yachters hersonissos sailing trips reviews

Our Cruises

Experience the beauty of Cretan sea while savoring an unparalleled sense of freedom!

Treat yourself to a trip on our sail yachts for an unforgettable experience during your vacation in Crete.

You can enjoy a trip to the picturesque Saint George's Bay and the beautiful bays of Anissaras, Gourgouthia, Drapanos and Stalida or an unforgettable trip to Dia Island. 

Customizable packages and exclusive offers, to live fantastic experiences. 

The Yachters can help you choose and plan your cruise in detail.

SEMI-PRIVATE TRIPS

Enjoy a daily or a sunset trip to the picturesque Saint George's Bay and the beautiful bays of Hersonissos.

Fruit salad & drinks

Delicious barbeque lunch or dinner

Snorkeling equipment

Safety Equipment

Swimming floats

Pickup & drop-off service to your hotel

Duration: 3-4 hours

Departure Point: Hersonissos Port

Return Point: Hersonissos Port

Max number of passengers: 10

PRIVATE TRIPS

Live your own exclusive experience on board. For those who want to explore the clear and clean waters of the Cretan Sea on their own privacy.

Duration: 2-4 hours

Max.Persons: 10 

Contact us for advice and information in order to create for you a memorable private sailing trip.

SPECIAL OCCATIONS

Make this moment last forever! Make your special moments unforgettable on board. Whether it is a wedding proposal, anniversary, bachelor or birthday party!

Contact us to tell us what is your idea and your wish and we will plan together your special day on board and exceed your expectations.

follow us: 

Hersonissos Port, Crete Island, Greece

tel: +30 694 490 0953, +30 697 304 9756

email: [email protected]

Thanks for submitting!

sailing trips hersonissos

Looking to hire a sail boat from Hersonissos, Fantasia Yachting is the number one company for Hersonissos sailing trips and Hersonissos boat trips. Our main sailing trips are, Hersonissos sailing trip to Dia island, Hersonissos sunset sailing trip to St. George Bay and Hersonissos sailing trip to Elounda. We provide our customers with the highest level of service, explore Hersonissos with our luxurious Catamaran or a Sail Yacht, select from available Hersonissos sailing trips or Hersonissos boat trips. Discover and book your perfect boat trip excursion, during the tour we’ll take you to fantastic spots where we’ll stop off so you can take a relaxing dip in the crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on deck or do a spot of diving.

Sailing Trips Hersonissos

Hire a sail boat from Hersonissos and pick one of our specially selected sailing trips, join Fantasia Yachting for an unforgettable boat trip with a sail boat from Hersonissos. Don’t forget your camera so you’ll always have a record of this unique experience!

Boat Trips Hersonissos

We offer several different boat trips from Hersonissos; from morning boat trips to mid-day and sunset boat trips, experience Hersonissos boat trips with Fantasia Yachting. Our catamaran tours are the perfect choice for sailing with your family.

looking to hire a boat in hersonissos ❤️?❤️

We love your comments.

Fantastic - highly recommended

Gorgeous views the whole way. The crew was phenomenal, taking care of folks with such care..

We are very grateful

We are very grateful for a wonderful cruise on the wonderful Fantasia yacht.

Such a blast on the boat

Such a blast on the boat. Service was phenomenal, they served us fruit, bowls, and lots of wine...

Perfekter Segeltörn

Wir haben den Trip nach Dia Island mit einem 11monatigen Baby gemacht. Trotz etwas rauen Wellen war es super...

We had a very nice day

We had a very nice day on the sea, delicious food an vine, good company and unforgettable moments...

Sonnenuntergang mit Katamaran

Sonnenuntergang mit Katamaran, super Tour, für uns, unsere Kinder und Enkelkinder voller Erfolg....

Lustiger Trip

Sonnenuntergangs Tour mit größerer Gruppe. Man kann noch Schwimmen, gibt was kleines zu Essen...

Very nice people, a good service

Very nice people, a good service and the best music playlist I heard for a long time! 😉👍Thank you...

An amazing sunset cruise

An amazing sunset cruise on this beautiful yacht. Everything was PER-FECT! From the views...

5* day out!

We were recommended Fantasia by friends who had previously used them and it did not disappoint. Absolutely great day out. Good size yacht...

What an absolutely incredible trip!

What an absolutely incredible trip! I have limited mobility and  Captain Michael and the crew allowed me to check...

Fantastic experience!

Fantastic experience! Everything was perfect, the view and the waters clear... the sunset was wonderful!!

