riverboat kidderminster

The charity making life better by water

Making life better by water

Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal

The Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal runs through softly undulating West Midlands countryside. It skirts around the edges of Birmingham without ever becoming truly urban.

Maximum boat dimensions

Free guides for fun days out

Looking for a perfect place to relax and unwind? Download your free regional guide today

Local to you

Show me places within...

Explore your nearest canals and ways to enjoy them Find walks, activities and more within:

...see our canal and towpath stoppages section here and check your route

The canal, known locally as the 'Staffs & Worcs', was one of the major routes of the canal age, and would have been constantly busy with coal boats. It now forms part of two cruising rings, and is one of the prettiest ways to explore the region.

At one end, it connects to the River Severn at the historic Stourport Basins in the Georgian town of Stourport. The southern reaches of the canal run close to the River Stour, which is an important wetland habitat. The canal near Kidderminster and Kinver has unusual sandstone 'cliffs'.

At its northern end, in Staffordshire, it runs through the wild pine woods and heathland of Cannock Chase. It then passes the grounds of the grand Shugborough Estate, before joining the Trent & Mersey Canal .

Days out on this canal

Bratch Locks form one of the prettiest groups of canal buildings on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal. Just the place for a great family day out in the country

Stourport was built as an inland port over 250 years ago. It’s the only town in Britain to be made as a result of a canal

Strolling on the 'Staffs & Worcs'

Follow one of our senior ecologists on one of his favourite waterside walks

The history

The Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal was promoted at the same time as the Trent & Mersey Canal , mainly by Wolverhampton businessmen, and it received its Act on the same day, 14 May 1766. James Brindley was appointed surveyor. Construction proceeded quickly, the southern section from Compton (near Wolverhampton) to the Severn opening in 1771, the rest of the canal northwards opening the following year.

The southern section served several ironworks, coal from the Ironbridge Gorge being brought down the Severn then up the canal. Much more traffic was gained when other canals joined the Staffs & Worcs: the Birmingham Canal at Aldersley Junction in 1772 and the Stourbridge Canal at Stourton Junction in 1779. Once the Trent & Mersey was completed in 1777, the northern section of the Staffs & Worcs became part of the canal route from Birmingham and the Black Country to the Mersey ports.

Stourport Basins

At Stourport a basin was made where coal from the Dudley Canal and manufactured goods were transshipped from narrow boats into Severn trows. The settlement here quickly grew into a town, with warehouses, inns, and industries such as boat-building, tanneries, ironworks and mills. Over the years, further basins were added.

The canal passed over a mile to the south of Stafford. A horse tramroad was opened from Radford wharf in 1805, and in 1816 the River Sow was made navigable up to the town and a connecting lock built. Another valuable link was made when the Hatherton Branch of the Wyrley & Essington Canal opened in 1841.

Some traffic was lost when the Worcester & Birmingham Canal opened in 1815, providing a more convenient route from Birmingham to the Severn. More was lost when the Birmingham & Liverpool Junction opened in 1835, with its shorter and easier route to the Mersey ports, but Staffs & Worcs were granted a compensation toll on all traffic passing to or from it.

Nevertheless, the canal continued to be prosperous. Unlike its neighbours, it was never sold or leased to a railway company, staying independent until nationalisation in 1948. The last regular commercial traffic was coal from Cannock to Stourport power station, which ceased in 1949.

See the latest news, events and wellbeing activities from our team in the West Midlands.

Stay connected

Sign up to our monthly newsletter and be the first to hear about campaigns, upcoming events and fundraising inspiration

Kidderminster Canal Walk

Kidderminster ordnance survey map - view and print off detailed os map, kidderminster open street map - view and print off detailed map, kidderminster os map - mobile gps os map with location tracking, kidderminster open street map - mobile gps map with location tracking.

The Weavers is a very good choice for some post walk refreshments. The canalside pub has a lovely garden area to sit out in on warmer days. It's a great spot to relax and watch the boats go by. The pub is set in a listed Georgian building dating from 1804 and also includes a cosy interior full of character. They do lovely�home-cooked pub meals�and have a fine selection of ciders and ales. You can find the pub at 40 Park Lane with a postcode of DY11 6TG for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The trails on the route make for an excellent dog walk. The area around Kinver Edge and Kingsford Forest Park are particular popular with dog walkers. In the National Trust Rock House Gardens at Kinver there are water bowls although they do need to be kept on a lead in this area. The on site NT cafe here and the Weavers pub mentioned above are also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The town is the administration centre for the wider�Wyre Forest District, which includes the nearby towns of�Stourport�and�Bewdley. Here you can try the Stourport to Bewdley River Walk and enjoy another waterside stroll along the River Severn on the Severn Way long distance trail. In the area you can also try the Stourport Circular Walk which visits the river and Hartlebury Common . Bewdley is in an excellent location for exploring the expansive Wyre Forest where there's miles of trails to keep you busy. Arley Arboretum is another gem of the area. Here you'll find well laid out footpaths taking you to towering Crimean Pines, a Magnolia Garden and an Italian Garden with water features and a pretty fountain. The Kinver Canal Walk starts in the village and will take you north along the canal to link with the circular Wombourne Railway Walk . Just to the north west of the town centre you can pick up the Habberley Valley Circular Walk . This will take you around a lovely nature reserve with woodland, grassland and heathland to explore. For more walking ideas in the county see the Staffordshire Walks page.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Lovely view of Kidderminster Lock, canal and St Mary's Church in the background

Canal view north of Kidderminster just below Wolverley lock and bridge. The level embankment obscuring the view across the River Stour is part of the Kidderminster Flood Alleviation programme, constructed in 2003/4.

�Limekiln Bridge, Staffs & Worcs. Canal, Kidderminster. Any evidence of a Limekiln has long since vanished, and clearly, the bridge has enjoyed better days. Some of the upper brickwork on both sides has been replaced by the rather unattractive metal sheeting.

Canal at Kidderminster. Much of the old industrial architecture has been demolished in the town, though the Slingfield Mill with its distinctive chimney shown here is now safe. Its ground floor is used as a retail outlet run by De Bradlei.

Canal near Cookley, Worcestershire. Private moorings on the right are available to residents of the holiday homes.

Kinver. A perfect summer's evening: boats moored up for the night, fishing in the still waters of the canal just below Kinver Lock.

Viewpoint at Kinver Edge. Looking south across Staffordshire into Worcestershire, the town in the centre of the picture is Kidderminster, and the Malvern Hills are visible on the horizon. Kidderminster is 5 miles away and the Malvern Hills are nearly 30 miles distant.

Dog walking in Kingsford Forest Park. The attractive Kingsford Forest Park is popular with many different types of visitor. These include walkers, naturalists, bird spotters, cyclists, horse riders, dogs and their walkers. Here two dogs take their human companion for a brisk trot. They are walking on the Horse Route as can be seen by the evidence in the foreground.

Memory Map Route

Lucy's Wednesday walks

Walks from around the West Midlands, its surrounding counties, and further afield. Updated at least weekly.

Tuesday 26 May 2015

Canal walking in may: kidderminster to stourport/mitton.

No comments:

Post a comment.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website.

• Search Terms
• Privacy Policy
• Virtual Tours Sitemap
• Cruising Routes

Welcome to https://www.ukcanalboathire.com!

• Cambridgeshire
• Monmouthshire
• Northamptonshire
• Staffordshire
• Stirlingshire
• Warwickshire
• Worcestershire
• 2 Berth Boats
• 3 Berth Boats
• 4 Berth Boats
• 5 Berth Boats
• 6 Berth Boats
• 7 Berth Boats
• 8 Berth Boats
• 10 Berth Boats
• 12 Berth Boats
• Maps & Guides
• Articles >
• Kidderminster

Canal Boating Article: Kidderminster

Visit kidderminster from the following marina(s).

• Alvechurch Marina

• Worcester Marina

• Gailey Marina

Located on the River Stour Kidderminster was a cloth producing town as early as in the 13th century. Kidderminster is most famous for it's carpets and this industry began in the town in the 18th century. Large scale production was made possible with the invention of the power loom and with the coming of the canal system.

Running through the town The  Staffordshire and Worcester Canal , built by James Brindley, allowed for cheap transportation of goods to other parts of the country.

