5 star danube river cruises

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DANUBE RIVER CRUISE

Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and the Wachau Valley

The Danube journeys through the very heart of Europe, calling in at some of the world’s most elegant, vibrant and influential cities. Multiple capitals – including Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava and Belgrade – sit along the course of this beautiful waterway, providing Danube river cruise guests with an insight into the history of the continent.

The Danube passes through 10 different countries (more than any other river in the world) and has long been an important trade route and military vantage point. Many of Europe’s finest architectural sights are found along this river.

Choose Vegan Culinary Cruises to explore the delights of the Danube and take advantage of our carefully-crafted excursions, world-class vegan dining experiences and, of course, the in-depth knowledge of our friendly staff and program directors.

• Experience the beauty of Budapest, the culture of Vienna and the history of medieval Germany.
• Experience the history and culture of the Danube with wonderful shore excursions geared towards your unique interests and activity level.
• Savor the majestic surroundings in absolute luxury as you journey on-board our 5-Star luxury riverboats.

THE JOURNEY

A journey through Europe’s history and cultural evolution

From the Black Forest to the Black Sea, the Danube cuts a dramatic course through Europe, taking in 10 countries and countless cities, towns, villages and settlements. From opulent cities to unspoiled countryside, the Danube travels through some of the continent’s most wonderful sights, such as the Hungarian Parliament Building and the Iron Gates.

A Danube river cruise with Vegan Culinary Cruises will take you to the heart of the continent’s most beautiful and influential cities. Our guests are invited to explore Vienna’s rich musical heritage or the religious significance of Melk during a Danube river cruise, experience local life in Bratislava and revel in Austria’s winemaking heritage – no two days on a Danube river cruise are ever alike.

Explore the Danube in absolute luxury

Our luxury riverboats will navigate the beautiful Danube, providing a luxurious base for guests looking to explore the beauty of the river. Elegantly-appointed suites and staterooms offer a relaxing retreat after another enriching day exploring this amazing waterway.

Every detail aboard our Ships has been carefully crafted. Each Star-Ship boasts an open-air Sun Deck, Reflections Restaurant and The Terrace which is the perfect spot for enjoying a light bite or drinks with friends as you enjoy the beautiful views along the Danube.

Our attentive on-board team will attend to your every need and our skilled team of accomplished vegan chefs will take you on a journey of their own, through the tastes and culinary experiences of modern Europe. 

Innovators in design and technology for luxury river cruising vessels, our ships will be your gracious floating hotel as you cruise the waterways of Europe.  The only All-Vegan – All Luxury – All Inclusive River Cruise, Vegan Culinary Cruises bring you luxury on the river!

Intimate and friendly, with every amenity you could wish for, Ships were designed with you in mind. From the moment you step on board you’ll be spoilt for choice. From our delicious buffets, tour options, right down to your pillow menu, you’ll enjoy the ultimate in all-inclusive luxury, every moment of the day.

From Owners Suites to Balcony Suites all boast large private balconies, 32-inch Samsung HD TVs, complimentary internet access enhanced by an upgraded Wi-Fi system. Spectacular dining and lounge areas with stunning views from floor to ceiling panoramic windows, and all public areas featuring modern artwork, soft furnishings and designer furniture

All-inclusive luxury

On most of our ships you’ll have full access to a wellness area, complete with massage services and a hair salon, a gym, our special on-board entertainment, Wi-Fi internet, electric bicycles and of course luxuriously appointed suites to retire to at the end of the day.

Your Vegan Culinary Cruise Directors, as well as every member of the hospitable on-board team, are on hand to make sure you make the most of every minute of our time on board your luxury Vegan Culinary Cruise.

The Danube Explorer itinerary takes guests through the beautiful, quaint landscape of Central Europe. Embark on your Budapest, Linz, Passau and Vienna river cruise, taking in the stunning sights of these wonderfully historic, culturally diverse and vibrant destinations. Experience the lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere of Budapest as you witness the inspiring Hungarian Parliament Building, traditional Hungarian folk dancing and take in the sights and sounds of the city. Stroll along the cobblestone streets of Passau, reflect on the marvelous old quarter of Linz and visit the world-famous opera house of Vienna on your river cruise.

Pricing from: $5790 pp/dbl

Dates: 7/2/20 to 7/11/20

Optional Pre -Tour Siem Reap Cambodia – 3 Days

SCHEDULE – Cruise Tour

Optional Siem Reap Cambodia Pre-Tour

• Day 1 – Thursday July 2 – Siem Reap – Arrive transfer to hotel
• Day 2 – Friday July 3 – Siem Reap area tour
• Day 3 – Saturday July 4 – Siem Reap morning area tour, afternoon transfer to ship at Kampong Cham
• Day 1 – Saturday July 4 –Afternoon transfer Siem Reap to ship at Kampong Cham
• Day 2 – Sunday July 5 – Kampong Cham, Angkor Ban, Wat Hanchey – Cambodia
• Day 3 – Monday July 6 – Kampong Tralach, Kampong Chhnang – Cambodia
• Day 4 – Tuesday July 7 – Phnom Penh – Cambodia
• Day 5 – Wednesday July 8 – Tan-Chau, My An Hung – Border crossing Vietnam
• Day 6 – Thursday July 9 – Sa Dec, Binh Thanh Island – Vietnam
• Day 7 – Friday July 10 –- Cai Be, My Tho – Vietnam
• Day 8 – Saturday July 12: Ho Chi Min City / Saigon – Vietnam – Disembark

* Please note mooring and casting off times are only guidelines. We reserve the right to make changes to the itineraries and excursion programs. If due to low or high water or a defective ship a section of the river is closed to travel, the ship-owner reserves the right to transport guests along this section by bus, accommodate them in hotels and /or change the course of this part of the journey. In certain circumstances it may be necessary to transfer to another ship.  These situations are rare but do happen from time to time and are all part of riverboat vacations. There’s nothing anyone can do to control mother nature.

Our luxury Mekong river cruise combines places rarely visited with opulent world heritage sites exploring the wonders and culture of Vietnam and Cambodia

“The Only All Gay – All Vegan Cruise Experience” – all are welcome

Only 25 Cabins – Exclusive Cruising For Only 50 Guests

All Inclusive: Cruise, Delicious Vegan Cuisine, Open Bar, Tours & So Much More!

For 2020 Vegan Culinary Cruises brings to you our luxury-all-inclusive Vietnam & Cambodia Mekong River Expedition. The ultimate, most in-depth and relaxing way of experiencing this part of the world!

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: arrival budapest.

Welcome to Budapest! You will be met and transferred from the airport to your luxury river cruise ship. After boarding, enjoy some time at your leisure to explore Budapest. This evening begins with ship orientation then our first spectacular vegan dinner with new and old friends. Later, enjoy a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board.

Day 2: Budapest

Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest or an exciting hike on the Buda Hill.

Day 3 (We): Vienna

Today, you have a choice of either exploring Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where we will see the sights of Vienna’s world–famous attractions such as the Opera House, Burgtheater, Spanish Riding School, Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Alternatively, join the guided bike tour instead of the drive around and guided walk. Then, you will have free time to sample the wonderful tastes of Vienna.

Day 4: Vienna / Bratislava

Continue your morning tour of Vienna with a number of choices to satisfy your interests including a guided Vienna.  Afternoon we will reach Bratislava for a guided city tour. 

Day 5 (Fr): Villages of the Wachau Valley – Durnstein & Melk:

In the morning we arrive in Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. This is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century. Thereafter, you will drive or bike through the picturesque landscape of this district to the 900–year old Benedictine Abbey of Melk, which features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture.

Day 6 (Sa) Linz

Linz, the European capital of culture in 2009 is a lively, modern city with long and eventful history, reflected in the architecture of the city center with its unique Baroque Hauptplatz. After your tour, you will have time to stroll through the marvelous old quarter of the city or sit in a typical Austrian Coffee House to taste some local specialties. Optional tour to Salzburg.

Day 7 (Su): Passau

Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in the beautiful city of Passau. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes.  Afternoon guided area hike.

Day 8 (Mo): Departure Passau / optional Prague post tour

Prague Post Tour (optional)

Day 8: Disembark, Pilsen brewery tour in-route, arrival Prague

Day 9: Prague Tour

Day 10: prague tour / day at leisure, day 11: depart, connect with us.

Call Us : USA +1 310-237-0122

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United Kingdom : 020 3393 6823

Fax us : USA (888) 589-6498 E-mail : [email protected]

Web: kosherrivercruise.com

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Danube river cruises

Sail the mighty Danube River through Europe and discover some of the world’s most vibrant and influential cities.

• destinations
• central europe
• danube river
• Previous page

Explore the delights of the Danube River

Experience an eclectic mix of cultures and traditions on your luxury Danube river cruise. Passing through more countries than any other river in the world, you’ll enjoy an unparalleled tour of Europe on your cultural journey.

Discover sailing the Danube River.

