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Naturetrek reviews & ratings.

J.T. Surrey

What more could we ask!

Eight tigers, 13 sloth bears, 2 packs of wild dogs, 4 sorts of deer, and fabulous birds. What more could we ask! But I have to say what really made it was meeting Ni...

S.W. Nottinghamshire

We were very privileged

We were very privileged on the extension to see the two tigers hunting a Sambar stag (an event that made the TV, front page of both the state newspaper and The Times...

A.H. Warwickshire

Thank you Naturetrek for a great holiday

Thank you Naturetrek for a great holiday, and many thanks t...

Anon. London

outstanding

The leader was outstanding – not just a terrifically expert birder b...

J.E. West Midlands

Everything was perfectly planned

We spent 14 days at 4 different lodges and National Parks in central India. Everything was perfectly planned, the lodges were amazing and the wildlife in the parks w...

See all Naturetrek reviews

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About the company.

Who are we?

Naturetrek operates the largest selection of professionally organised, expert-led wildlife holidays and tours in the world. We’ve been organising specialist wildlife tours for over 25 years.

What do we do?

We enjoy taking you to see the world’s special wildlife and places. Staffed by wildlife enthusiasts and dedicated travel professionals, we are passionate about organising outstanding, competitively priced, responsible wildlife experiences around the world.

Our programme of holidays includes bird watching and botanical tours, bear, whale and tiger watching holidays plus a variety of wildlife-orientated treks, conservation tours and expedition cruises to some of the most spectacular regions on Earth.

Where are we based?

Based in rural Hampshire in south-central England, we occupy a characterful converted barn in the village of Chawton, near the market town of Alton.

All of Naturetrek’s staff offer a friendly, flexible and expert service. Most have been with the company a long time and know the trade inside out. All our staff have a very keen interest in natural history, conservation and travel, and we pride ourselves on the extremely personal and knowledgeable service we offer you. You can find details about individual members of staff below - simply click on the person's name to reveal their details.

Visiting us

Naturetrek's head office occupies a beautiful barn conversion set amongst a pleasant 12-acre grassland site in the village of Chawton, just a few minutes’ drive from the market town of Alton.

As well as discussing your travel plans with us, there’s a lot to do in the nearby towns and villages and their surrounds. Chawton Cottage, where Jane Austen lived for the last eight years of her short life, is a popular tourist attraction that is open to the public year-round. The magnificent Elizabethan manor, Chawton House, the former home of Jane Austen's brother, is now a museum of women's literature and is also open to the public, together with its gardens. Both are just a short walk from Mingledown Barn.

A few miles away lies the village of Selborne, made famous through the writings of its curate in the late 18th century, the Reverend Gilbert White, the founding father of natural history studies in Britain with his Natural History of Selborne. He created the famous 'zig-zag' walk up the Hanger, a striking escarpment supporting a woodland of towering Beech trees that can be seen from Mingledown Barn. Nearby, too, is Noar Hill Nature Reserve, a complex of ancient chalk pits supporting a rich variety of orchids and other downland flowers, plus a wealth of butterflies, from its Duke of Burgundies in May to its Brown Hairstreaks in late summer.

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Falklands Nature Trek

Stanley/Falkland Is/Islas Malvinas

Activity Level

Excursion Type

Hiking,14,All

Wheelchair Accessible

Starting At

Minimum Age

Information Not Currently Available

Approximately 3 Hours

Meals Included

Meals not included

For the wildlife enthusiast, this is an exclusive opportunity to view the impressive birdlife of the Falkland Islands.

Transfer by minibus to nearby Hadassa Bay, where your walk will begin. Your expert local guide will distribute a tour-specific illustrated checklist and give a general background to Falkland birds and what you might expect to see on this tour: dark-faced ground tyrants, Falkland thrush, upland geese, long-tailed meadowlark, Falkland flightless steamer duck, rock cormorants, southern giant petrels, sooty shearwaters, Magellan penguins, black-throated finch and up to as many as 30 other species.

There are also spectacular views of Stanley from this picturesque bay.

Bring binoculars, camera, pen and pencil. Any guest having to use any form of walking aid will not be allowed to begin this tour. Tour entails 3½ miles of brisk walking over uneven terrain, so guests must be extremely physically able. This walk is classed as strenuous due to the distance and rough terrain. Water is included for each guest. It is essential that you wear warm, layered clothing in order to fully enjoy and participate in this excursion. Outer layer should be waterproof and windproof. Bring gloves, a warm hat and a scarf. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. Minimum age is 8 years.