The Carpet Museum – Situated in a grade II listed building originally used as a factory for carpet making the Museum's main attraction is a working power loom. You can experience hands-on the technical aspects of carpet production and visit the galleries to view the collections of machinery, artefacts and photographs.

Hartlebury Castle - A 13th century palace and once the home to The Bishops of Worcestershire.

Housed in the former servants' quarters the exhibits show the past lives of the county's inhabitants from the Romans to the present day. The Transport Gallery houses a large collection of vehicles including a fire engine, hansom cab, bicycles, carts and beautifully decorated Gypsy caravans. 'The Castle Kitchen' serves a wide range of refreshments from homemade cake and coffee to a filling main meal and uses many local ingredients as well as organic and fair trade products.

Wyre Forest - The area takes its name from The Forest of Wyre and was once a medieval hunting ground . The Forest now offers visitors a range of woodland walks and trails amongst ancient oaks woods. Go Ape on a course which trials through the trees, have hours of tree top adventure when you can climb 30ft up a rope ladder or Tarzan Swing into a giant rope net, zip wire through trees or tackle the high wire ropes.

Severn Valley Railway – Before you take your seats on the steam train visit the Railway Museum and the Coal Yard. Then climb aboard for a journey full of interest as you follow the meandering course of the  River Severn . Cross the  River Severn  over the Victoria Bridge, a massive 200-foot single span, high above the water. Disembark at one of the quaint country stations each one giving access to local villages and riverside walks.

West Midlands Safari Park – Follow the Discovery Trail which is designed to fascinate and intrigue Admire the swimming skills of the sea lions at the underwater viewing area and learn about some of the most amazing creatures that live in our oceans. If you are looking for non stop fun the park has a wonderful variety of fun rides and attractions to suit the whole family. Feel the fury of the Venom Tower Drop as it plummets back to earth or get well and truly soaked on the Zambezi Water Splash. 

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings - Home to a large collection of historic buildings which have been rescued from demolition and rebuilt. The collection includes farm buildings, a working windmill, industrial workshops and a prison cell block. The buildings are open for you to go inside and explore and they are surrounded by a traditional cider orchard, gardens, a farm pond and a wildflower meadow. 

Adjacent to the  Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal  the old commercial area of "Weavers Wharf" has been redeveloped and Springfield Mill has been converted into shops where you will find your favourite high street stores under one roof. Kidderminster offers a good selection of pubs, cafes and restaurants. Markets are held in the town on a Thursday and a Saturday and offer a good selection of local produce.

Information

• Information Articles
• Places of Interest
• Canals Information
• Rivers Information

Contact Info

UK Canal Boat Hire, PO Box 57, Budleigh Salterton, Devon, EX9 7ZN.

Walk Midlands

Kidderminster – Stourbridge

Distance: 12.8 miles, difficulty of the terrain: medium.

Get the route via: Ordnance Survey Maps

Walk in three counties across a hilly, wooded, red sandstone landscape, largely along canal towpaths, from Kidderminster to Stourbridge.

Getting Back

Stourbridge glass.

Stourbridge is amongst the westernmost towns in the West Midlands, sat at amongst the furthest extremities of the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, firmly a part of the Black Country’s green fringe.

The town, historically in northern Worcestershire, is named after the River Stour a tributary of the Severn which bisects it. From Stourbridge Wharf the little Stourbridge Cana l runs in a westerly direction following the Stour out towards the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal and Stourton not far from Kinver .

Stourbridge is nowadays considered one of the West Midlands more affluent towns, yet while it does not sit upon the Black Country goal seam, its past lies in hot, heavy industry as much as the places to its north and its east.

From the early 1600s Stourbridge became known for making glass, bricks and pottery. The kilns in which all three products were made heated by coal transported from the nearby collieries at places like Himley , Dudley and Halesowen . It was the need to transport in fuel and other raw materials which first brought the canals to Stourbridge in the latter part of the 18th Century.   

Over time the quality and variety of Stourbridge’s glass became renowned. Some small, specialist parts of the industry continue to this day, a small number of cone shaped furnaces continue to define the town’s skyline. Amongst the most prominent of them can be found at the recent refurbished and reopened glass museum . There is a glass biennial centred upon the museum which takes place every other year.

In common with other parts of the West Midlands, leafy suburbs and inner-city areas alike, Stourbridge has punched above its weight in terms of producing heavy metal and hard rock musicians. Famously, Led Zepplin’s Robert Plant (from West Bromwich) went to school there. Homegrown bands from Stourbridge include: The Wonder Stuff , Pop Will Eat Itself , Ned’s Atomic Dustbin , Diamond Head and Witchfinder General .

Though perhaps the most unusual thing about Stourbridge is its little town centre railway station. Almost uniquely in the UK let alone anywhere else in the Midlands Stourbridge retains a little single track branch line which runs from the Stourbridge Junction main line station, for a little under a mile, to the central Stourbridge Town Station adjacent to the bus station. Since 2009 this unusual line has been worked by a highly peculiar train. A little single car train powered by a flywheel called the Parry People Mover . Capable of carrying up to about forty people no other trains of this type are currently in public service anywhere in the world besides Stourbridge.  

This walk was created using Ordnance Survey Explorer. To subscribe and also get Ordnance Survey Maps on your phone, click the banner above.

This walk from Kidderminster to Stourbridge begins from Kidderminster Railway Station.

Upon reaching Kidderminster leave the station via the exits next to the booking office.

Once on the car park in front of the booking office, turn left and walk across the car park past the front of Kidderminster Town Station , the southern end of the Severn Valley heritage railway until you reach the side of a main road running down into Kidderminster.

When you reach the main road turn left and walk down the hill.

Presently you come to a major roundabout which you need to cross. There are subways situated around the edge of the roundabout. Walk down one of these and through the underpass tunnel into the grassy area at the centre of the roundabout.

Upon reaching the centre of the roundabout turn right and head up a subway tunnel on the far side.

Here you reach Kidderminster town centre. Walk straight ahead then turn left down a road, then right until you reach the corner beside Kidderminster Town Hall . In front of the Town Hall stands a statue of Rowland Hill Kidderminster’s most famous son, the inventor of the Penny Black stamp .

Here turn left and walk past Kidderminster’s bus station towards the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal . The canal runs north up around the Black Country and through Wolverhampton towards the Trent and Mersey . South it runs for around five miles down towards the River Severn at Stourport .

On reaching the canal through a gap between two units you come out onto the towpath. Upon reaching it, turn right.

Follow the path across the northern part of Kidderminster town centre.

Soon you come to a tunnel carrying the waterway beneath Kidderminster’s inner-ring road.

On the far side of the tunnel you come up just in front of St. Mary and All Saints’ Church which stands on top of a low hill.

Here the towpath switches sides from the right to the left bank of the canal. I opted to walk across the lock gate’s running board, but if this does not take your fancy then you can retrace your steps slightly heading back to the ring road bridge, and crossing to the other side here.

Once back on the towpath continue walking straight, crossing the River Stour and passing retail parks and a Royal Mail sorting office enroute to Kidderminster’s outer suburbs.

Presently, just after skirting the edge of a large recreation ground, you come to an estate of modern houses where the towpath curves around sharply to the right. 

The estate has been – not unattractively – clustered around the waterway.

Continuing along the towpath you walk through park land and flood meadows on the edge of Kidderminster.

Passing a lock gate you enter the countryside.

A short distance further on and you reach the village of Wolverley .

Opposite the heart of the village you pass underneath the main road and rise up to the level of a lockgate, passing the first of several tea rooms and kiosks you encounter on the way north.

Beyond Wolverley you walk along a tree lined stretch of canal. Here and there the River Stour is very close by.

Sections of the canal’s route were evidently hacked through the area’s red sandstone hills.

Continuing for several miles through a remote seeming area, albeit with cottages and farms situated here and there along the canal’s sides, approach the large village of Cookley .

On the edge of Cookley you pass an interesting industrial site, which looks like a foundry, or possibly some kind of fabrication or tubing works.

Just after the factory you reach the short Cookley Tunnel which you walk through.

On the far side you follow the towpath as it winds through the outlying parts of Cookley before heading out into countryside, once more.

The next stretch of canal is relatively straight and lacking in bends.

Presently you cross the boundary with Staffordshire, continuing along the waterway.