A world of experiences

Enlightening experiences await on your Danube river cruise. Explore vibrant capital cities such as Budapest, Bratislava, Bucharest, and Vienna, and witness treasured landmarks, from Gottweig Abbey to the Iron Gates Natural Park.

Budapest, Hungry

Bratislava, Slovakia

Iron Gates, Danube River

Melk Abbey, Austria

Discover the Danube River

 a diverse and vibrant land.

Tastes of Europe

Bringing the past to the present

Picturesque landscapes

Featured  Itineraries

Danube Delights

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

Danube Explorer

Enchantment of Eastern Europe

Splendours of Europe

Danube Delights & Classic Prague

Danube Explorer & highlights of Budapest

Danube Explorer & Munich

Christmas time on the Danube

Christmas Markets on the Danube

Start planning  your Europe river cruise

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Home > Cruise > River Cruises > Danube

Danube River Luxury Cruises

Get to know Central Europe from the banks of the beautiful blue Danube – with the famous Strauss waltz in your mind the whole way.

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In the complete refinement of some of the world’s most luxurious river cruise ships, sailors of the Danube River bask in the bucolic beauty of Germany, Austria, Hungary, and more, meandering the centuries-old streets of medieval towns and marveling at the beauty of cities like Vienna and Budapest. Extra-curricular jaunts whisk you ashore to places you have only seen in storybooks. Walking tours of the incredible Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture in Passau, Regensburg, and Nuremberg in Germany are nothing short of amazing. A trip into the dense, storied Black Forest is as enchanting as you would imagine. In Austria, the terraced vineyards of the Wachau Valley offer extraordinary wine-tasting adventures. A hike up the hillside in Dürnstein yields 12th-century castle ruins. An evening at the opulent Palais Liechtenstein in Vienna shimmers with Strauss and Mozart. Off the beaten path, an afternoon in Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, or the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov, Czechia, delivers even more rich history mixed with music, food, and art.

Our Travel Designers are here to assist you

Speak to a travel designer.

• 1 (855)-265-0890

Named Condé Nast “Top Travel Specialist” consecutively since 1999

Wendy Perrin “The WOW list” consecutively since 2014

Preferred Cruise Partners

The coveted relationships we have with our Preferred Partners are second to none and allow us to offer you the extraordinary trips that you desire.

Meet Our Travel Designers

What is the most memorable vacation you have planned for a client? I booked a group of 14-16 people on a Uniworld River Cruise, who wanted to include a cycling trip. I researched several companies asking if they would follow our river cruise down the Rhine. There were a lot of components to coordinate but it turned out perfect!

Senior Travel Designer

What is the most memorable vacation you have planned for a client? A ladies' food and shopping trip across Italy, including Rome, Lake Como, Sorrento, Cinque Terre and Portofino. It was such a fun trip to plan from beginning to end and the ladies enjoyed every minute of it and planned to do it again!

Natalie Thomson

What is your approach to planning a luxury cruise? With new clients, I like to get to know them and really listen to their needs or wishlist. This helps me to provide appropriate advice and guidance so that they will be happy and enjoy a most memorable experience.

Jackie Grittani

If you’re considering a luxury cruise down The Danube River, let our expert Travel Designers make your vacation truly customized from start to finish. Having spent the last three decades traveling and experiencing the best luxury offerings firsthand, Tully Luxury Travel has an exceptional understanding of the Danube. We have the contacts and relationships to ensure your travel needs are met – milestone celebrations, romantic dinners, private tours, dietary requirements, special room-service requests – all the details curated in step with your every wish. With the Danube River, our luxury Private Travel Designers have insider information that will elevate your experience that much more. We can set you up with a cruise that takes in your specific interests wherever you alight onshore, from Budapest historical happenings to Salzburg sing-alongs. The beauty of unpacking only once leaves you with plenty of time to explore all the local environments – and on-board opulence. The time to start planning your next vacation is now. Our private luxury travel service also allows us to secure the best amenities and VIP extras at no additional cost. That’s the Tully Difference. Talk with a Private Travel Designer and start planning your luxury Danube cruise today.

Tailored Experiences

Discover hidden gems and exclusive locales with our curated luxury experiences, designed around your preferences.

Custom Itineraries

Enjoy bespoke journeys meticulously tailored to your personal tastes and desires.

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Access exclusive benefits and perks that cater uniquely to your preferences.

Insider Knowledge

Experience global destinations with expert planning and local insight, ensuring every detail reflects your personal definition of luxury.

Sustainable Luxury

Support eco-friendly practices that positively impact communities, reflecting your commitment to responsible travel.

Award Winning…

Throughout the years, Tully Luxury Travel has been recognized as a top producing agency by virtually every luxury cruise line and hotel property.

More Cruise Inspiration

See unesco world heritage sites by river cruise.

As the saying goes, what’s old is new again, with river cruises booming and more options than ever to explore these historic waterways. ...Read more

Why choose us? We believe our award-winning service, more than three decades of experience, and firsthand knowledge of luxury travel in every part of the world shine through in the wonderful testimonials that we receive every day from our valued clients who return year after year.

Average Cutomer Rating:

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I have been working with Tully Luxury Travel for years and love their attention to detail. They seem to know exactly what their client's needs are.

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Danube river cruises

Sail the mighty Danube River through Europe and call in at some of the world’s most vibrant and influential cities.

• destinations
• central europe
• danube river
• Previous page

Explore the delights of the Danube River

Experience an eclectic mix of cultures and traditions on your luxury Danube river cruise. Passing through more countries than any other river in the world, you’ll enjoy an unparalleled tour of Europe on your cultural journey.

Discover sailing the Danube River

A world of experiences

Enlightening experiences await on your Danube river cruise. Explore vibrant capital cities such as Budapest and Bratislava and witness treasured landmarks, from Gottweig Abbey to the Iron Gates Natural Park.

Parliament Building, Budapest

Bratislava Castle, Slovakia

Iron Gates, Romania

Melk Abbey, Austria

Discover the Danube River

 a diverse and vibrant land.

Tastes of Europe

Bringing the past to the present

Picturesque landscapes

Featured Itineraries

Seek inspiration from our most popular itineraries to start planning your unforgettable voyage. Explore our latest Danube river cruises offers today.

Danube Delights

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

Danube Explorer

Enchantment of Eastern Europe

Splendours of Europe

Danube Delights & Classic Prague

Danube Explorer & highlights of Budapest

Your guide to Europe river cruising

Stay up to date and be inspired.

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Explore Amadeus Nova's Sailings

The new 5-star vessel cruising on danube and rhine.

• Excellent - 369 reviews for Danube tours

We had a wonderful cruise

Excellent Well organised

• Good - 75 reviews for Danube tours

A nice and quiet and comfortable ship with many stops along the way and Extensive mileage log of 1100 km. Plenty of food and drinks. The only concern I wanted to express. The food wasn't quite gourmet standard but all in all acceptable.

We really enjoyed our A Rosa tour along the Danube River and would give it 5 stars except that there was an issue on the second last night with the boat impacting a lock wall and everyone needing to be bussed back to Passau.

CroisiEurope River Cruises

• Excellent - 368 reviews for Danube tours

The cruise was wonderful and the staff was very friendly and helpful. They made sure they were always available and ensured to keep the guests entertained. All the excursions were well arranged and the food was great. They accommodated to our vegetarian requirement. The only thing which can be improved is WiFi on the ship.. it was just not USABLE and the parking at the dock could be a more safe secured place. We had a robbery to our car with a broken glass when we returned from the holiday. Overall very good experience.

Beautiful cruise with gorgeous scenery and various opportunities to explore lovely cities. AMAZING, friendly staff and delicious food! We couldn’t have wanted more value for money - highly recommend!!

AmaWaterways

• Excellent - 27 reviews for Danube tours

Really enjoyed the cruise. The food was exceptional, the excursions fun and enlightening and the entire crew was exceptional, fun, and professional. Bully for the Captain and Hotel Manager for setting the tone onboard. The Amabella experience must be the best! P.S. Cruise Manager Stefan is is star.

We did not make the trip. I am waiting for the email that you are supposed to send for us to use next year.

Avalon Waterways

• Excellent - 228 reviews for Danube tours

Although we did not actually do the river cruise because of high water levels, we were taken on excursions by coach.

We enjoyed the trip very much.

Lueftner Cruises

• Excellent - 140 reviews for Danube tours

Einfach super gut organisiert

Our cabin on the Silver III had a persistent very unpleasant and pervasive smell from our en-suite. We reported it immediately and the ships manager Mr. Hansen did his best - engineering services etc - to moderate the stench but it was with us from Budapest to completion. We filed a report with Luffner via their website but to date there has been zero response. We have asked our travel agent to follow up in case they have more clout. We certainly are disinclined to ever use Luffner Amadeus and the experience on this trip has turned us off European river cruises.