Stanley - Falklands Nature Trek

Discover the fauna and flora of the Falkland Islands

Get knowledge from an expert guide.

Spectacular nature and views

Hike on the beautiful Falkland Islands.

You are transported from the ship by minibus to nearby Whalebone Cove, where the walk begins. The tour entails 3.5 miles/ 5.5 km of brisk walking over uneven terrain, so passengers must be physically able. The walk is classed as strenuous due to the rough terrain. 

As well as seeing numerous species of flora and fauna, there are spectacular views of Stanley. We recommend that you bring binoculars, camera and pen or pencil. Due to changeable weather it is also advisable that you bring warm, waterproof clothing and wear sensible footwear.

This excursion is much more than a typical penguin tour and additionally allows time for guests to explore and shop in Stanley.

At the start of the trip, an expert guide distributes an illustrated tour-specific checklist with a general description of the Falklands wildlife and other sights you may encounter. Trust us, you see lots of different flora and fauna on this excursion!

Now the walk begins. This tour involves almost 5 kilometres of brisk walking over uneven ground. Hopefully you will see the Falkland thrush, upland and kelp geese, long-tailed meadowlark, Falkland steamer duck, Magellan penguins, various endemic ferns, shrubs and grasses, scurvy grass and diddle-dee plants.

In addition to seeing numerous species of flora and fauna, there are also spectacular views of Stanley.

Practical information

Port: Stanley

Duration: 3 hours

Language: English

Included: Flora and Fauna Checklist

Remarks: A pen, binoculars,  warm and waterproof layered clothing and sensible footwear. 

Walking information: 3.5 mile/5.5 km walk along the Falkland Islands coastline on uneven/rough terrain. Good level of fitness and mobility necessary. Approximately 30 minutes of transportation.

Not wheelchair accessible.

Expedition cruises offering this activity

See some of the world's most wonderful nature on a cruise with Hurtigruten Expeditions

Antarctica & Falklands Expedition | Northbound

Departure Dates

17 Mar 25, 19 Mar 26

Price from £10,435

MS Fridtjof Nansen

Antarctica & Falkland Expedition

6 Nov 24, 20 Nov 24 + 4 more departures

Price from £9,067

MS Roald Amundsen

In-depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

9 Nov 24, 30 Nov 24 + 10 more departures

Price from £14,377

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Naturetrek   Reviews

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Reviews 4.3.

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A great company.

I have been on holiday with this company on many occasions including Tailormade ones. I have never had any complaints about their service or advice in their pre departure pack. They are upfront, honest and as I have a slight disability advise me whether they think the holiday is suitable for me, unlike some companies who would sell you anything so that they can make a profit. I have personally met most of the staff and have no bad feelings about being told that they don’t think the holiday is viable for me. As far as the one criticism on this sight is concerned all their foreign guides have been superb to the point of arranging for me to be wheelchaired around the Iguazu falls as my legs were not good this was by far in excess of what anyone would expect. I cannot praise this company highly enough for care and attention to detail. Accommodation is always clean and sometimes fairly basic but then considering that it is wildlife orientated one expects that.

Date of experience : 04 March 2024

Reply from Naturetrek

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, we very much appreciate your detailed comments. We look forward to welcoming you back with us soon! Best wishes, Sara

Naturetrek for nature lovers

In August this year 2023 ,travelled to Naturetrek’s Finland bear watch ,simply fabulous ,lost count how many brown bears we saw from the hides in pine forest In the past travelled with Naturetrek In Arctic saw several Polar bears ,Walrus ,Arctic Fox and of course the Nature. Then Pantanal in Brazil saw many Jaguars ,amazing birds ,Tapir and others TorresDel Paine ,in Chile saw several Pumas Naturetrek very reliable and takes the trip arrangements to utmost nifty gritty. Already booked more trip with Naturetrek. My impression Naturetrek tour advisors all love nature , animals , birds ,they wish their tourists get the best. Wish them very best

Date of experience : 03 August 2023

We're delighted that you enjoyed the holiday Mr Bhattacharyya! Thank you so much for making the time to leave a review. We do hope to welcome you on another tour soon.

A Fabulous Company to Explore Nature with

I have travelled 3 times so far with this company and have 2 more trips booked. Their uK based staff are knowledgeable, efficient and responsive and their on the ground staff are real experts in their field. I've had the most wonderful experiences with the natural world through them. The trips are all well organised, the accommodation is always of a decent standard and what I also love is that EVERYTHING is included. So unlike many companies you don't find yourself spending a few hundred pounds on meals, excursions etc after the initial sum is paid.

