Cruise of the Czars: The Russian Waterways
13 days
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Small Ship Cruise
Enjoy your 13 day Cruise of the Czars: The Russian Waterways by visiting attractive cities and have a chance to learn the culture and history of Uglich and Moscow.
Experience the guided trip of SmarTours.
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$7,097
From$2,999
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Overview
Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule
Highlights
- Explore Moscow's attraction - Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral
- Visit Kremlin (Moscow)
- See the Czar’s Cannon (Moscow)
- Enjoy a guided tour to Armory Museum (Moscow)
- Optional Moscow Metro Tour
- See the Governor’s Palace in Yaroslavl
- Enjoy a magnificent walking tour on the fairy tale island of Kizhi
- Explore the culture and the architecture in St. Petersburg
- Visit Hermitage Museum
What's this trip about?
Enjoy your 13 day Cruise of the Czars: The Russian Waterways by visiting attractive cities and have a chance to learn the culture and history of Uglich and Moscow.
Experience the guided trip of SmarTours.
Compare to similar trips
Details
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityMoscow
End CitySt. Petersburg
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Trip includes
- Round trip airfare from New York (JFK) via Finnair
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- 11 nights aboard the first class MS Sergei Yesenin cruise boat in a Cat. C Main Deck outside facing cabin with a large picture window
- Port charges
- 32 meals: 11 full buffet breakfasts (B), 10 lunches (L), 11 dinners (D)
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours and shore excursions
- English-speaking tour guides throughout
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Itinerary
Day 1: Depart USA.
Your fascinating voyage on one of our Russian tours begins as you depart New York this evening on your overnight flight via Finnair.
Day 2: Arrive Moscow.
Meals: Dinner
Today, arrive in Moscow, the historic capital of Russia situated between the banks of the Oka and Volga Rivers. You’ll be met at the airport and escorted to the pier where you board your riverboat with the balance of the day at leisure to rest and unpack....
Day 3: Moscow Sightseeing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning join a guided walking tour of the Kremlin’s grounds where you’ll see the Czar’s Cannon, the 200 ton Czar’s Bell and the architecturally striking Cathedral. The highlight of the tour will be a guided visit to the renowned ...
Day 4: Moscow/Set Sail.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, enjoy an orientation tour to view the city’s major highlights: Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral with its colorful onion domes and the Kremlin, the seat of the Russian government. Leisure time for independent pursuits and last ...
Day 5: Uglich.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Over the next few days aboard one of our Russian river cruises, sail along the scenic Volga River. Today, dock in Uglich, Russia’s second oldest city and one of its most beloved. You’ll have an opportunity to visit the imposing Church...
Day 6: Yaroslavl.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today’s port of call is Yaroslavl, founded in the 11th century. Its main attractions are in the area around the main square anchored by the impressive Governor’s Palace. A guided tour includes the ancient monastery and the Church of Elijah the Prophet, renowned for its precious frescoes. Back on board, you’ll enjoy a delightful folk performance.
Day 7: Goritzi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, stop at the quaint riverside town of Goritzi, typical of the charming villages along the river. You’ll have an opportunity to disembark and explore on foot. A visit to an authentic peasant home is included. Later, you’ll be our guest for a caviar & Blini tasting featuring red caviar and blini pancakes with vodka.
Day 8: Kizhi Island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This afternoon, enjoy a magnificent walking tour on the fairy tale island of Kizhi, situated in the northern part of Lake Onega. Kizhi boasts a delightful open-air museum highlighting the picturesque architecture of the region. A guided walking tour will include the Church of Transfiguration, a truly outstanding masterpiece of wooden structure!
Day 9: Mandrogi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of the charming town of Mandrogi, a replica of an authentic 19th century Russian village. Be sure to visit the Vodka Museum (celebrating over 2500 varieties of Russia’s national drink) and delight...
Day 10: Arrive St. Petersburg.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
St. Petersburg, one of Europe’s most magnificent cities, is often called “Venice of the North”. While docking in St. Petersburg for the next three days, experience the architecture, natural beauty and rich culture of the city. St. Pet...
Day 11: St. Petersburg/Hermitage Museum.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, an expert guide leads you on a tour of the priceless art collection presented at the famous Hermitage Museum, located at the Winter Palace. The Hermitage boasts over 3 million artifacts spread across 365 rooms, featuring an art...
Day 12: St. Petersburg/Optional Palaces Excursion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
A day at leisure. We recommend a full day optional Palaces excursions that includes visits to two premier palaces. First visit Catherine’s Palace in Pushkin, the former residence of Russian Royalty. Here you’ll also visit the fabulous...