Uniworld Boutique River Cru…

• Excellent - 82 reviews for Danube tours

People are amazing. Except for reception.. very serious .food good, needs much faster internet

An amazing holiday. Organisation, staff, food and excursions were all wonderful and we will definitely book another cruise with Uniworld.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tou…

• Excellent - 37 reviews for Danube tours

Tour ran late from second day and got worse from there. Scenic offered to compensate passengers under their "guarantee". Since then, Scenic has concocted excuse after excuse to delay our promised refund. Be very wary of travelling with Scenic. We have travelled with Scenic previously, on river cruises and road tours. They used to live up to their claim as the premium operator. Not anymore. Prices remain high but standards and quality have been dropped.

First scenic cruise was perfect. This second cruise was the complete opposite. Never again. Never.

Nicko Cruises

• Good - 96 reviews for Danube tours

I highly recommend Nicko Cruises.

The one star was hard earned by the majority of the service staff. Under the circumstances how the poor people have to work, one sometimes feels different. Many of them also seem overworked. A relaxed atmosphere was rarely to be found. Everything seemed like mass processing in a retirement home. Most of the food came out of a bag and was of extremely poor quality. Nice to look at but you couldn't eat it. Breakfast was acceptable, anything but a treat. I think the chef would use better food if he could, but that's probably all economy measures. I am just stunned at the end of this vacation and 5 kg lighter.8 The rooms are fine and also clean. The sundeck still does not seem crowded even with a large number of people. Great range of games.

Terranova Touristik

• Excellent - 247 reviews for Danube tours

Although I'm not usually a big fan of cycling, this Danube bike tour in Austria changed my mind! The combination of bike and boat was perfect for me, as I could always retreat to the comfortable boat after a day on the bike. The scenery along the Danube was simply breathtaking and the food on the boat was also super delicious. I would recommend this trip to anyone who likes to be active and explore new places.

My partner and I had a wonderful time on this Danube bike tour in Austria! The combination of bike and boat was a great way to explore the countryside along the Danube without it being too strenuous. The staff on the boat was very friendly and the food was super tasty. We also met some other nice people that were on the trip. Overall it was a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone who likes to bike and explore new places.

DCS Touristik

• Excellent - 3 reviews for Danube tours

Eine fantastische Crew ließ keine Wünsche offen!

The trip was perfect, the staff friendly and food was nice. To get to see all of those cities during just a few days was my kind of trip. I was a little sad that even though it says coffee, tea and water was complementary you had to purchase water for all meals adding up 50€. We could have bought a drinking package of course but that would have been 130€ each. I like it when I see what the price is going to be instead of small surprises here and there.

Emerald Cruises

• Excellent - 25 reviews for Danube tours

Would not recommend to a single person. Two days in a row the tours we booked were cancelled. Both trips were in my top three reasons to take this cruise, so am extremely angry. Furthermore, the trip to the Bavarian Forest was cancelled on the basis of A SINGLE PART of the tour being closed. The woman in charge of the activities on the Emerald Destiny should be fired over her handling of that situation. Additionally, none of the Christmas markets, the main advertised feature of the cruise, were open! The food was also awful. Would give 0 stars if I could.

Excellent! The best tour guide was a lady in Bratislave, and above all Petr in Prague

• This operator has no Danube reviews

Viking Cruises

• Excellent - 9 reviews for Danube tours

Very well run tours . Food on board was good standard Staffs … especially at dinning was excellent !!! Unlike other cruises , Viking land excursions do have long time for guess . Too roof decking could be better decorated .

The cruise from Budapest to Passau was beautiful. We stopped at very interesting places along the way. Viking made the river cruise very enjoyable with great food, very friendly staff and great accommodation.

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2025 Danube River Cruises

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Quiet Season Sailing to Scenic Gems

Discover quaint towns in Germany, Austria and Hungary. Celebrate Vienna and Salzburg’s musical legacy, and savor the culinary delights of Budapest and Bratislava’s brewing heritage. Enjoy scenic sailing through the Wachau Valley and admire sleepy villages along the Danube. With overnights in Vienna, Passau and Budapest, enjoy more time to fully explore. The winter season is an ideal time to visit, with fewer travelers and easier access to landmarks.

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To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

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One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

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24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

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Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

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Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

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40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

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More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Prague

From $949 | 3 Nights

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From $1,249 | 3 Nights

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From $1,099 | 4 Nights

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From $649 | 2 Nights

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From $1,399 | 2 Nights

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2024-2027 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from August 1-31, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn and Capitals of Eastern Europe, Paris to the Swiss Alps, Cities of Light, London DDAY & Paris, Rhine & Main Explorer. Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by August 31, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by September 30, 2024. 2026 : Pay in full by March 31, 2025. 2027 : Pay in full by November 30, 2025. Offers expires August 31, 2024.

$25 DEPOSIT:  $25 DEPOSIT: For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to January 2025 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to March 2025 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $799 per person or Business Class air from $3,499 per person based on select gateways and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the Viking Air Plus page.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract .

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NOTE: U.S. flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.

Ultra-Luxury River Cruises

With Scenic, it’s more than an ultra-luxury river cruise, it’s a seamless journey from start to finish that places you at the heart of everything we do.

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Truly unforgettable experiences  await

Our river cruises take you to extraordinary regions, while immersing you in the rich history, local cultures, and culinary delicacies to create moments that will be cherished for years to come. 

To secure your space onboard or to get more information about our itineraries, call our friendly reservations team at 857-837-0439 or contact your professional travel advisor.

Discover river cruising with Scenic, for unrivaled experiences

From the historic waterways of Europe to the mighty Mekong River in Southeast Asia, a Scenic 5-star river cruise is in a class of its own. Every detail has been taken care of to the Nth Degree by our world-class crew so you can enjoy the benefits of a truly all-inclusive journey.

Destinations

The River Experience

Gems of the Danube

A river unlike any other

Danube in Depth

A memorable discovery of the Danube

Jewels of Europe

The ultimate European river discovery

Normandy & Gems of the Seine

Take a journey down the river of dreams

Unforgettable Douro

A truly timeless place

Beautiful Bordeaux

Savour the beauty and romance

Essence of Cambodia, Vietnam & Luxury Mekong - 7 or 9 night cruise

South East Asia comes alive

Temple Discovery and Luxury Mekong Cruise - 7 or 9 night cruise

Captivating charm

Treasures of the Mekong - 7 or 9 night cruise

A waterway unlike any other

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Welcome to RB Collection – Luxury & Specialist Holidays – Create a Memory

Five Star Danube River Cruise

From: £2,195 per person (Based on Double Occupancy)

***Special Offer*** Save up to £100 per person on 2021 departures when you book on or before 31st May 2020

An enticing 7 night cruise from Austria to Hungry. Aboard the state of the art Amadeus Queen, which comes replete with its own swimming pool amongst other cutting-edge facilities, experience the magic of the blue Danube from the elegance of Imperial Vienna, to the twin-cities of Buda and Pest.

Step back in time to the eras of the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of the Habsburgs, all while enjoying the surroundings of your ultra modern and comfortable cruise ship. There are also lots of included opportunities to taste specialties of each region you sail through, completing a cruise that is a real treat for the senses.

Day 1: London to Nuremberg Begin today at London St Pancras, where you’ll meet your Tour Manager as well of the rest of your group, to start your journey to Europe. Board the Eurostar travelling to Brussels, then change for the service to Nuremberg, via Cologne. Includes: Dinner & Eurostar Meal.

Day 2: Continue by Rail to Budapest  You make the short walk back to Nuremberg station for the train to Vienna, changing for the final leg of your journey. Arriving in Budapest, you meet the Amadeus Queen and are welcomed with a cocktail in the lounge before dinner. Later take in the illuminated sights as you sail around the city. You are also treated to a performance from a local Hungarian folk band in the lounge. Includes: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 3: Discover Budapest  This morning you enjoy a guided coach tour, introducing you to Budapest’s main sights. You pass impressive buildings and monuments on both sides of the Danube, including the neo-Gothic Parliament building, the magnificent State Opera House and St Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest Castle, Matthias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion. You return to the ship for lunch, after which you have some free time before we begin cruising to Bratislava. Your departure time means you arrive at the scenic Danube Bend just as the sun sets. This section of the river has a long and fascinating history and from the sun deck or panoramic windows in the bar, you’ll be able to see castle ruins, churches, pretty houses hidden in the hills and dense forests, all soaked in the golden glow of twilight. Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Arrival in Bratislava Your morning is at leisure aboard before you moor up early this afternoon. After lunch, you set out on a guided coach tour of Slovakian capital. Located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava straddles the Danube which neatly divides the city into two parts; the Baroque Old Town (Stare Mesto) and the new city. This picture-postcard city destination historic Gothic buildings, several universities, a wealth of museums and galleries, and a refreshing cosmopolitan atmosphere. The historic centre features delightful cobbled stoned roads, pedestrianised plazas, pastel 18th century rococo buildings and street cafés galore. Following your excursion, you return to the ship for another delicious, 5-course dinner. Includes – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: The History & Music of Vienna After a calm night of cruising, you arrive into glorious Vienna, for a comprehensive sightseeing tour. This is a chance to relish in Austria’s Imperial heritage, one full of tradition and rich in architectural, artistic and musical heritage. You’ll see many of Vienna’s finest ornate buildings, including the impressive Hofburg Palace. This vast complex of buildings demonstrates the awesome power and wealth commanded by the Habsburgs. You’ll also take in the impressive Opera House, one of the leading opera venues in the world, as well as the grand Parliament Building. Tonight a real treat awaits you on board, where after dinner you are joined by musicians from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for an exclusive, private recital. Be whisked away by the music as you immerse yourself in this singularly exceptional experience, as the Vienna Philharmonic is one of the most popular and skilled orchestras in the world. Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6 & 7: Melk Abbey & Salzburg or the Austrian Lake District Today you reach Austria’s Wachau Valley, a famous wine-making region. You arrive in the idyllic village of Dürnstein where you have time at leisure. As you sit down to lunch on board you begin cruising along the picturesque Wachau Valley, an extremely scenic area with green valleys and vineyards rising up from the river, picturesque riverside towns, and commanding fortresses with sweeping views. Then journey by coach to Melk Abbey, enjoying entrance to this 11th century Benedictine Abbey which stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube and is home to the Abbey Church, considered one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps.

