| Places You'll Visit |
| European River Cruises & Ukrainian River Cruises |
| This old Russian town of rich historical and cultural heritage lies just a few miles from the town of Kirillov, an important port on the Severo-Dvinsk canal. Goritsy is a popular stop because it is located near the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, one of Russia's largest cloisters, second only to the Solovki Monastery in the White Sea. Established in 1397 on the bank of Lake Siverskoye, the monastery's fortifying walls, which measure 2400 feet long and 22 feet thick, are an impressive sight. Ships visiting Goritsy: Bunin |
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| Founded in the 11th century by Kyivan Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Kanev is a pleasant city mostly associated with the father of Ukrainian literature, poet Taras Shevchenko. The famous writer is buried in Kanev on a hill overlooking the Dnieper River. There is a memorial museum dedicated to him which serves as the city's prime attraction. Ships visiting Kanev: Shevchenko |
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| With a history dating back over 1500 years, Kiev, the capital and most populous city in Ukraine today, has risen from its humble past to become one of Eastern Europe's most
vital cities. Graced by golden-dome cathedrals, historical monasteries, and contemporary monuments, the city's architecture is
exquisite, despite it having suffered significant damage in W.W. II.
Saint Sophia Cathedral and the Monastery of the Caves are two of the
city's most famous landmarks and are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ships visiting Kiev: Shevchenko |
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| Little is known about the origin of Kherson. The city was founded in 1778 by Russian general Grigori Alexandrovich Potemkin, the father of the famous Russian poet, Sergej Potemkin. Kherson is conveniently located near Fisherman's Island, which makes it perfect for small boat excursions to the Dnieper Delta. Ships visiting Kherson: Shevchenko |
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| This fairy tale island in the Russian north is synonymous with extraordinary timber architecture. Kizhi Island is home to one of the most impressive wooden structures ever erected, the Kizhi
Church of Transfiguration. It features 22 cupolas of striking intricacy and was built without using a single nail. Equally impressive is the island's Open-Air Wooden Architecture Museum, which personifies the ancient culture and workmanship typical of Northern Russia. Ships visiting Kizhi Island: Bunin |
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| Although Kremenchug is primarily known for its bustling industrial center and manufacturing enterprises, the city is quite charming and best explored on foot. It is home to coastal parks and squares as well as notable public buildings including the 19th century Cathedral, the Arsenal, and Town Hall. Ships visiting Kremenchug: Shevchenko |
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| Much like Svirstroy, Mandrogi is a living example of a typical Russian village. Quite popular for its traditional timber architecture, Mandrogi is also the birthplace of Russian vodka and traditional spirit. There is a museum within the village center which highlights the distilling process and history of the Russian vodka industry. Ships visiting Mandrogi: Bunin |
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| With a population exceeding 10 million, Moscow is the most populous city in Russia
and has long been considered the true heart of Russia. Deriving its name from the city's lifeblood, the Moskva River, Moscow is world-renowned for its decadent architecture and performing arts culture. It is home to several famous art museums and galleries, dozens of opulent theatres and cathedrals, and of course, the mighty Kremlin—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Moscow's most famous monumental complex. Ships visiting Moscow: Bunin |
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| The medieval city of Nesebar is Bulgaria's most popular coastal area. Recognized by UNESCO as a city of rich cultural and architectural heritage in 1983, Nesebar is home to an ancient fortress wall, traditional wooden houses, and a historic downtown area with some of the best preserved medieval churches in Bulgaria. Ships visiting Nesebar: Shevchenko |
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| Odessa is the largest port city in Ukraine as well as one of the country's most fashionable centers for the cultural arts. The city is home to several architectural attractions, including Count Tolstoy's Palace and the famed Potemkin Stairs—the infamous site where hundreds of Odessans were slain during an uprising in 1905. The Odessa Art Museum houses the largest collection of Russian and Ukrainian art in
Ukraine and is a notable architectural landmark of 19th century Classism. Ships visiting Odessa: Shevchenko |
