YOUR DESTINATION
SPECIALIST
THE LOWER
VOLGA
14 days
The Caspian Sea to Moscow
The Caspian Sea
to Moscow
Departs 6th July,
2018
‘Off the Beaten Track’
in SOUTHERN RUSSIA
14 days on-board ‘Volga Dream’
Russia’s only 5-star
Boutique River Ship
Astrakhan, Volgograd,
Saratov, Samara,
Kazan, Nizhniy Novgorod,
Yaroslavl, Uglich, Moscow
Seize this Rare Opportunity!
Hosted & escorted by
Beth & Bob Malcolm
‘Off the Beaten Track’
in SOUTHERN RUSSIA
the Caspian Sea to Moscow
Your Hosts - Bob & Beth Malcolm
BETH & BOB MALCOLM, DIRECTORS OF TRAVEL MASTERS, ARE
CONSUMMATE TRAVELLERS WITH PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF EXOTIC
DESTINATIONS IN ALL CORNERS OF THE GLOBE.
THEY WILL BE HOSTING THE TRAVEL MASTERS PARTICIPANTS
ON THIS FABULOUS CULTURAL CRUISE.
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THE MIGHTY ‘MOTHER VOLGA’
Longest River in Europe, and Beloved National River of Russia
Cruising from the Caspian Sea to Moscow
On-board the beautiful 5-star ‘Volga Dream’
14 Magnificent Days - departing 6th July, 2018
Caviar Capital of the World (Astrakhan) to Russia’s Dynamic Capital (Moscow).
From the era of the Mongol Golden Horde to the more recent Soviet era,
the scenic communities of the grand Volga have been witness to
some of the most significant events in Russian history.
Cruise through dozens of huge locks and reservoirs, past quaint farming villages and
magnificent rural landscapes, discover iconic onion-domed churches, stroll through
medieval gems like Nizhniy Novgorod, explore the treasures of the Volga’s oldest
city, visit the world capital of caviar, experience diverse ethnic musical traditions at
lively folk music performances, explore Volvograd (formerly Stalingrad) the site of
the decisive eastern front battle of WW2, stand in Moscow’s Red Square and visit the
heart of the famous Kremlin. All this and much more, as you discover a special part
of our planet, off the beaten track in Southern Russia.
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‘Off the Beaten Track’
in Southern Russia
A totally different cultural holiday experience!
There is no other river cruise quite like
the Volga River Cruise. No cruise that
places you so completely in another
place and time.
Europe’s longest and largest river
stretches from Ivan the Terrible, to Peter
the Great, Catherine the Great, and on
to contemporary Russia. The country’s
central artery looks much like it always
has - orthodox churches, charismatic
villages, and people comprising scenes
similar to an old painting you may swear
you have seen in a gallery.
The boutique Volga Dream (just 100m
long) offers a touch of elegance, even
luxury. With 60 crew and just 100
passengers, Tsarist era comfort, the
latest technology, and superior service,
this ship is in a class of its own on the
Russian waterways.
You’ll find no hassles disembarking
at ports of call, and no delays at meal
times. Cruising the iconic Volga offers
exquisite experiences as you explore
the hauntingly beautiful regions of this
enigmatic country, enhanced by an
on-board history and culture lecture
program.
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Highlights
of this Intriguing Cultural Cruise
Astrakhan
• Bread, salt & vodka welcome ceremony
• Tour of Astrakhan fortress, built in the reign of Ivan
the Terrible
• Lecture, and private tasting of, famous Astrakhan
black caviar.
• Local folk performance.
Volgograd (ex Stalingrad)
• Visit the important sites of the WW2 decisive
Eastern Front battle
• Stalingrad Battle panorama museum
• Russian cooking class
Saratov
• Celebrated home town of Yuri Gagarin Russia’s
first cosmonaut
• Radishev Art Museum
• 1st Russian picture gallery outside Moscow
Samara
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Visits to the Space Museum
Samara State Art Centre
Volga River barbeque on the open deck
Kazan
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Exploration of this centre of Tartar culture, capital
of Tartarstan
• Visits to the white-walled Kremlin, famous Mosque
Cathedral
• Concert by a local Tartar folk group
• Piano concert, pieces by Tchaikovsky &
Rakhmaninov.
Nizhniy Novgorod (ex Gorkiy)
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Explore this military city that was closed during
Soviet times
Learn of its history as a place of exile for political
prisoners
Walk the ramparts of the 16th century Kremlin,
spectacular views
Visit local elaborately painted medieval churches
Special Russian dinner with vodka tasting
Sailing Day
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Passing small villages, provincial towns, churches
& monasteries.
• Guest speaker on the unique history and traditions
of the Volga
Yaroslavl
• Explore the oldest of Volga River towns, UNESCO
World Heritage
• Visit spectacular Spassky monastery &
Transfiguration of the Saviour.