Great day trip!

Again, and for the 4th time enjoyed very much this day trip with the Bavaria yacht 49ft with Captain Kosmas and his assistant Mike,,,

Équipe au Top

Équipe au Top, superbe soirée, un grand merci pour ce bon moment à bord 🇬🇷❤️🇬🇷

It was an amazing experience

It was an amazing experience thanks you for all !! ❤️, I recommend that !! All is perfect !!

Outstanding Sunset Catamaran Cruise

We booked a sunset cruise for our last evening in Crete and were blown away. The crew are so welcoming and friendly, a safety briefing...

Dream day on an amazing boat with amazing staff, food, sea, music, what else?!Great both for young kid and not so young kids 😀

Tolle Tour und absolut wertvoll! Beides, der Tagestrip zur Insel Dia und der Sunset-Trip für Paare sind absolut zu empfehlen, wenn man auf Kreta...

Amazing, a must book experience

We had the 3hr morning catamaran tour. It was excellently organised including pick up and drop off...

Ein perfekter Tag an Bord

Ein perfekter Tag an Bord in Hersonissos,  top Crew, top Boot, traumhaftes Wasser und Wetter. Die Crew hat dafür...

Très bonne expérience

Très bonne expérience, l'équipe était au top et très sympathique, le bateau spacieux...

Magnifique...

Pour finir en beauté la journée.Départ en fin d'après-midi sur un catamaran pour admirer le coucher...

We just had a wonderful trip

We just had a wonderful trip. Very very friendly crew, wonderful views and an amazing experience...

Wunderschönes Erlebnis

Wunderschönes Erlebnis. Wir haben die Sonnenuntergangs Tour am Abend gemacht!  Sehr nettes Personal...

SAILING TRIPS HERSONISSOS

Boat trips Hersonissos; the superb and exhilarating boat trips Hersonissos on the waters of beautiful Mediterranean are operated Fantasia Yachting Boat trips based at the Hersonissos. The luxury and comfort of Fantasia Yachting sailing yacht is ideal for special events, such as a wedding party, birthday party, bachelor party and other. Hire a boat with Fantasia Yachting and our experienced crew will be with you in every step on planning your event and to ensure that everyone has an incredible time. Treat yourself with a few wonderful hours along the Hersonissos coast on our sail boats. Bring your cameras as there’s an abundance of absolutely wonderful picture opportunities while relaxing and enjoying your bat trip.

boat trip wedding proposal

Want to combine your wedding proposal with an amazing sailing trip from Hersonissos? Fantasia Yachting will make it possible. Speak with us for organizing an unforgettable wedding proposal boat trip with a Sailing Yacht or Sailing Catamaran.

boat trip bachelor party

Want to combine your bachelor party with an amazing sailing trip from Hersonissos? Speak with us for organizing an unforgettable bachelor party boat trip from Hersonissos. Celebrate your bachelor party with our Sailing Yacht or Sailing Catamaran.

boat trip birthday party  

No matter how you envision your birthday party, we have plenty of options to make your dreams come true. Speak with us for organizing an unforgettable birthday party boat trip with a Sailing Yacht or Sailing Catamaran from Hersonissos.

photos & videos

Boad trips hersonissos.

There’s no better way to explore the beauty of Crete than on a boat trip from Hersonissos tailored by Fantasia Yachting. Follow the myths and legends at a sailing trip from Hersonissos to Dia island, feel the summer vibes with Hersonissos sunset sailing trip, enjoy your vacation at Crete with an unforgettable boat trip from Hersonissos. Escape the hustle of Hersonissos for a few hours by booking one of our boat trips. They are the perfect way to relax, sunbathe, enjoy nature or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. You can select the trip depending how much time you have or what you like doing. We offer longer boat trips and shorter boat trips.

Sailing trip from Hersonissos to Dia island

Boat trips hersonissos.

Be amazed by the crystal clear green and blue waters. Hire Fantasia Yachting sail boat for a sailing trip to Dia island from Hersonissos. Explore Dia island with Fantasia Yachting Hersonissos sailing trips.

Sunset sailing trip Hersonissos

Want to see something special in your holidays at Hersonissos? Hire Fantasia Yachting sail boat for Hersonissos sunset sailing trip. Fantasia Yachting Hersonissos sailing trips.

Hersonissos sailing trip to Elounda, Spinalonga

Hersonissos sailing trip to Elounda with Fantasia Yachting, get ready for an exclusive boat trip from Hersonissos to picturesque bay of Mirabello on the coast of Elounda. Hire a boat at Hersonissos.

