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Cruising the Waterways of Russia with Viking River Cruises

Article posted: June 9th, 2010 by Cruisepilot | No Comments »

Ever wondered what it would be like cruising the waterways of Russia? Join Cruisepilot’s CEO, as he continues his journey from St Petersburg to Moscow on Viking River Cruise’s 13 day “Waterways of the Czars”.

Day 4 -   Lake Ladoga & Svir River

Well, we’ve been in St Petersburg for 3 days and have been staying on the Viking Kirov each night and today we set sail for the first time. I spent about 8 days driving around Europe before we arrived for the Viking River Cruise and I can tell you that to unpack once on a cruise and then enjoy the ride really becomes a luxury.  It’s good to be able to hang things up, not have to find a hotel and somewhere to eat each night.

It’s a full day of relaxing cruising today onboard the Viking Kirov. We sailed beautiful Lake Ladoga, Europes largest lake at nearly 7,000 square miles.  We stopped at a small village called Mandrody with cobbled streets and unique architecture.  Of course there was a Russian Vodka museum and shops with handmade Russian handcrafts.

We then left the lake and continued on the 139 mile long Svir River known as the “Blue Route” to Lake Onega.  I was amazed that the route to Moscow is a myriad of lakes, rivers and manmade canals.  There are seventeen (17) locks on the way to Moscow, raising the ship another 10 metres in altitude at each lock.  It is amazing to experience and you never tire from it.

The waterways of Russia are still used as a way to transport goods with many cargo ships plying our route. It’s interesting to see the hundreds of dilapidated factories on the waters edge that are remnants of the communist era.  When communism was at its height the locals thought these factories were building agricultural machinery and on the fall of communism they found out they were building parts for submarines and other military machinery.  You find out a lot of things on the Viking River Cruise because each day there is a lecture on the history of Russia. 

Day 5 – Lake Onega & Kizhi

We docked this mornig at Kishi located on Lake Onega which is Europe’s second largest lake. It is one of Russia’s oldest inhabited site and a UNESCO Heritage Site.  This is a wooden church.  They refer to them as onion dome churches because their spires look like an onion.  It has 22 spires and is completely made of wood with not one nail holding it together.  We depart Kizhi and sail for the rest of the day.

It is fascinating when you hear things such as in 1988/89 as Russia moved towards democracy the schools stopped teaching Russian history because what they had been teaching up to that point wasn’t true!

Day 6 – Volga-Baltic Waterway & Goritzy

The Volga Balitic Waterway is a system of rivers, lakes and waterways that link the Volga River with the Baltic Sea.  It’s total length from St Petersburg to the Rybinsk Reservoir is about 700 miles. In the mornings it is shrouded with a fine mist and it reminds me of my experience of the ballet, Swan Lake.

White Nights is what they call the summer season and they call it this for good reason.  I have not yet seen the sun go completely down in a 24hr period since we arrived in St Petersburg.  I’ve woken up at 1am to try to see darkness, but have not yet.  It does happen apparently, but it must only be for 30 minutes at some period in the night.  Not a period I have been able to catch as yet.  No problem on the Viking Kirov though, once the curtains are drawn it is pitch black in the cabin.

The cruises only operate for 6 months of the year because the winters are the harshest in Russia sometimes falling to just 70 Celsius below.  Al the rivers and lakes are frozen and the locals use them as roads to transport goods or commute.  It is these frozen lakes that were the only means of getting food in to St Petersburg during the 900 day siege during world war 2.

We went on a tour of Goritzy with its Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery, founded in 1397 by St Cyril.  It is a fortified complex with its 15th century church filled with Icons and frescoes, along with a museum. Well, back to the Viking Kirov for a quick nap and  a beautiful dinner as usual.

Day 8 – Yarslavl

The Viking Kirov docks at the golden ringed city of Yarslavl.  This city was formed in the 11th century and is considered to be the birthplace of the Russian Orthodox church.
We tour the cities rich monuments and we stand on the spot where the Russian Prince Yaroslavl fought and killed a bear with his axe and decided to build the city on that very spot. The city is going through a complete modernization in a new section beside the river.  With Parks, walkways and attractions being developed.

If you would like more information on this itinerary or other Viking River Cruise itineraries speak to one of our experienced consultants on 1300 795 433 or email info@cruisepilot.com.au.

Missed any of the installments of the Waterways of the Czars Blog?

Day 1 – Waterways of the Czars with Viking River Cruises
Days 2-3 - Waterways of the Czars with Viking River Cruises