On  Day 7  you disembark in Linz, where you have a choice of excursions. You could head further into the countryside for a day spent amidst the spectacular scenery of the Austrian lakes. Make stops in UNESCO listed Hallstatt, one of Austria’s most photographed villages thanks to its traditional pastel-coloured houses perched on the tiny plain between the mountains and Hallstättersee Lake, as well as Mondsee. This pretty town is set on the lake of the same name, and its most famous sight is the 15th-century parish church, which featured in the wedding scenes of ‘The Sound of Music’.

Otherwise, travel by coach to Salzburg, via Mondsee, one of Austria’s most famous cities and known as the birth place of Mozart. A guided sightseeing tour reveals the city’s internationally renowned Baroque architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You rejoin the ship in Passau. Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Both days)

Day 8 & 9: Regensburg and homeward bound Regensberg is your port of call this morning, which you explore on foot. This medieval town contains many buildings that testify to its history as a trading centre and to its influence on the whole region from the 9th century onwards. Back on board tonight, you attend the Captain’s gala dinner, a chance to don your evening-wear and celebrate your cruise experience. On  Day 9  you disembark after breakfast to start the journey back to the UK by rail.Includes: Day 8 – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

MS Amadeus Queen Sleek, elegant and comfortable, the MS Amadeus Queen is an excellent river going vessel, offering one of the finest ways to discover the stunning rivers of Europe. Well-maintained facilities, superb service and tasteful cabins all combine to make passengers’ time on board the Amadeus Queen a delight. Enjoy the serene scenery as it passes by, through specially designed floor-to- ceiling windows or perhaps from the Sun Deck at the top of the boat, as you relax on loungers and deck chairs with your fellow travellers.

Across the four decks, the ship has a range of amenities available to passengers including a restaurant, a panorama-bar and a fitness room. A recent addition has seen an indoor pool installed at the rear of the boat. Each room has a television, an en suite bathroom, a mini bar and a hairdryer, while the suites enjoy a walk-out exterior balcony as well.

Departure Dates & Cost per Person 04/05/2020: from £2,495 11/05/2020: from £2,095 31/05/2020: from £2,295 12/06/2020: from £2,195 19/06/2020: from £2,195 10/07/2020: from £1,995 31/07/2020: from £1,995 25/08/2020: from £2,095 13/09/2020: from £2,295 17/05/2021:- £2,195 £2,095  24/05/2021:- £2,395 £2,295 17/06/2021:- £2,395 £2,295 28/06/2021:- £2,495 £2,395 22/07/2021:- £2,395 £2,295 12/08/2021:- £2,295 £2,195 07/09/2021:- £2,495 £2,395 12/09/2021:- £2,495 £2,395

What is included?

• Escorted throughout your tour by an on board Tour Manager and Cruise Director
• The services of a professional UK Tour Manager from London St Pancras to embarkation, and from disembarkation back to London St Pancras
• Exclusive meeting point at our dedicated Departure Office in St Pancras
• 7-night cruise on board the Amadeus Queen or Silver II
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of your cruise
• Tour Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Melk Abbey and Regensburg
• Cruise the Danube Bend and through the Wachau Valley
• Enjoy an on board recital from members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra & a Hungarian folklore show
• Unique flexible excursions allowing you to choose how you spend your day with options including:  Tour of Salzburg and an excursion to the Austrian Lake District
• ATOL protection for your financial security
• RB Collection ‘VIP Experience’ service

Cost (Approximately)

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Danube River Cruises

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Magna on the Danube - Budapest to Vilshofen

• Experience Melk Abbey
• Explore Passau
• Discover Salzburg
• Visit Vienna

The Legendary Danube

• Discover attractive Prague
• Visit the famous city of Pilzen
• Enjoy Nuremberg's countryside
• Bike along the Danube River

Gems of the Danube

• Explore historic Nuremberg
• Stroll through Regensburg
• Visit the city of Cesky Krumlov
• Tour Schönbrunn Palace

Danube Waltz

• Walk along Castle Hill
• Explore the medieval Bratislva
• Visit the Viennese Opera House
• Discover the Abbey of Göttweig

Classic Prague & Danube Delights

• Visit the Gothic St Vitus Cathedral
• Tour the city of Regensburg
• Explore the town of Passau
• Ride a bike from Melk to Dürnstein

The Legendary Danube - Cruise Only

• Enjoy traditional Bavarian delights
• Visit Melk's Benedictine Abbey
• Discover the elegant city of Vienna

Danube in Depth

• Uncover Nuremberg's turbulent past
• Journey through Passau
• Marvel at UNESCO-listed Abbey
• Discover the historic Bratislava
• Explore the city of Cesky Krumlov
• Enjoy exploring Nuremberg

Danube Delights

• Walk to the city of Regensburg
• Explore the architectures in Passau
• Hike around the Bratislava Castle
• Drive and walk around Vienna
• Tour around the Ringstrasse
• Learn about the Slovakian culture
• Visit the Melk Abbey
• Enjoy a traditional Bavarian band

Danube Explorer

• Explore the area around Buda Castle
• Walk along the lanes of Bratislava
• Take a look at the Baroque palaces
• Enjoy a tour to Melk Abbey

Blue Danube Discovery - Cruise Only

• Enjoy Bratislava's unique charm
• Admire the beautiful Wachau Valley
• Hike up to Veste Oberhaus Fortress
• Discover medieval Regensburg
• Explore medieval architecture
• Discover Altes Rathaus
• Enjoy the tour of Roth
• See the city of Budapest

The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only

• See UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Taste local wines & specialities
• Choose from optional excursions
• Explore Linz
• Take a tour of Vienna

Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest

• Explore the Danube River
• Visit UNESCO heritage sites
• Explore Central Europe
• Learn about the history of Europe

The Romantic Danube

• Tour historical sites in Prague
• See old-world architecture
• Bike along the Inn River

Danube Holiday Markets

• Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market
• Experience a Slovakian Christmas
• Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Discover Vienna Art History Museum
• Step into Benedictine Monastery

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Russian River Cruise from St Petersburg To Moscow.

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2021

Home >> Russia >> Russian River Cruise from St Petersburg To Moscow.

Have you ever dreamed of strolling through Moscow’s Red Square or seeing the ballet in St Petersburg – A city where opulent palaces offer a glimpse into one of the world’s most  intriguing royal dynasties .

Russia’s two great cities still invoke the old school romance of travel – a journey into the enigmatic and exotic. However, in a country as immense as it is fascinating, there is so much to see beyond the metropolis of Russia’s great cities.

A Russian River Cruise , St Petersburg to Moscow on Viking Cruises Waterways of the Tsars cruise will take you to Russia’s great cities and beyond.

Sailing the rivers and lakes of Russia from St Petersburg to Moscow takes you into Russia’s heartland. It is deep in the country where you find the Golden Ring cities, charming towns and iconic, sometimes forgotten monuments that helped define Russia’s history.

A Russian river cruise opens up possibilities to visit parts of Russia that may otherwise be logistically difficult. It also offers a very efficient and cost-effective way to see the best of this vast country.

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Visiting Russia

Unfortunately, Russia is a country too often sidestepped by many travellers. It has been more than two decades since Russia emerged from behind the Iron Curtain and began welcoming tourists with semi-open arms and a cold stony smile.

However, Russia still carries the stigma of being a difficult country to travel to and in. Thanks mostly to a reputation of complicated, bureaucratic visa processes and rumoured corruption.

Russian Visa Requirements

If you are travelling through Russia on a river cruise, unless you are eligible for the new 16 day e-Visa, most foreign nationals must have a tourist visa.  The Russian visa process can take up to a month or two. It is important to check your visa requirement and make sure you get it submitted well in advance of your intended travel date.

