Tourism from Russia with Love

U. S. tourist venturing to Russia will not be disappointed. They will find their trip a rewarding experience and return home with a new perspective of the lovely people who were once our arch enemy during the cold war.                             

Amadeus Waterways a young, but renowned company provides 5 star river cruises throughout Europe. Among their fleet is the ship Leo Tolstoy, This is the first season for Amadeus running the Russian Waterways itinerary. I chose to see Russia from the Leo Tolstoy because of her history. She was built in Austria for the high ranking Kremlin officials and to host foreign dignitaries. The Captain, Valery Usikov has been aboard for 25 years, first during his military service and still as captain of the now private vessel. Although the itinerary called for us to cross two lakes, one being Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe and running three rivers and 18 locks and a few canals, I felt we were in very capable hands.

When traveling to Russia, one should be aware this country has not yet recovered from their years under communism and the break-up of the Soviet Union. Americans should not expect anything there to be equivalent to U.S. 5 star standards. Not even the Leo Tolstoy. The standard cabins are very small. I would recommend getting a Suite or Jr. Suite. Some twosomes chose to book 2 standard cabins one per person. The public lounges and bars are quite nice; the ship even features an indoor swimming pool. The ship is adequate and what it does lack in posh it more than makes up for with its passionate staff. They seemed to enjoy their work as much as we passengers were enjoying our vacation. Everyone was treated respectfully, and the seniors aboard that needed extra help were treated as very special guest and looked after with great kindness. Most of us aboard were seniors and of course while interested in our port stops and tours, our on board time proved to be a delight because of the programs and parties planned for us by the very capable cruise director Marina Jillenzeer, an English speaking Russian lady who has ten years experience working for Uniwold River Cruises.

The food choices, not as abundant as other European Itineraries was good and presented so enthusiastically lack of choice was not an issue, as one fellow passenger put it “Potatoes must be in season here.” Dinner is served with a glass of wine and breakfast with champagne. But guest are definitely getting what they came for, a taste of Russia. The food is authentic and well prepared.

Our trip took us from St. Petersburg to Moscow with stops in Uglich, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Mandrogui, Kizhi Island and Goritsy along the way allowing us to see rural Russia as well as its cities. Our tours were led by local tour guides to the many Palaces, Cathedrals, Museums and other historic building all displaying exquisite Russian workmanship inside and out. We enjoyed a ballet at the Hermitage theatre, as well as a visit to the famous museum. Although tourism in Russia is in the early stages and the local guides are still learning, the ship always sent a staff member along on the tour bus to help with any problems or wandering guest. Probably the most unusual and well-liked excursion we had was in Uglich where our morning breakfast was served to us within a real Russian home. In small groups or 10 or 12 we were driven to a house or apartment of a volunteer host who made us breakfast. The host for my group could not speak English and we could not speak Russian. What a great time we had. Along with cognac Vodka we were served cold cuts and cheese, tasty millet, wonderful “blinis” (Russian crêpes) Bread, jams, cucumbers and coffee. Lots of hospitality and an outstanding culture exchange. This ranked as a once in a lifetime excursion on a once in a lifetime trip.                                                                         

On board passengers were treated to Russian lessons and discussions on Russian Language, Vodka, and Tea. Very stimulating lectures were given by Elizabeth Jsaeva Ph.D. from the University of Moscow, Professor of Literature and a historian. She is one of seven different lecturers used by Amadeus. She gave us a very enlightening perspective of Russian history through modern day events. These lectures proved to be tourism at its best, as passenger were able to provide her with clarifying feed back, creating more understanding between different cultures. What made our lectures so special is the fact that Elizabeth Jsaeva lived through the communist era and the Soviet Union break-up, her knowledge was not just text book.

All you seasoned hi-end travelers looking for your next pampered encounter with different world cultures don’t wait too long before exploring a part of Russia that was and is a part of our history too. This is your chance to meet the people who were ducking under their school desks too. It is your chance to see the old Russia and the beginnings of the new Russia.

The 12-day River Cruise offered by Amadeus on the Leo Tolstoy holds no more than 160 guests and 100 crew members. There were 102 guests aboard our cruise. It is one of the most up-scale cruises the Russian waters ways have to offer at this time and kept ship-shape clean. Singles, especially ladies traveling alone will feel safe and included within their Amadeus group.