cv. kirana tour

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Mount Ijen Volcanic Crater Overnight Trip from Bali

CV. Kirana Tour

Admire a sunrise from the iconic Mount Ijen on an early-morning trip from Bali. Enjoy a hotel transfer during the night, take the ferry to Java, then hike though the rainforest to the volcanic crater.

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Benefit from pick-up from your hotel in Bali, and then travel to the westernmost tip to catch the ferry to Java from Gilimanuk. Upon arrival at Ketapang port in Banyuwangi, travel by 4WD vehicle to the village of Licin and drive through a rainforest of giant ferns and trees on the slopes of Mount Ijen. From there, you will enjoy the stunning blue fire, burning Sulfur that spews blue light in the dark. When the sunrises, resting on the edge of the crater at an altitude of 2386 meters and enjoy the best panorama of the world’s largest acidic lake with its magnificent turquoise colored water. Get a panoramic view of the sulfur lake and surrounding landscape in the first light of day. Then, return to the base of the mountain to enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant before the drive back to the Bali.

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Duration 1 day

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About this experience

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Kirana Tours Bali

• +62 813 5336 1553

• Kintamani Tours
• North Bali Tour
• Nusa Penida Snorkeling
• Telaga Waja River Rafting
• Ayung River Rafting + Rice Terrace + Waterfall
• 4 Days 3 Nights (Ijen – Tumpak Sewu Waterfall – Bromo)

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Ayung River Rafting + Culture

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Bali Watersport & Diving

From 3 to 20 July 2021, Bromo and Kawah Ijen volcanoes will be closed for visitors.

3 Days on Java: Bali – Bromo – Kawah Ijen – Bali

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Book a tour

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“3 Days on Java” is a great adventure tour, starting from Bali, that will take you to the amazing Bromo and Semeru volcanoes, as well as the fantastic Kawah Ijen complex.

This tour is suitable for solo travelers, families, friends, co-workers, and lovers. Over three days and two nights, you will get acquainted with the local culture and have the chance to visit typical Javanese villages, see coffee plantations, try traditional local food and witness the incredible beauty of your surroundings.

If you are wondering what the difference between "3 Days on Java" and "55h on Java" please check this link: https://indotravelteam.com/faq/

You may miss a lot if you travel to Java on your own . 

Tour Features

No prepayment required

3 days 2 nights

Solo travellers are welcome

A few free pick up places

Language - English

Private trip available on request

Vegetarian meal on request

Tourist insurance included

You can also join this adventure from Java

• Train at 7am - arrival at Probolinggo at 3.36pm (+/- 9 hours)
• Comfortable car: Our driver will transfer you from Yogyakarta to Bromo. (+/- 7 hours drive) Additional cost package for 4/5 persons: 2 990 000rp or 190€ or 200$
• From Surabaya Train Station Gobeng at 2pm, arrival at Probolinggo at 4.10pm (+/- 2 hours) Cost per pax : +/- 100 000rp (8us$) No additional cost for your transfer to Bromo by our Team.
• Comfortable car: The driver will transfer from Surabaya (Probolinggo train station, airport or your hotel at Surabaya) to Bromo. (+/- 4 hours drive) Additional cost for 2 persons: 990 000rp (70us$)
• Confortable car: The driver will transfer from Surabaya (train station, airport or your hotel at Malang) to Bromo. (+/- 6 hours drive) Additional cost for 2 persons: 990 000rp (70us$)
• We will pick up you on Day 1 at 11am at the Terminal Ferry Ketapang
• No additional cost
• On Day 1 of the trip, at the train station of Probolinggo at 3.36pm.
• We will pick up you at the train station without any additional cost.

Why visit Bromo and Kawah Ijen?