The gradual introduction of the new e-visa is making the process simpler but is restricted for visits of only eight days and specific entry points. Based on this, the e-visa is not suitable for a river cruise in Russia. 

Applying online for your Tourist Invitation Letter is quick and simple, allowing you to proceed with your application. You can read more about planning your trip to Russia here . 

Travel in Russia

As independent travellers, our biggest dilemma with Russia is logistics. Russia covers two continents and nine time zones, and the highlights and must-sees are spread far and wide, with nothing in between.

When you don’t have unlimited time or an unlimited budget, the distances can pose some issues. Transport through Russia can be expensive and less than comfortable, and car hire could be a costly alternative.

Is a River Cruise The Best Way To See Russia?

We would say yes, a river cruise is a fantastic way to see Russia. For most, Russia is a once in a lifetime adventure, so, it boils down to how much of Russia do you want to see.

A river cruise makes sense for most travellers to Russia and most travel budgets. A cruise enables visitors to experience more of Russia than perhaps they would on their own.

You Might Also Like: What to Take on A Russian River Cruise

Viking River Cruise in Russia

Much like some of the unreliable, uncomfortable transport methods available in Russia, some of the Russian cruise lines are shall we say, still a little Soviet.

Viking Cruises, on the other hand, offers a product in Russia to the same high, 5- star standard as their river cruises throughout Europe. A full-service luxury river cruise from the moment you make your booking to the time you disembark.

And much like Viking’s European itineraries, the Viking Russian Cruise itineraries are destination focused with high quality shore excursions and enrichment experiences. 

Plan Your Trip to Russia: Know The Best Time to Visit Europe

Viking’s All-Inclusive Cruise Packages

The big appeal of cruising for some is the all-inclusive aspect, so they know what to expect. With Viking Cruises, you can expect so much more than just an all-inclusive cruise package of meals and drinks.

In addition to optional excursions, there are also lots of free shore excursions throughout the cruise. 

Fly Cruise Packages

You can book your Russian river cruise inclusive of flights from your home port, wherever in the world that may be. An attractive option for those wishing to take the guesswork out of arranging flights, knowing you have access to Vikings Cruises discounted fares and upgrades.

Fly cruise packages include all taxes and airport transfers in Russia. Helpful for those who don’t like to navigate the taxi hustle on arrival in a new country. (Speaking from first-hand experience, Russia certainly has some good taxi scams running from the airport).

Information to assist you with the visa process is also included, the most daunting prospect of visiting Russia for many.

More Incredible Viking Cruises You Can Take in Europe:

• Viking Cruises Paris to Swiss Alps Christmas Market River Cruise
• Viking River Cruises Danube Waltz – Passau to Budapest River Cruise
• Viking Homelands Cruise Review. The Best of Northern Europe
• Passage to Eastern Europe Cruise on the Danube Budapest to Bucharest

Shore Excursions and Tours in Russia

During the river cruise, a high quality tour itinerary of shore excursions and tours are included to ensure you experience the best things to do in Russia.

There are also some delightful surprises, such as an evening at the ballet in St Petersburg. The tour schedule is designed with the arts and culture in mind, not just the big tourist hot spots.

Additional or Optional Tours can also be purchased at each destination such as our traditional Russian Banya experience in Mandrogy or the vodka tasting on board.

You also have access to some very appealing Exclusive Access tours such as a behind the scenes look at the Hermitage in St Petersburg.  All tours include transfers where required, entry fees and extremely knowledgeable, tourism professionals as your guides.

On Board Lectures, Demonstrations and Activities.

In addition to activities during cruising times, such as cooking demonstrations and traditional Russian tea’s, the guides also offer daily lectures on Russian history and politics.

The lectures are one of the highlights of the trip. Engaging and well-researched lectures, delivered from a Russian perspective, provide an entirely different and refreshing perspective on Russian culture and politics.

Russian Cuisine on Board

Viking River Cruises always excel when it comes to onboard dining. Interchangeable a la carte menus are available at all meal times showcasing Russian cuisine and produce.

The less adventurous are well catered for with an excellent “always available” a la carte menu. Portions are sensible to allow for all courses to be tried and savoured. Unlike the glutenous portions or “ all you can eat” buffet’s some cruise ships favour. 

Drinks are complimentary with all meals, including a tipple of champagne at breakfast if you are so inclined.

A Silver Drinks Package can be purchased, which gives you unlimited drinks from the bar for the entire cruise as well as a vast selection of wines.

The Convenience and Comfort of River Cruises

There is a lot to be said for having your floating hotel accompany you on your journey through Russia. Unlike some ocean cruises where the focus can be on shipboard life at the expense of the destinations, on this Russian river cruise, the destinations are the focus.  

You get the complete package of the best things to see in Russia without having to navigate multiple modes of transport or having to unpack, pack and move accommodation all the time.

Once you are on board, whether it be in the big cities or the remote countryside, you only need to check in and out once. You do feel like you have your hotel on the road with you – A fantastic boutique hotel.

And it is not only the tour guides who are tourism professionals. You also have at your disposal a 5-star hotel team — professional food and beverage staff, well versed in the art of fine dining and world-class chefs.

The staterooms are spacious and extremely comfortable. Private balconies, quality furnishings, and enough high tech amenities such as Satellite TV and WIFI to keep you entertained are standard throughout the ship.

There are also plenty of comfortable public spaces, both indoors and out with panoramic views to relax and take in the vista while you are cruising.

Cruise St Petersburg to Moscow

For us, opting to travel through Russia on a river cruise was primarily motivated by the itinerary. Most people would be happy to visit Moscow or St Petersburg. But why make an effort to visit this intriguing country and miss all the beautiful and exciting things to see outside of the main cities despite the vast geographic distances.

The Cruise Itinerary

The river cruise itinerary is what sold us on this mode of travel. The itinerary enabled us to spend ample time in St Petersburg and Moscow; then with our floating hotel in tow, we took to the river.

It is here where we saw the other Russia. Stunning countryside, small villages, abandoned churches and majestic cathedrals dotted along the river banks. A view of Russia that speaks volumes about the country’s history and culture.

As we slipped down the river, we had the  White Nights  in our favour so could take advantage of the long days and very short nights of summer. Enjoying the sights of the Russian countryside en route to our next destination. Each day a different destination with a cruising schedule set to maximise time spent ashore.

Waterways of the Tsars Schedule

Seven different destinations are visited in the 13 days onboard. This includes three full days in both Moscow and St Petersburg. We would not have achieved this on our own in the two weeks we had.

Viking Cruises Waterway of the Tsars St Petersburg to Moscow Itinerary

Commencing either in St Petersburg or Moscow, the itinerary allows for three days in each city. You can read about the cruise itinerary and shore excursions in St Petersburg and Moscow here.

St Petersburg & Moscow

Between Moscow and St Petersburg, you can experience the beautiful Golden Ring cities and villages of Russia. These are the towns and cities that lie beyond Russia’s great cities on the Waterways of the Tsars. 

Mandrogy Russia

Mandrogy, built in 1996 as an open-air museum, is a replica of   Verkhine Mandrogi , a Russian village destroyed during WWII. The enterprise was intended to give travellers cruising between St Petersburg and Kizhi a feel for traditional Russian life. 

Unfortunately, we found Mandrogy to be very much that – a fabricated tourist attraction including costumed craftsmen and women with innumerable craft stalls and workshops selling the same trinkets. 

Paint your Own Russian Matryoshka Doll

The central premise for this village appears to be shopping and, of course, the famed Russian Matryoshka Dolls. You can partake in a workshop to learn how to paint your own nesting dolls or, watch any number of the local artists paint dolls in their style. These, of course, are available for purchase. 

While Mandrogy was not our cup of tea, there was a silver lining to this little settlement – the traditional Russian Banya.

Experience a Russian Banya

The banya is one of those quintessentially Russian experiences.  One of the oldest Russian traditions dating back centuries. A tradition that has not lost its appeal and is still popular today.

Essentially the banya is a steam room or sauna where water is poured over hot rocks to create steam with temperatures often exceeding 93ºC. However, the banya comes with a little more ceremony than your average steam room or sauna.

Specific brooms are used in the banya called veniks . These are usually bunches of birch or oak branches which are dipped into cold water in the sweltering steam room. They are then smacked briskly over the body.

Typically,  there will be a person responsible for this task – a banschik.  As the banya is considered a very social activity, a  banschik  is often not required as friends will usually smack each other with the veniks.

Thankfully our experience included a banschik as we would not have known the sequence of events nor the protocols for polite smacking! So, how does one banya?

• Enter the banya and wait for temperatures to become almost unbearably hot.
• Relax while the banschick  completes a ceremonial beating of everyone’s bodies with the veniks.  It includes intense rustling of the branches either side of your head, which is repeated several times.
• Leave the banya and allow the  banschick  to pour freezing cold water over you.
• Adjourn to the adjacent room for tea and jam.
• Repeat steps 1 & 2.
• Leave the banya house and run to the river to plunge into the icy waters.
• Repeat step 6.