Hersonissos boat trip 3 hours (Morning)

Sail on a sailboat along the coast of Hersonissos, enjoy your vacation with our Hersonissos boat trips, experience an unforgettable morning boat trip to Saint George bay and Stalis bay. We depart daily for a 3 hour boat trip from Hersonissos.

Hersonissos boat trip 3 hours (Mid-day)

A unique catamaran excursion in Hersonissos, discover an authentic sailing experience in our mid-day boat trip to Saint George bay and Stalis bay with Fantasia Yachting Hersonissos boat trips. We depart daily for a 3 hour boat trip from Hersonissos.

Hersonissos sunset boat trip 3 hours

This unforgettable boat trip is perfect for enjoying with friends and family, experience the unique views of Hersonissos and the colors of the sunset with Fantasia Yachting Hersonissos boat trips. We depart daily for a 3 hour boat trip from Hersonissos.

INFORMATION

Special events, sailing trips, follow us at social.

When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. This storage is often necessary for basic functionality of the web site or the storage may be used for the purposes of marketing, analytics, and personalization of the web site such as storing your preferences.

Powered by Privado

By Clicking on "Accept", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

Sailing Trip With Yachters

Enjoy swimming and snorkeling at the crystal clear waters of St. George bay on this short boat cruise. 

Seize the opportunity to treat yourself to an exclusive day of sailing in the crystal clear waters of Malia gulf and swim into the turquoise waters. Taste the freshly cooked Mediterranean menu and relax on board enjoying the comfort of your boat, which will have a maximum of 10 passengers onboard.

Enjoy the best Cretan sea has to offer and have fun in an unforgettable sailing experience!

Wear comfortable shoes & clothes Don’t forget sunglasses, hat, towel, sunscreen

Full refund at least 48 hours prior to the date of the cruise.

Comments are closed

• Santorini Tours
• History and Cultural Tours
• Beach Excursions
• Hiking Tours in Crete
• Coastal Cruises
• Sailing Trips in Crete
• Fishing Trips
• Rent a Boat
• Hersonissos Boat Trips
• Jeep Safari
• Quad Safari
• Water Sports
• Water Parks in Crete

Hersonissos Boat Trips with Lunch

• Share This Post:

Booking and Availability

Both ways boat trip transfer service.

If no availability for tomorrow contact us on Whatsapp +306946422001. We always save few places.

Available Languages

Weekly schedule, this tour is available only from the following areas:, description.

Hersonissos boat trip with lunch on an authentic Cretan wooden boat. Our optional minibus will pick you up in the morning at around 11:00 am. The return to your hotel is around 16:00. We use only the best boats, buses and crews for our boat trips and water activities. For those that do not need transfer we will provide the exact location of the boat.

Embrace the sea, and the views along the Hersonissos bay coast line. Our journey begins as we depart from the port of Hersonissos around 11:30 am. We sail along the Saradari coast line. We will pass by the “Kori reef.” Our first stop is the Saint George bay.

Morning and Sunset Hersonissos Boat Trips

In this bay, the boat will anchor for approximately 1 hour. You will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters. Explore the reefs and discover the hidden “cave of the Pirates.” Taste a BBQ lunch. There is a choice of chicken or a vegetarian option. Also a fresh salad, a fruit, and a cold drink.

After a swim, we set sail for Stalis. As we cruise along, feel free to lean back and bask in the sun on the spacious decks. Upon reaching Stalis, we make a 45 minute stop in a beautiful bay. Now its time for a second swim.

Experience the beauty of Crete during this 4 hour Hersonissos boat trip to St. George and Stalis. Embrace the romance of the journey as you swim in the crystal clear waters. This is the best Hersonissos boat trip. Is not just a voyage but a delight that captures the essence of Crete’s coastal charm.

Boat trips Hersonissos Highlights:

– Departure from the port of Hersonissos cruising along the azure waters of Saradari coastline – dolphin spotting. Morning and sunset routes available. – Swim, snorkel, relax in the crystal clear waters of the idyllic Saint George’s Bay. And also enjoy a delicious lunch. – Experience a lovely sail along the shores of Hersonissos coastline, and enjoy the picturesque sea and mountain view.

What to Bring with You:

Bring walking shoes with rubber soles for a good grip.

Pack a swimming suit, a towel, a hat, sun glasses, and a sun cream.

Hersonissos Boat Trips Pricing:

We are very careful with our pricing. What you read is what you get. If you need further information please contact us . The Hersonissos Boat Trip price is €40 for an adult, and €20 for a child. Infants are free. There is an both ways transfer that costs €5 per person.

