy food and drinks.

Practical Information:

• Suitable for: Wheelchair users, strollers, dogs (over 30 cm with 2nd class ticket for dogs)
• Bicycle transport is not guaranteed (bicycle ticket required)

Swiss Activities Tip

The Zürichhorn is an alluvial cone on the eastern shore with spacious parks and quays that belong to the Seefeld district. Between Lake Zurich and the Zürichhorn you will also find the Chinagärten Zürich and the kinetic sculpture Heureka by artist Jean Tinguely.

On the road with wheelchair

On Lake Zurich, all scheduled boats are wheelchair accessible.

• Wheelchair travel in 2nd class (MS Panta Rhei also 1st class possible)
• Wheelchair may be a maximum of 80 cm wide
• MS Bachtel has no wheelchair accessible WCs
• Staff will assist with boarding at all landing points if required

Important Information

• Please check in advance the timetables on the day of travel

Meeting Points

Bürkliplatz (Lake), 8001 Zurich

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Lake Zurich Cruises

ZSG Zürichsee Schifffahrtsgesellschaft Mythenquai 333 8038 Zürich Phone  +41 (0)44 487 13 33 zsg.ch

Enjoying unforgettable moments on a boat cruise or aboard one of Lake Zurich Navigation company’s Dream Boats.

During all seasons and on all parts of the lake as well as the river Limmat, Lake Zurich Navigation offers various scheduled boat cruises daily (between 1.5h and 4h). Passengers can relax on well-maintained steamboats or motor vessels as well as Limmat boats while enjoying the lovely landscapes that roll past. For a very special experience, passengers may treat themselves to one of the Lake Zurich Navigation company’s boat cruises on various Dream Boats. Among these are the Fondue Cruise, the Steamboat Dinner or the Late Riser’s Brunch (Breakfast Boat). Whether party person, epicurean or families, there is a suitable Dream Boat for everyone.

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• Knie’s Kinderzoo (children’s zoo) Rapperswil
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• Rapperswil, the “City of Roses” on the shores of Lake Zurich with picturesque old town and four rose gardens
• Uetliberg – Zurich’s local mountain
• Chocolate factory Lindt & Sprüngli

Food & Beverages

This route is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) and GA travelcard. Book Swiss Travel System tickets

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ZSG Zürichsee Schifffahrtsgesellschaft Mythenquai 333 8038  Zürich Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)44 487 13 33 [email protected] zsg.ch Show Route

ZSG Zürichsee Schifffahrtsgesellschaft Mythenquai 333 8038 Zürich Phone  +41 (0)44 487 13 33 zsg.ch Show Route

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Russian River Cruise – Waterways of the Tsars

Updated December 14, 2017

// By Margherita

Back to Russia! Did you follow our Russian river cruise in August and September? We travelled between Moscow and St Petersburg on the Waterways of the Tsars Viking River Cruise – here’s what we got up to!

We both share a deep connection with Russia. I was named after the heroine of Master and Margarita , one of the best Russian books of the 20th century. Nick is actually of Russian ancestry – his maternal great-grandparents were from St Petersburg, and spent the best part of 50 years wandering around Europe escaping wars and revolutions, before settling in Australia .

Russia has been at the top of our travel dreams for several years , but somehow something always came up whenever we made plans to visit. Once we couldn’t get a visa on time. Another time we couldn’t get time off. Winter is too cold, summer is too hot.

This year, Russia was one of our travel resolutions . Our desire was for the trip to be special – something different from what we’d done so far. We wanted a higher level of comfort, help with visa arrangements, and a trip that would help us understand the country we longed to visit for so many years . The Waterways of the Tsars river cruise with Viking ticked all boxes, so we made arrangements for a departure from Moscow in late August.

Things to Know Before a Russian River Cruise with Viking

When we announced our friends we would be travelling on a Russian river cruise , some of them were really surprised. A CRUISE? You guys are such hardcore independent travellers! What are you doing ON A CRUISE with all those OLD PEOPLE? True, the average age on a Viking river cruise might be a fair bit higher than 35 – but really, who is to say we wouldn’t enjoy the experience?

This awesome post by One Modern Couple  really nails the point – a Viking river cruise is an experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In their words ‘River cruises are cultural, experiential, educational and scenic. Enjoy the ride, take in the surroundings, learn about the countries you are visiting – from history to local life, food to language – and experience the destinations in a thoughtful way.’ 

Whether you’re 30, 60 or 90, it doesn’t really matter.

Secondly,  who’s to say that travelling in a group is not ‘real’ travel? We have always been (and continue to be) lovers of independent travel, but sometimes you just can’t beat the insights given to you by a local guide . Viking River Cruises offer plenty of guided tours included in the cruise price, all led by experienced local guides.