A little way after passing into Staffordshire, now nearing the large village of Kinver, famous for its dramatic and beautiful edge, now managed by the National Trust, you approach the little village of Whittington.

Here you clamber up either a short steep ramp or some steps onto a road, before continuing along the towpath on the far side.

You continue walking through Whittington and soon enter open country once more.

A little further and you approach Kinver and its smaller twin village of Dunsley . Off to the left you can see the tree covered, red sandstone, edge rising up, and St. Peter’s Church sat at the top of it.

Nearing the centre of Kinver you come to a road bridge with The Vine Pub next to the canal. Walk underneath the road by means of a towpath tunnel.

On the far side continue along the towpath. Soon you come to a gateway (presumably there to control access and stop this wide section of towpath becoming a thoroughfare) leading into a canal boat mooring area. As a pedestrian you are welcome to walk through, so continue straight ahead.

Presently you reach the end of the mooring area, now past Kinver and Dunsley, you approach a wooded section of canal.

Amidst the trees a small tunnel takes you through the thin end of a sandstone ridge.

Continuing along the waterway you approach Stourton where you leave the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal for the Stourbridge Canal running into Stourbridge town centre.

Passing the lock gates on the edge of Stourton next to the white painted Stewponey Wharf building you carry on along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal a little further.

Presently you reach the place where the Stourbridge Canal converges with the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.

Here turn right and cross a footbridge onto the Stourbridge Canal towpath.

Then carry on walking straight along the towpath passing a set of locks in the centre of Stourton, where the towpath switches from the right to the left hand side of the waterway.

Continue along the towpath leading out of Stourton.

Soon you are in the countryside between Stourton and Stourbridge.

Continue walking straight along the towpath.

Presently you pass a large meadow running uphill on the far side of the canal, where there is woodland to your left. This is right on the edge of Stourbridge.

Just after the meadow, now in West Midlands county, you start walking through the Stourbridge built up area.

Presently you cross the aqueduct over the River Stour and approach Wordsley Junction where the Stourbridge Canal bisects.

Upon reaching Wordsley Junction turn right crossing a footbridge to carry on along the line of the canal leading into Stourbridge town centre.

Continue along the towpath walking through suburban Stourbridge. You pass beneath several bridges and pass the Ruskin Glass Centre , where Stourbridge’s glass making tradition continues to this day.

Presently you cross a series of bridges, and round a sharp curve leading into Stourbridge Wharf.

Approaching Stourbridge Wharf the towpath ends and you start walking straight across a car park.

Carry on along a short stretch of road running past Stourbridge’s Bonded Warehouse and a couple of pubs.

This leads out onto the side of the busy A491, the lower reaches of Stourbridge High Street.

Here turn right and begin walking towards the town centre.

Soon the road dips down to an underpass. A mirror of the one which you walked through in Kidderminster right at the start of the walk and possibly evidence of Stourbridge’s historic ties to Worcestershire.

Turn left at the entrance to the underpass, then right once in the middle to reach the bottom of Stourbridge town centre and the high street.

Walk uphill passing Stourbridge’s historic Unitarian chapel dating back to the 1780s on your right, and the King Edwards Grammar School (where Robert Plant of Led Zepplin fame went to school) and soon you reach the centre of the town near the terracotta red brick town hall and a big branch of TESCOs.

This is where the walk ends.

From Stourbridge Interchange there are frequent buses to Birmingham, Wolverhampton and destinations through the Black Country, as well as a few services out into rural Staffordshire and Worcestershire. It is also possible to get the unique little Parry People Mover (ten minute frequency on weekdays and Saturdays, fifteen minute frequencies on Sundays) up the little branch;one from the Stourbridge Town Station (immediately adjacent to the Interchange) up to Stourbridge Junction on the main line. From here trains run half hourly to Kidderminster, as well as into Birmingham via the southwestern Black Country, and Jewellery Quarter Station. There are hourly trains to Droitwich and Worcester via Kidderminster, as well as occasional Chiltern Railways services as far as London.    

By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and Mailchimp to receive a monthly newsletter email from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

Share this:

Published by.

View all posts by Josh Allen

• Visitor Attractions
• Hotels & Accommodation
• Restaurants
• Business Guide
• Community Photo Gallery Local News Local Towns & Villages Twin Towns Husum / Nordsee in Germany Local Books Clubs, Theatres, & Assocs Rose Theatre - Kidderminster Acting For Charity Theatre Name Meanings Birthday Meanings Links
• History Timeline-A History of Kidderminster On this day in Kidderminster's History Historic Sites in Kidderminster Famous People from Kidderminster Local History Articles Trace Your Ancestors
• Travel Other Towns / Cities Irish Ferries Travel Money Daily Travel Deals Book Hotels - UK & Worldwide Book a Taxi Train Information & Tickets InterRail Tickets (Europe) National Express Coaches Coach Holidays Flight Information & Tickets P & O Cruises Airport Parking & Hotels Budget Car Hire Travel Insurance Currency Convertor
• Kidderminster ,
• Worcestershire

Welcome to Kidderminster

Weather forecast, local news 29 aug 2024, kidderminster videos, the abc of railways: k is for kidderminster.

Scenes from several visits to KIDDERMINSTER in Worcestershire over a 19 year period to see the trains of the Severn Valley Railway alongside those of ....

Severn Valley Railway Spring Gala 2012

The Severn Valley Railway Spring Gala 2012 was set to be big! With 5 visiting engines, the spring event looked magnificent from the outset...and it de....

Severn Valley Railway Journey From Kidderminster To Bridgnorth [HD]

Severn Valley Railway Journey From Kidderminster To Bridgnorth which was filmed in August 2011.....

This site uses cookies. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details.

Wilden Marsh

Know before you go

Parking information, grazing animals.

Visitors may walk along the river bank (grass path) as far as the first gate in the nesting season and as far as the gate marked 'private' out of nesting season.  Be careful of the river banks and do not walk onto the marsh or go through side gates. Download our map of the marsh for more information.

When to visit

Opening times, best time to visit, about the reserve.

Wilden Marsh consists of a series of dry and marshy fields with small alder and willow woods, reedbeds and drainage ditches – all with different flora and fauna. 

The marsh, fed with water from nearby springs, lies on alluvial soils over impervious clays.  It provides wet grazing land and, when possible, cattle are put onto the land to keep down the coarser plants and limit invasive scrub. Many of the old willows are pollarded on a cycle of about every 20 years. Marshland is becoming increasingly scarce in Worcestershire and this reserve contains many plants now uncommon elsewhere including marsh cinquefoil, marsh arrow-grass, marsh pennywort, lesser water parsnip and southern marsh orchid.

192 species of bird have been recorded on the reserve and include those typical of wet scrub including warblers.  River species such as kingfisher are seen and it may be possible to see buzzard or any of the three species of woodpecker.  Snipe and water rail are occasionally seen by volunteers working on the marsh.

The wet nature of the reserve was severely damaged by deep dredging of the Stour and the removal of a downstream weir in the 1970s.  The resulting drying out of the marsh and significant reduction of plants has hopefully been reversed.  Together with the Environment Agency and Natural England, in 2010 we installed two rock ramps into the river which have raised water levels here without increasing flood risks elsewhere.  We’ve also undertaken sluices and ditch work and will be monitoring changes to the reserve on an ongoing basis.

During the bird breeding and nesting season please abide by signs requesting visitors to leave areas undisturbed across the nature reserve  

Bigger, better and more joined up

We believe that a landscape-scale approach to wildlife conservation is essential. Wildlife needs space to adapt and move to cope with the consequences of climate change. Practically, this means that we need our countryside to be bigger, better and more joined up to provide a coherent network of large areas linked by corridors that can provide benefits for people as well as for biodiversity.

Wilden Marsh is important in demonstrating wetland restoration methods and monitoring to organisations and individuals.  It is part of a string of wildlife sites along the Stour and nearby canals and there are long-term opportunities for providing a community-focused site for nearby urban populations

• European otter
• Grass snake
• Lesser redpoll
• Marsh cinquefoil
• Lesser water-parsnip

Location map

Nearby nature reserves.

The Devil's Spittleful by Wendy Carter

The Devil's Spittleful and Blackstone Farm Fields

Bishop's Field by Andy Harris

Bishop's Field

Knowles Coppice

UK Canal Boating

Nationwide canal boat hire specialists.

