MOSCOW, UGLICH, GORITZY, KIZHI, AND ST. PETERSBURG
This incredible, air-inclusive Russia cruise is back by popular demand! On your journey through this storied country via the waterways, you’ll discover amazing architecture, unique palaces, old-world towns, and so much more. Sailing upstream we start in Moscow, bringing you to the iconic Kremlin, Armory Museum, Red Square, and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Then, navigate through some of Russia’s oldest, most picturesque towns and cities. You’ll visit Uglich, Goritzy, Kizhi, and others to learn more about the country’s history and rural life. In captivating St. Petersburg, tour beautiful cathedrals, fascinating bridges, the Hermitage Museum, and Winter’s Palace, along with many other great sights. With reverse sailing also available, this cruise is the ultimate way to experience Russia!
For COVID-19 updates, please scroll down to our Before You Depart section.
Did you know that you can make this tour private for your friends and family? Find out more about pricing and options for your group.
Itinerary at
a Glance
- 10-night cruise
- Moscow
- Uglich
- Yaroslavl
- Goritzi
- Kizhi
- Mandrogi
- St. Petersburg
Tour
Highlights
Your Tour
Includes
- Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) (passengers may also book this tour without flights)
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- 10-night cruise aboard the MS Moonlight Sonata
- Ground transportation in air-conditioned motor coach
- 29 meals: 10 buffet breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners
- A complimentary glass of wine, beer, or soda with dinner
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours including admission fees as indicated in the itinerary
- English-speaking Cruise Director & tour guides
Tour Itinerary
Depart USA
Depart on your overnight flight to Moscow.
*Passengers who did not purchase flights will join the tour in Moscow on Day 2.
Arrive in Moscow
Arrive at the Moscow airport and meet your tour director who will escort you to the cruise ship. You will have a tour briefing on board, followed by a welcome dinner and time to relax in the music lounge.
MS Moonlight Sonata | Dinner
Moscow
Moscow
Uglich
Yaroslavl
Goritsy
Kizhi
Mandrogi
St. Petersburg
St. Petursburg
Depart St. Petersburg/Arrive in the USA
Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the U.S.
*The tour will end for passengers who did not purchase flights on Day 12 in St. Petersburg.
| Breakfast
Guided Tour Pricing
Prices and dates below include round-trip airfare from New York (JFK). Travelers may choose to purchase the tour only, and arrange their own arrival in destination.
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Single room supplement is $1,599.
Jun 13 ’22 Departure: This is a reverse sailing and starts in St. Petersburg and ends in Moscow. Land only services start upon independent check-in at the boat in St. Petersburg on Jun. 14 and end after breakfast on the boat in Moscow on Jun. 24.
MS Moonlight Sonata
Rates are based on Category B cabins. Upgrade to higher category cabins:
- Category A Junior Suite on the upper/boat deck with balcony: Add $749 per person
- Category A Single Cabin on the upper/boat deck with balcony: Add $599
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00am – 5:30pm EST) at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1.800.337.7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $99 per person for all 2021 departures, and $300 per person for all 2022 departures. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
The tours below are a sample of the most popular optional excursions offered during this cruise. However, please note that some of the optional excursions are NOT available on all sailings, are dependent on the days/dates your ships are in port, and are subject to a minimum number of participants. The prices shown are estimates and are subject to change. A final list of optional excursions will be reconfirmed once on board.
"Kostroma" National Folk Show
- Moscow
- From approx. $97 Per Person
The Russian National Dance Show “Kostroma” cleverly unites lyrical sketches with elements of folklore and ancient Russian epics to accurately depict a mother, wife, daughter, son, husband and warrior of Russian heritage. Through masterful dancing and acting, this show highlights the unique spirit of the Russian nation.