Important Information:

ToursCrete.com will provide you with a voucher for the tour. Either in electronic or paper form. We will also provide you with a google map pin of the meeting point and an emergency number.

We offer the Hersonissos Boat Trips from many areas of Crete. From Hersonissos, Malia, Stalida, Anissaras, Analipsi, and Gouves. In case you wish to cancel you can easily do that by sending an email to [email protected] 24 hours prior to departure.

Schedule - Days and Languages

Boat trips hersonissos itinerary:.

Morning Trip: 10:45 am – 11:20 am: Pick-Up Service with Mini Van. 11:30 am: Departure from Hersonissos Port. Stops: Saint George’s Bay: Enjoy a 40-minute break for swimming and snorkeling in the pristine waters. Sail to Stalis Village: Glide through the picturesque bay of Hersonissos towards the charming Stalis Village. Stalis Bay: Revel in a 1-hour stop in the lovely bay of Stalis. Make the most of your time with a refreshing swim. 15:30: Approximate return time to Hersonissos.

Afternoon Trip: 13:55 – 14:45: Pick-Up Service with Mini Van. 15:30: Set sail for another delightful boat trip from Hersonissos Port. Stops: Saint George’s Bay: Immerse yourself in a 40-minute break for swimming and snorkeling. Sail to Stalis Village: Cruise through the bay of Hersonissos towards the quaint Stalida village. Stalis Bay: Enjoy a 1-hour stop in the charming bay of Stalis. Take advantage of the time for a leisurely swim. 19:30: Approximate return time to Hersonissos.

Days and Languages:

Every Day: English

Hersonissos Boat Trips Includes

Hotel pick up and drop off. Boat trip tickets. BBQ (chicken or vegetarian) lunch with salad on board with a drink. Insurance cover. Easy cancellation (Cancel up to 24 hours prior to departure time and receive a full refund).

Any other destination.

Not Suitable:

This tour is not suitable for people with walking difficulties.

Cancellation Policy:

• Full refund if cancelled 24 hours before start time.
• Weather-dependent; if cancelled due to bad weather, choose a new date or get a full refund.

We are here to help. Any Questions?

Reset password.

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

Russian River Cruise – Waterways of the Tsars

Updated December 14, 2017

// By Margherita

Back to Russia! Did you follow our Russian river cruise in August and September? We travelled between Moscow and St Petersburg on the Waterways of the Tsars Viking River Cruise – here’s what we got up to!

We both share a deep connection with Russia. I was named after the heroine of Master and Margarita , one of the best Russian books of the 20th century. Nick is actually of Russian ancestry – his maternal great-grandparents were from St Petersburg, and spent the best part of 50 years wandering around Europe escaping wars and revolutions, before settling in Australia .

Russia has been at the top of our travel dreams for several years , but somehow something always came up whenever we made plans to visit. Once we couldn’t get a visa on time. Another time we couldn’t get time off. Winter is too cold, summer is too hot.

This year, Russia was one of our travel resolutions . Our desire was for the trip to be special – something different from what we’d done so far. We wanted a higher level of comfort, help with visa arrangements, and a trip that would help us understand the country we longed to visit for so many years . The Waterways of the Tsars river cruise with Viking ticked all boxes, so we made arrangements for a departure from Moscow in late August.

Things to Know Before a Russian River Cruise with Viking

When we announced our friends we would be travelling on a Russian river cruise , some of them were really surprised. A CRUISE? You guys are such hardcore independent travellers! What are you doing ON A CRUISE with all those OLD PEOPLE? True, the average age on a Viking river cruise might be a fair bit higher than 35 – but really, who is to say we wouldn’t enjoy the experience?

This awesome post by One Modern Couple  really nails the point – a Viking river cruise is an experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In their words ‘River cruises are cultural, experiential, educational and scenic. Enjoy the ride, take in the surroundings, learn about the countries you are visiting – from history to local life, food to language – and experience the destinations in a thoughtful way.’ 

Whether you’re 30, 60 or 90, it doesn’t really matter.

Secondly,  who’s to say that travelling in a group is not ‘real’ travel? We have always been (and continue to be) lovers of independent travel, but sometimes you just can’t beat the insights given to you by a local guide . Viking River Cruises offer plenty of guided tours included in the cruise price, all led by experienced local guides.

