Russia and the Ukraine - European River Cruise Routes

Explore Russia and the Ukraine along their natural highways with a cruise through the imperial rivers and lakes. Whether it's Moscow's golden onion domes and red-walled Kremlin, the legendary palaces and canals of St. Petersburg, or the romantic vastnesses of the Ukraine and Crimea, a Russia cruise has to be the most relaxing way to experience this still relatively unknown area of the world.

Russian river cruises tend to be a bit different to those in Western Europe. For a start, some are multilingual and there are often more relaxed rules about smoking in public areas. Another difference appears to be a greater emphasis on providing background information on board, with experts providing lectures on Russian history, culture and economy.

Older boats have character, but fewer facilities; however, with the growing interest in river cruising there are some new boats with improved, if not OTT, specs., e.g. the Kazan has "tastefully appointed spacious outside cabins with private marble baths. Shipboard amenities include a boutique, swimming pool, and full-length sun deck with bar." Avalon is using the rebuilt Anastasia in 2006 which will conduct English-only tours between Moscow and St Petersburg (actually, our cruise director on the Amsterdam-Budapest tour this year, Hendrik, is slated to be on these tours, so this might be a good option).

Volga River Cruises
The unique cultural heritage and stunning architecture of Russia's most interesting cities are right there when you take a Volga River cruise. The Volga River, at 2,293 miles, is the longest river in Europe. By travelling along the Volga, the Moscow Canal and other waterways, you can visit Russia's two most important cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Dnieper River Cruises
Kiev, Odessa, Yalta - experience the best of the Ukraine via the Dnieper River, the third largest river in Europe, flowing 1,370 miles from the heart of the Ukraine to the Black Sea and travel in the footsteps of the Cossacks.

OUR ADVICE: concentrate on the ship you want to travel on and the route you want to travel, rather than the tour aggregator (of course, there's also price!). Be sure to check out our "Things to watch for" page too!

Next page: Moscow to St Petersburg: Volga River Cruises