Date of experience : 16 September 2022

Absolutely marvellous

Absolutely marvellous. I went for a weekend birdwatching in Norfolk with them and had a wonderful time. The guides were very knowledgeable, helpful and supportive going out of their way to make sure you saw all there was to see. I went hoping to see 2 or 3 birds I’d never seen before and came back with a list of 16 but more importantly I was encouraged and given tips on how to make my watching experience better.

Date of experience : 16 November 2021

Wonderful experience into the wild

Wonderful experience into the wild in Spain. I have seen in 6 days more animals than in many (sigh) years of life !!! I would definitely recommend to travel with them if you want to discover unspoilt places with professional, helpful and nice guides.

Date of experience : 04 April 2022

We're delighted that you enjoyed the holiday Poletti! We hope to welcome you on another tour soon.

Just lovely

As a trekker myself I have to say, I loved every minute of my experience! Oddly it was so relaxing.. I got to admire the wildlife while seeing amazing views and I will never forget it!

Date of experience : 18 June 2020

Just arrived back from Botswana Desert…

Just arrived back from Botswana Desert and Delta. Wow what an exciting experience living in tents in the bush made some good friends. For a first timer I really enjoyed my time. Will I go again for sure.

Date of experience : 18 October 2022

Excellent for any wildlife traveller

We've been on many wildlife holidays worldwide with them over the years, both their standard trips and bespoke, and they are excellent. Well-organised, give useful information on destinations, use local wildlife guides who are very knowledgeable, happy to do the detailed work in organising bespoke trips. I would recommend them to any wildlife traveller.

Date of experience : 05 February 2020

If you are considering or have booked a…

If you are considering or have booked a wildlife or tailor-made excursion with Naturetrek read this first. If Naturetrek have quoted for, or included any of the following in its offer to you, make sure that you are not being misled! GUIDE SERVICES If you do not have a working knowledge or are reasonably fluent in the language of the country you are visiting, insist that the guide being offered to you is fluent in your own language. A zoom meeting / whatsapp conversation directly with the guide prior to your booking with Naturetrek is recommended. HOTEL SERVICES Make sure that the hotels you are staying at are of a good standard and that the melas/mealtimes fall in line with the itinerary that Naturetrek is proposing. Contact the hotels directly before you confirm / pay your bookings to check this, otherwise you will pay for meals that you will not get. Ensure that the standard is what you believe you are paying for! WILDLIFE SERVICES If you are going on a wildlife trip, make sure that you are properly equipped. Do NOT assume that the guide will have the following: - maps of the areas you are visiting - wildlife, flora, fauna and bird books / literature - any protective shelter or covering for bad weather - campstools or similar t sit on (you may be standing for hours) Also, do NOT assume that the guide will be prepared to walk any distance. The guides that Naturetrek make use of seem to prefer wildlife viewing from main / tarred roads or where the walk to a particular viewing point is minimal. The wildlife experience may be with cars and motorbikes hurtling past you! WILDLIFE VIEWING If your main objective if wildlife viewing (birds, animals), try and make sure that the species are in fact in the areas that Naturetrek is proposing - AT THAT TIME OF THE YEAR! - Bird species may have already migrated elsewhere. - Animal species may have moved to other areas to obtain food / forage Try and obtain a second opinion prior to booking. Naturetrek are trying to sell and profiteer from your trip. Whether you see the wildlife you had hoped for, does not concern them. TRANSPORT SERVICES Make sure in advance that the transport service Naturetrek is offering you is fit for purpose. Ask to see an image of the vehicle that is to transport you. If satisfied, obtain confirmation that it will be used for the duration of the trip. Do NOT assume that Naturetrek will pay much attention to your transport arrangements. CONCLUSION Think twice before booking with Naturetrek. You may be sold a package that could turn out to be very disappointing. AND REMEMBER - the people / guides taking you on tour may well be one-man operators, freelance guides or fly by nights. In other words, second or third parties, far removed from Naturetrek!