Meals were always excellent – breakfast and lunch included a combination of buffet and à la carte specialties, while dinner was always à la carte. Every day we were given the choice to sample some Russian specialties, like beef stroganoff, borsch, pelmeni, solyanka and lots of delicious desserts.

Another great plus of a Russian river cruise with Viking is that during sailing time lots of cultural activities are on offer – things like cooking demonstrations, Russian language lessons and lectures about Russian history and culture, led by the local tour escorts who were with us for the whole duration of the trip. On top of that, every day we received a briefing detailing the following day’s activities, optional excursions and that night’s menu.

Whenever we passed points of interest on the boat, such as Mother Volga statue or the sunken Kalyazin Cathedral, we were always called out on the loudspeaker to make sure we wouldn’t miss them. There was no pressure to join in any of the activities – we could spend the whole day chilling on the deck or on our veranda, looking at the beautiful colourful churches built on the riverbank, surrounded by nothing but nature.

Waterways of the Tsars – the Itinerary

The Waterways of the Tsars cruise is 13 days long, starting either in Moscow or in St. Petersburg . Most Russian river cruises had always been described to me as ‘Volga Cruises’ – in fact, our boat cruised along a variety of waterways, including the Moscow Canal, the Volga-Baltic Waterway, the Rybinsk Reservoir, Lake Onega and Ladoga (the two largest lakes in Europe) and the Neva River (the shortest in Europe!)

Here’s a map to give you an idea of the route.

Days 1-4 Moscow

Three days were barely enough to get an idea of how amazing Moscow is. Our days were packed from morning to night with tours and activities – from visiting Moscow must visits like Red Square, the Kremlin, the Moscow Metro and the Arbat, to quirky locations like the Museum of Cosmonautics , located in one of Moscow’s best districts for Communist architecture (one of our passions!)

Even though our itinerary was packed full, we managed to spend half a day touring Moscow independently , visiting some of the sights mentioned in The Master and Margarita – Patriarch’s Ponds, both Bulgakov Museums and Sparrow Hill. Let’s just say that we need to get back to Moscow soon to explore more! Meanwhile, here’s our things to do in Moscow for first timers article, detailing our Moscow visit with Viking.

Day 5 Uglich

After setting sail from Moscow, our first stop was Uglich , a cute town on the Volga River, famous for its pretty churches and for being the location of one of the darkest chapters in Russian history .

After the death of Ivan the Terrible, his youngest son and heir to the throne Dmitry was exiled to Uglich, where he was murdered at the age of 10. Suspicion fell on the tsar’s chief advisor, but Dmitry’s cause of death (i.e. throat slitting) was ruled to be an accident. This episode started a period of political unsettlement, that ended with the start of the Romanov dynasty.

We spent an afternoon around Uglich , starting with a home visit of a local family where we had the chance to try homemade grain vodka (the best we’ve had in Russia) and a variety of pickled vegetables, tea and cakes. Then, we toured the Kremlin – the word ‘kremlin’ actually means fortified city, and several Russian cities have one. Moscow’s Kremlin just happens to be the best known!

Day 6 Yaroslavl

The following morning we reached Yaroslavl , a much larger city compared to Uglich. It looked like the perfect Russian city – large enough not to get bored (there was even a cat cafe!) but small enough not to get frustrated with the traffic and crowds found in Moscow or St. Petersburg.

Our Yaroslavl visit was centred around four points of interest . The centre of Yaroslavl is located on the Strelka, a promontory formed at the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl rivers. Our first stop was the covered market , where we tasted some local products, and then we headed to the Church of Elijah the Prophet , where we had a guided tour (and played with some cute cats). Afterwards, we visited the Governor’s Mansion , now an art gallery. We were welcomed by some beautiful ladies in period costumes, and treated to a music concert. Our final stop was the Yaroslavl Kremlin , where we admired the façade of the Dormition Cathedral, destroyed by the Bolsheviks and rebuilt and reopened in 2010 in time for Yaroslavl’s millennium celebrations.

Before heading back to the ship, we stopped at the lookout over the Millennium of Yaroslavl Park at the end of the Strelka – the flowerbed right in the centre displays a bear (Yaroslavl’s coat of arms) and the city’s age – 1006 at the time of our visit. Looking good!

Day 7 Kuzino

Kuzino is a small village in in the middle of nowhere – we visited on a chilly and rainy morning, to visit the stunning Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery , the largest in Europe. The Monastery is surrounded by walls and located on the shores of Severskoye Lake, with waters so pure that boat traffic is prohibited.

