Day-By-Day Program: 

Day 01     MOSCOW 
Upon arrival in Moscow, transfer to the deluxe Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel ***** in the historic city centre near the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow's Kremlin and Red Square. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your flight 
Meals: -

Day 02     MOSCOW
The day begins with an orientation tour of Moscow taking in a riding the city's spectacular Metro. After lunch in a local restaurant, we move on to the Old Tretyakov Art Gallery and its extraordinary collection of Russian art, ranging from 12th century icons to 20th century paintings

Meals: B,L  

Day 03     MOSCOW 
This morning you will step inside the ancient Kremlin and visit the Armory Chambers, the oldest and the richest museum inside the Kremlin, with its collection of Czars' thrones, ceremonial crowns, coaches and extravagant ambassadorial gifts, the excursion also takes you to the beautifully frescoed 15th-century Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals. Then, back aboard the MS Volga Dream for a delicious buffet lunch as your breathtaking cruise along the Russia’s Waterways begins.

The evening provides a chance to meet your crew and fellow travelers at Captain's Welcome reception and dinner.
Volga Dream Experience: Bread, Salt & Vodka Welcome Aboard Ceremony
Meals: B, L, D

Day 4. UGLICH
After a full day of cruising through idyllic forested countryside, we tie up in the ancient trading town of Uglich, a key point in Russia’s renowned ‘Golden Ring’. Explore the impressive Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood erected on the site where Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible, was murdered in 1591.

Then an enchanting concert of choral music performed in St. John’s Church.
Volga Dream Experience: Russian Cooking Class
Meals: B, L, D

Day 5. YAROSLAVL
Founded in 1010, Yaroslavl is one of central Russia’s oldest cities and boasts the Volga’s first port.
There is much to see: the Spassky Monastery houses the Transfiguration of the Savior and the Church of Elijah the Prophet, an impressive collection of mosaics.
Take part in a costumed reception at the Governor’s house before re-boarding the MS Volga Dream in time for lunch.
Volga Dream Experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony
Meals: B, L, D

Day 6. SCENIC SAILING
A relaxing day of leisure as Volga Dream continues its gentle voyage along the picturesque Volga river.
The Sun Deck provides a glorious and ever-changing view as you pass small villages, provincial towns, churches, and monasteries.
This is an area that flourished for centuries thanks to the large volume of trade along the Volga. Our guest speaker presents an entertaining and informative lecture on the history and traditions of the places we pass

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7. NIZHNIY NOVGOROD
Nizhniy Novgorod (formerly Gorkiy), once a wealthy commercial center poised on the important trade routes to the East, became a closed city due to military activity during the Soviet era.
You will hear more about the city’s history as a place of exile for political prisoners.
Walk the ramparts of the XVI th-century Kremlin with its spectacular views and visit elaborately painted churches. The evening’s highlight is a folk concert presented by a local children’s group.
Volga Dream Experience: Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting
Meals: B, L, D

Day 8. KAZAN
Today, you will notice that the now familiar Russian Orthodox churches no longer dominate the banks of the River Volga. Instead, beautiful Muslim mosques begin to appear as you cruise across the border into the Republic of Tatarstan.
We will leave the Volga Dream for a while to explore Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan and very center of Russia’s Tatar culture.
The white-walled Kazan Kremlin or citadel is where the famous Kul-Sherif mosque stands side by side with the old Peter and Paul Cathedral.
Later in the day, a local ensemble will delight us with a concert of traditional Tatar music.
Volga Dream Experience: Piano Concert – pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov
Meals: B, L, D

Day 9. SAMARA
A great opportunity to relax on the Sun Deck as we sail past the Zhigulevskie mountains towards the city of Samara. We begin with a city tour, which includes a visit to the space museum, then stroll along the Volga esplanade to the Samara State Art Museum.

Volga Dream Experience: Barbeque on the open deck
Meals: B, L, D

Day 10. SARATOV
Once home to a large German community, Saratov is better known today for its connection to the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin, who lived and studied in the city.
Our city tour takes us to the Radishev State Art Museum, the first Russian picture gallery outside of St. Petersburg or Moscow
Meals: B, L, D

Day 11. VOLGOGRAD (ex. Stalingrad)
Originally named Tsaritsyn, this remarkable city has had three name changes in its tumultuous history. The site of epic battles during the Russian Revolution – between 1925 and 1961 it was known as Stalingrad. The people’s heroic defense of the city during World War II was destined to become the decisive battle of the conflict on the eastern front.
We will then visit the imposing memorial on Mamayev Hill, which saw the bloodiest fighting of the war, and Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.
Volga Dream Experience: Farewell dinner
Meals: B, L, D

Day 12. ASTRAKHAN
The Volga Dream arrives in the city of Astrakhan in the evening. This is the world capital of caviar, also the centre of the fishing industry in Western Russia. This is where the mighty Volga flows out into the Caspian Sea
Volga Dream Experience: Concert in a local Conservatory
Meals: B, L, D

Day 13. ASTRAKHAN
The morning begins with a tour of a local fortress built during the reign of Ivan the Terrible.
After lunch an optional and fascinating lecture on the famed and much coveted black caviar,
followed by a private tasting of this most precious delicacy
Meals: B, L, D

Day 14. ASTRAKHAN
Transfers to the airport for your return flight
Meals: B

Note: All arrangements are subject to availability and modification if necessary.
Weather, heavy traffic and heavy crowds may affect the order of your sightseeing program