Kidderminster

Category : Places

More Canal Boating Articles

Holiday Bases

Places to visit.

Cruise Routes (Interactive Map)

Request a quote download brochure

Russian River Cruises

• Find your cruise
• Moscow — St. Petersburg
• Moscow — Astrakhan
• Astrakhan — St. Petersburg
• St. Petersburg
• Cruise Highlights
• News & Travel Tips

Russia is again welcoming travelers!

• A negative PCR test is all that's needed to enter Russia
• Regular flights are now operating to / from Russia
• Visas can be issues quickly (Volga Dream provides your invitation)
• All Volga Dream personnel and guides are fully vacinated
• Bookings are transferable without penalty for 12 months
• Volga Dream arranges PCR-tests if needed for your outbound flight

Check our COVID-19 Policy page to learn more.

Lorem Ipsum

Luxurious river cruises in russia.

Explore authentic Russian cities. Enjoy premium service and engaging activities as you sail the Volga River.

2022 Cruise Season

Join our signature small group journeys and cruise in luxury along the Russian Volga river!

The Russian Odyssey

An extended 'South to North' view of Russia from Astrakhan to St. Petersburg through Moscow.

Explore Moscow, St. Petersburg and Russia’s Golden Ring in greater depth. Stay at gorgeous Four Seasons hotels. Enjoy special access to iconic cultural sites.

Lower Volga

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience cruising the Volga river from Moscow to Astrakhan. The tour includes 2 nights in Moscow.

Find Your Cruise

Select destination Moscow — St. Petersburg Moscow — Astrakhan Astrakhan — St. Petersburg

View all months

A Volga river cruise is more than a geographical voyage; it’s also a journey through Russia’s rich and captivating history. No other experience takes you so completely to another place and time. The Volga is Europe’s longest and largest river; it meanders through the stories of Ivan the Terrible and his rise to power, the two historic ‘Greats’ Peter and Catherine, and then on into today. It’s a unique opportunity to see modern Russia in the context of its intriguing history, ably assisted by friendly and professional academics and tour guides. A Volga Dream Russian river tour promises to leave you with an unforgettable afterglow of fond memories.

Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise

Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia’s best-known cities, but the towns of Russia’s historic Golden Ring are delightful too. The luxurious Volga Dream offers a unique opportunity to visit these Russian gems by sailing gently along the Volga River on an unforgettable cruising experience. In small, exclusive groups you’ll enjoy preferential access to some of Russia’s most significant cultural sites.

Moscow to Astrakhan River Cruise

Your River Cruise on the luxurious MS Volga Dream takes you from Moscow along Russia’s grand Volga River to the legend that is Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) and Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea. Along the way, you’ll discover the treasures of Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga, medieval Nizhniy Novgorod and beautiful Kazan, the ancient Tatar capital. We plan our tour carefully to combine the very best of Moscow with a world-class Volga River cruise.

Discover Russia with MS Volga Dream - Click-through map

We love hearing from guests about their time in Russia and one comment often hear is how surprised people are by the Russian capital. We can’t say for certain what people expected but we do know that it’s always far removed from what they imagined! It’s been called a modern metropolis, a cosmopolitan city, an historic gem, an architectural treasure and a cultural powerhouse, among other descriptions. Majestic Moscow has always surprised our guests and left them with lasting and fond memories.

Russia’s famous Golden Ring is an archipelago of historic towns surrounding Moscow. Uglich is one of the oldest and was founded under Igor, the last Varangian prince. It once resisted the Mongol invasion and its ancient walls saw the grisly murder of young Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible. The impressive Church of St. Dmitri on the Blood, with its classic onion domes and blood red walls, is a fine example of classic Russian architecture. The tour ends with an enchanting choral concert.

This, the oldest city on the Volga River, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a wealth of ancient orthodox treasures. The impressive Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John’s apocalyptic visions can be seen in the Spassky Monastery. The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet is decorated with an awe-inspiring selection of rich frescoes. For a real taste of pre-revolutionary Russia, visitors are entertained by a costumed reception at the Governor’s House.

Close to the shores of White Lake once were the ‘tsar’s fishing grounds’. It lies in a place so serene that ancient monks chose to build no fewer than three holy sites here, including the Ferapontov Monastery. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its chapels boast magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. The Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery was a refuge for many nobles during tumultuous times and later a fortress that successfully repelled invading armies.

The Karelia region is a vast and naturally beautiful wilderness that spreads all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle. The glorious island village of Kizhi consists almost entirely of the traditionally styled wooden buildings of ‘Old Russia’. Among them is the famous Transfiguration Church built in 1714. Remarkably, and in testament to the craftsmen of the time, not a single nail was used in its construction! Kizhi is one of the favorite stops on the river cruise to St. Petersburg.

A typical rural hamlet brought to life by warm and welcoming villagers. Volga Dream guests are invited into local homes to enjoy classic Russian fare, tea with jam and ‘pirozhki’ (pies). Enthusiastic hosts share Russian traditions and the appeal of village life while proudly showing off their scrupulously kept homes and kitchen gardens. The tour continues with a brief bus ride to see a unique World War II memorial and then, for a real glimpse of Russian life, a visit to a local primary school.

Nizhny Novgorod

This was once a wealthy city thanks to its proximity to rich eastern trading routes. During the Soviet era, the city was closed to outsiders because of its military importance. It’s also where many political prisoners were sent to live out their days in exile. The 16th-century Kremlin ramparts offer spectacular views and the city is known for its elaborately decorated churches. For Volga Dream cruise guests, the highlight of the day is an evening folk concert performed by local children.

Sailing along the Volga river, the riverbank gradually ceases to be dominated by Orthodox churches. Instead, beautiful mosques appear as the river crosses into Tatarstan where the first stop is scenic Kazan, the region’s capital. Inside the white walls of the citadel, the famous Kul Sharif mosque and the old Cathedral of Peter and Paul stand side-by-side symbolizing the two faiths’ long and peaceful coexistence in the region. A concert of traditional Tatar music ends the Volga Dream tour in Kazan.

Passing the Zhigulevskie Mountains offers wonderful views from the sundeck before touring the city. One of the key attractions is the fascinating Space Museum, which offers a revealing glimpse of how the Soviet Union pursued its ambitious journey to the cosmos. The town is also noted for its beautiful esplanade, perfect for a relaxed stroll beside the Volga river. This in turn leads to the Samara State Art Museum. Founded in 1897, it is home to a collection of more than 16,000 works of art.

This city is best known for its close associations with cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin. The Russian hero who achieved worldwide fame as the first man in space lived and studied here. Saratov used to be home to a large German community, a heritage that can still be seen in the local architecture. The Volga Dream tour visits the Radishchev State Art Museum, the first picture gallery in Russia outside Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Originally called Tsaritsyn, the city was renamed Stalingrad from 1925 to 1961 in honor of the USSR’s leader. During World War II, the city’s residents put up a heroic defense, repelling an advancing Nazi invasion. The battle for Stalingrad has gone down in history as a pivotal moment in the bloody conflict on the eastern front. The most ferocious and deadly fighting took place on Mamayev Hill, where an imposing memorial now stands close to the excellent Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Saint Petersburg

If Moscow surprises, then St Petersburg delights. Peter the Great founded the city to showcase Russia’s newfound enlightenment. He wanted to show the modern world a cultured and advanced society. In short, he built the city to impress and in that he succeeded splendidly! The striking buildings were designed by some of the finest architects Europe had to offer and even now, the ‘Venice of the North’ never fails to enchant with its spectacular buildings and impressive canal network. It is a city of true grandeur.

Cocktails with the Captain

Commanding any ship is a complex role that calls for a long list of skills. Captains know their vessels inside out as well as well as the routes they sail and when things don’t go to plan, they have to make instant decisions. Above all though, the most important part of the job, underpinning everything they do, is to keep the ship and everyone aboard safe. The Captain’s cocktail party is a great and a wonderful opportunity for passengers and crew to get acquainted as the gets underway.

Matryoshka doll painting

There is nothing more typically Russian than a Matryoshka. It embodies the fact that there’s always something deeper to be found in every aspect of Russian life. Learning the traditional designs and techniques used to decorate these iconic dolls offers a pleasant diversion and some cathartic creativity!