• To witness an epic sunrise from the grandiose caldera of the Tenger-Bromo super volcano
• To hear the roar of the Earth while balancing on the edge of an active volcano crater
• To discover unforgettable otherworldly landscapes

Day 1 – Transfer to Java

We start our trip at dawn in a comfortable car or minibus in South Bali (pick-up also available from Ubud around 7-7:30 a.m. or from the Probolingo railway station in Java around 4-5 p.m.) After a few hours driving through Balinese landscapes, we will take a ferry to Java and continue our trip there, taking in typical Javanese landscapes.

We will arrive at the last village of the Bromo site in the late afternoon (altitude of 2,300 m), have a local dinner, and enjoy some free time to rest (or explore the surroundings) before the night climb. Night at GOOD KARMA Bromo .

Day 2 – Meeting the Bromo

Our journey begins with a 3:30 a.m. wake-up call and departure aboard an off-road 4x4 jeep. We will climb to the top of the Tenger-Bromo caldera to reach the “King-Kong” viewpoint (altitude of 2,650 m.)

At the viewpoint platform, we will witness a stunning sunrise over the following volcanoes:

Bromo (active, an altitude of 2,300 m)

Batok (dormant, an altitude of 2,400 m)

Semeru (active and erupting, altitude of 3,677 m, the tallest volcano in Java)

After enjoying the beautiful view (and depending on the weather conditions), we will cross the “sea of sand” (mostly made up of the volcanic ashes and debris of prior eruptions) and head to the sacred Hindu temples at the foot of the spectacular Bromo and Batok volcanoes.

Making our way around the temples dedicated to the gods living inside the crater, we will go up a steep and narrow path and climb 250 steps to reach the top of the Bromo. Only then, stunned by the sounds coming from the entrails of the Earth, and in the cold of the night, will we be able to experience the beauty of the smoking crater, its sulfur vapors emanating from the depths of the volcano. A truly unforgettable moment!

After exploring this extraordinary volcanic site, we will continue on our adventure, witnessing magnificent landscapes, traditional villages, various plantations (coffee, tobacco, rice, etc.), and authentic moments of the Javanese lifestyle in this beautiful volcanic region. A lunch and dinner of local cuisine will delight us before our arrival at our hotel.

Day 3 – Conquering the Kawah Ijen

Departure at 1:00 am for a 1 hour transfer to the Kawah Ijen base camp. After safety briefing and the provision of essential equipment (lamps, gas masks, etc.), we will begin the night climb at 2:00 am. Our experienced professional guides will lead you to the summit (2,300 m) through a beautiful mountain trail, under a ceiling of stars. It will take us between 1.5 and 2 hours of trekking to reach the top of Kawah Ijen volcano.

Once at the top of the crater, the most exciting part begins: we will descend, in complete darkness, into the crater of the active volcano to witness the unique phenomenon of the “blue flames”.

Our guides principally made up of former sulfur miners and porters and therefore very knowledgeable about the crater, will help you descend safely. They will exercise constant vigilance and make sure you are using the protective masks appropriately, providing you with constant help and guidance within this extremely spectacular environment.

At around 5 a.m., watching the sunrise above the largest acid lake in the world will complete this extraordinary adventure. We will take the time to appreciate the surreal scene surrounding us, enjoying the sunrise above the stunning turquoise lake while watching the brave workers carry huge sulfur blocks on their shoulders up to the crater rim!

Around 6-7 a.m., we will descend from this incredible location and head back to the base camp (altitude of 1,900 m). In the light of the day, you will be able to appreciate the beautiful trail that led to the caldera of the stratovolcano. Filled with its energy and the morning’s unique impressions, we will gently make our way down the slopes of the volcano and enjoy a breakfast specially prepared by a local Javanese family. Following a ferry ride from Java to Bali, we will return to our starting point in the South of Bali (arrival at around 6 p.m.)

Upon returning, we can guarantee that you will feel physically tired, but that this feeling will quickly pass and give way to the joy of the new memories you will get to cherish for the rest of your life.

Tour rates: 3 days to Java

To take part in this adventure, all you need to do is check the dates and the rates, and register for the tour as quickly as possible before spots run out.

As the number of seats is limited, it is recommended that you reserve your spot as early as possible.