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| Known as the "City of Russian Glory," as it was liberated by the Red Army in May, 1944, Sevastopol is the most famous naval city in Ukrainian history. It was the former base of Russia's infamous Black Sea Fleet and the site of the gruesome Siege of Sevastopol, which took place during the Crimean War. Scenes of the 11-month siege are depicted at the city's most famous commemorative monument, the Panorama, created by Russian painter Franz Roubaud. Ships visiting Sevastopol: Shevchenko |
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| Easily the most opulent city in the former Soviet Union, some have gone so far as to coin St. Petersburg the world's most beautiful city, and evidence of such a claim is everywhere visible in its architecture. Although founded by Peter the Great, the former Russian capital flourished under Empress Elizabeth, Peter the Great's
daughter. It was she who spared no expense when designing the city, thus
preserving the glory of Russia in some of the world's most compelling
palaces, cathedrals and theatres. Ships visiting St. Petersburg: Bunin |
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| This quaint village is a link to the artistry of rural Russia. Situated along the Svir River in the heart of the Karelia province, Svirstroy is the type of old-world village one would expect to find in the Russian wilds, so far from the pomp of St. Petersburg. Walks about the village's charming streets, adorned with traditional timber buildings, are the best way to discover the life and culture of the Karelia villagers. Ships visiting Svirstroy: Bunin |
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| Located on the St. George arm of Europe's
famous Danube River, the town of Tulcea is an important inland port in
southeastern Romania. The town was first colonized by Greeks from
Miletus in the 7th century, and remnants of their dominance can still be
found about the town's ramparts. The Danube Delta is easily accessible
from Tulcea, making it a popular destination for travelers. Ships visiting Tulcea: Shevchenko |
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| Founded in 1148 A.D., Uglich is one of the most beloved towns in old Russia. It is highly popular among travelers due to its architecture and charming views of the Volga River. Uglich
is home to several historic cathedrals, including the Church of St. Demetrius on the Blood, which commemorates a pivotal point in Russian history—the mysterious death of Ivan the Terrible's youngest son, Prince Demitry. Other notable sites in Uglich are the Resurrection Monastery and the Church of St. John the Baptist. Ships visiting Uglich: Bunin |
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| Considered the loveliest resort on the Black Sea, Yalta was the primary holiday retreat for the Russian aristocracy and gentry in the 19th century. Literary icons Leo Tolstoy and Anton Chekhov spent their summers in Yalta
and is the setting for Chekhov's short story, "The Lady With the Dog." Today Yalta is largely famous for its Sea Promenade (Naberezhna) and the opulent Lavadia Palace, the former summer home of Czar Nicholas II and historic site of the Yalta Conference. Ships visiting Yalta: Shevchenko |
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| Once the largest center of trade and manufacturing in 18th century Russia, the city of Yaroslavl
has not traveled far from its industrious roots. It is also one of the
largest centers of 13th-17th century Russian art and architecture in
Europe. The city's oldest monument, the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery,
still stands today. Yaroslavl is also home to the Churches of St. Nicholas and Elijah the Prophet, both of which contain some of the most elaborate and best preserved frescoes in Russia's Golden Ring. Ships visiting Yaroslavl: Bunin |
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| Considered the loveliest resort on the Black Sea, Yalta was the primary holiday retreat for the Russian aristocracy and gentry in the 19th century. Literary icons Leo Tolstoy and Anton Chekhov spent their summers in Yalta
and is the setting for Chekhov's short story, "The Lady With the Dog." Today Yalta is largely famous for its Sea Promenade (Naberezhna) and the opulent Lavadia Palace, the former summer home of Czar Nicholas II and historic site of the Yalta Conference. Ships visiting Yalta: Shevchenko |
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| Known as the "city behind the cataracts," Zaporozhye is historically synonymous with the legendary Cossacks, around whom the city's most popular museum was built. Today, Zaporozhye is one of the most important mechanical engineering and industrial centers in Ukraine. It is home to one of Europe's largest hydroelectric stations, the Dnieper Hydroelectric Station or GnieproGES, which dominates the mighty Dnieper River and is the city's most recognized site. Ships visiting Zaporozhye: Shevchenko |
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