Superb Service & Dining

Our restaurant serves the highest standard of international cuisine, freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. Choose either a sumptuous buffet or set menu for lunch while dinner is always four or five courses with full service. High praise for the exquisite quality of meals is yet another constantly recurring feature in feedback from our guests.

Meet the Professor

From the Mongol hordes to Soviet times, Russia’s history is, like all of Europe’s, a complex web of political intrigue, war and peace, trade and treaties, as well as heroes and villains. Academics devote whole lifetimes to studying Russia’s long past and one of them presents a series of lectures shedding light on everything from Gorbachev to Chekhov, Khrushchev to Ivan the Terrible and of course, contemporary Russia. Our Professor is on board throughout the river cruise for informal conversation.

Beginner’s Russian

The Russian language can be rather beautiful and poetic and we know that many seasoned travelers enjoy trying their hand at different languages. Our onboard teachers provide an introduction to the riches of Russian, so guests can try out a few useful words and phrases on real Russians during the exciting river tours from Moscow to St. Petersburg or from Moscow to Volgograd!

Russian tea tasting

The drink we tend to associate with Russia is vodka, but tea, in fact, is the much more universal beverage of choice throughout the country. Guests will get acquainted with the Russian tea etiquette, a fundamental component of the country's social culture, and enjoy the traditional tea ceremony while cruising from St. Petersburg to Moscow or taking a Grand Volga river tour.

Russian Dinner & Vodka Tasting

All our dining is international but for Russian Dining night, the Chef includes a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and no Russian table is complete without Borsch. To add to the ‘Taste of Russia’ optional Russian dress, or at least a touch of Russian style, is provided along with enthusiastic help from our staff!

Russian Cooking Class

A plate of pelmeni might not look like much to the untrained eye, but it forms the heart of Russian cuisine and culture. Basically, it's a type of dumpling: small portions of meat and onion wrapped in a thin sheet of unleavened dough and boiled, a little like ravioli. Guests can join a Russian cooking class onboard the MS Volga Dream to learn how to cook this delicious Russian dish.

Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov Piano Recital

Some of the greatest classical music ever written comes from Russia. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting stage for a virtuoso solo recital by our resident concert pianist than the mighty Volga or a better backdrop than the heart of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov’s own serene homeland.

Russian River Cruise Aboard Volga Dream

Moscow to St. Petersburg

Why Volga Dream

Family Owned & Operated

MS Volga Dream is Russia’s only family-owned river cruise ship. She can accommodate up to 100 guests, far fewer than most other cruise ships on the river making for a uniquely friendly and intimate atmosphere aboard.

Five-Star Central Hotels

We at Volga Dream are completely convinced that, our guests should stay in great 5-star hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg within comfortable walking distance of all the major attractions, theaters and restaurants, rather than having to waste time in traffic.

Luxurious Accommodation

The MS Volga Dream is the most intimate and elegant 5-star cruise vessel in Russia. She boasts 56 cabins, all river facing, ranging from comfortable Standard Cabins to spacious Junior Suites and the luxurious forward facing Owner's Suite.

Russian Cultural Experience

Explore Russia's past with the help of professional tour guides. Our on-board program includes fascinating talks on Russian history and politics, Russian language lessons, a festival of Russian cuisine (including vodka tasting!), and much more.

Gourmet Dining

Our on board restaurant serves international cuisine to the highest standard, all freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. For Russian Dining night, he prepares a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and Borsch.

Tailored Service

All our service crew members are native Russians who are fluent in English and handpicked by the Owner. Proudly, the Volga Dream is famous for her hard working and very hospitable personnel who take care of every aspect of your life aboard.

Download Our Brochure

It's never been easier to plan your next holiday in Russia. Download our free brochure to learn more about authentic Russian river cruises.

Escape the hassle and bustle and add a satisfyingly informative element to your trip and bring together a colorful mosaic of people, history, traditions,  religion, music and art. These are the many strands that time has woven into what is known today as Russia.

What people are saying

Jacqueline Lapwood

Great Britain

Rick Dowden

United States

Alexander Powell

Monique Verbrugge

Peter & Annemieke English

Philippa Calnan

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter and keep up to date with the latest offers, savings and news at Volga Dream

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Lines

Russian River Cruises

History, review, itineraries, ships, deck plans, news.

•   Fleet
•   Review
•   Itinerary
•   News

Russian River Cruises fleet

Ms pyotr velikiy.

MS Mustai Karim

Scenic Tsar

Viking Akun

Viking Ingvar

Ms general lavrinenkov.

MS Lunnaya Sonata

Viking Truvor

MS Yuri Andropov

MS Zosima Shashkov

MS Crucelake-Lebedinoe Ozero

MS Leonid Sobolev

MS Mikhail Sholokhov

Review of Russian River Cruises

CruiseMapper's "Russian River Cruises" hub provides detailed information on ships, itineraries, tours and prices on cruises along rivers and lakes in Russia. Here you'll also find concise info on the largest Russian cruise companies, including Vodohod , Mosturflot , Infoflot , Doninturflot-Orthodox , Imperial River Cruises Russia .

In the "Fleet" section you will find an extensive list or Russian cruise ships. By following each ship link you will find the ship's review, deck plans, scheduled itineraries and cruise pricing information. Live ship tracking is also provided on a digital map. It shows the vessel's current location, cruising speed and course.

In the "Itinerary" section you will find maps and day-by-day scheduled activities planned by Europe's largest cruise companies, also operating in Russia via chartered riverboats.

Volga River Cruises in Russia

Volga river cruising in Russia places you in another time. The longest and largest river in Europe stretches from Ivan the Terrible to Catherine the Great. Today, live along the central artery of Russia looks like it always has - the villages, the churches, the people, just like an old painting you have seen in a gallery.

The Volga flows through central Russia into the Caspian Sea and is often called the national river of Russia. 11 of the 20 largest cities of the country, including the capital Moscow, are in Volga's watershed. Some of the world's largest reservoirs can be found along the river, which has a symbolic meaning in Russian culture, referred to as Mother Volga (Volga Matushka) in Russian folklore and literature.

Explore the land of the Tsars while sailing down the historic Volga river, typically between Moscow and St Petersburg , the traditional homeports (of embarkation and debarkation). Tour landmarks are the Red Square and Kremlin in Moscow, the Hermitage and Catherine Palace in St Petersburg.

Once unthinkable as a cruise vacation destination, Russia is today more accessible than ever, with stops along its largest European lakes and rivers. For river travel lovers accustomed to European itineraries, the Russian experience will be quite different. Russia has a special feel of uniquely designed riverboats. Built to handle larger lakes (Lake Ladoga for example, is the largest European freshwater body of water), these vessels usually feature larger size and capacity (up to six decks), deeper draft, and most of them are refurbished instead of being newbuild.

The itineraries offered are activity-intensive in Moscow and St Petersburg, with long periods of cruising and less ashore time in the middle. Smaller "Golden Ring" cities (so named due to their historic significance) are full of icon-riddled monasteries and Orthodox churches. Most cruise lines hire local experts and fill the days of sailing along the river with lectures on country's history, cooking demonstrations and language lessons.

Most of the tours offered by the companies sailing along Volga River are identical, so customers choosing between the different itineraries should look at how the river ships spend the time within Moscow and St. Petersburg. Some lines have their guests stay onboard, which can be as far as 1 hour out of both cities. Others put their clients up at hotels near the center of the city, with several meals at customer's expense.

Compared with other river routes, Russia features a short season, between early May and late October, with high season in June (known as White Nights because of the endless daylight), July and August. Even if the weather is chilly, there are some advantages to sailing early or late: you'll beat the crowds which can make a visit to the Hermitage a bear. Most Russian museums lack air-conditioning, and while the climate is generally temperate, in the summer Moscow often experiences high humidity heat waves.

Remember to think about your Russian visa at least 2 months before your voyage, to have enough time to fill out the paperwork, including a lengthy online application. And don't forget that the Russian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet. Even in the cities, you'll rarely find signs in English, so learning some letters and a few phrases will help you get around.

Doninturflot-Orthodox Cruise Company

Orthodox Cruise Company operates a fleet of USSR-design large river ships and serves mainly foreign tourists. The parent company Doninturflot (established in 1992) is the shipowner and manages the fleet.