Date of experience : 28 December 2021

Having operated countless successful wildlife holidays across the globe for over 36 years, we are very disappointed to receive any kind of negative feedback and take this extremely seriously. However, after investigating and responding to your comments, both when you first contacted us during the holiday, and in your post-holiday feedback, we strongly dispute the claims made in this review. When we were made aware of your grievances during the holiday, we acted swiftly and efficiently, providing resolutions within a matter of hours, which you sadly fail to acknowledge here. Our holidays allow guests to visit some of the most remote and wild parts of the world, with the most knowledgeable and experienced guides facilitating truly authentic wildlife encounters of the type that would be impossible on a do-it-yourself trip. This may necessitate some long hours in the field, particularly when searching for more elusive species as you were (Iberian Wolf and Cantabrian Brown Bear), but we dispute that this was simply due to poor timing or a lack of professionalism of your guides. We’re sorry that you were disappointed in your holiday, but feel that these comments are extremely unjust, reflecting unrealistic expectations particularly concerning the birds likely to be present at this time of year, and the lack of long hikes (your wish for which was not communicated to us at all in the planning stages), and do not accurately reflect the quality of service that was offered to you or any other guests who choose to travel with Naturetrek.

Excellent tour guides, comprehensive information, very organised

Comprehensive information with all details communicated in advance, queries answered promptly, overall a very good customer experience.

Date of experience : 12 March 2023

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Shore Excursion Details

Falkland nature trek, stanley, falkland islands.

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• 3 hrs Estimate Duration

For the nature enthusiast, this is an exclusive opportunity to view Falkland Islands wildlife and flora, including native Falkland birds, approximately 20-30 different species. Drive to picturesque Whalebone Cove, where your walk starts. Your expert guide will distribute a tour specific illustrated checklist and give a general background to Falkland wildlife and what you might expect to see on this tour.

Walk around the coastline to Hadassa Bay, where you might find dark-faced ground-tyrants, Falkland thrush, upland geese and the beautiful long-tailed meadowlark, just to name a few. There are also great views of Stanley and your ship at anchor. You may see shorebirds such as the Falkland flightless steamer duck and rock cormorants and looking out to sea southern giant petrels and sooty shearwaters.

There’s a chance of seeing Peale’s dolphins following tenders back and forth. In this beautiful bay, Magellanic penguins burrow in the grass and the black-throated finch can be spotted. Lots of local flora will be spotted, such as Diddle-Dee, Gorse, Pale Maiden, Falkland Lavender, Wooly Falkland Ragworth and Vanilla Daisy.

Need to Know:

Check out the, activity attributes, excursion type:.

Activity Level:

• 3 Challenging

Cruise Routes (Interactive Map)

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Russian River Cruises

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• Moscow — St. Petersburg
• Moscow — Astrakhan
• Astrakhan — St. Petersburg
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Russia is again welcoming travelers!

• A negative PCR test is all that's needed to enter Russia
• Regular flights are now operating to / from Russia
• Visas can be issues quickly (Volga Dream provides your invitation)
• All Volga Dream personnel and guides are fully vacinated
• Bookings are transferable without penalty for 12 months
• Volga Dream arranges PCR-tests if needed for your outbound flight

Check our COVID-19 Policy page to learn more.

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Explore authentic Russian cities. Enjoy premium service and engaging activities as you sail the Volga River.

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Join our signature small group journeys and cruise in luxury along the Russian Volga river!

The Russian Odyssey

An extended 'South to North' view of Russia from Astrakhan to St. Petersburg through Moscow.

Explore Moscow, St. Petersburg and Russia’s Golden Ring in greater depth. Stay at gorgeous Four Seasons hotels. Enjoy special access to iconic cultural sites.

Lower Volga

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience cruising the Volga river from Moscow to Astrakhan. The tour includes 2 nights in Moscow.

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A Volga river cruise is more than a geographical voyage; it’s also a journey through Russia’s rich and captivating history. No other experience takes you so completely to another place and time. The Volga is Europe’s longest and largest river; it meanders through the stories of Ivan the Terrible and his rise to power, the two historic ‘Greats’ Peter and Catherine, and then on into today. It’s a unique opportunity to see modern Russia in the context of its intriguing history, ably assisted by friendly and professional academics and tour guides. A Volga Dream Russian river tour promises to leave you with an unforgettable afterglow of fond memories.

Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise

Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia’s best-known cities, but the towns of Russia’s historic Golden Ring are delightful too. The luxurious Volga Dream offers a unique opportunity to visit these Russian gems by sailing gently along the Volga River on an unforgettable cruising experience. In small, exclusive groups you’ll enjoy preferential access to some of Russia’s most significant cultural sites.

Moscow to Astrakhan River Cruise

Your River Cruise on the luxurious MS Volga Dream takes you from Moscow along Russia’s grand Volga River to the legend that is Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) and Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea. Along the way, you’ll discover the treasures of Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga, medieval Nizhniy Novgorod and beautiful Kazan, the ancient Tatar capital. We plan our tour carefully to combine the very best of Moscow with a world-class Volga River cruise.