You get the gist! Used as a method of bathing in Russia for centuries, the banya is said to have a myriad of health benefits. There are many communal or public banyas in the cities and towns, and some people still have private banyas in their homes.

The banya is one Russian experience we highly recommend, providing you have the constitution to withstand the intensity of it.

Near the centre of the Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe, you will find the wild and isolated island of Kizhi. Kizhi is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed open-air museum.

At only 6 km long and 1 km wide, this tiny island is one of Russia’s most visited. The settlements buildings date back to the 15th century, some of which were moved from various Karelian villages during Soviet times to help preserve them.  

However, the islands most notable and recognisable attractions are the famous wooden onion-domed buildings- the twenty-two domed Transfiguration Church and the nine domed Intercession Church.

Locals will tell you; both churches were constructed without the use of a single nail. The unknown builder is also said to have destroyed his axe on completion of the Transfiguration Church. He is quoted as saying: “ There was not and will not be another to match it”.

Within the smaller Church of the intercession, you may hear the local clergy, a beautiful and moving baritone choir intone the ancient liturgy. The islands ancient settlement gives insight into the harsh realities of life in the Russian heartland. Places where entire settlements were isolated for much of the year throughout long winters. You can read more about  visiting Kizhi Island here .

Along the Volga – Baltic waterway you will find the urban settlement of Kuzino approx. 600km north of Moscow.

In addition to some fascinating churches, some abandoned or in various states of repair that are worth exploring, the highlight of this region is the Kirillo – Belozersky Monastery. More like a fortress than a monastery, the magnificent complex sits on Severskoye Lake.

Severskoye Lake is deemed so pure no motorboats are allowed on it. According to urban myth, the waters were blessed, giving them qualities similar to those of the mythical fountain of youth.

From humble beginnings in 1397 when two monks founded the monastery in nothing more than a cave dug by two men. By 1494, now a stone structure, it was the largest church in medieval Russia.

Defended by thick walls and towers it was a refuge for not just monks and peasants, but also a place of pilgrimage for Tsars and so benefited from generous donations and tax breaks. Ivan the Terrible was said to be a regular visitor and big tipper. The financially favourable guest list enabled the monastery to grow in size and importance.

By 1764, Catherine the Great had stripped the monastery of its land and converted the complex into a prison. In 1924 the Bolshevik government shut the complex down and executed or arrested the monks. Interestingly, unlike most monasteries, it was not converted into a concentration camp but rather a museum.

Yaroslavl, the largest city on the Volga, lies just 250 km’s north of Moscow which makes this Golden Ring city a popular weekend getaway.

Perhaps this quaint city of six hundred thousand should be called the city of churches because here you will find an impressive kaleidoscope of onion domes. At the convergence of the mighty Volga and Kotorosl rivers is the historic part of the city, a listed UNESCO World Heritage site.

The city dates back to Prince Yaroslav or Yaroslav the Wise  when he came ashore in around 998, slew the sacred bear worshipped by the local pagan tribes and converted them to Christianity. Hence, the bear on the city’s coat of arms.

While these events may have attributed to the city’s religious fervour – the churches that now adorn the skyline were the work of 17th and 19th century merchants on a quest to outdo each other in a bid to beautify the city.  To this day it remains a magnificent city, one that appears to have remained unscathed by the soviet facelift given to much of Russia. 

Uglich, another of the Golden Ring Cities. A picturesque riverside city filled with inviting parks and brightly coloured church domes. The history of Uglich is steeped in a murder mystery that changed the history of Russia.

Ivan the Terrible was never quite right following the death of his wife Anastasia and so instituted a reign of terror that earned him his name. Although respected for his military victories and management of Russian interests, he was also feared for some terrible deeds.

One such deed was accidentally killing his son and heir with a blow to the head. Due to this faux par on Ivan’s behalf, his crippled son Feodor, who by all reports was not well in mind or body, ascended to power. However, the country was being run by Feodor’s brother in law, Boris Godunov.

Quietly in the wings was Dimitry, Ivan’s younger son who could have succeeded the throne in light of Feodor’s lack of interest in political issues. In 1591, at the age of ten, Dimitry was found dead thanks to a stab wound. It was decided Dimitry slit his own throat with a sword during an epileptic fit.

At the risk of stating the obvious – it was widely assumed the boy was murdered. However, those who dared to accuse Boris Gudunov only did so once. The mystery remains, and so does this beautiful city close to Moscow.

Should You Choose A River Cruise to Travel Russia?

When it comes to visiting a country like Russia, we feel a river cruise is possibly the best way to maximise your experience of this incredible country.  Had we decided to travel independently, there is no way we would have had the vast and varied experiences we were able to on this cruise.

The 5-star hotel service, excellent dining and professional tour organisation far exceeded any of our expectations. We now understand why people often choose river cruises as the best way to experience a country. We have since travelled on a number of river cruises through Eastern Europe and the Danube and still believe it to be a value for money way to travel, especially in Europe.

If you are looking to see Russia beyond the big cities, cruising the waterways from St Petersburg to Moscow will reveal the beauty of the towns and the landscapes of Russia’s heartland. A river cruise is a fabulous way to travel Russia and a great way to glean a deeper understanding of this mysterious country.

Viking River Cruise In Russia Facts

• Viking River Cruises has three vessels operating in Russia offering a  13-day “Waterways Of The Tsars” cruise  running between Moscow and St Petersburg.
• Prices start at ~USD $4,500. Viking Cruises also offer some great “Early Bird” specials available for advance bookings.
• The cruise includes accommodation, all meals, drinks with meals, tours and onboard lectures. Additional or  Optional Tours  can be purchased on board.
• Flights, including taxes and transfers, can be arranged inclusive of your cruise price.
• A tourist visa will be required for most foreign nationals to enter Russia, it is important to check if you will require this well in advance of your cruise date.

We would like to thank Viking Cruises for hosting us on the Waterways Of The Tsars cruise to facilitate this article. As always, all opinions expressed are our own and have not been influenced in any way.

I thought river cruises were just for retirees, but a Disney river cruise proved me wrong

Editor's Note

When my Gen X and younger friends ask me about river cruises, I always tell them to stay away. River cruises are wonderful vacations, but they're targeted at retirees, not families with kids. Each day, you'll dutifully follow a flag- or sign-carrying guide to World War II memorials and local cathedrals — your ever-present Quietvox headset marking you immediately as a tourist. River cruises are like bus tours, just on the water, and geared toward the pace and interests of older couples.

But that was before I signed up for an Adventures by Disney Rhine River cruise.

We might have stopped at the same French, German and Dutch cities as other river cruises, but the vibe was completely different. In the Black Forest, I whooped and hollered as my alpine toboggan sped around stomach-dropping curves. In Strasbourg, I got an upper-body workout canoeing through the city's canals, and in Cologne, I visited a chocolate museum with lots of samples.

Even better? My entire family came with me, allowing me to introduce my kids to several countries in Europe with activities that appealed to them, on a ship filled with other families and knowledgeable guides that would ease our travel.

Apparently, river cruising can actually appeal to younger travelers.

If you didn't know that a Disney river cruise was a vacation option, you're not alone. Disney's oceangoing cruise ships are better known. Your friends and family members have likely considered or even booked a vacation on one of Mickey's floating resorts, full of fabulous kids clubs, adults-only escapes and numerous opportunities to hobnob with princesses and your favorite Disney characters. Shorter sailings out of Florida or California make these cruises easy to pair with theme park vacations at Disney World or Disneyland.

Adventures by Disney isn't always about the water. The brand's escorted-vacation arm mainly offers land-based explorations of places like Wyoming and Paris, but also partners with river cruise line AmaWaterways to run multigenerational-family-friendly cruises on the Rhine, Seine and Danube rivers. These trips offer all the attention to detail and magical moments you love from Disney, but with a more refined vibe and a tiny fraction of the Mouse. The Disney guides on board will take the stress out of vacationing while also bringing all the fun.

If you've fantasized about floating down European waterways and introducing your kids to new countries in a hassle-free way, but are looking for more active excursions and like-minded shipmates, Adventures by Disney might be the vacation you didn't know you needed.

I spent a week in July with my husband and two kids (ages 10 and 13) on an Adventures by Disney Rhine River cruise. From our experience, here's how Disney does river cruising differently.

Everyone age 5 and up is welcome

The under-8 crowd on our river cruise was small ... but mighty.

They were always the first people on the dance floor after dinner, even though it was well past their regular bedtime. They proudly helped the guides hold their "paddles of power" signs high in the air for the rest of us to follow along. They were the clear favorites of the ship's wait staff, who made them flowers out of napkins and masks and swords out of paper.

Adventures by Disney recommends its cruises for travelers ages 8 and up, but everyone over 5 is welcome. Nearly one-third of the guests on our 160-passenger ship were under 18, with a handful of college-age young adults mixed in. Most were traveling with their parents, but a few were in multigenerational or skip-gen groups with their grandparents.