The tour package excludes

Your own insurance

Food and drinks outside of meals

Personal expenses

Tips for guides and drivers.

Private trips, special requests & other questions

Whether you are planning a non-standard trip (in terms of the date, place of pick up or drop off, specific needs or preferences, etc.), you prefer to travel independently and not within a group, or your budget doesn’t allow you to take part in our extraordinary tour, contact us so that we may find an alternative option for you.

Private trip

*available at Denpasar, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Munduk, Pemuteran. For other places, on request.

Package for:

For your Private trip, we can provide for you, during the 3 days, a teammate speaking English or Russian or French: Additional cost 2 990 000rp or 180€ or 195$

Special Request

Important information

Altitude temperatures at the top of the volcanoes (2,300 m) can range from +2 to +25 degrees. We therefore highly recommend that you come adequately equipped.

You will need a pair of sports or hiking shoes and warm clothes (jacket, rainwear, sweatshirt, fleece, beanie, etc.) You will also need to bring some toiletries with you (tissues and toilet paper).

• There will be a variety of local winter hats on sale at the Bromo base camp, available at very low prices.
• Additional items will be provided for free upon request: jackets, lamps, protective masks, scarves, gloves, hats and rainwear.
• Even though you are covered by our tourism insurance, we strongly advise that you be individually insured under personal travel insurance.
• No additional costs; you only need to cover your own personal expenses, food, and drinks outside of meals, and tips for drivers and guides.
• Our company is guided by safety and prevention objectives, and we reserve the right to act at our discretion and in an appropriate manner in the event of unforeseen situations that may arise during the trip. The amounts already paid for the trip cannot be returned.
• In the event of an eruption or risk of eruption, or of any natural reason "outside our control", the decisions taken by the members or the management of the company will not be able in any case to generate a refund of the sums committed, the company cannot be responsible for these events.
• All routing information is given as an indication and can be modified without notice depending on the circumstances, weather conditions, local availability and any needs for change.

The consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited during the trip.

By signing up for this tour, you are accepting (or even seeking) to be taken out of your “comfort zone”, an inevitable part of any trip to Java.

For children under the age of 14, our guides will decide, depending on volcanic and weather conditions, whether they are allowed to descend into the crater. (However, the access to the top of the volcano is unregulated.)

Will it be cold? What will the temperature be like? Is it likely to rain?

The weather is unpredictable at high altitudes. Each individual is sure to feel the cold to some degree at the base camps and at the top of the volcanoes. It is recommended that you bring your own warm clothes, but we will also be able to provide you with warm jackets, hats, gloves and rainwear upon request. Don't believe any forecast in Indonesia. It's not trustable at all :). 

How many people make up a group?

Group tours are made up of a minimum of 2-3 individuals and a maximum of 10-12 individuals. Regardless of the group’s size, we will adapt the vehicle to the number of participants in order to ensure a comfortable trip. The larger group may be broken down into smaller groups during the hike.

Can we join the tour from Java?

The “3 days in Java” tour starts from Bali. However, you may join the group on Day 1 from Yogjakarta (7am) to Probolinggo (4.10pm)  by train (pick up without additional cost at this schedule). 

We can also organize your transfer with a private driver from Yogyakarta, Malang or Surabaya. After the hike of the Kawah Ijen, we can drop you off at Banyuwangi (East Java) or bring you back to Bali (Pemuteran, Munduk, Ubud or Seminyak).

Do I need to pay additional cost for mask and torch at Kawah Ijen?

No additional costs. All items for hike will be provided for free upon request: jackets, lamps, protective masks, scarves, gloves, hats and rainwear.

What should I wear for the hike?

Should i pay something additional during the trip.

No additional costs; you only need to cover your own personal expenses, food and drinks outside of meals, and tips for drivers and guides.

Will we have a WiFi during the trip?

WiFi is suppose to be on Day 1st at home stay. But, we can not guarantee it, as on mountain village connection can be break. 

How comfortable this trip is?