Meals were always excellent – breakfast and lunch included a combination of buffet and à la carte specialties, while dinner was always à la carte. Every day we were given the choice to sample some Russian specialties, like beef stroganoff, borsch, pelmeni, solyanka and lots of delicious desserts.

Another great plus of a Russian river cruise with Viking is that during sailing time lots of cultural activities are on offer – things like cooking demonstrations, Russian language lessons and lectures about Russian history and culture, led by the local tour escorts who were with us for the whole duration of the trip. On top of that, every day we received a briefing detailing the following day’s activities, optional excursions and that night’s menu.

Whenever we passed points of interest on the boat, such as Mother Volga statue or the sunken Kalyazin Cathedral, we were always called out on the loudspeaker to make sure we wouldn’t miss them. There was no pressure to join in any of the activities – we could spend the whole day chilling on the deck or on our veranda, looking at the beautiful colourful churches built on the riverbank, surrounded by nothing but nature.

Waterways of the Tsars – the Itinerary

The Waterways of the Tsars cruise is 13 days long, starting either in Moscow or in St. Petersburg . Most Russian river cruises had always been described to me as ‘Volga Cruises’ – in fact, our boat cruised along a variety of waterways, including the Moscow Canal, the Volga-Baltic Waterway, the Rybinsk Reservoir, Lake Onega and Ladoga (the two largest lakes in Europe) and the Neva River (the shortest in Europe!)

Here’s a map to give you an idea of the route.

Days 1-4 Moscow

Three days were barely enough to get an idea of how amazing Moscow is. Our days were packed from morning to night with tours and activities – from visiting Moscow must visits like Red Square, the Kremlin, the Moscow Metro and the Arbat, to quirky locations like the Museum of Cosmonautics , located in one of Moscow’s best districts for Communist architecture (one of our passions!)

Even though our itinerary was packed full, we managed to spend half a day touring Moscow independently , visiting some of the sights mentioned in The Master and Margarita – Patriarch’s Ponds, both Bulgakov Museums and Sparrow Hill. Let’s just say that we need to get back to Moscow soon to explore more! Meanwhile, here’s our things to do in Moscow for first timers article, detailing our Moscow visit with Viking.

Day 5 Uglich

After setting sail from Moscow, our first stop was Uglich , a cute town on the Volga River, famous for its pretty churches and for being the location of one of the darkest chapters in Russian history .

After the death of Ivan the Terrible, his youngest son and heir to the throne Dmitry was exiled to Uglich, where he was murdered at the age of 10. Suspicion fell on the tsar’s chief advisor, but Dmitry’s cause of death (i.e. throat slitting) was ruled to be an accident. This episode started a period of political unsettlement, that ended with the start of the Romanov dynasty.

We spent an afternoon around Uglich , starting with a home visit of a local family where we had the chance to try homemade grain vodka (the best we’ve had in Russia) and a variety of pickled vegetables, tea and cakes. Then, we toured the Kremlin – the word ‘kremlin’ actually means fortified city, and several Russian cities have one. Moscow’s Kremlin just happens to be the best known!

Day 6 Yaroslavl

The following morning we reached Yaroslavl , a much larger city compared to Uglich. It looked like the perfect Russian city – large enough not to get bored (there was even a cat cafe!) but small enough not to get frustrated with the traffic and crowds found in Moscow or St. Petersburg.

Our Yaroslavl visit was centred around four points of interest . The centre of Yaroslavl is located on the Strelka, a promontory formed at the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl rivers. Our first stop was the covered market , where we tasted some local products, and then we headed to the Church of Elijah the Prophet , where we had a guided tour (and played with some cute cats). Afterwards, we visited the Governor’s Mansion , now an art gallery. We were welcomed by some beautiful ladies in period costumes, and treated to a music concert. Our final stop was the Yaroslavl Kremlin , where we admired the façade of the Dormition Cathedral, destroyed by the Bolsheviks and rebuilt and reopened in 2010 in time for Yaroslavl’s millennium celebrations.

Before heading back to the ship, we stopped at the lookout over the Millennium of Yaroslavl Park at the end of the Strelka – the flowerbed right in the centre displays a bear (Yaroslavl’s coat of arms) and the city’s age – 1006 at the time of our visit. Looking good!

Day 7 Kuzino

Kuzino is a small village in in the middle of nowhere – we visited on a chilly and rainy morning, to visit the stunning Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery , the largest in Europe. The Monastery is surrounded by walls and located on the shores of Severskoye Lake, with waters so pure that boat traffic is prohibited.