Discover Russia with MS Volga Dream - Click-through map

We love hearing from guests about their time in Russia and one comment often hear is how surprised people are by the Russian capital. We can’t say for certain what people expected but we do know that it’s always far removed from what they imagined! It’s been called a modern metropolis, a cosmopolitan city, an historic gem, an architectural treasure and a cultural powerhouse, among other descriptions. Majestic Moscow has always surprised our guests and left them with lasting and fond memories.

Russia’s famous Golden Ring is an archipelago of historic towns surrounding Moscow. Uglich is one of the oldest and was founded under Igor, the last Varangian prince. It once resisted the Mongol invasion and its ancient walls saw the grisly murder of young Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible. The impressive Church of St. Dmitri on the Blood, with its classic onion domes and blood red walls, is a fine example of classic Russian architecture. The tour ends with an enchanting choral concert.

This, the oldest city on the Volga River, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a wealth of ancient orthodox treasures. The impressive Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John’s apocalyptic visions can be seen in the Spassky Monastery. The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet is decorated with an awe-inspiring selection of rich frescoes. For a real taste of pre-revolutionary Russia, visitors are entertained by a costumed reception at the Governor’s House.

Close to the shores of White Lake once were the ‘tsar’s fishing grounds’. It lies in a place so serene that ancient monks chose to build no fewer than three holy sites here, including the Ferapontov Monastery. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its chapels boast magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. The Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery was a refuge for many nobles during tumultuous times and later a fortress that successfully repelled invading armies.

The Karelia region is a vast and naturally beautiful wilderness that spreads all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle. The glorious island village of Kizhi consists almost entirely of the traditionally styled wooden buildings of ‘Old Russia’. Among them is the famous Transfiguration Church built in 1714. Remarkably, and in testament to the craftsmen of the time, not a single nail was used in its construction! Kizhi is one of the favorite stops on the river cruise to St. Petersburg.

A typical rural hamlet brought to life by warm and welcoming villagers. Volga Dream guests are invited into local homes to enjoy classic Russian fare, tea with jam and ‘pirozhki’ (pies). Enthusiastic hosts share Russian traditions and the appeal of village life while proudly showing off their scrupulously kept homes and kitchen gardens. The tour continues with a brief bus ride to see a unique World War II memorial and then, for a real glimpse of Russian life, a visit to a local primary school.

Nizhny Novgorod

This was once a wealthy city thanks to its proximity to rich eastern trading routes. During the Soviet era, the city was closed to outsiders because of its military importance. It’s also where many political prisoners were sent to live out their days in exile. The 16th-century Kremlin ramparts offer spectacular views and the city is known for its elaborately decorated churches. For Volga Dream cruise guests, the highlight of the day is an evening folk concert performed by local children.

Sailing along the Volga river, the riverbank gradually ceases to be dominated by Orthodox churches. Instead, beautiful mosques appear as the river crosses into Tatarstan where the first stop is scenic Kazan, the region’s capital. Inside the white walls of the citadel, the famous Kul Sharif mosque and the old Cathedral of Peter and Paul stand side-by-side symbolizing the two faiths’ long and peaceful coexistence in the region. A concert of traditional Tatar music ends the Volga Dream tour in Kazan.

Passing the Zhigulevskie Mountains offers wonderful views from the sundeck before touring the city. One of the key attractions is the fascinating Space Museum, which offers a revealing glimpse of how the Soviet Union pursued its ambitious journey to the cosmos. The town is also noted for its beautiful esplanade, perfect for a relaxed stroll beside the Volga river. This in turn leads to the Samara State Art Museum. Founded in 1897, it is home to a collection of more than 16,000 works of art.

This city is best known for its close associations with cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin. The Russian hero who achieved worldwide fame as the first man in space lived and studied here. Saratov used to be home to a large German community, a heritage that can still be seen in the local architecture. The Volga Dream tour visits the Radishchev State Art Museum, the first picture gallery in Russia outside Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Originally called Tsaritsyn, the city was renamed Stalingrad from 1925 to 1961 in honor of the USSR’s leader. During World War II, the city’s residents put up a heroic defense, repelling an advancing Nazi invasion. The battle for Stalingrad has gone down in history as a pivotal moment in the bloody conflict on the eastern front. The most ferocious and deadly fighting took place on Mamayev Hill, where an imposing memorial now stands close to the excellent Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Saint Petersburg

If Moscow surprises, then St Petersburg delights. Peter the Great founded the city to showcase Russia’s newfound enlightenment. He wanted to show the modern world a cultured and advanced society. In short, he built the city to impress and in that he succeeded splendidly! The striking buildings were designed by some of the finest architects Europe had to offer and even now, the ‘Venice of the North’ never fails to enchant with its spectacular buildings and impressive canal network. It is a city of true grandeur.