This is real adventure leads by professional and you will enjoy to be out of your comfort zone during this trip. If you are looking only for comfort this trip is not for you. 

Do not wait any longer! Contact us!

[email protected].

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Russian River Cruises

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• Moscow — St. Petersburg
• Moscow — Astrakhan
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Russia is again welcoming travelers!

• A negative PCR test is all that's needed to enter Russia
• Regular flights are now operating to / from Russia
• Visas can be issues quickly (Volga Dream provides your invitation)
• All Volga Dream personnel and guides are fully vacinated
• Bookings are transferable without penalty for 12 months
• Volga Dream arranges PCR-tests if needed for your outbound flight

Check our COVID-19 Policy page to learn more.

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Luxurious river cruises in russia.

Explore authentic Russian cities. Enjoy premium service and engaging activities as you sail the Volga River.

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Join our signature small group journeys and cruise in luxury along the Russian Volga river!

The Russian Odyssey

An extended 'South to North' view of Russia from Astrakhan to St. Petersburg through Moscow.

Explore Moscow, St. Petersburg and Russia’s Golden Ring in greater depth. Stay at gorgeous Four Seasons hotels. Enjoy special access to iconic cultural sites.

Lower Volga

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience cruising the Volga river from Moscow to Astrakhan. The tour includes 2 nights in Moscow.

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A Volga river cruise is more than a geographical voyage; it’s also a journey through Russia’s rich and captivating history. No other experience takes you so completely to another place and time. The Volga is Europe’s longest and largest river; it meanders through the stories of Ivan the Terrible and his rise to power, the two historic ‘Greats’ Peter and Catherine, and then on into today. It’s a unique opportunity to see modern Russia in the context of its intriguing history, ably assisted by friendly and professional academics and tour guides. A Volga Dream Russian river tour promises to leave you with an unforgettable afterglow of fond memories.

Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise

Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia’s best-known cities, but the towns of Russia’s historic Golden Ring are delightful too. The luxurious Volga Dream offers a unique opportunity to visit these Russian gems by sailing gently along the Volga River on an unforgettable cruising experience. In small, exclusive groups you’ll enjoy preferential access to some of Russia’s most significant cultural sites.

Moscow to Astrakhan River Cruise

Your River Cruise on the luxurious MS Volga Dream takes you from Moscow along Russia’s grand Volga River to the legend that is Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) and Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea. Along the way, you’ll discover the treasures of Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga, medieval Nizhniy Novgorod and beautiful Kazan, the ancient Tatar capital. We plan our tour carefully to combine the very best of Moscow with a world-class Volga River cruise.

Discover Russia with MS Volga Dream - Click-through map

We love hearing from guests about their time in Russia and one comment often hear is how surprised people are by the Russian capital. We can’t say for certain what people expected but we do know that it’s always far removed from what they imagined! It’s been called a modern metropolis, a cosmopolitan city, an historic gem, an architectural treasure and a cultural powerhouse, among other descriptions. Majestic Moscow has always surprised our guests and left them with lasting and fond memories.

Russia’s famous Golden Ring is an archipelago of historic towns surrounding Moscow. Uglich is one of the oldest and was founded under Igor, the last Varangian prince. It once resisted the Mongol invasion and its ancient walls saw the grisly murder of young Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible. The impressive Church of St. Dmitri on the Blood, with its classic onion domes and blood red walls, is a fine example of classic Russian architecture. The tour ends with an enchanting choral concert.

This, the oldest city on the Volga River, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a wealth of ancient orthodox treasures. The impressive Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John’s apocalyptic visions can be seen in the Spassky Monastery. The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet is decorated with an awe-inspiring selection of rich frescoes. For a real taste of pre-revolutionary Russia, visitors are entertained by a costumed reception at the Governor’s House.

Close to the shores of White Lake once were the ‘tsar’s fishing grounds’. It lies in a place so serene that ancient monks chose to build no fewer than three holy sites here, including the Ferapontov Monastery. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its chapels boast magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. The Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery was a refuge for many nobles during tumultuous times and later a fortress that successfully repelled invading armies.