Our shipmates included several adult couples and friend groups traveling without children, which I wasn't expecting. They tended to be Disney adults — members of the Disney Vacation Club, Disney Cruise Line devotees or folks who had vacationed with Disney with their children or grandchildren and appreciated the Disney service.

This age mix is not the typical river cruise passenger base. Whenever our ship berthed next to a ship from another company, I saw mainly gray-headed couples.

If you love Disney or its attention to detail, but you don't want to sail with kids, know that Adventures by Disney offers adults-exclusive food and wine and Oktoberfest cruises on specific dates.

Related: Best cruise lines for families

The ship is designed with families in mind

Disney doesn't just charter river ships — it partners with AmaWaterways to create a family-friendly environment on the European waterways. The family-owned cruise line even built a few river ships with its Disney passengers in mind.

Unlike most other ships sailing the Rhine, Seine and Danube, our ship, AmaLucia, has cabins and suites that can accommodate more than two travelers. Some cabins have a connecting door, so families of four or five can create a shared space. Others are triples with an easy chair that transforms into a single bed. Suites have pull-out sofa beds.

AmaWaterways' unique twin balcony setup — a true balcony just large enough to fit two chairs plus a French balcony adjacent to a small sitting area — creates space for those bed chairs and the connecting doors. My daughter was a big fan of sitting on our balcony to read, and I doubt she would have gotten as much pleasure from an open window or door inside the cabin.

AmaLucia also has one amenity that most other river ships don't have — a pool.

It's small and only 3 feet deep, but you'd be wrong if you thought it wasn't the main hangout for many of the kids on board. My daughter said the pool was half sunscreen by the end of the trip, but that didn't stop her and her new buddies from heading there every afternoon they could. The giant chess set behind it on the sun deck was also a gathering spot for the young teens.

The chefs on board make sure to have kid-friendly meal options special for the Disney river cruises. I doubt the regular AmaWaterways passengers consume as many chocolate cornflakes as my son did each morning. (They might not even be offered sugar cereals!) A kids menu each night at dinner included pasta (buttered noodles were a big hit), burgers, chicken tenders and hot dogs. One day when we came back to the ship for lunch, we ate in the casual dining space behind the lounge because pizza was on the menu.

On many days, we had the option to eat lunch in town or head back to the ship for a buffet lunch. If your kids are willing to be adventurous, you can all try the local cuisine, but if they're not, you have the option of going back to the ship for more familiar fare. Or, you can do like my family and eat giant scoops of gelato for lunch rather than sitting down to a meal.

Adventure Guides hold your hand and entertain your children

Most river cruises have a cruise manager who will organize tours and answer questions. Adventures by Disney sailings employ up to five Adventure Guides (the number is based on passenger count) who wear many hats and bring the service level on the ship up a notch.

The guides perform the cruise manager role — hosting briefings each evening to explain the next day's schedules and options, shepherding guests on and off buses, liaising with local guides, and answering guest questions. But they go above and beyond. When the lunch options on our Black Forest tour changed to something my family doesn't eat, our guide Gina proactively reached out to find an alternative and made certain that our family got the special meals we ordered.

The Adventure Guides are not technically youth staff, and they don't always plan kids activities during time spent on board. But they make a point to engage with the younger travelers. They host at least two Junior Adventure dinners, where they supervise a kids buffet so parents can enjoy an adults-only meal in the ship's restaurant or Chef's Table, and run a movie night one evening in the lounge.

They also distract kids during more adult-oriented excursions so parents can participate rather than wrangle children. On our cruise, one 6-year-old reported that her favorite excursion was the wine tasting because she got to drink juice and play with the Adventure Guides, who had whisked all the kids into a courtyard away from the adults. The guide on our tour of the Van Gogh Museum also took a young cruiser aside to help her with a scavenger hunt so her parents could listen to the local guide talk about the art; she also asked my son about the books he was reading, and patiently listened while he talked a mile a minute about this favorite fantasy series.

The Adventure Guides also know the best local treats to try ("spaghetti" ice cream in Heidelberg, chimney cakes in Rudesheim) and where to find them. They can give recommendations about activities during free time in town, but don't expect them to personally tour you around.

Guides hail from a mix of backgrounds; our fearless leaders were Americans Amanda and Gina, French Hugo and Clement, and German Susanna. All are chosen for their knowledge of the cruise area and the local language, but many also have experience working in Disney parks around the world. They come to the job with excellent people skills (Amanda has a psychology degree; Gina worked as a teacher) and an understanding of the Disney brand philosophy when it comes to creating magical family experiences.

While we loved all the guides, I found that the American guides were perhaps the best at understanding the needs of American tourists, but the European guides brought a local perspective to the places we visited. Clemente told a moving tale about discovering how his grandmother's family in Normandy had hidden Jewish families during WWII, and Susanna told funny stories about driving in Germany.

Excursions are varied and active

The biggest appeal to me of an Adventures by Disney river cruise was the excursions. Instead of endless walking tours and history lessons, we could choose from more active and hands-on tours.

In the Black Forest, we raced down a hill on alpine toboggans before visiting an open-air museum where the kids churned butter and decorated wooden whistles. In Strasbourg, France, we canoed through the canals before a macaron-making event on the ship, and in Rudesheim, Germany, we took a cable car to the top of the hill. In Cologne, we visited a chocolate museum.

More adult-minded tours were offered for cruisers traveling without children or for families willing to split up for the day. Several winery tours were offered, as well as a jovial pub crawl in Cologne to try German beer. More relaxed tours included a short trip to the village of Riquewihr in France that inspired Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" and a canal boat ride instead of the canoe in Strasbourg.

After some of the organized activities, passengers had free time in a city like Heidelberg or Cologne with multiple bus options back to the ship. Tired children or grandparents could return early, while more intrepid sightseers could stay all afternoon. In several ports, passengers could walk from the ship into town to do their own exploration or enjoy dinner off the ship. The flexible schedule worked for both independent travelers and those who wanted their hands held.

Most river ships carry bicycles for guest use, and AmaLucia had a fleet of adult-sized bikes we could borrow. Adventures by Disney makes sure to bring aboard a few kid-sized bikes and helmets, which allowed us to go biking with our 10-year-old in Rudesheim.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

The Disney touches are sweet and subtle

A life-sized Mickey Mouse did not cruise with us; no princess made an appearance. Still, you never forgot you were on a Disney-run cruise.

Music from the Disney songbook was always playing in the background in the ship's lounge, and Disney movies were shown on a few nights. Ratatouille made an appearance at the macaron-making event, and the afternoon tea service included Mickey-shaped cookies.

But there were two Disney traditions throughout the cruise that the whole ship loved. Each evening, a stuffed Captain Minnie doll was handed off to a new passenger, who had to take her on adventures (and keep her safe) the following day. At the evening recap, Minnie's minder would have to recount her adventures and choose which passenger would travel with her the following day. (On our cruise, Minnie loved riding the bus and always made sure to wear her seat belt.)

The other much-anticipated daily event was the presentation of the day's pin. Each day, the Adventure Guides handed out Disney-character pins related to the day's destination and activity with slogans like "Rendezvous on the Rhine." Some we found on our pillows, along with our turndown chocolates, while others were distributed on the tour bus or at the evening recap. My usually too-cool-for-school kids would get anxious when evening came around and we hadn't gotten a new pin.

You can attach the pins to a lanyard, hat or backpack, or save them to trade at Disney pin-trading events on land and sea.

Your kids will make friends

My kids are not social butterflies. They tend to be shy in big groups of kids and prefer to hang out alone or with us when we travel. My daughter is always hesitant about going to the kids club on ocean cruise ships; my son goes exclusively to play video games and not to talk to other tweens.

So I was not sure what to expect from the kid and teen social scene on board.

To my surprise and delight, my 10-year-old daughter made friends on day one with a 14-year-old girl in our group. They sat on the bus together and shared a toboggan on their first ride. Although my daughter wasn't thrilled about attending the Junior Adventurer dinner, she was willing to go because her friend was there. That friend introduced her to some of the other kids, so that by the last night my daughter was inviting other girls her age to play giant chess on the sun deck.

My son didn't make any specific friends, but he met all the young teens at the first teen dinner. When they got bored, the teens would knock on all the other teens' doors, including my son's, and invite everyone to play Roblox in the lounge or chess up on deck. Sometimes they would run through the hallways knocking on doors or try to play pranks on each other, but as far as I could tell, they were being inclusive and not forming exclusive cliques.

The trip is all-inclusive

Adventures by Disney river cruises aren't cheap. Prices start at $5,799 per adult or $5,199 per child under age 12, so upward of $21,996 for a family of four sharing two cabins. But you get a lot for your money.

All of the excursions are included; unlike other river cruises, there are no tour options you need to pay extra for. The guides would hand out tickets or tokens to try a local coffee for free or to gain entrance to a windmill, rather than letting those things be add-on costs.