• Visit the richly frescoed Church of Elijah the Prophet
• Very special reception at the Governor’s House
• Enjoy a costumed Russian Tea Ceremony
Uglich
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Walking tour of this historic 16th century Golden
Ring city.
• Visit a 17th century treasure, the Chapel of Dmitry
on the Spilt Blood
• Choral music concert & beautiful iconostasis of
Transfiguration Church
• Watch a documentary film on the construction of
the Moscow Canal
Moscow
• Cruise the entire length of the famous & amazing
Moscow Canal
• Orientation tour of the vibrant cosmopolitan city of
Moscow
• Visit magnificent Red Square, Lenin’s tomb St
Basil’s cathedral
• Russia’s most important cathedral & famous
Novodevichi cemetery
• Visit inside the Kremlin & its beautifully frescoed
15th century cathedrals
• Visit the famous Armory Museum of tsarist
thrones, crowns & gifts of state
• Visit the extraordinary collection of Russian art at
Tretyakov gallery
• Explore the architectural splendour of Moscow’s
extraordinary Metro
• A very special lunch at an iconic local restaurant
Southern Russia
Europe’s largest river meanders through fertile
grass-lands before reaching the lush wetlands
of the Volga Delta where it drains into the
Caspian Sea. For centuries, the river nurtured
medieval citadels and trading posts, which
came to be established along its course during
Ivan the Terrible’s forceful expansion of the
Russian Empire in the 16th century. Fortified by
kremlins and enriched by trade along the river,
the settlements developed into glorious cities
adorned with grand mansions, churches and
state buildings.
Religion in all its forms was repressed during
the Soviet era, but most religious buildings have
since been returned to their communities. The
cultural revival that began after the collapse of
the Soviet Union in 1991 is in full swing. Since
Russia’s selection as host of the 2018 FIFA
World Cup, massive investment is being made in
infrastructure projects to modernize the region.
A melting pot of cultures, the southern regions
are inhabited by numerous ethnic groups, notably
the Tatars, whose roots can be traced back to the
10th century when Islam was first adopted. The
mosques and churches of Astrakhan and Kazan
are a testament to the harmonious relations
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between the various cultures here. The cities
across the region are a joy to explore.
Today, the Volga is a source of summer leisure for
locals who stroll along well-kept embankments
or sunbathe on the riverside beaches. In winter,
when the river freezes over, ice-hole fishing is a
popular pastime.
Exploring the Lower Volga
on-board ‘ Volga Dream’
14 days - July 6 to 19, 2018
ITINERARY OUTLINE
6th Arrive Astrakhan
7th Astrakhan
8th sailing day
9th Volgograd
10th Saratov
11th Samara
12th Kazan
13th Nizhniy Novgorod
14th Sailing day
15th Yaroslavl
16th Uglich
17th Moscow
18th Moscow
19th Departure day
The Mighty Volga
Almost 3,700 kms long, the Volga flows through
Central Russia to the closed basin of the Caspian
Sea. It is the longest river in Europe and the
longest river in the world that flows into a closed
basin. Eleven of Russia’s largest cities (including
it’s capital) are in the drainage basin. The river,
the ‘Mother Volga’, has a powerful symbolic
meaning in Russian culture and literature dating
back to the 12th century. The famous Volga
Boat Song is one of many songs devoted to the
national river.
Black Sea, hence the river is of great importance
to inland shipping and transport in Russia. All
the reservoirs have been equipped with large
double ship locks so that vessels of considerable
size can navigate from Moscow to the Caspian
Sea. Locks measure 290 metres by 30 metres.
Grain and oil have long been the principal cargoes
transported down the river, but historically the
river served as an important part of the trade
route from Scandinavia to Persia. Catherine the
Great offered incentives to foreigners to populate
and develop the region in the mid 18th century.
Many Germans responded, and today there is
still a minority known as the Volga Germans who
call the valley home. During the Soviet era a slice
of the region was turned into the Volga German
Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.
The Volga drains most of South-Western Russia.
The delta, the largest estuary in Europe, stretches
for 160 kms and includes as many as 500 channels
and smaller rivers. This is the only habitat in
Russia for pelicans, flamingos and lotuses. The
delta and the nearby Caspian Sea offer world
recognised fishing grounds, with Astrakhan
(which is 28m below sea level) as the centre of The valley of the Volga is steeped in colourful
history. During the Russian Civil War of 1918,
the world caviar industry.