The Karelia region is a vast and naturally beautiful wilderness that spreads all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle. The glorious island village of Kizhi consists almost entirely of the traditionally styled wooden buildings of ‘Old Russia’. Among them is the famous Transfiguration Church built in 1714. Remarkably, and in testament to the craftsmen of the time, not a single nail was used in its construction! Kizhi is one of the favorite stops on the river cruise to St. Petersburg.

A typical rural hamlet brought to life by warm and welcoming villagers. Volga Dream guests are invited into local homes to enjoy classic Russian fare, tea with jam and ‘pirozhki’ (pies). Enthusiastic hosts share Russian traditions and the appeal of village life while proudly showing off their scrupulously kept homes and kitchen gardens. The tour continues with a brief bus ride to see a unique World War II memorial and then, for a real glimpse of Russian life, a visit to a local primary school.

Nizhny Novgorod

This was once a wealthy city thanks to its proximity to rich eastern trading routes. During the Soviet era, the city was closed to outsiders because of its military importance. It’s also where many political prisoners were sent to live out their days in exile. The 16th-century Kremlin ramparts offer spectacular views and the city is known for its elaborately decorated churches. For Volga Dream cruise guests, the highlight of the day is an evening folk concert performed by local children.

Sailing along the Volga river, the riverbank gradually ceases to be dominated by Orthodox churches. Instead, beautiful mosques appear as the river crosses into Tatarstan where the first stop is scenic Kazan, the region’s capital. Inside the white walls of the citadel, the famous Kul Sharif mosque and the old Cathedral of Peter and Paul stand side-by-side symbolizing the two faiths’ long and peaceful coexistence in the region. A concert of traditional Tatar music ends the Volga Dream tour in Kazan.

Passing the Zhigulevskie Mountains offers wonderful views from the sundeck before touring the city. One of the key attractions is the fascinating Space Museum, which offers a revealing glimpse of how the Soviet Union pursued its ambitious journey to the cosmos. The town is also noted for its beautiful esplanade, perfect for a relaxed stroll beside the Volga river. This in turn leads to the Samara State Art Museum. Founded in 1897, it is home to a collection of more than 16,000 works of art.

This city is best known for its close associations with cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin. The Russian hero who achieved worldwide fame as the first man in space lived and studied here. Saratov used to be home to a large German community, a heritage that can still be seen in the local architecture. The Volga Dream tour visits the Radishchev State Art Museum, the first picture gallery in Russia outside Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Originally called Tsaritsyn, the city was renamed Stalingrad from 1925 to 1961 in honor of the USSR’s leader. During World War II, the city’s residents put up a heroic defense, repelling an advancing Nazi invasion. The battle for Stalingrad has gone down in history as a pivotal moment in the bloody conflict on the eastern front. The most ferocious and deadly fighting took place on Mamayev Hill, where an imposing memorial now stands close to the excellent Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Saint Petersburg

If Moscow surprises, then St Petersburg delights. Peter the Great founded the city to showcase Russia’s newfound enlightenment. He wanted to show the modern world a cultured and advanced society. In short, he built the city to impress and in that he succeeded splendidly! The striking buildings were designed by some of the finest architects Europe had to offer and even now, the ‘Venice of the North’ never fails to enchant with its spectacular buildings and impressive canal network. It is a city of true grandeur.

Cocktails with the Captain

Commanding any ship is a complex role that calls for a long list of skills. Captains know their vessels inside out as well as well as the routes they sail and when things don’t go to plan, they have to make instant decisions. Above all though, the most important part of the job, underpinning everything they do, is to keep the ship and everyone aboard safe. The Captain’s cocktail party is a great and a wonderful opportunity for passengers and crew to get acquainted as the gets underway.

Matryoshka doll painting

There is nothing more typically Russian than a Matryoshka. It embodies the fact that there’s always something deeper to be found in every aspect of Russian life. Learning the traditional designs and techniques used to decorate these iconic dolls offers a pleasant diversion and some cathartic creativity!

