ROL Cruise recommends…
Marvel at St Petersburg’s grand architecture
A port city on the Baltic Sea, St Petersburg offers a rich cultural insight into Russian history, complete with sun-soaked strolls along the city’s age-old canals. This bustling city is known for its splendorous architecture and artworks and is sure to delight anyone with a taste for the finer things. During the height of the summer, St Petersburg’s streets and riverbanks cease to sleep during ‘White Nights’ – a three-week celebration of 24-hour daylight that sees dusk-till-dawn performances, carnivals and parties.
Explore Moscow day and night
The capital of Russia, Moscow is the hub of cosmopolitan living. A surprising cruise destination as it’s landlocked, Moscow can be accessed on river cruises. Explore this animated city’s royal heritage and treasures, discover nightlife famous for its splendour and sample true Russian vodka in popular hotspots that are nothing short of luxury. After a night of revelling, spend the day visiting famous structures at the heart of this city such as the Kremlin and Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Moscow’s opulent metro system.
Visit Russia’s oldest wooden church in Kizhi Island
See a side to Russia that you never knew existed on a fantastic day trip with a difference. A visit to Kizhi Island is sure to fill you with wonder and is perfect for anyone with a keen interest in intricate architecture. Although only 6km long and 1km wide, this island has a big heart, boasting over 80 historical wooden structures including UNESCO-designated Transfiguration Church, built entirely without nails. Kizhi Island is also home to the nation’s oldest wooden church, the Church of the Resurrection of Lazarus which was built in the 14th century.
Cruise along the longest river in Europe
Regarded as the national river of Russia, the Volga River offers cruisers the chance to journey through some of Russia’s most elegant cities, taking in the gloriously traditional shrines and monasteries that line its riverbanks. Wine and dine while taking in your surroundings, making sure to keep an eye out for some of the river’s abundance of wildlife and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a pelican, flamingos or lotus – the only place in Russia these animals can be found.