Cocktails with the Captain

Commanding any ship is a complex role that calls for a long list of skills. Captains know their vessels inside out as well as well as the routes they sail and when things don’t go to plan, they have to make instant decisions. Above all though, the most important part of the job, underpinning everything they do, is to keep the ship and everyone aboard safe. The Captain’s cocktail party is a great and a wonderful opportunity for passengers and crew to get acquainted as the gets underway.

Matryoshka doll painting

There is nothing more typically Russian than a Matryoshka. It embodies the fact that there’s always something deeper to be found in every aspect of Russian life. Learning the traditional designs and techniques used to decorate these iconic dolls offers a pleasant diversion and some cathartic creativity!

Superb Service & Dining

Our restaurant serves the highest standard of international cuisine, freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. Choose either a sumptuous buffet or set menu for lunch while dinner is always four or five courses with full service. High praise for the exquisite quality of meals is yet another constantly recurring feature in feedback from our guests.

Meet the Professor

From the Mongol hordes to Soviet times, Russia’s history is, like all of Europe’s, a complex web of political intrigue, war and peace, trade and treaties, as well as heroes and villains. Academics devote whole lifetimes to studying Russia’s long past and one of them presents a series of lectures shedding light on everything from Gorbachev to Chekhov, Khrushchev to Ivan the Terrible and of course, contemporary Russia. Our Professor is on board throughout the river cruise for informal conversation.

Beginner’s Russian

The Russian language can be rather beautiful and poetic and we know that many seasoned travelers enjoy trying their hand at different languages. Our onboard teachers provide an introduction to the riches of Russian, so guests can try out a few useful words and phrases on real Russians during the exciting river tours from Moscow to St. Petersburg or from Moscow to Volgograd!

Russian tea tasting

The drink we tend to associate with Russia is vodka, but tea, in fact, is the much more universal beverage of choice throughout the country. Guests will get acquainted with the Russian tea etiquette, a fundamental component of the country's social culture, and enjoy the traditional tea ceremony while cruising from St. Petersburg to Moscow or taking a Grand Volga river tour.

Russian Dinner & Vodka Tasting

All our dining is international but for Russian Dining night, the Chef includes a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and no Russian table is complete without Borsch. To add to the ‘Taste of Russia’ optional Russian dress, or at least a touch of Russian style, is provided along with enthusiastic help from our staff!

Russian Cooking Class

A plate of pelmeni might not look like much to the untrained eye, but it forms the heart of Russian cuisine and culture. Basically, it's a type of dumpling: small portions of meat and onion wrapped in a thin sheet of unleavened dough and boiled, a little like ravioli. Guests can join a Russian cooking class onboard the MS Volga Dream to learn how to cook this delicious Russian dish.

Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov Piano Recital

Some of the greatest classical music ever written comes from Russia. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting stage for a virtuoso solo recital by our resident concert pianist than the mighty Volga or a better backdrop than the heart of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov’s own serene homeland.

Russian River Cruise Aboard Volga Dream

Moscow to St. Petersburg

Why Volga Dream

Family Owned & Operated

MS Volga Dream is Russia’s only family-owned river cruise ship. She can accommodate up to 100 guests, far fewer than most other cruise ships on the river making for a uniquely friendly and intimate atmosphere aboard.

Five-Star Central Hotels

We at Volga Dream are completely convinced that, our guests should stay in great 5-star hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg within comfortable walking distance of all the major attractions, theaters and restaurants, rather than having to waste time in traffic.

Luxurious Accommodation

The MS Volga Dream is the most intimate and elegant 5-star cruise vessel in Russia. She boasts 56 cabins, all river facing, ranging from comfortable Standard Cabins to spacious Junior Suites and the luxurious forward facing Owner's Suite.

Russian Cultural Experience

Explore Russia's past with the help of professional tour guides. Our on-board program includes fascinating talks on Russian history and politics, Russian language lessons, a festival of Russian cuisine (including vodka tasting!), and much more.

Gourmet Dining

Our on board restaurant serves international cuisine to the highest standard, all freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. For Russian Dining night, he prepares a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and Borsch.