Superb Service & Dining

Our restaurant serves the highest standard of international cuisine, freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. Choose either a sumptuous buffet or set menu for lunch while dinner is always four or five courses with full service. High praise for the exquisite quality of meals is yet another constantly recurring feature in feedback from our guests.

Meet the Professor

From the Mongol hordes to Soviet times, Russia’s history is, like all of Europe’s, a complex web of political intrigue, war and peace, trade and treaties, as well as heroes and villains. Academics devote whole lifetimes to studying Russia’s long past and one of them presents a series of lectures shedding light on everything from Gorbachev to Chekhov, Khrushchev to Ivan the Terrible and of course, contemporary Russia. Our Professor is on board throughout the river cruise for informal conversation.

Beginner’s Russian

The Russian language can be rather beautiful and poetic and we know that many seasoned travelers enjoy trying their hand at different languages. Our onboard teachers provide an introduction to the riches of Russian, so guests can try out a few useful words and phrases on real Russians during the exciting river tours from Moscow to St. Petersburg or from Moscow to Volgograd!

Russian tea tasting

The drink we tend to associate with Russia is vodka, but tea, in fact, is the much more universal beverage of choice throughout the country. Guests will get acquainted with the Russian tea etiquette, a fundamental component of the country's social culture, and enjoy the traditional tea ceremony while cruising from St. Petersburg to Moscow or taking a Grand Volga river tour.

Russian Dinner & Vodka Tasting

All our dining is international but for Russian Dining night, the Chef includes a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and no Russian table is complete without Borsch. To add to the ‘Taste of Russia’ optional Russian dress, or at least a touch of Russian style, is provided along with enthusiastic help from our staff!

Russian Cooking Class

A plate of pelmeni might not look like much to the untrained eye, but it forms the heart of Russian cuisine and culture. Basically, it's a type of dumpling: small portions of meat and onion wrapped in a thin sheet of unleavened dough and boiled, a little like ravioli. Guests can join a Russian cooking class onboard the MS Volga Dream to learn how to cook this delicious Russian dish.

Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov Piano Recital

Some of the greatest classical music ever written comes from Russia. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting stage for a virtuoso solo recital by our resident concert pianist than the mighty Volga or a better backdrop than the heart of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov’s own serene homeland.

Russian River Cruise Aboard Volga Dream

Moscow to St. Petersburg

Why Volga Dream

Family Owned & Operated

MS Volga Dream is Russia’s only family-owned river cruise ship. She can accommodate up to 100 guests, far fewer than most other cruise ships on the river making for a uniquely friendly and intimate atmosphere aboard.

Five-Star Central Hotels

We at Volga Dream are completely convinced that, our guests should stay in great 5-star hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg within comfortable walking distance of all the major attractions, theaters and restaurants, rather than having to waste time in traffic.

Luxurious Accommodation

The MS Volga Dream is the most intimate and elegant 5-star cruise vessel in Russia. She boasts 56 cabins, all river facing, ranging from comfortable Standard Cabins to spacious Junior Suites and the luxurious forward facing Owner's Suite.

Russian Cultural Experience

Explore Russia's past with the help of professional tour guides. Our on-board program includes fascinating talks on Russian history and politics, Russian language lessons, a festival of Russian cuisine (including vodka tasting!), and much more.

Gourmet Dining

Our on board restaurant serves international cuisine to the highest standard, all freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. For Russian Dining night, he prepares a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and Borsch.

Tailored Service

All our service crew members are native Russians who are fluent in English and handpicked by the Owner. Proudly, the Volga Dream is famous for her hard working and very hospitable personnel who take care of every aspect of your life aboard.

Download Our Brochure

It's never been easier to plan your next holiday in Russia. Download our free brochure to learn more about authentic Russian river cruises.

Escape the hassle and bustle and add a satisfyingly informative element to your trip and bring together a colorful mosaic of people, history, traditions,  religion, music and art. These are the many strands that time has woven into what is known today as Russia.