Day 13: St. Petersburg/New York.
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark from the MS Sergei Yesenin and transfer to the airport for your return flight. Your memorable cruise through Russia ends as you arrive New York this afternoon.
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Dates & Availability
Price From $2,999
Price per day$231
Single supplement (single occupancy)$699
Last Updated: 2/13/2023
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with SmarTours.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
SmarTours Reviews & Ratings
One of a Kind
This trip through the waterways of northwestern Russia was a truly unique and wonderful learning experience, combining the pleasures of cruising on a small ship (wit...
Cruise Of The Czars
My daughter and I traveled in May to Russia for the Cruise of the Czars in May of 2017, and it was fantastic. The ship was very modern and well maintained and the st...
Great Way to Visit Russia
Went with a group of seven women on the river cruise Moscow to St. Petersburg and we were extremely well satisfied over all . Trip was handled efficient, our tour le...
Another Blockbuster for smarTours!
In celebrating 50 consecutive years of international travel this year, I turned to smarTours for the 16th time, and wasn't disappointed with the "Cruise of the Czars...
Wonderful cruise!!
This cruise was excellent. The crew, activities, food, entertainment,tours, services, room, etc. everything marvelous. The cruise directors, Galia Saufulina was the ...
Other SmarTours Reviews
SmarTours Company Reviewsby SmarTours
Lost $5000. Closed no notice.
Paid $5000 for trip, smarTours closed and has our money. No contact info, we...
SmarTours Company Reviewsby SmarTours
I did a tour to San Remo / Menton/…
I did a tour to San Remo / Menton/ Turbine and my tour guide was Smiley - she was great knowledgable, educated. One of the best tours I have taken. Highly recommend ...
Company Failed to provide value and service
traveled with Smartours to Japan on a 12 day trip in May 2 024. This was the tour guide’s first trip working for Smartours. She spoke unintelligible English. Smartou...
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Logistics
Accommodation
Transportation & Flights
Round trip airfare from New York (JFK) via Finnair,
Transportation & flights
Round trip airfare from New York (JFK) via Finnair
Ship & cabin information
MS Sergei Yesenin
Originally built for the Russian elite in 1984, the first class MS Sergei Yesenin was refurbished in 2002 and then again in 2013. The Yesenin maintains a truly intimate and friendly environment with a maximum of only 96 passengers on the ship. With just two decks (both above water), all cabins are outward facing and feature large picture windows, two twin sized beds, tiled bathrooms with separate showers, flat screen TV’s, mini-safes, hair dryers, air conditioning, and plenty of storage space. The public areas, enhanced with beautiful woodwork, include a restaurant with panorama windows, a library/reading room, a concert hall on the sun deck, and a spacious evening lounge/bar. An experienced and friendly crew of 42 (excluding live entertainers) and excellent English-speaking cruise managers will ensure an intimate and memorable Russian cruise experience that you’ll never forget!
Originally built for the Russian elite in 1984, the first class MS Sergei Yesenin was refurbished in 2002 and then again in 2013. The Yesenin maintains a truly intimate and friendly environment with a maximum of only 96 passengers on the ship. With just two decks (both above water), all cabins are outward facing and feature large picture windows, two twin sized beds, tiled bathrooms with separate showers, flat screen TV’s, mini-safes, hair dryers, air conditioning, and plenty of storage space. The public areas, enhanced with beautiful woodwork, include a restaurant with panorama windows, a library/reading room, a concert hall on the sun deck, and a spacious evening lounge/bar. An experienced and friendly crew of 42 (excluding live entertainers) and excellent English-speaking cruise managers will ensure an intimate and memorable Russian cruise experience that you’ll never forget!
Cancellation policy
Full Payment due 75 days before departure. Failure to make final payment on time may result in automatic cancellation of reservation and loss of deposit.
Changes to the original reservation will result in a $150 change fee per person per change. No changes allowed within 75 days of departure.
Cancellation charges per person are:
Up to 75 days before departure: $300
74-45 days before departure: $600
44-30 days before departure: $1000
29-10 days before departure: $1500
9 days or less before departure: No refund.
All cancellations must be received in writing.
We recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance. Insurance premium is non-refundable and cannot be transferred from one departure to another in the event of a reservation change.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against
unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies.
It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before
or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements.
For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements,
please visit this link
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Meals Included
11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches and 11 Dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
smartours-smartours-RW
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