3-Star Russian River Cruise – St. Petersburg, Golden Ring & Moscow – 11-Day CR-01

Opt for the 11-day CR-01 to experience the most engaging mix of city sights and river views, from St. Petersburg to Moscow, with yaroslavl and other Golden Ring towns along the way.

Onboard, a friendly crew and clean cabins provide comfort after day trips; also most days combine guided visits with time to wander a cathedral square or sip a cocktail by the river.

This route reveals russias heritage, which connects iconic landmarks, monasteries, and crafts through the river corridor.

In yaroslavl, you’ll discover wooden architectural gems and a bustling market; a monastery visit offers quiet reflection, and in port towns you can taste kebab from street grills where locals gather.

The itinerary travels from the Baltic-flavored city west to Moscow, sailing through calm river bends and lake-like expanses that reflect the sky, with services like guided tours, airport transfers, and 24/7 assistance.

From St. Petersburg’s imperial sites to Moscow’s Red Square, the plan blends onshore walks with downtime aboard a 3-star ship, and cocktail lounges let you unwind with new friends.

Secure your cabin now and enjoy best-value rates with early-bird offers, where wherever you dock you’ll find friendly services and easy day trips that fit your pace.

3-Star Russian River Cruise: St. Petersburg, Golden Ring & Moscow – 11-Day CR-01; 2026 Accommodation Updates

Recommend CR-01 for 2026: this 11-day river cruise between St. Petersburg, the Golden Ring and Moscow blends heritage sites with village charm, while 2026 accommodation updates provide refreshed 3-star comfort along the Volga route.

• 2026 accommodation updates include refreshed city-center properties with air conditioning, upgraded en-suites, and a compact residence feel; wooden accents and thoughtful layouts create a charming and comfortable stay along the river, which also enhances the overall collection of experiences.
• Onboard services have been expanded, with more attentive crew, streamlined transfers, and a welcoming gala that celebrates russias heritage; guests will have smoother evenings and more time to mingle with fellow travelers.
• Transfer processes are clearer: arrival and ship transfer are coordinated to reduce wait times, so you can arrive and settle quickly into your cabin and onboard rhythm.
• Shore excursions feature authentic lifestyle moments, including picnics in scenic village settings and tastings that may include kebab or shish options during shore lunches, giving a real taste of local culture.
• Most excursions pair cultural highlights with relaxed moments, ensuring both city and countryside segments feel balanced for days on the water and on land; this program also offers flexible options for families and solo travelers alike.

1. Day 1 – arrive in petersburg, transfer to the ship onboard, and attend a welcome gala with fellow guests; the days ahead blend city exploration with river calm.
2. Day 2 – explore the city center, with a focus on the museum collections and historical architecture; the day ends with a scenic river view and optional onboard activities.
3. Day 3 – sail toward yaroslavl; visit a monastery and a wooden residence to feel the traditional craft that defines the region, then stroll through a charming village and enjoy a riverbank picnic.
4. Day 4 – in yaroslavl, delve intolocal heritage: more visits to artisan studios and a small museum collection, with free time to shop for keepsakes before returning to the ship.
5. Day 5 – stop at another Golden Ring town to see traditional churches and wooden houses; sample local snacks and participate in a short shore excursion that highlights regional culture.
6. Day 6 – glide along the volga, with stops that showcase rural life between cities; a midday picnic by the river provides a relaxed break and a chance to chat with fellow travelers.
7. Day 7 – continue along the river and explore another heritage site; the day includes a light guided walk, with optional crafts demonstrations and a small onshore market visit.
8. Day 8 – approach the Moscow region; transfer to a residence-style hotel for two nights, giving you direct access to historic districts and modern city life.
9. Day 9 – in Moscow, visit a museum or two and enjoy a walk through traditional neighborhoods; evenings offer optional performances and a chance to reflect on the collection of experiences from the voyage.
10. Day 10 – more Moscow experiences: optional metro ride, cathedrals, and artisan workshops; the onboard gala returns to celebrate the journey and the heritage shared by all travelers.
11. Day 11 – disembark and transfer to the airport or onward travel; you’ll leave with memories of cities, rivers, and village moments that define this perfect itinerary.

CR-01 Itinerary, Onboard Experience, and 2026 Accommodation Changes

Choose CR-01 for a balanced 11-day itinerary that combines stately cities, sacred cathedrals, and intimate village life along the Volga.

Itinerary overview: arrive in St. Petersburg and sail through the Golden Ring to Moscow, with most days spent on shore exploring museums, Orthodox churches, cathedrals, and heritage sites. In russia, Yaroslavl offers a riverside cityscape and wooden architecture; the Suzdal open-air collection showcases traditional crafts, and Vladimir and Rostov Veliky reveal centuries of stone-and-wood heritage. A village visit adds hands-on culture, and a lake stop provides a peaceful pause. Also, you’ll have an optional Orthodox tour path for deeper context, and a tasteful shish kebab snack can be enjoyed at select markets along the route.

