More than six million people are tuning into TV’s War and Peace. Here’s the chance to experience Russian history for yourself with a trip to the fantastic cities of St Petersburg and Moscow.
Saga has a selection of cruises and tours where you can see the sights which feature in the six-part adaption of Leo Tolstoy’s epic novel.
St Petersburg to Moscow cruise – 10 nights from £1,199
A river cruise on MS Surikov includes overnight moorings in both cities to give passengers time to explore the elegant palaces and treasure trove of historic sights. Nine tours are included in the price plus Russian language lessons, traditional dance and folklore classes while guests sail along the Volga, Svir and Moscow Canal.
Departures on May 11 and 21, June 10 and 20, July 20 and 30, August 29, September 8 and 18. There is also a reverse itinerary so more dates are available.
Gems of the Russian Capitals cruise – eight nights from £1,449
Sail on the luxury 200-passenger MS Victoria with an itinerary that includes St Petersburg and sailing on Russian waterways to Mandrogi, Kizhi Island, Yaroslavl, Uglich and Moscow.
Departs July 8 with regional flights from Manchester, Birmingham and Heathrow airports. There is also a reverse itinerary.
OCEAN CRUISES 2016
Cruise ships Saga Pearl II and Saga Sapphire each sail twice to the Baltic from Dover this summer. All four cruises include time in St Petersburg, the city where some of the filming for War and Peace took place. There are more than 15 fascinating tours to choose from including the Hermitage Museum, Catherine Palace, the Faberge Museum, Peterhof Gardens and the chance to spend an evening at the theatre to watch a Russian ballet.
Departures: Cities of the Baltic – 15 nights from £2,849 departs May 6; Baltic Capitals – 14 nights from £2,899 departs August 4; A Voyage to the Baltic – 14 nights from £2,460 departs August 14; Best of the Baltic –15 nights from £3,173 departs September 8.
ESCORTED TOUR
Jewels of the Russian Capitals – six nights from £1049
For those who prefer a land holiday, this six-night tour starts in Moscow and guests travel by high-speed train to St Petersburg. Tours include a visit to the Tretyakov Gallery, a capella concert at the Church of St Nicholas, a visit to the Kremlin to see the glittering star of the Russian state diamond collection – the 189-carat Orlov Diamond – and in St Petersburg, the eye-wateringly opulent blue, white and gold Catherine Palace.
Departs from London Heathrow on June 3 and 17, July 1 and 22, August 19, September 2.