Kirillo-Belozersky was founded at the end of the 14th century, and had its heyday between the 15th and 17th century, when Russia’s tsars and noblemen (including Ivan the Terrible!) paid frequent visits and showered the monks with icons and precious gifts. Luckily the Bolsheviks spared the monastery from destruction, turning it into a museum instead. The day we visited was the feast of the Assumption and the churches were crowded with locals, but we had a lovely guided tour of the museum and time to appreciate its beautiful icons.

Day 8 Kizhi (Sailing)

Whenever travelling, you always need a plan B. Autumn was well on its way by the time we reached the northernmost section of our cruise, and we were held at a lock for the best part of one night due to thick fog . This meant we had to sail the whole day and miss out on Kizhi , a tiny island on the northern side of Onega Lake, famous for its spectacular wooden churches.

We were all disappointed when boat staff made the announcement – personally, Kizhi was one of the stops I was looking forward to the most, after reading about it on the Guardian and knowing that the site is very difficult to visit without a river cruise. However, we didn’t mind too much because we were both suffering the consequences of the previous night’s vodka tasting , organised by Frank, the hotel manager who also happened to be a real vodka connoisseur!

Viking staff were really amazing at keeping us busy during the sailing day with activities like guided tours to the wheelhouse, the room where the captain and sailors pilot the ship.

Day 9 Mandrogy

The last stop before reaching St. Petersburg was Mandrogy , a village on the banks of the Svir River, built in 1996 as a replica of a village destroyed during WW2. A Russian businessman had the idea of ‘rebuilding’ Mandrogy to provide a stop to river cruise passengers before reaching St. Petersburg. So, the village is not actually ‘real’ – it’s more of an open air museum. Cute little painted houses were built around a little forest, with people in traditional dress showcasing traditional crafts and selling souvenirs.

Those in search of souvenirs loved Mandrogy – the quality of matrioshka dolls, icons and other handicrafts was far higher than anywhere else we had been. We are not into souvenirs, but if there was a place to get something, Mandrogy would be it. The village was pretty, but it felt a bit fake for us – kind of like a tourist amusement park. Which in a way, it is.

However, we did enjoy Mandrogy for two reasons – the first was the chance to attend matrioshka painting workshop  where we decorated our own matrioshka dolls. That’s the best kind of souvenir in my opinion! The second was the delicious piroshki place where we had some delicious buttery pastries filled with green onion and egg. Just ask Viking staff and they’ll point you the way to the piroshki place!

Days 10-13 St. Petersburg

After 6 days spent cruising, covering a distance of 1800 kilometers, we made it to Saint Petersburg . We had three gorgeous sunny days, and the city dazzled us with its beauty and artistic wealth – after all, it’s UNESCO-listed ! There’s no way I can convey everything we saw and did in three days in just a couple of paragraphs, so watch this space – a St. Petersburg article is coming soon!

There are several St. Petersburg experiences already included by Viking in the tour price – a visit to the Hermitage Museum, a ballet performance, a visit to Catherine Palace in the village of Pushkin and a St. Petersburg city tour, either on foot or by bus. On top of that, we also joined some optional tours – a river cruise, a morning tour to amazing Peterhof Palace and my very own favourite, a Cossack performance!

Things to Know Before Travelling to Russia

• Make sure you sort out your Russian Visa on time . Viking Cruises helps with an invitation letter that you can use to apply for your own Russian visa at your closest consulate – the process is pretty straightforward, provided you are applying in your own country, and takes approximately 2-3 weeks.
• You can also ask Viking to sort out your Russian visa for an additional charge . This is especially convenient if you live in the US or if your hometown doesn’t have a Russian consulate.
• River cruises of Russia only run between April and October, when the waterways are not frozen. The weather can be change dramatically between Moscow and Saint Petersburg , the latter usually being much colder than the former. Make sure you check the weather reports before packing!
• English isn’t widely spoken around Russia , not even in the main cities. If you’re planning to spend some time travelling independently, learning a bit of Russian is a VERY good idea. The Russian language classes we had on board came in very handy!
• Russia’s currency is the rouble , which fluctuates quite a bit. Larger cities are full of moneychangers, and some souvenir shops (like those in Mandrogy) also accept euro and USD.

We would like to thank Viking Cruises for having welcomed us aboard the Waterways of the Tsars cruise.

Pin it for later?

2 thoughts on “Russian River Cruise – Waterways of the Tsars”

Truly amazing place & photography! I loved the view of church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, looks awesome. I enjoyed reading. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Thank you for reading! It was a fab trip!

Comments are closed.