Flowing from the rural foothills of central Russia to its mouth on the Caspian Sea. The literal and symbolic lifeblood of Russia, the Volga has been an instrumental part of local life for thousands of years, and has inspired artists, writers and cultural movements for generations, leading to it being affectionately titled the ‘Mother Volga’.

Here, we’ll be exploring the mighty course of the Volga, from its source in the Russian heartland to its end at the Caspian Sea. Discover the highlights of this majestic waterway, and the encounters you can look forward to as part of a Volga river cruise from Emerald Waterways.

The Volga’s journey begins in the Valdai Hills, an upland region to the north east of Moscow. From here, it cuts a course east, passing close to the Russian capital before flowing through the historic cities of Yaroslavl and Nizhny Novgorod – famous strongholds for Russia’s ancient tsars.

Winding eastward, the Volga reaches the city of Kazan, one of the most powerful and ancient cities of the motherland. Capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan is renowned for its ancient sacred sites, domed Islamic vestiges and the powerful Kazan Kremlin – a UNESCO World Heritage Site of captivating architectural splendor.

From Kazan, the Volga veers south, its course set to the Caspian Sea. Flowing through a handful of Russia’s ancient frontier cities, the Volga eventually reaches Volgograd, the last urban center on its course. Formerly known as Stalingrad, Volgograd is revered for its poignant WWII heritage, as it is among the most devastated of all Russian cities during the war. The Battle of Stalingrad is commemorated by The Motherland Calls, Europe’s largest statue and one of Russia’s most important symbols.

The Volga River enters the northernmost tip of the Caspian Sea, its delta system comprising of hundreds of narrow channels which lie 92 feet below sea level. This connection to the Caspian has, over the centuries, proved one of Russia’s most significant and influential trade links, affording passage to the instrumental east-west trade route of the Great Silk Road.

For centuries, Russia’s leaders, both imperial and communist, have sought to exploit the passage of the Volga. This has led to the creation of a vast network of canals which link the river and its tributaries to other Russian waterways, including the Neva River, which flows from Lake Ladoga to Saint Petersburg on the Gulf of Finland, and the Moskva River, which cuts through the heart of the Russian capital. Such links have made the Volga Delta one of the most well-connected river basins on Earth – facilitating simple passage from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, and on to the shores of the Caspian.

Not only is the Volga impressive in length, but also in scale. Along its route lie some of the largest lakes on the continent, the greatest of which could be described as inland seas. While some of these water bodies are natural, others are manmade, the outcome of centuries of rerouting and damming of the river’s course.

From art and music to literature and folklore, the Volga has influenced many aspects of Russian culture, mythology and tradition. Located entirely within the Russian Federation, Mother Volga is viewed as the lifeblood of the nation, and this collective love and appreciation for the river is tangible along its course.

At Emerald Waterways, our Russian Waterways river cruise itinerary focuses on the Upper Volga, making use of the Volga-Baltic Waterway to transport our guests from Saint Petersburg to Moscow via the Volga’s extensive river basin. Traveling on-board the MS Nizhny Novgorod, you’ll experience the elegance of Saint Petersburg and the grandeur of Lake Onega, before traveling southeast to explore the cultural highlights of Goritsy, Yaroslavl and Moscow.

Take a closer look at some of the highlights of our Russian river cruise itinerary below.

Billed as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Saint Petersburg is Russia’s elegant and commanding second city. Built from the ground up by Peter the Great in the 18th century, Saint Petersburg stands as testament to Russia’s imperial past. Its palaces, mansions and parks have designated UNESCO World Heritage Site status for their architectural splendor and indelible cultural value.

The highlights of Saint Petersburg

• Visit the spectacular Hermitage, one of the world’s largest art museums, which is housed in Saint Petersburg’s beautiful Winter Palace.

• Marvel at the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, whose ornate domes and exquisite medieval Russian architecture make it one of the great highlights of a Volga River cruise.

The medieval enclave of Goritsy is the first of a string of historic settlements which line the banks of the Volga to the northeast of Moscow. This beautiful town, which is dotted with monasteries, played a significant role in the development of the Russian Orthodox Church, and is today regarded as the gateway to one of Russia’s most famous monasteries, Kirillo-Belozersky.

The highlights of Goritsy

• Encounter beautifully-preserved examples of Russian medieval architecture in the heart of this historic town.

• Visit the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, which was once the largest monastery and fortress in northern Russia.

• Hear stories of Russian folklore and myths from an experienced local guide, including tales of Cyril of Beloozero and the legacy of the Time of Troubles.

Few superlatives do justice to Russia’s enigmatic, exhilarating capital. From the architectural icons of Red Square, which include St Basil’s Cathedral and the mighty Kremlin, to fascinating centers of heritage such as the State Historical Museum; Moscow is a city like no other, and you’ll experience its many captivating highlights as part of a comprehensive tour.

The highlights of Moscow

• Explore the architectural mainstays of Red Square, from St Basil’s Cathedral, with its colorful onion domes, to the Kremlin, one of the great treasures of medieval Russian architecture.

• Step within the iconic grounds of the Kremlin as part of an unforgettable guided tour, including a visit to the State Armoury.

Captivated by the enigmatic charm and iconic cultural highlights of Russia? Our river cruise along the Volga showcases the very best of this diverse, inspiring country – from its incredible cities to its traditional backwaters. To learn more and book your place, contact your professional travel advisor or call us today on 855.222.3214.