18 Nights Imperial Russia with Saint Petersburg | Saint Petersburg to Stalingrad (Volgograd)

Type of Vessel

Scenic's Volga River cruises take place aboard Scenic Tsar, a 361-foot vessel that was launched in 2013 and can accommodate 112 passengers in 56 cabins, as well as 71 crew members. The Scenic Tsar is the first boutique ship to join the Scenic Cruises fleet and it is the first newly built vessel launched on a Russian river in more than 25 years featuring exquisitely appointed suites with their own private full-length balconies and each cabin has modern and stylish en-suite bathrooms, satellite television, in-room safe, mini-bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, expansive outdoor and indoor viewing areas and special onboard entertainment. Luxury focused innovation and design mean Scenic is a class leader delivering the ultimate in Russia River Cruising on this luxury boutique small ship, Scenic Tsar.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Saint Petersburg, Russia: Welcome to Saint Petersburg for your three night stay at the Moika Kempinski Hotel or similar.
Day 2 | Saint Petersburg, Russia: Start the day with a guided city excursion before visiting the magnificent Hermitage. This evening, enjoy dinner and a folk show at Nikolaevsky Palace.
Day 3 | Saint Petersburg, Russia: Choose to explore Catherine's Block at Peterhof, or be seduced by the sheer extravagance of Peterhof's Grand Palace.
Day 4 | Saint Petersburg to Moscow, Russia: Take a high speed train to Moscow where you will embark your cruise onboard the boutique Scenic Tsar.
Day 5 | Moscow, Russia: Start your day with an introduction to the city's finest sights, followed by an insightful ride on Moscow's Metro. Then, explore the spectacular Saint Basil's Cathedral. Visit the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics, where you will have the opportunity to meet a real cosmonaut and learn about the history of space exploration.
Day 6 | Moscow, Russia: Visit the magnificent Kremlin, including the State Armoury where you will see priceless weaponry, jewels, and ceremonial robes.
Day 7 | Uglich, Russia: Choose to visit the Church of Saint Dmitry or take a guided adventure of the Penny Whistle Museum.
Day 8 | Yaroslavl to Kostroma, Russia: Acquaint yourself with Yaroslavl's long history during a guided visit. Late, continue towards the historic city of Kostroma, part of the Golden Ring of Russia and the cradle of the Romanovs. Visit the Choreographic College of National Ballet and enjoy a musical concert in the Noble Assembly House.
Day 9 | Kostroma to Plyos, Russia: After a guided excursion of Kostroma, arrive in Plyos, a town more than 800 years old.
Day 10 | Nizhny Novgorod, Russia: Visit this historic city, which is also referenced as the unofficial third capital of Russia, founded in 1221. You will have the opportunity to visit Nizhny Novgorod's Kremlin and discover Maxim Gorky's Museum House.
Day 11 | Nizhny Novgorod to Kazan, Russia: Relax and enjoy the scenery as your boutique ship sails towards the city of Kazan.
Day 12 | Kazan, Russia: See Kazan's finest sights, visit the Kazan Kremlin and the Tatar village of Tugan Avylym. Later, enjoy a traditional Tatar folklore performance.
Day 13 | Ulyanovsk, Russia: Ulyanovsk is known for its most famous citizen, Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Empire of Communists. During a guided adventure, visit the Lenin memorial complex and discover the house where Lenin's family resided. Afterwards, visit Simbirsk classical gymnasium museum.
Day 14 | Samara, Russia: Arrive in Samara, situated at the confluence of the Volga and Samara Rivers, and take a guided city excursion.
Day 15 | Saratov, Russia: Explore the historic treasures of Saratov, including a visit to the Road to Space exposition dedicated to Yuri Gagarin's early years of studies here.
Day 16 | Stalingrad (Volgograd), Russia: Arrive at your final cruise destination, Volgograd, formally known as Stalingrad. Infamous for the WWII Battle of Stalingrad, the city's history is commemorated by the world's tallest statue of a woman, The Motherland Calls. Acquaint yourself with this historic city during an orientation walk with your Cruise Director, followed by time at leisure.
Day 17 | Stalingrad (Volgograd), Russia: Start with a guided city tour, including a visit to the truly spectacular Mamayev Hill World War II Memorial, with ten monuments dedicated to the Battle of Stalingrad. See the change of the guards and the Eternal Flame in the Hall of Warrior Glory.
Day 18 | Stalingrad (Volgograd), Russia: Depart after breakfast this morning. Volgograd is the end of your cruise, but it will be the start of a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Guest Services

Amenities include personalized butler service.

Food and Dining

Neva Lounge & Bar | An outdoor observation venue served by its own bar.
Crystal Dining | The ship's open-seating dining room available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfasts and lunches are mainly buffet-style, with some hot dishes available for off the menu ordering. The dinner menu is a four-course meal, featuring Russian cuisine specialties with authentic delicacies along with a wide selection of continental dishes. Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner.
Panorama Lounge & Bar | An entertainment show lounge with floor-ceiling panoramic windows, comfortable seating.
Sun Deck | Guests can happily spend hours lost in a book or simply soak up the views with this top-deck outdoor relaxation area with sun loungers and tables.

Onboard Activities/Events

Onboard you'll have full access to a wellness area, complete with massage services and a beauty salon, a gym equipped with a walking machine, a stationary bike, free weights and scheduled activities such as yoga, special onboard entertainment and Wi-Fi.

Shore Excursions

There are a vast range of activities and sightseeing experiences for you to choose from, so you only see what you want to see, and do what you want to do, at a tempo that suits you. From history to culture, food to nature, there's something for everyone.

Staterooms or Cabins

Standard Suites | Located on the Moska deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view and a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.
Balcony and Deluxe Balcony Suites | Located on the Neva deck, these beautifully proportioned balcony suites offer the kind of luxury and comfort expected in a first-class hotel. Unwind and make the most of the wonderful views by relaxing on the private full-length balcony.
Royal Suites | These suites on the Neva deck provide the ultimate accommodation for luxury river cruising. At a spacious 300 square feet, enjoy more space and thoughtful touches to bring you an unforgettable river cruise experience.
Royal Panorama Suites | With 334 square feet of space, these are the largest suites on the ship. At the front of the Volga deck, they offer spacious accommodations, with elegant decor to create a relaxing and comfortable home for your cruise.