All meals on the ship are included, including the multicourse Chef's Table, as well as select meals during longer excursions. Wine, beer and soft drinks are always included at lunch and dinner (as well as sparkling wine and fresh juices at breakfast). You can also enjoy free cocktails during a daily Sip and Sail happy hour, with mocktail options for the kids.

Wi-Fi, crew gratuities, airport transfers and taxes are also included.

We mainly spent money on lunch or treats off the ship, as well as one dinner in Amsterdam when we were docked overnight, but on all of those occasions, we could have eaten on the ship if we wished. During free time off the ship, we also chose to pay for a few activities on our own, such as climbing to the top of the cathedral in Cologne and riding the funicular in Heidelberg all the way to the top (our Disney-included castle ticket included the cost to ride the lower funicular). AmaLucia offers a spa and salon, and guests can book treatments for an additional cost.

Bottom line

River cruises aren't the perfect vacation for all families. They're not cheap, and days are busy with morning tour departures at 8 or 9 a.m. and often jam-packed days of sightseeing. You're constantly surrounded by other people, sharing tables at dinner or buses to activities, and that can be overwhelming for some families.

However, if you want the ease of one home base, prescheduled meals and activities, and the support of knowledgeable guides as you introduce your kids to the joys of overseas travel, a Disney river cruise can be the ideal way to travel. It's a familiar environment from which to explore foreign countries, with just the right amount of fairy dust to make your vacation magical. And unlike typical river cruises, Adventures by Disney cruises are built to appeal to kids, teens, parents and grandparents alike.

Now when my friends express interest in a river cruise, I don't have to burst their bubble. I can tell them they've got options for family-friendly adventures on the Rhine, Seine and Danube.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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Moscow to Saint Petersburg

13 days – 12 nights

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Gold, Platinum  Airport transfer / Check-in at centrally located Marriott Aurora***** or Ararat Park Hyatt*****

Imperial : Private airport transfer / Check-in at the luxurious Four Seasons Moscow***** only a minute from the Kremlin and Red Square

Volga dream experience:

Gold: City Tour / Novodevichy Cemetery Imperial, Platinum:  City tour / Lunch in a Moscow City Skyscraper / Novodevichy Cemetery / Sparrow Hills

Meals: Breakfast

Platinum / Imperial

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Gold:  Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square / GUM Department Store

Platinum:  Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square / St. Basil’s Cathedral / GUM Department Store / Park Zaryadye

Gold:  Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro Tour.

Platinum:  Leo Tolstoy House-Museum in Hamovniki / Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro Tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gold, Platinum:  Town of Uglich / Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood

Volga dream experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony & Russian Cooking Class

Gold, Platinum:  Yaroslavl City Tour / Governor’s house 

Volga dream experience: Sun Deck Barbeque

Gold:  Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery  

Platinum:  Ferapontov Monastery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting

Gold, Platinum: Kizhi Island / Lake Onega

Volga dream experience: Piano Concert – Compositions by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov

Gold, Platinum:  Svirstroy village / Local resident’s home / Local primary school

Volga dream experience: Farewell Dinner, Captain’s cocktail

Gold:  City Tour / Peter and Paul Fortress

Platinum:  City Tour / St. Isaac’s Cathedral / Canal boat / Yusupov Palace

Gold:  The State Hermitage Museum / Peterhof: Park and a historic Cottage

Platinum:  The State Hermitage Museum (Early Entrance!) / Gold Room / Peterhof: Park and a historic Cottage

Gold:  Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room

Platinum:  Faberge Museum / Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room

Meals: Breakfast / Imperial

Gold, Platinum, Imperial: Check-out / Airport transfer

Volga dream experience: -

The rates are set for a cruising season. The price is not dependent on the month within a selected year

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All prices are per person based on double occupancy.

All rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Actual size of cabins can slightly differ within one category.

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Journey: Volga Dream

Price per person: not specified

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Premium River Cruise Packages

Do you wish to discover more than the cultural capitals of Russia and major cities? Want to do it with the highest level of comfort and ease? Well, then we say premium river cruise is how your next trip to Russia should look like. During your premium river cruise to Russia, you will have the best of both worlds - the most exciting cultural and sightseeing program alongside the best 5-star accommodation on board as well as on land. Once you settle on a premium river cruise itinerary, you won't need to lift a finger. All you should care about is packing your luggage and exchanging some Russian rubles for souvenir purchases, as the rest of the details will lay on your trusted tour operator's shoulders. We will take care of every logistical aspect of your trip. We will arrange 5-star accommodation, book your day trips, and reserve the best local English-speaking guides alongside the premium private transportation to get you from one point to another. However, don't wait too long to start planning as your Russian visa process takes time, and the spaces onboard the ship are limited. Start planning today!

Things To Do & Places To See on Preminum Cruises

Don't miss out on any important sights & experiences on Premium River Cruises

Enjoy in full the Premium River Cruise trip with the top-notch facilities and the most famous landmarks on your itinerary.

• Luxurious MS Volga Dream ship
• 5-star hotels in the capital cities
• Gourmet lunches and daily meals
• The best local guides
• Education activities on board
• Visiting unique museums
• Russian Visa invitation
• Support line during the trip

River Cruises Travel Tips

Check out carefully-choosen tips for your best adventure.

What to pack

You will be walking a lot; make sure to bring a pair of comfortable footwear.

On board you have delicious daily meals. In the cities you taste gourmet lunches.

Many travelers are bringing home matryoshka dolls, caviar and tea. Don't hesitate to choose some hand-made gifts too.

How much to tip

If you liked the service, feel free to tip 10% of the bill amount. However, tips are not obligatory and remain at your will.

The Russian climate, especially during a cruise, can get a bit harsh. Make sure to have some wind-proof clothes and sunscreen If cruising in the Summer.

If you are planning to purchase souvenirs or leave tips - you will need to have cash on you. Exchange your money to Rubles prior to your trip to avoid fees.

We loved our Volga Dream Cruise

The itinerary was well planned with excellent guides and adequate free time in each stop.

Fantastic tour - Volga Dream Cruise, May 2017

Fantastic tour. Only suggestion would be to maybe substitute the visit in St Petersburg to the Mini Russia exhibit to something else more suited to the age group. Felt this was more of a family outing with kids.

Treasures of Three Capitals + Volga Dream cruise

Enjoyed every minute of it. Would be happy to travel with the company again

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Hallmark+ Announces Premiere Of ‘Love On The Danube' Trilogy Movies

H allmark+ has announced the premieres of the three movies in the Love On The Danube Movie Collection trilogy. This is the limited series that stars Good Witch alum Dan Jeannotte, Catherine Disher, and Sarah Power. It also stars Chesapeake Shores alum, Brendan Penny and Jessica Sipos. Lastly, Wes Brown and Nazneen Contractor also star in this trio of romantic movies.

In addition, they released some brief synopses to go with the premiere dates. Here is the latest information.

Here Are Premiere Dates For Love On The Danube Trilogy

On Wednesday, Deadline reported that Hallmark+ had announced the premiere dates for all three Love On The Danube movies.

On Tuesday, September 10 is the premiere of Love On The Danube: Love Song . This stars Nazneen Contractor, Wes Brown “Who are fellow passengers on a cruise who serve as matchmakers for their widowed, music-loving parents.” Catherine Disher also stars in this movie.

On Thursday, September 19 is the premiere of Love On The Danube: Royal Getaway . “Jessica Sipos and Dan Jeannotte star in this romantic tale of a heartbroken art gallery manager, who takes her honeymoon river cruise solo and meets an incognito prince.”

Lastly, on Thursday, September 26 is the premiere of Love On The Danube: Kissing Stars . This stars Sarah Power and Brendan Penny. This is the “story of a publicist and a rising film star whose professional collaboration on the cruise develops into an unexpected romance.”

More information and photos from this trilogy is forthcoming.

Hallmark+ Launches On September 10

Hallmark Movies Now is getting a rebrand. The new streaming channel is called Hallmark+. This is a commercial-free way to watch unique content and get rewards.

The cost for one year of this streaming service is $79.99. In addition, there is a monthly plan for $7.99. This membership includes a monthly $5 Gold Crown Store coupon, unlimited e-cards, and shopping rewards. There are even surprises. However, the network did not share what those are. Then again, it would not be a surprise if they did share the surprise.

In addition to no commercials and rewards, Hallmark+ features unique content that includes Love On The Danube , and The Groomsmen , this new streaming service offers more. There will be reality shows with heart. This includes the new non-scripted series Celebrations With Lacey Chabert .

Over the holidays, there will be two limited series. The first is Sarah Drew and Peter Mooney’s Mistletoe Mysteries . This is based on the Audible podcast. Also, there is Holidazed . This is a limited holiday series with an ensemble cast.

In addition, Jonathan Bennett is hosting a reality competition called Finding Mr. Christmas . They are looking for the next Hallmark Hunk.

Hallmark fans, will you be subscribing to Hallmark+ streaming service?

The post Hallmark+ Announces Premiere Of ‘Love On The Danube’ Trilogy Movies appeared first on TV Shows Ace .