The cityis situated on the islands in the delta of the Volga river. The greatest part of its territory lies below the spring flood levels of the Volga, so dams were built in many places. There are more than 30 bridges in the city. In ancient times Astrakhan was called "The venice of Asia".
Cheboksary was first mentioned in written sources in 1469, when Russian soldiers passed here on their way to the Khanate of Kazan. In 1555, the Russians built a fortress and established a settlement here. At the end of the 17th century, Cheboksary was regarded as a major commercial city of the Volga region. Cheboksary also was noted for its 25 churches and four monasteries, and Cheboksary bells were known in London and Paris.
Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan which is often called the “Pearl of the Central Volga region”. Numerous masterpieces of architecture – the unique “Leaning Tower of Princess Suumbike” – an analog of the Pisa Tower, the Kremlin, Moslem Mosques and minarets, magnificent Orthodox churches and cathedrals make this city a special attraction for the tourists
One of the loveliest cities of the Golden Ring, Kostroma is certainly a highlight of the cruise. The pride of Kostroma is the museum at the former Ipatyevsky Monastery founded in the 14th century by the Zernov family, the forebearers of the Godunovs. The crypt of the Monastery became the Godunov burial vault. Kostroma is the only Russian city retaining the classical layout of the 18th/19th centuries, with streets and boulevards fanning out like the spokes of a wheel from a central square.
The capital of Russia since the late 15th century, Moscow has always been a popular destination. During your stay, you will have an opportunity to see city’s world renown attractions that include the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Kremlin, St. Basils Cathedral and the Church of the Ascension at Kolomenskoye, all dating from between the 14th and 17th centuries. The options for sightseeing, the local guides will offer you in Moscow, include Red Square; the Tretyakov Gallery; the National Museum of Russian Fine Art; the Moscow Metro; and a tour of the Armoury with its spectacular and priceless collection of royal jewels, crowns, thrones, and armour of the czars. For groups, an additional optional evening entertainment and tours are available, and you are welcome to take a Moscow by Night city tour, or attend a circus or theatre performance.
Founded in 1221, this city was a famous meeting place where people from the Orient, Siberia and Turkistan came to barter and trade. Formerly named Gorki, it was later home of political exiles and therefore closed to outsiders for many years. Nizhny Novgorod has only recently opened its doors for visitors, where many well preserved memorials from the 13th and 14th centuries are found. Of special interest is the ancient Kremlin cathedrals, convents and the palace of the early ruling family.
Ples (Plyos) is a town and the administrative center of Privolzhsky District of Ivanovo Oblast, Russia, situated on the right bank of the Volga River some 70 kilometers (43 mi) north-east of Ivanovo. The town was founded in 1410 by Vasili I as a border post of Muscovy.
The southernmost part of Russia’s Steppes was an 18th century Cossack outpost and trading center. Today this “Gateway to the Caucasus” leads to the Ukraine and is an industrial and agricultural center. Its magnificent parks and beaches, theaters and museums, and unusual botanical gardens with vast collections of rare and beautiful plants make Rostov a most attractive city on the Don River.
Founded in the 16th century Samara is today an important industrial
and cultural center of the region. Formerly known as Kuibyshev, the city played a big role in the Peasant Uprising of 1670 under Styepan Razin and again in 1773 under Yemelin Pugachev. Recently Stalin’s bunker was discovered here and opened to the public.
A beautiful city surrounded by outlying villages, Saratov was settled by Germans in the 18th and 19th centuries. Chernyshevsky, the famous Russian writer and democrat was born here and Yuriy Gagarin, the world’s first cosmonaut was a member of the Saratov Flying Club.
Founded in 1593, the stanitsa (Cossack village) Starocherkasskaya used to be the Don Cossack capital. Once a fortified town of 20 000, it’s now a small village, with streets restored to their late 19th century appearance and still keeping the atmosphere of the past.
Uglich is one of the oldest Russian towns, and a place of a pilgrimage of Russian Czars. According to a local legend its origin goes back to back to 937. During the guided walking tour you’ll visit the magnificent five domed Transfiguration Cathedral and Church of Czarevich Dmitri on the Blood – build to commemorate the most famous event in the town's history – a mysterious death of the 7-year old Czarevich Dmitri, the last scion of Dimitriy Rurik dynasty. Return to the ship, departure, dinner on board entertainment.
Stretching along the Volga River for 43 miles is Volgograd. This thriving center was built as a living monument to the valor and courage of the defenders of Stalingrad during World War II, whose steadfastness created a major turning point of the war.
A sightseeing tour of a port town of Yaroslavl will include old city canter, a UNESCO world heritage site, and the beautiful Transfiguration Monastery, dating back to the 16th century. You will also stop at the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, and have an opportunity to see its famous 13th century frescoes.
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