both sides fielded warships on the Volga. The
The fertile river valley provides large volumes city on the ‘big bend’ in the Volga, currently
of agricultural products, wheat, and is rich in known as Volgograd, witnessed the Battle of
minerals. There is a substantial petroleum Stalingrad, probably the bloodiest battle in
industry in the valley. Many reservoirs, built human history. The Soviet Union and German
in the Soviet era, provide irrigation and hydro forces were deadlocked in a stalemate battle for
power. Incredible man-made waterways (the access to the river. By taking the river, Hitler’s
Moscow Canal, the Volga-Don Canal, and the Germany would have been able to move men and
Volga-Baltic Canal) connect the Volga to the supplies into Northern Russia and permanently
White Sea, the Baltic Sea, the Sea of Azov and the deny this oil and supply
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YOUR FLOATING HOTEL
VOLGA DREAM
ABOUT THE SHIP
The MS Volga Dream entered service after a
comprehensive two-year renovation. This elegant vessel
is designed in classic decor with a slight Russian touch,
and accommodates just 100 passengers. She is the best
choice for travellers seeking an intimate cruise experience
and personalized service.
Largest Staterooms and Suites on the Route
50 staterooms are located over four decks and range
from Standard Cabins to Deluxe Staterooms. On the
upper 2 decks - Promenade and Sun, you will find
spacious Junior Suites and a luxurious forward looking
Owner’s Suite, which has a private terrace and separate
exit to the open deck.
All cabins have a private bathroom with shower,
individually controlled air-conditioning and heating,
direct dial telephone, satellite flat screen television and
minibar. Additional comforts provided include bathrobes,
slippers, hairdryer, bathroom accessories kit, bottled
water (replenished daily) and welcome fruit basket.
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SHIP OVERVIEW
Decks: 4 / Passengers: 100 / Crew: 50
Panoramic restaurant with single-seating dining
Complimentary wine included with lunch and dinner
Panoramic lounge bar with live music
Sundeck with unobstructed views
Comlimentary tea and coffee station (24 hours)
Professional English-speaking staff
Wireless internet throughout / Library with internet
facilities
• Comlimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Boutique/Gift shop
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YOUR SPACE
Spread over three decks, the onboard facilities
include a delightful restaurant which accommodates
all guests in one sitting. The lounge is a pleasant
space for relaxation with large panoramic windows
and bar area.
On the large, spacious Sun deck you will find
comfortable deck furniture. There is also a library
which features board games, an outside bar with
comfortable deck furniture, fitness centre and sauna.
Satellite Internet is available throughout the ship via
the Wi-Fi connection.
YOUR DINING
The single sitting dining room offers the best of
traditional Russian cuisine and international choices,
accompanied by complimentary wine, beer and soft
drinks.
Every day a delightful buffet lunch or set menu choice
is served in the restaurant. Dinner is a served four or
five course meal. Onboard there is also a luxurious
lounge and bar where a pianist plays each evening,
and afternoon tea is served each day.
The Volga Dream Difference
• Maximum of 100 guests, half the size
of standard Russian cruise ships
• Daily sightseeing
• Arrival and departure transfers
Those Little Extra Touches
LIFE ABOARD
• Beer/wine & soft drinks with Lunch/
Dinner
• Reception at the Governor’s House in
Yaroslavl
• Russian Tea Ceremony and cooking class,
Vodka appreciation tastings, on-deck BBQ.
• Russian language lessons and Russian
Fine Arts and History lectures
Of special pride are the speakers who are genuinely
connected to Russia by their present professional
interest. You will learn about Russia’s modern history,
lifestyle, education and employment and will have
plenty of opportunities to ask questions and receive
comprehensive answers.
Volga Dream is the first Russian river boat to adopt
SOLAS-2010 rules. Requirements for all ocean going
liners, SOLAS (Safety Of Live At Sea) is an international
standard which ensures the safety regulations are
strictly observed and the vessel is equipped with
necessary safety equipment.
The MS Volga Dream has plenty to keep you occupied
between trips ashore. A diverse range of onboard
activities include cooking demonstrations, Russian
language lessons, documentary films, Tchaikovski
and Rachmaninov piano concerts, matrioshka
painting classes and Russian costumed dinner with
vodka tasting.
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SAFETY MATTERS
DECK PLAN & CABIN COSTS
FOR VOLGA DREAM
Standard (Cabin Deck)
$4,925
per person
Superior (Main Deck)
$5,575
per person
Deluxe Double (Sun Deck)
$5,950
per person
Deluxe Double
(Promenade Deck)
$6,150
per person
Junior Suite (Sun Deck/
Promenade Decks)
$6,850
per person
Deluxe Junior Suite (Sun
Decks)
$7,625
per person
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
Standard Promenade Deck
$6,225
Deluxe (Sun Deck)
$6,625
BOOK EARLY TO SECURE YOUR CABIN CHOICE
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VOLGA RIVER BASIN
Europe’s longest river - Largest discharge - Largest watershed
Largest river delta in Europe - Some of the largest reservoirs in the world
Home to eleven of Russia’s twenty largest cities, including Moscow
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