Onboard experience centers on warm, efficient services, a cocktail hour with river views, and daily shore excursions that connect with local life. Fellow travelers share stories in the lounge, and onboard lectures illuminate Volga heritage and city histories. Meals mix traditional Russian dishes with international options, and special tours run for most interests. Also, optional tours include an Orthodox route, a city highlights walk, and a museum-focused visit in Vladimir and Yaroslavl.

2026 accommodation changes simplify upgrades for comfort and accessibility: new cabin layouts, larger showers, improved climate control, quieter operations, USB outlets, refined bedding, and wooden interior accents that evoke historic river ships. All cabins gain better storage and brighter lighting, while select suites add a balcony for perfect river views.

CR-01 Route Breakdown: St. Petersburg, Golden Ring, Moscow – Day-by-Day Snapshot

Choose CR-01 for a compact, 11-day itinerary that balances St. Petersburg’s imperial heritage with the Golden Ring’s traditional charm and Moscow’s iconic sights.

Day 1 – St. Petersburg: After a smooth transfer from the airport to the ship, you complete check-in and join a short onboard briefing. A relaxing evening cruise along the river sets the tone, with views of cathedrals and palaces reflected in the water, a perfect start to the collection of memories this tour will offer.

Day 2 – St. Petersburg: Your tour along the Neva begins with the most emblematic sites, including the Hermitage and St. Isaac’s Cathedral, followed by a visit to the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. You’ll see the city’s grand residence facades and learn how coastal canals shaped daily life in this heritage-rich metropolis.

Day 3 – Yaroslavl: Move along to Yaroslavl, a charming town perched on the Volga. A guided walk along the riverfront reveals ancient churches and traditional wooden houses, with time for a local lunch and a stroll through a quiet village where life stays connected to its roots.

Day 4 – Golden Ring village life: Cruise through a string of Golden Ring highlights, stopping in a village setting to sample a picnic by the river. This day blends monastic silence with a bustling market atmosphere, including a visit to a monastery and a glimpse at wooden crafts that reflect centuries of heritage.

Day 5 – Rostov Veliky and ancient heritage: In Rostov Veliky, you’ll tour the ancient kremlin walls and a nearby monastery. The tour emphasizes how sacred architecture and a church-centered life shaped daily routines, offering both solemn spaces and the chance to photograph iconic domes against the sky.

Day 6 – Suzdal and Vladimir: Explore Suzdal’s traditional townscape with its onion domes and wooden houses, then stop in Vladimir to view cathedrals that echo the region’s medieval power. Walk through quiet streets along the river and enjoy a relaxed lunch in a historic setting.

Day 7 – Through the countryside toward Moscow: The cruise profile shifts toward the capital region, where the riverbanks give way to broader vistas and a more metropolitan pulse. Along the way, your guide highlights the region’s collection of stories, from ancient trade routes to modern urban life.

Day 8 – Moscow: On arrival, you’ll begin with the Kremlin grounds and Cathedral Square, followed by a visit to the Red Square and Bolshoi-style vistas. The day includes a walk through the historic center, where the riverfront and modern arterials meet in a seamless, iconic tapestry.

Day 9 – Moscow, day two: This day focuses on the Orthodox heart of the city, including a reserve tour to cathedrals within the Kremlin and an option to visit a nearby monastery. You’ll gain insight into traditional Russian life and the way sacred spaces shape culture, with time for shopping in a curated onshore collection.

Day 10 – Sergiev Posad and optional excursions: A short trip to Sergiev Posad introduces you to one of Russia’s foremost monasteries, a place where centuries of prayer and craft meet. If you choose, another option covers a nearby village and its craft shops, offering a glimpse into daily life along the outskirts of Moscow.

Day 11 – Disembarkation and transfer home: After breakfast, you’ll arrange a transfer to the rail or airport, completing the voyage with memories of river passages, ancient towns, and the most vivid moments from both the Golden Ring and St. Petersburg to Moscow, including the onboard rhythm that made each day feel seamless and well-paced.

3-Star Cabin Options: What’s Included in Your Stateroom

Opt for a 3-star cabin with traditional wooden finishes and a smart, compact layout to maximize space and value, keeping you comfortable after busy days visiting landmarks between St. Petersburg, uglich, and Moscow, where river towns blend with ancient cathedrals.

Each stateroom includes a private bath with shower, premium linens, daily housekeeping, climate control, a safe, a hair dryer, complimentary toiletries, and a compact desk with a flat-screen TV, including a window or porthole to enjoy the view and the lake-side light when the ship glides by.

Onboard services deliver practical comfort: a cocktail hour on deck to chat with fellow travelers, friendly crew, and easy transfer coordination for shore visits. Wi‑Fi, a small library, and thoughtful storage help you settle in after a day ashore.

During excursions you will visit Transfiguration Cathedral in uglich and other Orthodox sights, where city et village moments meet. The cabin is the perfect base for exploring between landings, offering wooden interiors, comfort, and reliable onboard services for your Russia experience.

