A Russian river cruise along the Volga, and the inland channels that make up the Volga-Baltic Waterway, is a safe, secure and informative way of exploring the timeless Russian countryside, with its medieval kremlins, fortified monasteries and onion-domed churches. What’s more, a river cruise usually starts and finishes in St Petersburg whilst providing access to Moscow and the other cities making up the famous Golden Ring, including Suzdal, Yaroslavl and Kostroma.