Moscow at Night with Metro
- Moscow
- From approx. $71 Per Person
Tretyakov Gallery
- Moscow
- From approx. $85 Per Person
Founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov and presented as a gift to the city in 1892, it is the world’s number one museum of Russian art. Ranging from exquisite and mysterious 12th-century icons to the politically charged and prescient canvases of Russia’s favorite realist master, Ilya Repin, the collection is a rich and revealing insight into the history and attitudes of these long-suffering yet inspired people.
Novodevichy
- From approx. $85 Per Person
Catherine's Palace & Amber Room
- St. Petersburg
- From approx. $97 Per Person
Peterhof Gardens
- St. Petersburg
- From approx. $84 Per Person
On this tour you will visit Peter the Great’s Summer Residence. While the Grand Palace does not rival the opulence of Catherine’s Palace, its distinctive feature is the beautiful gardens, which is highlighted by unique fountains. A beautiful and idyllic setting along the Baltic Sea!
Russian Ballet
- St. Petersburg
- From approx. $150-$190 Per Person
Russia is home to some of the best ballet troupes (Mariinsky, Bolshoi) and ballet dancers in the world. Depending on the dates of your cruise, the shows and ensembles will vary. No matter which performance and dancers you see, you’ll surely be captivated by the unparalleled talent!
Featured Accommodations
MS Moonlight Sonata
Before You Depart
COVID-19 UPDATE
Departing the U.S.: For the safety of everyone in the group, smarTours has implemented some COVID-19 travel requirements which apply to all tours regardless of destination. To learn more, click here.
Returning to the U.S.: In accordance with U.S. entry requirements, smarTours will arrange testing for the group in destination. Full details and requirements can be accessed here. More details including cost will be added when available.
Please note entry requirements are changing rapidly. For up-to-date information, please click the links below.
- Entry requirements
- State Department Travel Advisory Updates (Russia)
- Center for Disease Control Updates & Information (Russia)
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Your flights from New York’s JFK Airport to Russia are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules. We recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 ½ hours before the scheduled departure.
| Departure Date | Airline | Depart New York | Arrive in New York |
| 2022: All Dates | Finnair | TBA | TBA |
Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least 3 ½ hours. Please keep in mind that flight schedules are always subject to change.
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
Please note that the above airlines do not assign seats in advance. Seat assignments can only be arranged upon check-in at the airport. Please note that smarTours is not involved in your seat assignment. It is between you and the airline!
LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.
Main Tour Only: Land-only services start upon embarkation in Moscow on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on the tour page. Land-only services end after you disembark in St. Petersburg on Day 12 of the itinerary listed on the tour page.
PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION
You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. American citizens require a visa to enter Russia. Non U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates of the countries visited on this tour as to the most current visa requirements.
Since obtaining a visa requires an invitation letter (which we will secure), we arranged for “CIBT” to facilitate the visa process for you. Please click here to download instructions and forms. If you have any questions regarding obtaining your visa, you may call CIBT at 1-800-406-1523. Also, please note that visa procedures may change at any time. You should check with CIBT online at www.cibt.com, for the most up to date instructions and rates before submitting your paperwork. We suggest that you apply for your Russia visa 60 to 45 days before departure. Please note that if you wish to request an individual invitation letter (instead of the group invitation letter that we will provide) there will be an extra charge for doing so. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS & FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets along with final instruction and some additional travel tips will be sent to you 7 – 10 days before the scheduled departure of your tour.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are NOT currently required; however, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities as to their suggestions.
CLIMATE
You may expect daytime temperatures averaging in the 50’s in May, 60’s in June and September, 60’s and mostly 70’s in July through August. Nights will be cooler.
CREDIT CARDS & LOCAL CURRENCY
The official currency in Russia is the Ruble. However, during your visit, you will find that many places may accept cash payment in euros and US dollars in addition to rubles. Visa and Mastercard (not American Express) are accepted at most places- which must have a chip in the front and a 4 digit PIN number- similar to a debit card). Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (suitcase) max. 44 pounds and one carry-on piece. Carry on must not exceed 18”x10”x8”. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.