• Doninturflot started operations with the ships MS Maxim Litvinov, MS Mikhail Sholokhov and MS Sergei Dyagilev.
• Since 2002, Docturflot charters Akademik Glushkov (currently MS Igor Stravinsky) owned by OOO Rosflotinvest.
• In 2004 was acquired MS Anton Chekhov from Yenisei River Shipping Company (Russia).
• In 2006 were acquired MS Peter Tchaikovsky and MS Ivan Bunin from the Moscow-based cruise shipping company "Passenger Port".
• In 2008 was bought MS General Lavrinenkov from "Ukrrechflot" (Ukraine).
• In 2011 was bought MS Marshal Koshevoy (from Ukrrichflot, Ukraine) but in April 2013 the ship was sold to Viking Cruises (now operates as Viking Akun ).
• In 2016, was purchased MS Tikhi Don from the UK-based Grand Circle Travel company. In 2017, the ship started operations for Orthodox Cruise Company serving international tourists.

Imperial River Cruises Russia

"Imperial River Cruises Russia" was founded in 1992 and operates on inland waterways in both Russia and Ukraine. Company's chartered ships navigate on the rivers Volga, Don, Neva, Svir, Dnieper (also on the Danube) and the Russian lakes Onega and Ladoga.

The most operated itineraries are between Moscow and St Petersburg (visiting Uglich, Kostrom, Yaroslavl, Goritzy). Specially designed itineraries visit Vladimir, Suzdal, Zagorsk, Solovki Island. Also offered are itineraries Moscow-Volgograd and Moscow-Rostov, roundtrips from Kiev, and even grand voyages connecting two seas - Baltic and Black. Also offered are themed cruises - especially on food and music, with live performances by grand orchestras and choirs.

Imperial River Cruises Russia has an exclusive partnership with "Orthodox Cruise Company" - one of Russia's largest tour operators. As their names suggest, both companies target mainly foreign tourists - booking in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia. Ships' capacity varies between 180-250 passengers. English (or German) speaking licensed tour guides are provided on all excursions. The daily onboard entertainment program offers live musical performances, folk shows, enrichment lectures.

Russian river cruise deals

• Departure port (dock/berth), check-in, boarding and landing times are indicated on the company's website and on passenger boarding passes. Ship's exact departure time is clarified on the website the day prior departure.
• Kids discount ticket prices are offered for children up to 14 years of age (14-yo including), the age being fixed on departure day.
• Kids from 2 to 5 years of age (5-yo including) travel free of charge, but without providing an additional bed (if there are no free beds in the cabin). Shore excursions are also free of charge.
• Toddlers (kids under 2) travel free of charge, but the bed, food, and tour services are not provided. Extra beds in staterooms (baby cribs, cots) are not available on the ship.
• TWIN (double cabin) single supplement rate is 75%.
• Ticket prices are inclusive of 3 meals a day. Onboard dining includes Breakfast (buffet style, drinks - cocoa, milk, juices, hot-cold dishes), Lunch (buffet style) and Dinner (waiter-served, 1 Starter, 1 Main course (choice of 3 / meat-fish-vegetarian), 1 Dessert (choice of 2 or fruits). Water in pitchers is always provided. Tea/coffee is served.
• On embarkation day and disembarkation day (at the end of the voyage) meal times depend on landing times. If a land tour coincides with a meal time (lunch), passengers are provided with complimentary food at a local restaurant (cafe) or given "dry rations".
• Ticket price inclusive onboard events are Welcome Aboard ("bread and salt" ceremony), Welcome Cocktail (complimentary 1 glass of champagne or juice per person), "Tea Ceremony" (with traditional pies), "Vodka Show" (blini and vodka tasting), Cocktail Party (once per cruise, complimentary 1 cocktail per person), Captain's Dinner (gourmet menu, once per cruise), mulled wine or ice tea (weather-depending / upon returning from excursions), complimentary Coffee Station (coffee, hot water, packed tea, milk, cocoa, cookies), 1 bottled water (0.33l pp per day in cabins). Tickets are also inclusive of foreign language speaking guide services, onboard entertainment (language class, singing lessons, live music, nightly dancing music, Wheelhouse tour).
• Complimentary excursions are detailed in the ship's cruise itinerary program. Optional tours are available for onboard booking. For excursion services, foreigner passengers may be charged with additional fee pp per day (varies by cruise tour length).
• Cruise tickets don't include land transfers (excepting foreign travel agency bookings), beverages and snacks (in onboard bars-lounges), phone calls, sauna visits, optional excursions, travel insurance, gratuities, personal spendings. Ticket prices include 18% VAT.
• Smoking on the ship is allowed only in designated areas (marked with "Place for smoking" signs). Smoking is prohibited in all interior spaces and on open decks (except at designated areas).
• On most ships are available health gymnastics and morning exercises (led by a certified physician/ship's doctor), oxygen cocktail, dietary food.
• On most ships are provided (free of charge) the following medical services - emergency medical care (assistance required for sudden acute illnesses, conditions, exacerbation of chronic diseases), measurement of blood pressure and body temperature, primary treatment of wounds.
• Boarding starts 2 hours prior to departure. All passengers must be boarded at least an hour prior to departure. Late passengers missing their cruise tour are not refunded.
• Russia's main river cruise departure ports are Moscow , St Petersburg , Astrakhan , Nizhny Novgorod , Perm , Samara , Kazan , Volgograd , Rostov-on-Don , Saratov .

Russian cruise ships

Currently, in Russia is operated a huge fleet of over 200 river cruise ships. All these vessels were built during the USSR (Soviet Union) times, roughly in the period between 1950-1990. Depending on class and series, these boats differ in terms of size, equipment (different engine designs), passenger capacity, onboard facilities and venues, cabins (types and number). Amenities additionally differ by shipowner (cruise company).

All these old-design Russian ships were completely refurbished and rebuilt for their new shipowners, Some of these ships are operated (via partnerships or under charter) also by foreign companies (like Viking, CroisiEurope, Uniworld, AMAwaterways, Grand Circle, Nicko). During their multi-million-dollar drydock refits, vessels passenger capacities were considerably reduced to improve travel comfort and safety.

Most boats are of the following classes:

• "Rossiya" (Project 785, 36 vessels built 1952-1958)
• "Baykal" (Project 646, 15 units built 1953-1956)
• "Rodina" (Project 588, 49 vessels built 1954-1961)
• "Oktyabrskaya Revolyutsiya" (Project 26-37, 14 units built 1957-1962)
• "Dunay" (Project 305, 47 vessels built between 1959-1964)
• "Kuybyshev" (Project OL400, 9 units built 1975-1983)
• "Vladimir Ilyich" (Project 301, 22 vessels built between 1975-1983)
• "Dmitri Furmanov" (Project 302, 27 vessels built between 1983-1991)

Regardless of their age, all these motor ships undergo regular drydock refurbishments , machinery and safety checks, scheduled repairs (including annual surveys). Drydocks are every 5 years and include repairs, hull inspection, propulsion-steering inspection, general maintenance works.

Each ship is equipped with life-saving appliances (lifeboats and rafts) in amounts exceeding the boat's max passenger and crew capacity. Each cabin is equipped with lifejackets with illustrated instructions in several languages. All ships are equipped with modern fire-fighting systems. Crew and staff are experienced and highly professional certified employees.

Itinerary of Russian River Cruises

CruiseMapper's "Russian River Cruises" itinerary section provides information on itineraries and ports of call offered by the largest Russian and European river cruise companies - Vodohod, Viking, Uniworld, Scenic, CroisiEurope. Each foreign company has a partnership with a local company and operates as a joint venture one or more Russian ships.

For detailed itinerary information (routes) visit our pages of the following departure ports - Saratov , Volgograd , Samara , Perm , Nizhny Novgorod , Cheboksary , Rostov-on-Don ,  Kazan , Astrakhan , Moscow , St Petersburg .