Shore Excursions: Must-Do Highlights in Petersburg, Golden Ring Towns, and Moscow

Choose a Petersburg highlight that blends the Peterhof fountains with a Neva river stroll and a lakeside village picnic. A guided local fellow will lead you to a quiet quay with expansive views, where you can enjoy a Russian cocktail as barges drift by. A brief stop at a transfiguration chapel adds heritage and a glimpse of traditional craft.

In Yaroslavl, stroll along the Volga embankment, visit an ancient monastery, and watch icons crafted in a traditional workshop. Relax at a lakeside cafe with kebab or shish, then savor a cocktail as you reflect on russias heritage and local hospitality.

Uglich offers a compact, charming village feel with an ancient monastery, wooden houses, and a riverside picnic. A guided walk reveals features of the town’s history and its distinctive church architecture, also making a strong Golden Ring stop.

Moscow presents a full day: Red Square, the Kremlin, and a panoramic view from Sparrow Hills, all narrated by a knowledgeable guide. When you arrive back onboard, enjoy a gala reception and cocktail hour featuring regional specialties; a quick stop for kebab or shish adds a flavorful finish to the day.

From Petersburg to Yaroslavl and Moscow, these experiences blend art, architecture, and flavor at a comfortable pace. Most features invite you to linger at highlights, capture memorable photos, and depart with practical tips for future trips.

Accommodation Updates for 2026: Refurbishments, Wi‑Fi, Dining, and Gratuities

Book a refurbished, mid‑ship cabin to arrive refreshed and stay connected as you travel from russia toward petersburg and the ancient towns along the route, including Yaroslavl, Uglich, and the lake‑strewn countryside. The most comfortable choice is a residence with upgraded furnishings and quieter nights, bringing charming touches to your stay aboard.

• Refurbishmentsat a glance: cabins receive wooden veneers, new mattresses, and enhanced lighting; bathrooms gain modern fixtures with improved water pressure; public spaces, including the lounge and dining areas, gain warmer tones and better acoustics to preserve heritage while reducing noise between decks.
• Onboard services: a refreshed reception desk, upgraded wardrobe storage, and refined signage streamline arrivals and disembarkation, helping you arrive at each port with more time to explore.
• Public spaces and navigation: redesigned circulation routes between the main lobby, the cocktail lounge, and the promenade deck make transitions smoother between days on board and shore visits.

Wi‑Fi upgrades deliver faster, more reliable coverage throughout the ship, including cabins, the dining rooms, and the bridge area. Expect through‑deck mesh networking that supports multiple devices per cabin, streaming during sea days, and stable connections for planning your next visit to Russia’s storied cities.

• Connectivity specifics: consistent signal in most cabins, with peak speeds during daytime hours at common gathering spots; port days see a brief dip commensurate with satellite handoffs, then quick restoration as you travel between ports.
• Practical tips: connect at the main dining room before peak service times, or use the dedicated Wi‑Fi zones near the theater for quick checks before a shore excursion to petersburg or a village visit near Uglich and Yaroslavl.

Dining updates enhance variety and timing, balancing on‑board convenience with authentic local flavors. A flexible seating plan accommodates both intimate dinners and larger gatherings, while menus incorporate fresh, regional ingredients from markets along russias heritage routes.

• Menu evolution: new seasonal options reflect local traditions, including lighter options for shore days and more robust, chef‑inspired plates for evenings on board. Expect more seafood selections, vegetarian alternatives, and kid‑friendly choices during port calls.
• Local experiences: select days offer on‑board demonstrations of regional cuisine, followed by a tasting cocktail menu designed to pair with the evening’s course collection.
• Onshore dining: curated picnic placements allow you to enjoy a lakeside meal during a day between towns such as Yaroslavl and Uglich, with fresh breads, cheeses, and smoked specialties like shish kebab segments from nearby villages.

Gratuities are simplified and transparent, with recommendations clearly posted at the front desk and on your in‑room information sheets. The new approach aligns with guest preferences while ensuring staff with most days of work distribution receive fair recognition for service levels onboard and ashore.

• Auto‑tip framework: a daily amount is suggested per guest, with higher tiers for suites and premium cabins. You can adjust or remove it at checkout if you prefer to handle tipping directly with individual staff members.
• Distribution and fairness: tips cover cabin services, dining room staff, and shore excursion crews; payments appear as a single line item on your cruise invoice for simplicity.
• Practical guidance: in practice, standard cabins may see a recommendation around the low‑to‑mid range per day, while larger accommodations and specialist staff receive proportionally more; you may choose to tip in local currency when you arrive in port cities such as petersburg and during visits to ancient cathedrals and Transfiguration sites.

For a 11‑day itinerary that visits petersburg, Yaroslavl, Uglich, and other historic stops, these updates translate into a smoother rhythm: more comfortable nights in refurbished cabins, stable Wi‑Fi that keeps you connected through shore plans, richer dining experiences, and a transparent gratuity structure that reflects the level of care you receive onboard and during visits to cathedrals, lakeside villages, and heritage sites.