Volga River Tours & Trips

Common Volga River Cruise Lengths

Most Volga River cruises are about 13 days from the day you depart for your cruise, until the day you return home. Most cruises make the same stops, so there will be about 5 days sailing on the River, with dockings for a few days each in both Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Physical level requirements for Volga River Cruises

The perks of being on the cruise is that it’s accessible for everyone. Being on a boat requires little physical activity, since there’s not a lot of moving around. Most Volga River cruises are ranked “Easy” on the physical requirement level. There will be some strolling around when you stop at the different towns along the cruise, but the overall physical level requirements on these cruises is minimal.  

Who Will Enjoy Volga River Cruises

Cruises on the Volga River are great for travelers of all ages. While most people who book these tours are above the age of 30, there is appeal for everyone. There are a plethora of activities on board Volga River cruises, including lectures, Russian films, and cooking classes. Russia is so rich in culture and history, making it a great place for anyone and everyone to explore.

Top Volga River Cruise Destinations

Most Volga River cruises follow the same route, starting in Moscow, where you can explore the historical capital of Russia for a couple days docked. Common stops in Moscow include the Kremlin’s grounds, and visiting the Armory Museum.

The first stop once you set sail is Uglich, Russia’s second oldest city. Visit the Church of St. Demitrius of the Blood. Next stop is Yaroslavl, home of the Governor’s Palace. As you continue sailing the Volga, you’ll stop at a riverside town called Goritzi. Explore the village by foot and enjoy the local Russian culture.

Many Volga River cruises stop in Kizhi Island, where you can visit an open-air museum that highlights the architecture of the region, featuring a stop to see the Church of Transfiguration. Make a stop in the town in the town of Mandrogi, modeled after a 19th century Russian Village. Mandrogi is home of the Vodka Museum (grab a bottle to take home for a great souvenir!), which you can visit before making your way to St. Petersburg, where we recommend staying for a few nights before the end of your adventure.

Explore the city, taking in the architecture and modern Russian culture. St. Petersburg is where the Hermitage Museum is located, which has over 400 rooms filled with historical art pieces, including originals by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Weather along the Volga River

Russia can be extremely cold from about November-February, which is why tourist count is low in the winter. The snow covers the city, making a beautiful landscape. The snow starts to melt in March, but there’s still a chance for snow and cold weather. Temperatures begin to rise in the spring (April-May), and summer (June-august) is warm, resulting in high numbers of tourist.

Fall is another good time to visit, as the high-tourist season falls, but the cold has yet to set in. Temperatures vary greatly in Russia. Lows can reach -13F in the winter, and summer temperatures can soar to mid-80s. Winter days are cold and short, while summer days are warmer and longer.