Jewel of the Southern Russia 30 July 2025

The eventful journey «Jewel of the Southern Russia» takes place on the Mustai Karim, a Luxury Deluxe (Vodohod-operated) comfortable motor ship. You are free to enjoy convenience of travel, interesting excursions, new impressions and the opportunity to always get a completely new experience in tailor-made cruises with «Vodohod».

During the journey, you will visit 16 sites, each featuring its unique distinctness and flair. You will have a great opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, appreciate the gastronomic concept of «Native Shores», take many beautiful photos, try local cuisine and experience the unique flavor of a river trip.

What are the anchorages along the route famous for?

Nizhny Novgorod is often called the “Pearl of the Volga” for a reason! The flair of the old Russian merchant city dating back to the 13th century is remembered by everyone without exception. The Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin of the 16th century, a local fair selling a variety of handicrafts, a cableway over the Volga – all contribute to the complete image of the city and introduce its rich and interesting history to you.

Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan and a unique city that has preserved its unique flair and heritage. A place where religious shrines of the Orthodox and Muslims peacefully coexist. A place blending Russian and Eastern flavors: the domes of ancient churches, bell towers and slim needles of minarets rise high above modern buildings. It has the famous white-stone Kazan Kremlin, the leaning tower of Syuyumbike, the Governor's Palace, the Palace of Farmers and Europe’s largest mosque Kul Sharif.

Astrakhan, the «Pearl of the Volga Region» with a rich history founded in the 16th century by Ivan the Terrible. Astrakhan is a paradise for gourmets, hunting and fishing enthusiasts. The city has always been famous for its fish delicacies such as caviar and Caspian sturgeon, beluga and dried roach. Astrakhan's sights are essentially evidence of the proximity of different cultures, religions and eras: the Assumption and Nikolsky Cathedrals, the Church of the Holy First Apostle Prince Vladimir, the Kazan Cathedral Mosque, the Church of John Chrysostom, the Church of the Kazan Mother of God, the Armenian Church, the «House of the Merchant Tetyushinov» are all examples of wooden architecture dating back to the late 19th century. The Astrakhan Region is home to famous natural attractions: the salt lake Baskunchak, lotus fields and the Volga River Delta Biosphere Reserve.