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

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Golden Ring Tours

An opportunity to travel in time and experience the medieval towns of the Russian province

Home / Russia travel Destinations / Golden Ring Tours

Golden Ring Tours Immerse in Russian heritage, architectural masterpieces & stunning landscapes.

Golden ring tours overview.

Our Golden Ring Tours take place close to Russia's capital Moscow, yet seemingly a world away, adventuring to the beautifully preserved ancient cities of the Golden Ring route is a must. The cities of the Golden Ring are perfect destinations for travellers seeking the idyllic, provincial Mother Russia of old. A must short detour when Visiting Moscow. Scattered across a rural landscape of rolling hills, flower blanketed meadows, rivers and streams. The cities of the Golden Ring were considered political backwaters by the time Soviet industrialisation took hold, escaping much of the urban progress that rapidly engulfed Moscow and its surroundings. Consequently, many locals to the Golden Ring still lead a largely traditional existence, living in tight-knit communities where the ancestral izba (wooden farmhouse) is the centre of daily life.

 Golden Ring Russia, Travel Highlights:

• Regarded as open-air museums, be enthralled by many of the Golden Ring’s ancient settlements and architectural masterpieces . These include the UNESCO-listed monasteries and onion-dome cathedrals in Yaroslavl, the white stone monuments of Vladimir (the Golden Gates, the church of Boris and Gleb), and the medieval wooden houses and windmills in Suzdal.
• Our Golden Ring Tours facilitate immersion in the colourful culture of provincial Russia. Towns such as Ivanovo and Kostroma still maintain a largely traditional way of life. When you visit the Golden ring, be sure to try the delicious traditional Russian cuisine, admire time-honoured handicrafts and unearth ancient relics of the Soviet times.
• Discover the sacred places of the orthodox religion at their many cathedrals, churches and historical monuments like the Trinity Lavra of Saint Sergius, the Holy Assumption Cathedral and the Cathedral of Transformation.
• Uncover the age-old allure of Russia by delving into the rich history and legends of the Golden Ring. From Russian princes and knights to the early Tsars and Mongol invasions, you will experience something straight out of a fairytale.
• Admire the stunning natural landscapes of the Golden Ring dominated by rippling meadows, lush green forests and winding rivers used to link fortified towns in the middle ages.

Many Golden Ring cities date back to at least the 10th century, and played a vital role in Medieval history, associated with the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church, the reign of Tsars and the Mongol Invasions. When you go on a Golden Ring tour, you will notice that virtually every town is a living museum, made up of ancient forts, towering monasteries, imposing palaces and magnificent cathedrals. Recognised for their artistic merit as an important place in history, four sites on the Golden Ring circuit have gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status, including the 1,000-year-old city of Yaroslavl.

Explore Golden Ring Tours

Golden Ring at a Glance

Take a short detour from Moscow to discover the age-old allure of Russia. Travelling from the capital to the countryside, where golden spires and the onion-shaped domes of colourful monasteries dot the horizon, explore the historic and enchanting towns of Suzdal, Vladimir and Sergiev Posad.

Golden Ring - Reflections of Russian Heritage

The tour will take you to the eight cities of the Golden Ring, starting from Vladimir. The 'classical' route will take you to the fascinating sites of ancient cities. Get to see calm, slow, peaceful life in rural Russia and enjoy its architectural gems, culture and history.

Moscow, St Petersburg and Golden Ring Rendezvous

This tour of Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Golden Ring explores the places that shaped Russia’s history – past, present and future. Uncover Moscow’s ongoing revolutionary spirit, before journeying back in time to rural, medieval Russia. End in St Petersburg, a city of royal splendour and undeniable romance.

A custom tour made to order

We understand sometimes our set departure dates do not align with your ability to travel at that time, or you just want to travel bespoke. We got you covered.

Go custom — gives you the choice & flexibility of creating your own bespoke itinerary, using our tours for inspiration.

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