Kirillo-Belozersky was founded at the end of the 14th century, and had its heyday between the 15th and 17th century, when Russia’s tsars and noblemen (including Ivan the Terrible!) paid frequent visits and showered the monks with icons and precious gifts. Luckily the Bolsheviks spared the monastery from destruction, turning it into a museum instead. The day we visited was the feast of the Assumption and the churches were crowded with locals, but we had a lovely guided tour of the museum and time to appreciate its beautiful icons.

Day 8 Kizhi (Sailing)

Whenever travelling, you always need a plan B. Autumn was well on its way by the time we reached the northernmost section of our cruise, and we were held at a lock for the best part of one night due to thick fog . This meant we had to sail the whole day and miss out on Kizhi , a tiny island on the northern side of Onega Lake, famous for its spectacular wooden churches.

We were all disappointed when boat staff made the announcement – personally, Kizhi was one of the stops I was looking forward to the most, after reading about it on the Guardian and knowing that the site is very difficult to visit without a river cruise. However, we didn’t mind too much because we were both suffering the consequences of the previous night’s vodka tasting , organised by Frank, the hotel manager who also happened to be a real vodka connoisseur!

Viking staff were really amazing at keeping us busy during the sailing day with activities like guided tours to the wheelhouse, the room where the captain and sailors pilot the ship.

Day 9 Mandrogy

The last stop before reaching St. Petersburg was Mandrogy , a village on the banks of the Svir River, built in 1996 as a replica of a village destroyed during WW2. A Russian businessman had the idea of ‘rebuilding’ Mandrogy to provide a stop to river cruise passengers before reaching St. Petersburg. So, the village is not actually ‘real’ – it’s more of an open air museum. Cute little painted houses were built around a little forest, with people in traditional dress showcasing traditional crafts and selling souvenirs.

Those in search of souvenirs loved Mandrogy – the quality of matrioshka dolls, icons and other handicrafts was far higher than anywhere else we had been. We are not into souvenirs, but if there was a place to get something, Mandrogy would be it. The village was pretty, but it felt a bit fake for us – kind of like a tourist amusement park. Which in a way, it is.

However, we did enjoy Mandrogy for two reasons – the first was the chance to attend matrioshka painting workshop  where we decorated our own matrioshka dolls. That’s the best kind of souvenir in my opinion! The second was the delicious piroshki place where we had some delicious buttery pastries filled with green onion and egg. Just ask Viking staff and they’ll point you the way to the piroshki place!

Days 10-13 St. Petersburg

After 6 days spent cruising, covering a distance of 1800 kilometers, we made it to Saint Petersburg . We had three gorgeous sunny days, and the city dazzled us with its beauty and artistic wealth – after all, it’s UNESCO-listed ! There’s no way I can convey everything we saw and did in three days in just a couple of paragraphs, so watch this space – a St. Petersburg article is coming soon!

There are several St. Petersburg experiences already included by Viking in the tour price – a visit to the Hermitage Museum, a ballet performance, a visit to Catherine Palace in the village of Pushkin and a St. Petersburg city tour, either on foot or by bus. On top of that, we also joined some optional tours – a river cruise, a morning tour to amazing Peterhof Palace and my very own favourite, a Cossack performance!

Things to Know Before Travelling to Russia

• Make sure you sort out your Russian Visa on time . Viking Cruises helps with an invitation letter that you can use to apply for your own Russian visa at your closest consulate – the process is pretty straightforward, provided you are applying in your own country, and takes approximately 2-3 weeks.
• You can also ask Viking to sort out your Russian visa for an additional charge . This is especially convenient if you live in the US or if your hometown doesn’t have a Russian consulate.
• River cruises of Russia only run between April and October, when the waterways are not frozen. The weather can be change dramatically between Moscow and Saint Petersburg , the latter usually being much colder than the former. Make sure you check the weather reports before packing!
• English isn’t widely spoken around Russia , not even in the main cities. If you’re planning to spend some time travelling independently, learning a bit of Russian is a VERY good idea. The Russian language classes we had on board came in very handy!
• Russia’s currency is the rouble , which fluctuates quite a bit. Larger cities are full of moneychangers, and some souvenir shops (like those in Mandrogy) also accept euro and USD.

We would like to thank Viking Cruises for having welcomed us aboard the Waterways of the Tsars cruise.

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2 thoughts on “Russian River Cruise – Waterways of the Tsars”

Truly amazing place & photography! I loved the view of church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, looks awesome. I enjoyed reading. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Thank you for reading! It was a fab trip!

