A Volga Adventure with eWaterways

eWaterways the niche and river cruise experts have a new itinerary for 2012 on Europe’s largest and longest river - the Volga. The exceptional 11-day Russian Cruise-and-Stay package takes place on the Volga Dream, a well-appointed ship which journeys along this emblematic river and other important waterways to Russia’s ‘Golden Ring’ cities.



Starting in Peter the Great’s ‘Window on the West’ St Petersburg and ending in the medieval yet modern capital Moscow, this cruise promises a real exploration of this vast country’s vistas, history and culture.



The all-inclusive Volga Discovery Holiday is crammed with excursions, informative tours and the best of Russian cuisine. The impressive programme includes visits to the remarkable Palace Square and a tour of the Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg; a tour of the magnificent Church of the Transfiguration with its 22 ‘onion’ domes on Kizhi Island; a trip to the Cyrilo-Belozersky Monastery in Goritsy and the 16th-century Monastery of the Transfiguration and Church of Elijah the Prophet in Yaroslavl, as well as a city tour of the beautiful 10th century town Uglich - all before a visit to the renowned Kremlin, the Flea Market and the Dmitry Blood Church in Moscow.



The Volga Dream accommodates just 109 passengers in 56 well-appointed, spacious cabins, each of which feature a window, individually controlled air-conditioning, satellite flat-screen televisions, mini-bars and a welcome fruit basket. With a crew of 60, including an expert tour guide, the standard of service is impeccable.



One of the highlights is the onboard dining experience. With the à la carte evening dinner taking a different theme everyday, the Chef brings fine dining to each guest night after night. From the fresh steamed sturgeon to a rack of lamb or steak au poivre, tiger prawns and authentic Russian Borsch, every meal is a chance to marvel at the culinary excellence of the kitchen. The onboard facilities include a single sitting dining room where complimentary wine is served with meals, a chic lounge and bar, fitness centre, spa treatments and library with internet access.



The 11-day Volga Discovery Cruise will run from May-September 2012. Prices start at £2,059 per person (including taxes), which includes 5-star hotel stays in Moscow (2 nights) and St Petersburg (2 nights), a 6-night deluxe cruise aboard the Volga Dream (full board basis), all transfers, tours and excursions, house wine and soft drinks with meals onboard and lunches and dinners in local restaurants. Flights and visas are not included.



For more info, visit www.ewaterways.co.uk or contact the river-cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Three Iconic Places To Visit On A River Cruise

River cruising through Europe's waterways offers the perfect way to enjoy some of Europe's most iconic sights and events, without having to check into and out of hotels; you only unpack once and your luxurious accommodation moves with you. Here is AMA Waterways' top three selection of places and events to see within striking distance of a river cruiser.

1. See the Dutch bulb fields in bloom in spring time on a trip to the Keukenhof Gardens with millions of tulips creating a dazzling carpet of colour.

A seven-night Tulip Time cruise round-trip from Amsterdam costs from £1,376 per person, departing in March and April.

2. Germany's top horticultural show (BUGA 2011) runs from April 15 to October 16. It will take over the riverside town of Koblenz all summer long, filling the squares and streets with floral displays. Entry to the show will be included as one of a range of complimentary excursions on the many river cruise itineraries that call throughout the summer.

A seven-night Enchanting Rhine cruise from Amsterdam to Basel costs from £1,569 per person.

3. Cruise Russia's waterways in June, when the days are at their longest, enjoying balmy summer evenings sailing slowly through the Russian countryside. In St Petersburg, attend a magnificent ballet performance at the famous Hermitage.

An 11-night Russian Waterways cruise from Moscow to St Petersburg on the newly-designed AmaKatarina costs from £2,314 per person.

For more information, contact one of the river-cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd or visit www.amawaterways.co.uk.

Uniworld Back to Russia

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection will be re-entering the Russian market in 2011 with the launch of the completely refurbished River Victoria (above) projected to be one of the most beautiful and comfortable ships to sail the Volga River.

Uniworld has a long history of operating in Russia but company exited the market in 2010 because the quality of the ship and onboard services did not meet their high standards. Now, the totally refurbished Victoria will incorporate the planning and design themes from Uniworld’s sister company, the award-winning Red Carnation Hotel Collection.

The river-view staterooms and suites offer individual climate-control thermostats, telephones, flat-screen satellite TVs and bathrooms stocked with high-quality bath and body products. Staterooms and suites on the Neva and Volga decks have full private balconies to view Russia’s many gems along the Volga River.

The River Victoria’s common areas are being designed for their guests’ total comfort and enjoyment. The Chagall Lounge offers a full-service bar and dance floor; the Katarina Bar features an outdoor patio; and the Pushkin Restaurant has stunning panoramic views.

The ship also offers a sun deck patio with lounge chairs, a fitness room and massage room, a boutique, a library/reading room, a complimentary 24-hour speciality coffee and tea bar and Wi-Fi access in public areas.

Guests can experience all of the comfort and elegance of the River Victoria on Uniworld’s exciting Imperial Waterways of Russia itinerary. This 13-day journey from Moscow to St. Petersburg uncovers some of the world’s finest art and architecture, as well as tucked-away villages with Old World charm and warm, friendly people.

From Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Hermitage Museum to the white stone churches of Uglich and Yaroslavl, this cruise brings guests up close to the rich traditions and royal history of Russia.

Prices start from £3,075 per person, including return scheduled flights and UK door-to-door private car airport transfers, and, by booking and paying in full by October 31, guests can enjoy savings of £800 per couple off their cruise.

Find out more at http://www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk/ or check with the river-cruise specialists at The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.