With the completion of the impressive Moscow-Volga Canal in 1937, the capital was finally linked to the great system of waterways that runs from St. Petersburg on the Gulf of Finland all the way to As­trakhan on the Caspian Sea. As a result, it is possible today to follow the entire trade route along the Volga, from Moscow all the way to Astrakhan, the ancient capital of the Tatars. While cruising you will sail along almost the entire length of the Volga River to the edge of the Caspian Sea.

ASTRAKHAN

Astrakhan is a unique blend of East and West. To the west of the city lies the Kalmyk Republic, a small slice of Asia lying entirely within the European continent. The Kalymks (who follow the Tibetan Gelupka Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism) settled there after arriving from Mongolia in the 17th century. Meanwhile, just to the east of the city is Russia’s border with Kazakstan.

VOLGOGRAD

The city originated to defend the southern border of tsarist Russia. The city gained its new name of Stalingrad (literally: “Stalin city”) in 1925 because Stalin’s allegedly decisive leadership there during the Russian Civil War became legendary. The Stalingrad area became the site of the Battle of Stalingrad.  Volgograd remains a virtual remembrance of things lost, dotted with landmarks honoring the dead. The most famous geographical attraction is Mamayev Hill, which saw the worst fighting of the battle. The hill is dotted with sculptures devoted to those who died, and topped with the magnificent rendering of “Mother Russia,” at 52 meters high, the world’s largest freestanding statue.

SARATOV

Saratov is located in the heart of Volga River Valley Region. The name Saratov comes from the Tatar word Sary-Tau (Yellow mountain). During its 400 year history Saratov has served as the crossroads for many historical events and outstanding people.

SAMARA

Samara was founded  as a fortress to guard the river ways. The ciry is situated on the very beautiful placeon the left bank of the Volga river in the center of great steppe. Samara is one of the biggest cities of Russia.

KAZAN

The capital of the republic of Tatarstan, and a port at the confluence of the Volga and Kazanka rivers. Once a prominent Muslim city, Kazan remains a center of Tatar culture. The Kremlin´s oldest part of which dates from the 15th century; a 16th-century church; and two 18th-century mosques. Kazan was founded in the late 14th century and soon became the capital of a powerful Tatar khanate.

NIZHNI NOVGOROD

Located at the confluence of the Oka and the Volga rivers, Nizhni Novgorod has been an economical and cultural center of the vast Volgo-Vyatsky region and offers insights into life in Russia’s heartland. N.Novgorod known as Gorki from 1932 to 1990 was a closed city for the past 45 years.

KOSTROMA

Kostroma is as old as Moscow. Located on the left bank of the Volga River, it abounds in magnificent monuments of old architecture. Its picturesque suburbs have long been a source of inspiration for many Russian artists. The outstanding role which Kostroma played at certain periods in Russian history accounts for the art heritage to be found in the city today. At the confluence of the Kostroma and Volga Rivers rise the white stone walls and golden cupolas of the Ipatievsky Monastery. It was founded in the latter half of the XIII century to protect the approaches to the city from the upper reaches of the Volga.

YAROSLAVL

The city was founded XI century by prince Yaroslav the Wise on confluence of the Volga and the Kotorosli. Main sightseeing is well known for its beauty temples of XVII century, saved since “golden century” of Yaroslavl in the period when skilful architects and icon-painters were working here. Amazing are the frescoes of Il’ya the Prophet church situated on the main square , it is the original museum of Russian ancient paintings. Nikola Nadein church with carving gilded Ikonostasis executed in baroque style and unique fifteen-dome Ioan Predtechi church are among ceremonial monuments of the Yaroslavl architectural school.

UGLICH

Uglich is a town in the Yaroslavl province, a river port and a railway station. It produces clocks, watches, cheese and other milk products. Heavy machinery is repaired here. There is a hydroelectric station. The population numbers 39,000. The town has a museum of art and history.

MOSCOW

The city that never sleeps, the third Rome, the place that does enjoy diversity, the capital of Russia –Moscow. Moscow is the largest city of the great country with almost 11 million inhabitants. During your stay in this heterogeneous metropolis you will get to know the history of the city and to visit the most prominent sights of Moscow- the breathtaking Red Square with the beautiful ensemble of St.Basil’s cathedral and GUM, the Kremlin and its famous insides, Tverskaya street and the Bolshoi Theatre.