Go deeper than Stalin’s bunker in the political, religious and military history on an adventure through Russia. Embark on an 11-day small group trip from the majesty of Moscow following the Volga River through to the baroque architecture of Kazan, Ivan the Terrible’s Volga fortress at Sviyazhsk, the USSR’s ‘second capital’ in Samara and to the infamous Volgograd – the location of the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II. With expert local knowledge, hearty Russian and Tatar cuisine and a bucket load of culture, a journey through Russia has never seemed so fascinating.Highlights
Follow the mother of Russian rivers, the Volga, on an immersive and historical adventure of Russia, discovering its hidden gems.
Come face to face with the ethnic Tatar culture in its capital Kazan, and take a day trip to Sviyazhsk Island – once the fortress of Ivan the Terrible.
Explore Volgograd, once known as Stalingrad, on a guided historical city tour. It is a sobering experience to hear about World War II’s Battle of Stalingrad, told from a Russian perspective.
Discover Stalin’s hidden bunker in the USSR’s ‘second capital’ in Samara – a secret underground hideout rediscovered nearly 50 years after being built.
Experience a unique stay in Russian-style cottages on the banks of the Volga River. You are in for a peaceful night watching this magnificent river flow by.
- You will visit the following places:
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Kazan’
Kazan is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. With a population of 1,143,535, it is the eighth most populous city in Russia. In April 2009, the Russian Patent Office granted Kazan the right to brand itself as the "Third Capital" of Russia. In 2009 it was chosen as the "Sports capital of Russia" and it still is referred to as such. The Kazan Kremlin, a World Heritage Site, was visited by 1.5 million tourists in 2015 and hotel and entertainment complex with aquapark called “Kazan Riviera” was visited by 1 million tourists. This vibrant city with over 1000 years of history is an excellent travel destination, and the number of tourists visiting is rapidly increasing every year.
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Samara
Samara called [Kuybyshev](/search?q=kuybyshev "Kuybyshev") from 1935 to 1990, is one of the largest cities in [Russia](/search?q=russia "Russia"). It is situated in the southeastern part of European Russia, the [Volga Federal District](/search?q=volga-federal-district "Volga Federal District"), at the confluence of the ((Volga}} and [Samara River](/search?q=samara-river "Samara River")s. Samara is also the administrative center of [Samara Oblast](/search?q=samara-oblast "Samara Oblast"). Population: 1,157,880 (2002 Census); 1,254,460 (1989 Census).. The metropolitan area of Samara-Tolyatti-Syzran within Samara Oblast constitutes the population of more than 3.0 million people. Formerly a closed city, Samara is now a large and important social, political, economic, industrial and cultural center of European Russia, which in May 2007 played host to the European Union—Russia Summit. $$https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aTKbtZXZBU$$
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Moscow
Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the world. A global city, Moscow is the most populous city on the continent of Europe and the seventh largest city proper in the world. Its population, as of 1 January 2010, is 10,563,038. For many, the sight of the Kremlin complex in the centre of the city is still loaded with symbolism and history. It was the capital of the former Soviet Union and signs of its previous life are very visible even now. Yet, there's more to Russia and its capital than just memories of the USSR.