Volga River cruise ports highlights

• St Petersburg (Russia's second-largest city - after Moscow) was built by Tzar Peter the Great in 1703. It is located in the Neva River delta (Gulf of Finland's east coast). Saint Petersburg includes the territories of more than 130 islands interconnected by over 300 bridges. The city has a huge number of cultural and historical sights, architectural landmarks, museums, magnificent palaces (Russian Tsars' former residences), grand parks, wide avenues, bridges, numerous monuments. Among its most famous tourist attractions are the Hermitage museum (housing over 2 million pieces of art). Two days is never enough to see everything in this remarkable city. However, passengers will usually visit the Hermitage, admire the city's 19th-century architecture during a canal cruise tour, take in a cultural performance, visit one of the Versailles-style palaces in St. Petersburg's countryside (Pushkin or Peterhof).
• Moscow (Russian Federation's capital and largest city) was founded in 1147 by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky. The city was destroyed several times - by the Mongolians, Napoleon, the Nazis. The heart of the city lies in the Red Square, which contains Lenin's Tomb, St Basil's Cathedral, and GUM Department Store. Kremlin's red walls also border the square. Inside the fort are the Armoury (containing the Faberge eggs) and 9 onion-domed churches. Art-fans can seek out Pushkin Gallery or see a show at Bolshoi Theatre.
• Yaroslavl is one of the Golden Ring cities of Russia, and the largest city to visit during the middle of your Volga cruise. The town is famous for its gorgeous churches. It also offers several pedestrian-only streets full of shops and cafes, as well as a lovely embankment used as a park.
• Uglich has a provincial setting. It was found in the 10th century and was a scene of some of medieval Russian history's most remarkable events. Here were exiled the Ivan Terrible’s 7th wife and her son Tsarevich Dmitry. Soon after, Tsarevich was mysteriously murdered here. Soon after, a dedicated to this event church ("Church of St. Demetrius on the Blood") was erected. Within the Uglich Kremlin walls is the town's oldest building - "Prince’s Palace". Other attractions are St. John’s Church and the Transfiguration Cathedral.
• Astrakhan was founded at the end of the 13th century and is located on the Volga's left bank. Port’s activities extend 100 km downstream and over 300 km upstream along the river. The city is a major trading center and its main business is freight shipping (coal, timber, salt, food, industrial products). Astrakhan is not linked to the railroad network. Cargoes are transferred by floating cranes from river ships to seagoing vessels.
• Goritsy is a small village on River Sheksna, famous for its Resurrection Convent, At approx 4 ml (7 km) from Goritsy is Kirillov - a pilgrimage site with many historical and architectural monuments. Among those are the Kirillo-Belozerski monastery, Ferapont monastery (UNESCO site), 12 churches, 25 civil monuments.
• Kizhi Island (Lake Onega) is located approx 70 km (40 ml) to the northeast of Petrozavodsk. The island has two onion-domed churches. Also here is the 17th-century-built 22-domed church - constructed without using a single nail. Its "Church of the Transfiguration of our Savior" and "Church of the Intercession" were rebuilt several times and are preserved in their original 17th-century design.
• Mandrogi (Mandroga) is a small village on the Svir river recently created as a tourist attraction. It features small wooden log cabin houses. Its “town of masters” is a market for hand-made Russian art craft, including paintings, painted wooden dolls, embroidery, pottery. Other attractions are the elk nursery and the quail farm, horse-riding tours, food tasting (pastry), vodka tasting (museum of Russian vodka).
• Kostroma is also one of the Golden Ring cities, and once was one of Russia's 3 largest cities - after Moscow and Yaroslavl, It is located at the confluence of the rivers Volga and Kostroma. Among the attractions are the St Ipathy monastery, an open-air museum (traditional wooden architecture- izbas, mills, churches are gathered in one place).
• Kizhi is famous the whole world over. It has become the symbol of the grandeur of unique Russian culture. Visiting the Kizhi Islands gives a great chance to appreciate the enchanting medieval atmosphere and get acquainted with the customs and free spirit of men living in a spacious area with a rigorous climate
• Kazan. The largest port in the Volga basin, it transships cargoes transported by water alone or by water and rail. The port receives coal from Kuznetsk Basin for Kazan's heat and electric power plant, food and industrial products, and ships out products of city's enterprises and Siberian timber. The port includes Tsentral’nyi, Kama, and Volga cargo areas, as well as a number of landings, the biggest of which is Naberezhnye Chelny and Chistopol’. The basin of the Tsentral’nyi Cargo Area and passenger area are protected by a breakwater.
• Novgorod (Nizhniy Novgorod) is an ancient stronghold founded by Gran Prince Yuri as a frontier post, is now the 5th largest city of Russia as well as one of the main centers of river tourism in the country. In the 19th century, Nizhniy became the trade center of the whole state as it was the place of the biggest fair in the Russian Empire. A proverb of that time says: "Moscow is the heart of Russia, St. Petersburg is its head, and Nizhniy Novgorod - its pocketbook". The city was renamed "Gorky" in Soviet times, in honor of the writer Maxim Gorky, born there. Until 1990, Nizhniy Novgorod was “closed” to foreigners as USSR protected its military secrets. Nizhniy Novgorod is included in the UNESCO list of 100 cities constituting world cultural and historical value.
• Samara - during the Soviet period the city was named Kuybyshev, in honor of the Soviet party figure Valerian Kuybyshev. The shortest ways from Central and Western Europe to Kazakhstan, Siberia, and Central Asia run through Samara. The city has a rich cultural heritage: Alexey Tolstoy spent his childhood and youth there. Maxim Gorky started his literary career in the city - he worked in "Samara Newspaper". The Czech writer Yaroslav Gashek also worked in Samara, during the Civil war. Famous artists like Ilya Repin, Ivan Ayvazovsky, Vasily Surikov, lived in the city. During the Great Patriotic War, the Seventh Symphony of Dmitry Shostakovich was performed in Samara for the first time.
• Tver - the White Trinity Church (1564) is the sole ancient monument of Tver as in 1763, there was a great fire after which the city was rebuilt in Neoclassical style. There are also a lot of buildings of Catherine the Great. Tver State University is highly rated in the region. In 1931, Tver received the name Kalinin, in honor of the Soviet leader Mikhail Kalinin. The city was occupied by the German army in 1941. Only 2 months later it became the first big city in Europe liberated from the occupation.
• Ulyanovsk is located on the right bank of the Kuibyshev Reservoir. Port's activities extend 90 km downstream and 100 km upstream along the Volga. The port unloads mineral construction materials, food, and industrial products for the cities of Saransk and Uljanovsk, and ships out coal from Kuznetsk Basin, automobiles, foodstuffs. Its passenger area was rebuilt in 1969 and includes a large number of landings, the biggest being Melekess and Sengilei. The basin of the port of Ulyanovsk is protected by a breakwater.
• Saratov (founded in 1590) is the capital city of a huge province that as size equals the territories of Albania, Belgium and Switzerland combined. In the late 19th century, Saratov became a center for industry and trade, Among the city's attractions, are Moskovskaya street (Europe's longest straight street), one of Europe's longest bridges (2,8 km long), children’s theater, puppet theater, Russia’s oldest circus, musical conservatory, beaches, Art Galleries, Lipki Park, two large casinos.
• Volgograd (currently Stalingrad) was founded in 1589. This is a major port and shipping hub linking Donets Basin with the Urals and Upper Volga Region. It ships grain, coal, food, and industrial products upstream and receives mineral construction materials and timber. The port’s districts are situated within the cities of Volzhsk and Volgograd (Tsentral’nyi). Kamyshin is the biggest landing belonging to the port. Among Volgograd's attractions is the Mamayev Hill with numerous sculptures devoted to the WW2 victims and topped with the world’s largest freestanding statue “Mother Russia” (height 52 m / 171 ft). Adjacent is the "Museum of the Defense" (war artifacts, weapons, uniforms).

All ships listed here operate on Russian waterways. To this long list should be additionally added the following boats, which are currently listed in the fleets of their own companies:

• Scenic Tsar (company Scenic Cruises )
• River Victoria (company Uniworld )
• Viking Rurik , Viking Akun , Viking Helgi , Viking Ingvar , Viking Truvor (company Viking Cruises )

Viking River Cruises in Russia - Itinerary "Waterways of the Tsars"

Viking's itinerary is named "Waterways of the Tsars" (13-day cruise) inclusive of:

• all transfers and port charges
• Riverview stateroom
• 10 guided tours (audio headsets provided)
• all onboard meals (including 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners, Welcome Cocktail Reception, Gala Dinner)
• complimentary beverages (wine, beer, and soft drinks with all dinners and lunches)
• complimentary Wi-Fi
• visiting four UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• enrichment events (onshore live music and dance performances), onboard Russian language lessons, history-themed lectures, Russian cooking workshop, Russian tea time).
• Viking's Russian cruise fares are between USD 5,100 - 5,600 PP. Prices are inclusive of international airfare from 30 USA airports.
• Airport transfers (meet & greet) are included only when flights are purchased through Viking Cruises.