Tailored Service

All our service crew members are native Russians who are fluent in English and handpicked by the Owner. Proudly, the Volga Dream is famous for her hard working and very hospitable personnel who take care of every aspect of your life aboard.

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It's never been easier to plan your next holiday in Russia. Download our free brochure to learn more about authentic Russian river cruises.

Escape the hassle and bustle and add a satisfyingly informative element to your trip and bring together a colorful mosaic of people, history, traditions,  religion, music and art. These are the many strands that time has woven into what is known today as Russia.

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• Volga River Cruises

Our Best Volga River Cruises of 2022

Imagine visiting beautiful, ancient Russian cities as you cruise along the beautiful Volga River. Our cruises are the most relaxing and also the most budget friendly way to visit Russia. Some of our most popular Russian river cruises are listed below. Please click on the details to learn more or contact us for more information using the form at the bottom of the page.

This Volga cruise covers many cities. You will admire the vibrancy of Moscow, enjoy the quiet atmosphere of ancient Vladimir. You will visit Nizhny Novgorod, the old center of the Volga region as well as Kazan and Astrakhan which occupy the former territory of the Golden Horde.

• Route Moscow - Uglich - Yaroslavl - Kostoma - Nizhny Novgorod - Cheboksary - Kazan - Samara - Saratov - Volgograd - Astrakhan
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Cruise Ship 4-star cruise ships: MS Nizhny Novgorod, MS Nikolay Chernyshevsky
• Group Tour This is a group tour. There will be other people in your group.

With this cruise, you will get a feeling for both the south-eastern Russia with its link to the Asia and the Orient and the European, imperial Russia. You will start your trip in Astrakhan and sail practically the whole length of the Volga River from the edge of the Caspian Sea to Moscow.

• Route Astrakhan - Volgograd - Saratov - Samara - Kazan - Cheboksary - Nizhny Novgorod - Kostroma - Yaroslavl - Uglich - Moscow

This Volga cruise starts in Moscow and goes all the way down the Volga river through ancient town of Vladimir, Nizhny Novgorod, the old center of the Volga region, as well as Kazan which occupies the former territory of the Golden Horde. The cruise finishes in Rostov-on-Don city.

• Route Moscow - Uglich - Yaroslavl - Kostoma - Nizhny Novgorod - Cheboksary - Kazan - Samara - Saratov - Volgograd - Rostov-on-Don
• Cruise Ship MS Korotkov

I LOVED THE CRUISE!!!!! It was amazing and I had the best time. The food/service/cabin were all great and the price was FANTASTIC!!!!! I have mentioned this to my sister and her husband and they are considering going next year. LOVED it. I don't have ONE complaint :). THANKS for an amazing experience.

Thank you for arranging such a wonderful trip for us. we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and found your services to be excellent. the connections and transfers were timely and professional and the apartment was a delight. Everything you said it would be.

Our Volga river cruises give you an excellent opportunity to visit a wide range of Russia’s different regions and to experience first-hand the link between European Russia with its imperial, old world atmosphere and the Asian part of Russia with its Eastern, oriental feel. Express to Russia offers plenty of Volga River cruise routes to fit any taste and budget: from our 8-day Moscow to Kazan cruise to the 20-day St. Petersburg to Rosov-on-Don cruise . Experience the vibrant city life and historical heritage of Moscow , enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of medieval Yaroslavl and delve into Russian village life in the beautiful towns of Kostroma and Uglich. On your all-inclusive Russian river cruise you will see Nizhny Novgorod , the stunning, historical center of the Volga region. The boat will dock at the Eastern cities of Kazan and Astrakhan that occupy the former territory of the Golden Horde . Every city visited on our Volga cruises is of historical significance and full of outstanding sights and monuments. This cruise will take you down practically the entire length of the Volga River and end at the Caspian Sea. This Volga river cruise will leave you with unforgettable memories and truly be a journey of a lifetime!

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

A russian land tour or a river cruise - which is better.

This decision completely depends on your preferred way of travelling. During the Russian river cruise you will not only visit the two largest cities of Russia, but also small towns and villages along the route and you will have a chance to participate in master classes, learn a little Russian language and dive into local Russian culture and hospitality. For those who prefer custom-made programs and more free time in the cities of their choice we recommend a land tour, both are excellent options. To find out more about the differences click here .

Do I need a visa for a Russian River Cruise?

