The Volga, Europe’s largest and longest waterway, holds a special place in Russian history and in the hearts of its countrymen. Known as the Golden Ring, it has long served as a major trade route, settlement and conquest and is now ready for you to discover in complete luxury.

Cruise in premier style from Moscow to St Petersburg and discover the heart of Russia on Uniworld’s new 13-day Imperial Waterways of Russia. This new Russian itinerary takes in some of the world’s finest art and distinctive architecture, as well as many hidden villages, historical churches and gorgeous monasteries of the region.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ new 13-day Imperial Waterways of Russia is priced from $4,365 per person, twin share, (cruise only). Single supplement available from $2,499.

Highlights of this itinerary include:

• A panoramic city tour of Moscow which visits the many historic landmarks such as Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and impressive Tverskaya Street
• Enjoy an excursion of the Kremlin, a self contained 15-century city with palaces, armouries and a medieval fortress
• Cruise the Moscow canal to Uglich where you will visit the Church of St Dimitri and the 18th century Transfiguration Church
• Visit Yaroslavl, Russia’s most beautiful city and explore the exquisite Church of Elijah the Prophet, an architectural masterpiece richly adorned with 17th century frescoes
• Learn how traditions and handicraft techniques have been preserved during a visit to the Children’s House of Art and Crafts in Goritsy
• Explore the famous Open Air Museum on Kizhi Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the spectacular Church of Transfiguration
• Indulge in a traditional shashlik picnic of skewed meat in Mandrogi
• Drive along St Petersburg’s Nevsky Prospekt and see Palace Square, St Isaac’s Cathedral and Admiralty Tower. In the evening, be treated to a spectacular Russian ballet
• Be amazed as you tour the world famous Hermitage Museum, featuring nearly three million works of art
• Visit lavish Catherine Palace and Park, a masterpiece of Russian Rococo architecture.

Your stunning Uniworld river cruise includes 12-nights accommodation in a riverview stateroom on the River Victoria, all meals onboard, 24 hour speciality coffee and tea bar, 10 shore excursions with knowledgeable local guides, Captain’s welcome and farewell dinners, enriching on-board entertainment and lectures and English speaking crew that equate to one staff member for every three guests. Departures are available from 20 May until 29 September, 2011.