Russia Revealed

In recent years interest has increased in the fine concept of utilising a cruise vessel to view Russia’s two main cities and the magical towns along the Russian waterways with their medieval kremlins, fortified monasteries and churches in surroundings remote from the modern world.

Both cities are linked as rivals in history as Moscow, the first capital of Russia from the early 15th century until 1712 when Tsar Peter the Great moved his capital to the newly created city of St. Petersburg on ground that was little more than bleak swamp, did not to regain its status as capital until 1918. The MS Yesenin is our base for this arrangement, exclusively for the guests of Voyages Jules Verne, connecting these two great artistic centres. As we navigate the Neva, Svir and Volga rivers, lakes Ladoga and Onega, the White Lake and Moscow/Volga canals, the ‘real’ Russia is revealed.

The intricate system of waterways has a beauty that is hard to describe. Serene, peaceful and timeless with silver birch and pine forests, sandy shores, calm flowing water and spectacular late sunsets. In these realms of the ‘White Nights’, calls will be at such historic cities as Uglich, one of the cities of the Golden Ring, Yaroslavl and Goritzy. These magical cities of Holy Russia still preserve their medieval kremlins (citadels), fortified monasteries and churches in surroundings remote from the modern world.

A visit to Kizhi Island in Lake Onega reveals the magnificent Church of the Transfiguration with its 22 shimmering grey domes in three tiers.

VJV Exclusive Event - Private Ballet Performance

Voyages Jules Verne has arranged exclusively for its guests, a private gala ballet performance featuring artistes from the Mariinskiy (Kirov), Mussorgsky or other leading companies. Russian champagne and caviar is served during the interval.