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Tsars Tolstoy and Russia's Mighty Volga

Tsars Tolstoy and Russia's Mighty Volga


Route:
  • UK
  • St Petersburg
  • Mandrogui
  • Kizhi
  • Goritsy
  • Yaroslavl
  • Uglich
  • Moscow
  • UK

11 DAYS from £2356pp

Tour Highlights
  • Full sightseeing programme with seven excursions
  • Onboard entertainment including Russian language lessons, dancing and live music
  • Cruise along the Volga, Europe's largest and longest river
  • Tour the historic riverside city of Uglich

or call us on 0800 408 0506

Tsars Tolstoy and Russia's Mighty Volga

Please note that due to the ongoing situation between Russia and Ukraine we have made the decision to cancel all of our holidays to Russia for the foreseeable future.

Cruise the mighty Volga, Europe's longest river, from St Petersburg all the way to Moscow. On your voyage, you will discover Russia's magnificent cities, world-class museums and historical towns.

River Cruise Itinerary

1
UK to St Petersburg

Depart London on your scheduled flight to St Petersburg, via Frankfurt. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your ship. Board your ship and enjoy a bread and salt welcome ceremony - a traditional Russian symbol of hospitality.

  • Dinner
22
St Petersburg

Enjoy two days in this historic city, the first incorporating a fascinating guided tour to visit the Peter and Paul Fortress and the world-renowned Hermitage Museum, and the second at leisure.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
3
Mandrogui

Cruise along the Volga, coming to the historic village of Mandrogui where you'll see charming homes built in gingerbread-style woodwork.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
42
Kizhi and Goritsy

Continue to Lake Onega's picturesque island of Kizhi for a visit to the remarkable Museum of Wooden Architecture. Cruise across the White Lake the following day and visit the Monastery of St Cyril.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5
Yaroslavl

Today, travel by bus to a local market before seeing the Church of St Elijah, visiting the Church of St Nicholas and the Governor's House art gallery in Yaroslavl.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6
Uglich

This morning, arrive at the historic riverside city of Uglich. Enjoy a walking tour where you'll visit the territory of Kremlin, Dmitry on the Blood Church and Transfiguration Cathedral. Enjoy your farewell dinner.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
72
Moscow

Sail along the Moscow Canal to Russia's capital. Embark on a guided city tour, visiting the imposing Kremlin, the colourful domes of St Basil's Cathedral and the historic Red Square. Enjoy some time at leisure.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
8
Moscow to the UK

Disembark for your airport transfer and flight to the UK, via Frankfurt.

  • Breakfast

Your Meals

Please note that this cruise is based on full board & drinks are not included within the price.

Important Information

Visas

To enter Russia you'll need a visa before travel - make sure you apply for the correct type and duration of the visa. During periods of high demand, you should apply for your visa well in advance. Russian diplomatic missions and the visa application centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh will collect biometric data (scanned fingerprints) from visa applicants above the age of 12. This applies to each Russian entry or transit visa application. It is mandatory to visit the Visa application centre in person to apply for a Russian visa. Visa applications for UK residents are to be submitted at the Russia Visa Application Centre in London, Manchester or Edinburgh (UK). For further information see the Russian Embassy website and the website of VFS Global who manage Russian visa applications on behalf of the Embassy. Tourist visa applications can take 10 working days to be processed and longer during busy periods. Please see https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia/entry-requirements for more information. We can help towards application via a Visa Support Letter (VSL). You will need to send us the all of the required passport information within the API form we have sent to you. Shortly after we will send you your signed VSL. Upon receiving an authorised VSL you will need to go to your nearest UK based Russian embassy to apply. Please note that only you can acquire a Russian entry Visa due to the collection of biometric data (scanned fingerprints). Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months after the expiry date of your visa. You cannot apply for a Russian visa more than 6 months before the date of arrival in Russia.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number, and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

Payment

If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Flight Information

Your flight is to St Petersburg via Frankfurt, and return home from Moscow via Frankfurt, with Lufthansa. Each passenger is entitled to 23kg of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding in size and 8kg. Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documentation.
Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-In should be at least 3 hours before departure.
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.
If you wish to arrange Airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extra Tel. 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.

Health and Vaccinations

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

Physical Accessibility

This river cruise is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves moderate days of walking on cobbled streets and getting on and off the cruise ship. This cruise is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Tour Guide

Excursions are escorted by an experienced, English speaking guide.

Currency Information

The currency in Russia is the Rouble (RUB). It may be more convenient to exchange Euros or US Dollars in cash when you arrive in Russia. Sterling is not as easy to exchange. ATM machines are widely available. Please note, that there is no exchange office or ATM on board the ship.

Personal Expenses

This cruise is Full Board, so you will only need to take a little extra money with you to cover any drinks on board, souvenirs and snacks purchased when off the ship, as well as any optional excursions you wish to book. Tipping is at your discretion. There is an envelope in your cabin for this purpose that can be handed to the reception at the end of your cruise. Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards are accepted on board the ship and throughout Russia. AMEX is not widely accepted.

Tour Dates & Prices

Depart UKArrive UKPrice
2023 Dates
26 Aug 202305 Sep 2023£2049

Cabin Upgrades

Treat yourself to a better vista! Cabin and Deck upgrades are available for an additional supplement. For prices and availability please call our Reservations Consultants or Book Online.

Single Cabins

If you're travelling alone single cabins are available for a small supplement. For prices and availability please call our Reservations Consultants or Book Online.

Included in the Price

  • Air-conditioned, en suite cabins on board our hand-picked vessels
  • Return flights from London.
  • Full Board Dining
  • Entertainment on board your ship
  • Return transfers to/from airport/station to ship
  • Complete Financial Protection: Fully ABTA & ATOL protected
Itinerary Changes

The Captain and ASLA reserve the right to alter/modify an itinerary at any time, should safety or external circumstances make this necessary, changes are also subject to weather conditions which can affect the water level and access to parts of the route. Some of the highlights may only be seen on optional excursions at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.

What to expect

Fact File
Currency

Russian Ruble

Average Flying time

4 hours

Min/Max temperature

-11 °C / 25 °C

When to go

Please familiarise yourself with the below weather charts.

St Petersburg

Mandrogui

Kizhi

Goritsy

Yaroslavl

Moscow

What to pack
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sun cream
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Rucksack or light bag
  • Personal toiletries
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal first aid kit
MS Nikolay Chernishevsky

Accommodating 265 guests this ship provides both a spacious sun deck and a lounge bar with picture windows.

Onboard facilities include...
Cabins

All cabins are equipped with shower and toilet. All cabins are outside facing and located above the water affording outstanding views from the large picture window.

Dining onboard

Breakfast and Lunch are served buffet style whilst Dinner is table service. A variety of dishes are available including meat, fish and vegetarian options.

Life Onboard

All cruises start with a traditional "e;Bread and Salt"e; ceremony upon embarkation which includes a welcome cocktail reception. Onboard entertainment includes Russian language course, live music, bridge tour and dance music nightly in the bar. The sun deck offers a panoramic view of the landscape's beauty as you cruise.

Tour Map
Tsars Tolstoy and Russia's Mighty Volga Route Map
Here to help

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