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Zurich City Tour with Lake Cruise

• Circular tour through Zurich
• Most important places of attraction
• Cruise on Lake Zurich

On this circular tour through the center and Old Town of Zurich, guests discover the city´s business and financial district, the world-famous Bahnhofstrasse shopping mile, the main museums, the university quarter, part of the picturesque Old Town, and the Limmatquai with its historical guild houses. At the same time, they can listen to a comprehensive commentary about Zurich´s history, culture and attractions via a modern audio guide system.

The tour is followed by an unaccompanied 1½-hour cruise on Lake Zurich, departing from the landing stage at Bürkliplatz. The fresh lake air coupled with the magnificent views of the city and snow-covered Alps treat participants to an impressive experience. The cruise finishes at Bürkliplatz, not far from the Bahnhofstrasse and the Old Town.

Time and Duration

Available on the following days, additional information.

Operator: Partner company

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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VIKING RIVER CRUISES 13 Days | Waterways of the Tzars Southbound

ST. PETERSBURG TO MOSCOW D ay 1 | St. Petersburg, Russia. Embark Ship. Arrive in St. Petersburg, “The City of 300 Bridges,” then transfer to your ship. After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. (D) Day 2 | St. Petersburg. This morning, proceed to the Winter Palace to visit the legendary Hermitage Museum, where you marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures. After a picnic lunch, the rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg. Enjoy an early dinner, followed by an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet or opera. For a unique, privileged access experience, consider booking the Behind the Scenes at the Ballet excursion. For a video preview, click here. Or, spend additional time at the Hermitage, visit the vaults and learn from a Hermitage art expert on the Hermitage Behind Closed Doors excursion. Catch a glimpse here. (These excursions are optional and can be booked in advance, no later than 30 days prior to sailing. Limited space may be available for onboard booking, but cannot be guaranteed. Since these excursions run at the same time, it is not possible to book both.) (B, L, D) Day 3 | St. Petersburg.  Today’s excursion goes to the Pushkin area where you visit Catherine’s Palace, the elegant 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 and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate décor throughout. After lunch, embark on a city tour; see noted sights including St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. Dine aboard and enjoy an optional Russian folkloric performance this evening. (B, L, D) Day 4 | 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. In the afternoon, explore more of the city or take an optional tour including Yusupov Palace (where Grigori Rasputin met his dramatic end) and a relaxing canal cruise. Lunch and dinner served aboard; ship departs early evening. (B, L, D) Day 5 | 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 time to explore this museum village. Visit the vodka museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. For a truly immersive experience, try an optional visit to a banya (traditional Russian bath house). Continue along the Svir’s 139-mile “Blue Route” toward Lake Onega. (B, L, D) Day 6 | 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, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, see a collection of wooden houses, windmills and churches representing ancient Russian architecture, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church—a fairytale-like structure built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart late morning and cruise through the night. (B, L, D) Day 7 | Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. Continue cruising along the Volga-Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and seven locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. Arrive in Kuzino, a typical Russian village. Take a guided walk through the historic Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397; see several small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. Or, see the Monastery and then visit a children’s art school and restoration workshop. Return aboard for an afternoon departure. (B, L, D) Day 8 | Yaroslavl.  Arrive mid-afternoon in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities—ancient towns that preserve the memory of Russia’s historical events. Visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you are treated to a stirring à capella choir performance. Then, take a guided stroll through the covered food market. Or, join an excursion to the Governor’s Palace, a living museum of Russian art, history and culture. Shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning aboard for dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D) Day 9 | 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. Then a local family invites you into their home for tea and friendly conversation. Lunch served aboard; cruise through the night. (B, L, D) Day 10 | 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 explore the famous GUM Department Store and experience the city’s Metro. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music followed by a late dinner on board. (B, L, D) Day 11 | Moscow.  Today you have a full day to further explore Moscow’s many buildings, parks and monuments. Or you may choose from two optional experiences—a full-day excursion 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; or an engaging optional morning tour to the Military Museum where you visit with Red Army veterans as you explore Russia’s military history. Lunch is served aboard, or included in your full-day excursion. Dine aboard, then relax—or take an optional Moscow by Night tour. (B, L, D) Day 12 | Moscow. After breakfast, travel to the city’s famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. See its many tall towers and elegant palaces, and tour inside one of the brightly colored cathedrals. The afternoon is free to relax and explore—you may wish to spend some time people-watching in Red Square or visit Lenin’s Tomb. Or, you may take an optional afternoon tour to Tretyakov Gallery, the world’s foremost museum of Russian fine art. Return aboard for a farewell dinner. (B, L, D) Day 13 | Moscow. Disembark Ship. After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight. Or take some extra time in Russia with a 2-night Moscow extension. (B) NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.