Optional (additionally priced) extensions are:

• (pre-cruise) 2-night Moscow hotel package (Radisson Royal Hotel or similar), with included 2 breakfasts, Moscow Subway guided tour, Viking host services.
• (post-cruise) 3-night Helsinki hotel package (Radisson Blu Plaza or similar), with included 3 breakfasts, guided walking tour, Viking host services, train travel (St Petersburg to Helsinki), all hotel and ship transfers.

Itineraries are two: northbound (Moscow to St Petersburg) or the reverse southbound (St Petersburg to Moscow).

• (Day 1) Moscow arrival, airport to ship transfer, onboard dinner
• (Day 2) half-day Moscow tour (Bolshoi Theater, Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, GUM Department Store, Moscow Metro)
• (Day 3) free time full-day Moscow touring, or an optional morning tour to Tretyakov Gallery Russian fine art museum). Other optional tours are in the afternoon (Cosmonaut Museum, Jewish Moscow) and in the evening (Moscow by Night).
• (Day 4) Moscow tour to Kremlin (Tsar’s Canon, Tsar’s Bell, 2 cathedrals), scenic Moscow Canal cruise (after lunch) as the ships departs the city.
• (Day 5) Uglich arrival (after lunch), disembarkation for a guided walking tour (Kremlin of Uglich, Church of St Dmitry on the Blood, tea at a local family home), before dinner departure
• (Day 6) Yaroslavl arrival in the morning, guided tour (covered food market, handcrafted souvenirs shopping), free time, ship lunch, departure.
• (Day 7) Kuzino morning arrival, tour to Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery (guided walk- wooden chapels, Assumption Cathedral, museum), children’s school, ship lunch, afternoon departure.
• (Day 8) Kizhi Island (Lake Onega cruising) afternoon arrival, walking tour (Open Air Museum of Architecture- wooden houses, windmills, churches, Preobranzhenskaya Church), evening departure.
• (Day 9) Mandrogy (Svir River cruising) afternoon arrival (Vodka Museum, handmade Russian craft shopping, optional banya / Russian bathhouse visit, optional tour (matryoshka doll making workshop), Lake Ladoga cruising to Neva River.
• (Day 10) — St Petersburg (Neva River cruising), early morning arrival, onboard breakfast, guided tour (Winter Palace, Hermitage Museum), onboard dinner and evening live Russian ballet performance.
• (Day 11) St Petersburg tour to Pushkin district (Catherine Palace), ship lunch, city tour (St Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress, Nevsky Prospekt), optional evening folklore performance.
• (Day 12) free time St Petersburg touring (optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, optional afternoon kommunalka tour, optional St Petersburg canal cruise from), onboard lunch and dinner.
• (Day 13) St Petersburg - onboard breakfast, ship disembarkation, ship to airport transfer for the return flight.

Uniworld Cruises in Russia - itinerary "Imperial Waterways of Russia"

The 13-day long itinerary is named "Imperial Waterways of Russia" and operated by the ship River Victoria. Uniworld's Russian cruise fares range between USD 5,200 and 9,900 PP (depending on cabin category.

• Day 1 – Moscow (Sheremetyevo Airport arrival, ship transfer, embarkation)
• Day 2 – Moscow (city tour, metro tour, Arbat Street) - Bolshoi Theatre, Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, Russian lunch included, onboard Captain’s Welcome Reception, Gala Dinner
• Day 3 – Moscow (Kremlin, Armory Museum)
• Day 4 – Moscow (leisure day)
• Day 5 – Moscow Canal and Volga River cruising to Uglich (walking tour)
• Day 6 – Yaroslavl (Lake Rybinsk cruising) - city tour
• Day 7 – Goritsy (Lake Onega cruising) - monasteries, St Cyril of the White Lake Monastery, Children’s Arts and Crafts,
• Day 8 – Kizhi Island (Lake Onega cruising) - Open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture
• Day 9 – Svir River cruising to Mandrogi, Lake Ladoga cruising - Mandrogi walk tour (picnic lunch)
• Day 10 – St Petersburg (city tour, canal cruise, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, ballet performance at Alexandrinsky Theatre)
• Day 11 – St Petersburg (Catherine Palace, Pushkin Park)
• Day 12 – St Petersburg (Winter Palace - Hermitage Museum, Captain’s Farewell Reception, Gala Dinner)
• Day 13 – St Petersburg (disembarkation, transfer and return flight).

Scenic River Cruises in Russia - itinerary "The Imperial Wonders Of Russia"

The itinerary is operated by Scenic Tzar and named "Imperial Jewels of Russia". Its duration is 15-day, along Volga and Svir rivers. Scenic Cruises deals are inclusive of:

• Scenic Enrich - handcrafted, Scenic passengers exclusive tour experiences (private shows, family meals prepared by local hosts)
• Scenic Sundowners - exclusive cocktail events
• all onboard meals (including complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunches and dinners)
• onboard doctor
• onboard entertainment
• in-cabin room service
• Wi-Fi internet (Mac mini infotainment system via the cabin's TV)
• all gratuities
• Scenic's Russian cruise fares are USD 11,500 PP.

Day-by-day itinerary info: Day 1 (Moscow), Day 2 (Moscow, Sundowners canal cruise), Day 3 (Moscow - Kremlin), Day 4 (Moscow - Cosmonaut meeting), Day 5 (Moscow - Tretyakov Gallery), Day 6 (Uglich), Day 7 (Yaroslavl - city tour), Day 8 (Goritsy - Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery), Day 9 (Kizhi Island - Church of Transfiguration), Day 10 (Mandrogi - Museum village), Day 11 (St Petersburg - Hermitage), Day 12 (St Petersburg - Peterhof Palace), Day 13 (St Petersburg - Private Ballet performance), Day 14 (St Petersburg - canal cruise), Day 15 (return flight).

Russian River Cruises related cruise news

Vodohod signs strategic partnership agreement to provide direct presence in Asia

Vodohod Russian River Cruises signed on Wednesday, October 21, a strategic partnership agreement with Tam Wing Kun Holdings Ltd to provide the...

Russian river cruise operator Vodohod joins CLIA Europe

Russian river cruise operator Vodohod partnered with CLIA to build brand popularity across Europe. The new partnership brings Vodohod into the wider...

Vodohod’s first Project PV300 river ship departs on maiden cruise

Project PV300 built by United Shipbuilding Corporation's Krasnoye Sormovo Shipyard (Sormovsky-Nizhny Novgorod, Russia) and recently delivered to...

Emerald Waterways opens bookings for 2021 Russian River Cruises

The premium brand Emerald Waterways opened bookings for its 2021 Russian river cruise season. Voyages will feature a newly chartered...

Production of Vodohod Russia's first expedition cruise ship starts at Helsinki Shipyard

The production of the first of the two luxury expedition cruise ships ordered from Helsinki Shipyard Oy started on April 27, 2020. Steel-cutting...

St Petersburg Russia’s Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard to build 2 new-class riverboats

Russia's Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard concluded an agreement with State Transport Leasing Company for the building of two "Project A45-90.2" passenger...

Vodohod Offers Arctic Cruises Along the Northern Sea Route

Cruise shipping along the Northern Sea Route and to Antarctica will be available to passengers starting from 2021, Russian cruise company Vodohod...

VIDEO: MS Mustai Karim Completes Sea Trials

United Shipbuilding Corporation’s (USC) Krasnoye Sormovo Shipyard successfully completed sea trials on the new Russian sea-and-river cruise...

Mustai Karim Launched in Nizhny Novgorod

On September 11, 2019, Russia's largest cruise company Vodohod launched its new river and sea-going ship of the PV300-design - MS Mustai Karim...

Boat Crash Kills 11 on River Cruise in Volgograd

Investigators blamed a drunk captain for the boat crash that killed 11 people aboard a river cruiser in the city of Volgograd, Russia. A pleasure...

•   show more news