If your citizenship is not on the list of countries with visa-free access to Russia, you will need a valid Russian visa. Please make sure to start the process in a timely manner, so as to avoid any last-minute pressure. More details on Russian Visas can be found here .

What currency and types of the payment are used on Russian river cruises?

The official currency in Russia is the Russian Ruble. You can either pay cash or use your credit card, we always recommend to have both. You can find more information about money and currency in Russia here .

Do you tip on river cruises?

Tips are not included in the cruise price and tipping is at your discretion. If you would like to tip the staff at the end of your cruise, or any local guides/bus drivers then please feel free to do so and bring a little extra cash to cover this. To find out more about tipping in Russia click here .

What type of food is served during on a Russian river cruise? What if I have dietary restrictions?

Russian river cruises include full board: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The meals consist of European and Russian cuisine. Breakfast and lunch on board are served buffet style. Depending on the ship, dinners are either served buffet style or with a special Chef's menu. In case you have any allergies or food restrictions, please provide your reservation specialist with this information, and we will pass the details on to the cruise company. You can learn more about Russian cuisine here .

Is it safe to take a Russian river cruises?

Yes, the cruise operating companies take full responsibility about for the safety of their guests, staff, and fleet. Before every season, the ships are thoroughly inspected. The staff is well trained for any emergency scenario. There is a doctor on each ship. The guests undertake a comprehensive briefing before any of the ships start the cruise.

Our travel brands include

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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Our wildlife tours in Europe focus on the outstanding habitats that we have in the region, from extensive boreal and deciduous forests to alpine meadows and expansive steppe and wetlands. We also offer tours that go in search of particularly charismatic species such as  Polar Bears in Spitsbergen , Eurasian Lynx in Poland , or Iberian Lynx and Iberian Wolves in Spain. Our Brown Bear holidays in Finland are especially popular, as are our whale-watching holidays in the Azores , Iceland and Norway , whilst other holidays are timed to coincide with impressive spring and autumn bird migrations and congregations across the continent.

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Featured Tours to Europe

Spain - Realm of the Iberian Lynx

The Reptiles & Amphibians of the Peloponnese

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Our Specialist Recommends

"If you love mammals try our short tours to see Bears in Sweden and Finland, or go in search of Wolf or Iberian Lynx in Spain. You can’t beat the Swiss Alps for alpine plants , I’d recommend the Pyrenees if you like walking, and for stunning scenery and flowers the Italian Dolomites are outstanding.”

Naturetrek Tours to Europe

We offer a superb selection of natural history tours in Europe. For the keen walker, our tours amongst the dramatic and awe-inspiring mountain scenery of the  Alps, Tatras, Carpathians, Apennines, Picos and Pyrenees provide a chance to enjoy birds, wildflowers, butterflies and other wildlife, breaking each day, of course, for a legendary Naturetrek picnic lunch! We have a selection of holidays that search for some of Europe’s great mammals, and others that head north to enjoy Arctic wildlife, or some of the continent’s special islands. Here are some of the our wildlife tours in Europe that you can choose from:

• Italy – Puglia in Spring – the natural history and cultural treasures of this quiet corner of Italy
• Romania’s Danube Delta & Carpathian Mountains  – search for birds and mammals of the Carpathians, Black Sea Coast and Danube Delta by boat and on foot!
• Spain’s Coto Doñana & Extremadura  – a tour to Spain’s famous southern wetland and the bird-rich steppes of Extremadura
• Poland’s Mammals – an exciting tour in search of the Eurasian Lynx
• Go Slow in Extremadura – the best of birding in Europe at a leisurely pace from a wonderful base!
• Sweden in Winter  – watch and photograph winter birds amongst tranquil snowy surroundings
• Spring Birding in Sicily  – focuses on the spring bird migration and a little ‘moth-ing’ from a delightful base
• Provence at Christmas or New Year  – a winter birdwatching tour to the Camargue and Rhône Valley
• Wengen – Alpine Flora of the Swiss Alps – the best of ‘picture postcard’ Switzerland
• Norway – Orcas, Humpbacks and Northern Lights – join us on a magnificent winter coastal cruise!
• Wolf-watching in Spain – visits a secret corner of Spain in search of one of our last great carnivores
• The Caucasus  – Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia are undoubtedly Western Palaearctic’s best-kept birdwatching secrets and, not only that, the area offers a fascinating set of species across all taxa!

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If you prefer to stay within the British Isles , we offer a selection of 100+ tours in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, as well as the British Channel Islands of Alderney , Guernsey ,  Jersey , Herm and Sark , and even an island-hopping tour .

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