The Cathedral of Our Savior on Spilled Blood.
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There's no better way to see Russia than from the water – no better way to experience the true grandeur of this amazing country than by gliding along its historic rivers and lakes, taking in life both rural and urban, immersing yourself in a culture that's deeply romantic and complex.
Whether it's your first time in Russia, or you're an old hand, there's so much to learn from the guidance and experience that comes from a cruise of the country's waterways, and so many reasons to give this form of cruising a try.
The food is top-notch
There's always that concern when you travel that you won't get the best of a nation's cuisine, that you'll pick the wrong restaurants or order the wrong dishes. On a river cruise with Travelmarvel, however, that isn't an issue. With 29 meals included on this 11-day itinerary, and a menu that includes both Russian and European classics as well as a "Vodka Degustation" on the final night, you're certain to get the best of the area's cuisine.
You see things differently from the water
Life looks different from aboard a river cruise. The world looks different. Here you get to experience life on Russia's two most famous and historic waterways, the Volga and Neva Rivers. Begin on the Neva in St Petersburg, cruising up to its source at Lake Ladoga, before later joining the Volga, the longest river in Europe, to access the historic town of Yaroslavl. This is Russian life at its most authentic, a perfect window into the soul and the lifeblood of the country.
Expert guidance
It was Sir Winston Churchill who once described Russia as "a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma", and the country can certainly seem that way to first-time visitors who don't have an expert on hand to guide them through. Fortunately, aboard the MS Kronshtadt you'll not only have an English-speaking Cruise Director and Tour Director, but also multilingual local guides, plus the ship's captain and crew who are ready to help explain this riddle wrapped in a mystery at any time.
Insider Experiences
Travelmarvel's Russian waterways itineraries feature several "Insider Experiences", special or unique moments designed exclusively for their guests. These experiences range from welcome drinks on board the ship in St Petersburg, to lessons in the Russian language while cruising on the Neva River, to a beautiful farewell dinner bathed in the city lights of Moscow.
Your room is always ready
Seven cities in 10 nights: it's the perfect way to gain an understanding of Russia, to see what this country has to offer, but it could also be quite tiring if you were constantly packing and unpacking bags, checking in and checking out of hotels. Aboard a river cruise, however, you're not. You check in once, and you unpack once. Your room stays exactly the same for the entire trip. The only thing that changes is the scenery outside the window.
Access Kizhi Island
One of Travelmarvel's most exciting Insider Experiences is the chance to visit Kizhi Island, in the centre of Lake Onega, part of the semiautonomous Republic of Karelia. Pay a visit to the Church of the Transfiguration, a three-tiered wooden structure built in 1714 without the use of a single nail. This UNESCO heritage listed site is one of the most impressive in Russia, as well as being one of the most difficult to access.
Onboard entertainment
There's never a dull moment aboard the MS Kronshtadt, regardless of the time of day. There are games for passengers to play at any time, plus nightly entertainment, including traditional songs and dances. During the day there are lectures by local guides to attend, as well as language and culture tutorials, plus there's plenty of opportunity to socialise with your fellow travellers.
Experience the grandeur of St Petersburg and Moscow
It's difficult to imagine the true grandeur of St Petersburg and Moscow until you arrive, until you see the history of the Czars writ large in the palaces and theatres, the mansions and galleries. In St Petersburg you have the likes of the Hermitage Museum, as well as the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, and the Mariinsky Theatre. In Moscow there's the famous Kremlin, St Basil's Cathedral, and the Pushkin Museum. Bucket list sights, one and all.
Small groups, big experiences
The MS Kronshtadt can hold a maximum of 220 passengers, meaning these cruises are small enough to be personal, while large enough to ensure value for money. Though group sizes are small, there's no shortage of facilities on board the boat, including several restaurants and bars, a library, and even a beauty salon.
Time to relax
This is the truly great thing about river cruising: time spent travelling between cities is never time wasted. In fact this is the good stuff, when you have the chance to relax on the MS Kronshtadt's Sun Deck, taking in the sights of Russia as they slide gradually by, or spend time at one of the onboard bars admiring the view out the window. There's nothing else to do at these times but relax and enjoy.
This article was produced in association with Travelmarvel. Discover Russia's magnetic beauty – from its unique waterways to breathtaking opulence. Travelmarvel gives you the freedom to explore this wondrous country at your leisure.
For more information visit travelmarvel.com.au/discover/russia-2018, call 1300 208 712 or contact your travel agent.
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