The opulence of Russia awaits your arrival with its imperial cities and grand treasures, spectacular art and architecture, and vast political changes. From the glittering imperial cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow to the timeless towns along the Golden Ring, you'll experience Russia in all of its glory and splendor.

Discover the soul of Russia along the shores of the Volga

Sail along the "Mother Volga," as it has often been referred to in Russian folklore because it is said to flow in the heart of every Russian. Start your journey in glorious St. Petersburg, conceived by Peter the Great to take Russia from the "Dark Ages" into the "Enlightened Age." With art-laden galleries and museums, including the world-famous Hermitage, and the elegant Catherine's Palace in Pushkin, St. Petersburg will leave you mesmerized.

Before you reach the grand city of Moscow, you sail through history along the mighty Volga River and visit some of the most captivating cities of the Golden Ring - Uglich, Yaroslavl and Kostroma. Visit Kizhi Island with the spectacular Church of Transfiguration constructed entirely out of wood without a single nail. Step back in time to get a taste of the Russian countryside in Mandrogi, where you'll enjoy a traditional shashlik lunch, and experience daily Russian life in Kirillov.

The perfect ending of a delightful cruise

Discover Moscow with its ancient gold-domed monasteries, Red Square, the Kremlin, the Armory and St. Basil's Cathedral. Take a ride on the Moscow Metro and be amazed by its unique stations elaborately decorated with art work ranging from mosaics to sculptures to stained glass, and stroll through GUM, the great department store, with over 350,000 customers a day.

There is so much to see and do, and with Uniworld's native Russian Cruise Managers, you'll get inside tips on history, culture and contemporary Russia. Experience the grand sweep of Russia of today and yesterday as you cruise the Volga on a rewarding and enlightening journey into the glorious cities of Imperial Russia.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Travelers looking to experience a grand tour of Russia with some of the world's finest art and distinctive architecture, the opulence of St. Petersburg and Moscow, and tucked-away villages with old world charm and warm friendly people.

Note: Cruising in Russia is a wonderful experience and while the MS Litvinov is a friendly, Russian-style ship that offers comfortable amenities, it doesn't have the same amenities as a Uniworld company-owned ship.

Cruise Highlights include: