riviera travel aegean odyssey

Take a Tour of the Aegean Odyssey of Voyages to Antiquity

Do you love small ship cruising and educational trips to Europe? If so, you might enjoy the Aegean Odyssey, a 378-passenger ship owned by Voyages to Antiquity. This cruise line only has the one ship, and it specializes in cruises with an emphasis on archaeology, history, and culture. It's an excellent destination-oriented cruise ship with an almost all-inclusive fare.

Sailing primarily in the coastal waters of the eastern and central Mediterranean, the Aegean Odyssey offers cruise tours of 12 to 17 days, many of which have pre- or post-cruise hotel stays included. In addition, shore excursions are included in the fare, as are soft drinks, wine, or beer with dinner, and tips for the staff. The small ship also overnights in many ports, allowing more time for exploring or dining ashore. Solo travelers will like the Aegean Odyssey since the cruise line waives the single supplement for some cruises.

You can sail the cruise-only portion of an Aegean Odyssey "Isles of Greece" itinerary, which sails between Athens and Istanbul, stopping over at some popular ports such as Mykonos , Nafplio, and Kusadasi, and some off-the-beaten-path ports like Samos, Rethymno, Delos, and Canakkale. It's a busy cruise, with morning and afternoon tours included most days. In the evenings, you can enjoy informational lectures and light musical entertainment.

Who Will Enjoy and Appreciate This Cruise? 

The informality, onboard activities, and attentive staff are somewhat reminiscent of a river cruise experience , so anyone who likes river cruises will probably enjoy the ship. The Aegean Odyssey is well-suited for those who crave lifelong learning and don't expect a casino or production shows for evening entertainment.

The ship is not a good choice for those in wheelchairs or who have walking difficulties since many of the tour operators do not have wheelchair-accessible buses, and the tours are often over uneven surfaces and require lots of walking. However, most of the guests are retirees or seniors traveling with their adult children, so the tours aren't super-strenuous and the walking pace is slow.

Since the focus is on educational touring ashore and the onboard activities are limited, young children will not enjoy the Aegean Odyssey experience as much as they would a larger ship with youth programs.

Dining and Cuisine

The Aegean Odyssey of Voyages to Antiquity has two main dining options--the Terrace Cafe and the Marco Polo Restaurant. Both dining venues feature complimentary local wines, beer, or soft drinks for dinner.

The Terrace Cafe & Grill has both indoor and outdoor seating and offers casual buffet dining at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menus are primarily geared towards North American and British travelers, with a wide selection of breakfast favorites, nice salads and hot dishes for lunch, and many of the same items for dinner that are offered in the main Marco Polo Restaurant. Guests can get omelets to order at the outdoor grill for breakfast, and delicious pizza, hot dogs, and hamburgers are available each day at lunch along with the other specials. Many of the dishes had a Mediterranean flair. Watching the sunset over the Mediterranean while dining outdoors is a memorable cruise vacation experience.​

The Marco Polo Dining Room has open seating menu dining for dinner and most days for lunch for those who don't like buffet dining. The menus included a selection of appetizers, soups, salads, main courses, and desserts. Dinners in the Marco Polo are elegant and leisurely. Open seating, large tables, complimentary wine, and interesting travelers add to the good dinners in both restaurants.

The dress code onboard the Aegean Odyssey is casual and relaxed during the day. In the evening, the suggested dress is "smart casual", which means a polo shirt and slacks for men and coordinated sets, dresses, or slacks for women. Many of the men wore a sports jacket (with or without a tie) to dinner on some nights to dinner. Dress at the Terrace Cafe in the evening is more casual, especially for those dining outside.

In addition to the two dining rooms, the Aegean Odyssey has afternoon tea and late night snacks.

The Aegean Odyssey carries 378 passengers in 198 cabins and suites, 45 of which are inside cabins and 153 are outside cabins. Eighteen of the cabins are singles, two are wheelchair accessible, and 42 have a private balcony. The cabins are in several different price grades, and the bathroom configuration varies even within the categories. Many cabins only have a shower, while others have a tub/shower combination. All cabins have a small flatscreen TV, safe, and hairdryer. The air conditioning can be adjusted by opening/closing the cabin vents, but the cabins do not have individual thermostats. The cabins are bright and have good storage space in the closets, drawers, shelves, and in the bathroom. The decor is clean and modern, and the electrical outlets are 220-volt, so those from the USA will need to carry along an adapter and converter. The television gets a selection of news channels along with a few movies that change daily.

The cruise ship has two Owner's Suites and four Junior Suites on Lido Deck 8. These Category A and B suites and the Category C cabins on the Bridge Deck 7 and the Category D cabins on Belvedere Deck 5 are considered Concierge Class. These cabins have a private balcony, a welcome bottle of champagne, refrigerated mini-bar, complimentary bottled water, robe and slippers, premium bath amenities, and personal concierge service. Guests in these Concierge Class cabins and suites also are in the "priority" bus group, which is always the first bus to leave on shore excursions. The other tour buses are spaced at about five-minute intervals, so the departure times vary by a maximum of only about 20-30 minutes.

The Aegean Odyssey was significantly refurbished after it was acquired by Voyages to Antiquity. The ship re-entered service in May 2010 with fewer cabins, teak decks outdoors, and more space per passenger. The interiors are generally bright and contemporary.

The ship has three main lounges--the windowed Observation Lounge forward on deck 9 and the Charleston Lounge and Ambassador Lounge on Promenade deck 6.

The Observation Lounge is used for private group parties and by individuals who like to have a quiet space indoors to read, play cards, or watch the ocean.

The Charleston Lounge is busy with afternoon tea dances, evening cocktails, musical entertainment, and dancing. It's the hub of recreational indoor activity, with many guests meeting there for pre- or post-dinner drinks in the evening.

The largest lounge is the Ambassador Lounge, which features seating for the nightly shore excursion briefings and evening enrichment lectures by experts in the history or culture of the destinations.

The Aegean Odyssey has a very nice library with a great selection of travel and history books, along with novels, games, and maps.

Although the Aegean Odyssey does not offer WiFi, it does have an Internet lounge with six computers.

The ship also has a small gift shop, a modern fitness center, beauty salon, and a small spa featuring massages, facials, and other spa treatments.

Exteriors and Outdoor Decks

One of the best parts of the Aegean Odyssey refurbishment was the expansion of the outdoor deck space, which is all covered in teak. The Lido Deck, which has the swimming pool and whirlpool, has a spacious feel, along with plenty of padded deck chairs for sun worshipers, along with shaded seating for those who are looking for fresh air.

In addition to the indoor lounges discussed on the previous page, the Aegean Odyssey also has an outdoor bar, the Lido Bar, which overlooks the swimming pool deck.

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary services for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, TripSavvy believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our  Ethics Policy .

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Riviera Travel announces 2023 ocean cruise programme

Riviera Travel has launched its ocean cruise programme for 2023, with a total of 10 itineraries on offer.

The operator will offer three new voyages, including the Aegean Odyssey cruise on Star Flyer , departing 4 May and consisting of a seven-day sailing, two nights in Istanbul and one night in Athens.

The other two – on the new Ocean Albatros expedition ship – include the eight-day Arctic & Spitsbergen sailing, departing 7 June, and the 10-day Buenos Aires & Voyage to Antarctica itinerary, sailing on 2 December.

The 194-guest Ocean Albatros is currently under construction and being built specifically to navigate the Arctic and Antarctica. It will include an observation lounge, lecture room and panorama restaurant.

Six Adriatic yacht cruise itineraries are also available again due to positive guest feedback.

These include Split, Hvar & the Delights of Dalmatia; Dubrovnik, Mostar & the Secrets of Dalmatia, and Split, Rab & Undiscovered Islands of the North, among others.

The ‘perfect holiday at sea’ with Riviera Travel

Riviera Travel head of product river and ocean cruise Katja Hildebrandt said: “We take great pride in putting together the very best in ocean cruise experiences, so we’re pleased to make several favourite sailings available again, as well as introduce three new and exciting options.

“Whether you’re looking to explore the unchartered territories of the Arctic and Antarctica via a custom-made expedition ship, or simply looking to kick back and relax in the sun as you make your way around stunning European coastlines in one of our exclusively-chartered luxury vessels, we can offer the perfect 2023 holiday at sea.”

Solo departures are also available on the  Split, Rab & Undiscovered Islands of the North, and the Split, Dubrovnik & the Splendours of Dalmatia itineraries.

All itineraries include return flights and transfers, a programme of guided tours and visits, select meals and an expert tour manager throughout.

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Aegean Odyssey

Why cruise on this ship.

With tastefully understated interiors, Aegean Odyssey combines the best of traditional elegance whilst offering passengers every comfort at sea, with a relaxed, congenial atmosphere and the highest calibre of personal service.

Value for Money

Delivers unparalleled experiences without compromising on affordability

Understand why that Value For Money

Ship Information

Accomodation

Ship Interior

Been There Done That: My cabin on the Aegean Odyssey and our day in Venice

DAY 3 | VENICE

ABOARD THE MV AEGEAN ODYSSEY — I awake after 11 hours of sleep in a very comfortable double bed with two large duck feather and two duck down pillows. The bed linens are white-on-white stripe microfiber sateen with a matching comforter. Cotton sheets, I was told, are available upon request.

I focus and assess my surroundings. My cabin is smaller than as depicted in the ship’s photography and is approximately 200 square feet in size. The cabin is furnished with a double bed, two end tables with reading lamps, a credenza incorporating a mini-fridge, a love seat and chair, and three nice-sized closets with a safe, shelving, drawers and a dozen hangers. There is a small glass coffee table is offered and a small flat-screen television (about 24-inch) is  mounted on the wall. The television (with remote) offers six news channels (including CNN, Al Jazeera, Bloomberg, BBC, CNBC and NHK World), four movie channels, a cruise information channel and four music channels. The cabin does not offer a desk surface which would be useful.

With a good night’s sleep, my cabin looks more inviting to me.

While the cabin is fully air conditioned, the brochure is slightly misleading when it claims that the air conditioning is individually controlled. Ceiling vents can be opened and closed like the air vents in one’s home, but there is no thermostat. The temperature is set throughout the ship, and you may simply control the air flow within your cabin. My cabin was a bit warmer than I would have liked and other passengers commented that their cabin temperature (on lower decks) was quite cold.

The cabin’s bathroom is good size consisting of a sink with a room-length counter with mirror above, hair dryer, magnifying mirror, and walk-in shower (some cabins offer bathtubs). Shower pressure is quite good as is the amount and temperature of hot water. Bathroom toiletries  include a shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, shower cap, sanitary bag, vanity kit (Q tips and makeup swab) and bar soap, all made by Molton Brown of London. The towels are rough and in need of replacing.

(A tip from another passenger on how to deal with the rather rough towels proved useful. She suggested that I simply go to the pool deck and pick up a pool towel. They are large, fluffy and soft. Going to the pool deck is a bit out of the way, but the result is worth it.)

My cabin, on the Bridge deck, has a covered balcony that is about 5′ X 9′  with two deck chairs and what appears to be a teak side table. The view is unobstructed and lovely.

Other Aegean Odyssey cabins

There are 14 cabin categories aboard the Aegean Odyssey on seven decks ranging in size from 130 square feet at the smallest, to the largest, the 550-square-foot owner’s suite. There are both inside and outside cabins with either two twin beds, a double or queen; single cabins are available at a single supplement cost.

Furnishing and closet space vary with cabin size, but basic amenities remain the same for all. Only upper level staterooms have balconies.

I had breakfast al fresco in the Tapas on the Terrace restaurant. A nice buffet is offered along with an omelet station. Tables are set with cloth napkins, silverware and drinkware and the waitstaff provides beverages and breads tableside.

Following breakfast our first lecture was given in the Ambassador Lounge by guest lecturer Gregory Dowling, who provided insight into the history of Venice and contemporary life. Venice, we were told, is situated on 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges in the marshy Venetian Lagoon which stretches between the mouths of the Po and the Piave Rivers. Venice is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks. The city and lagoon are listed as World Heritage Sites. The session was well attended and provided insight into what we would see today on our walking tour of the city.

Late morning we began our Highlights of Venice walking tour which included St. Mark’s Cathedral, with its beautiful facade mosaics and golden dome, and the Piazza San Marco – the city’s center. We then moved on to the 14th century Doge’s Palace, with its magnificent Gothic edifice, followed by the Bridge of Sighs and the old prison cell where Casanova was once held.

The tour proceeded to the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, usually just called the Frari. One of the greatest churches in the city, it has the status of a minor basilica. It stands on the Campo dei Frari at the heart of the San Polo district. The church is dedicated to the assumption of Mary. The Franciscans were granted land to build a church in 1250, but the building was not completed until 1338. Work almost immediately began on its much larger replacement, the current church, which took over a century to build. The campanile, the second tallest in the city after that of San Marco, was completed in 1396. From there we were released to explore the beauty of Venice on our own.

Whether it is your first time or 15 in Venice, it is easy to get lost amid the labyrinth of bridges, footpaths and waterways. In fact ,I strongly recommend walking away from the touristy parts and visit some of the charming neighborhoods inhabited by locals to get a better feel for the city.

This evening I had dinner in the Marco Polo dining room. The most formal of the ship’s restaurants, the Marco Polo has a full waiter service and Mediterranean influenced food. Dress is country club elegant and a jacked is suggested for dinner. The complimentary house wines offered are from Italy, Croatia, and Greece. There is also a full wine list of additional vintages available at extra cost. The room consists of tables for two, four, six and eight, covered by off white table cloths and napkins and adorned with fresh flower arrangements. As the room is on the ship’s lowest public deck there is no view to the outside. Sheer covered portholes are in evidence and the dining room walls are decorated with Greek-themed artwork. Dining room chairs are upholstered in a geometric design complementary with the room’s carpeting.

Waiters are smartly dressed in black trousers, white shirts, black bow ties and maroon vests, and the single female staff member was the wine server. The service is friendly and professional. The menu included a choice of three appetizers, a soup and salad selection, three entrees, a vegetarian offering, and seven desserts with one being sugar free. As an appetizer I had the San Daniele prosciutto with melons with lemon-infused olive oil and rocket leaves and parmesan cheese; a main course of trout filet with almond butter sauce, spinach and dill potato and a dessert of selected French and Italian cheeses. The wine served was Italian: Giovanni Bellia Veneto Orientale Tia Bianco. The meal was well prepared and plated with thought to color and texture.

This evening passengers were offered an evening visit to St Mark’s Basilica, a unique opportunity to visit St. Mark’s after the daytime crowds have left and it closes to the public. The Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark (officially known in Italian as the Basilica Cattedrale Patriarcale di San Marco and commonly known as Saint Mark’s Basilica) is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice. It is the most famous of the city’s churches and one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture.

The church lies at the eastern end of the Piazza San Marco, adjacent and connected to the Doge’s Palace. Originally it was the chapel of the Doge, and has only been the city’s cathedral since 1807 when it became the seat of the Patriarch of Venice, archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice. For its opulent design, gilded Byzantine mosaics, and its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power, from the 11th century on the building has been known by the nickname Chiesa d’Oro (Church of Gold).

At 10.30 p.m. the ship departed Venice into the Adriatic Sea for our first port of call, the Croatian city of Zadar.

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Riviera announces new ocean sailings

The company has announced four new itineraries for 2023 and 2024, including three tall ship sailings in the mediterranean and aegean.

Riviera Travel has announced four brand new ocean sailings for 2023 and 2024.

Three of the itineraries are on tall ships, with Royal Clipper sailing a 14-day Mediterranean Odyssey from Rome to Venice; Star Clipper on an 11-day Aegean Odyssey, including two nights in Istanbul and one in Athens; and Star Flyer sailing 11 days around the French Riviera and Corsica, with stays in Nice and Rome.

Meanwhile, MS Seaventure will sail the new 11-day Icelandic Adventure, which includes visits to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Dynjandi Waterfall, Goðafoss Falls and Lake Mývatn, and Eastern Fjords drive from Eskifjordur, an overnight in Djúpivogur and a Reykjavík city tour.

Katja Hildebrandt, Riviera Travel head of product river and ocean cruise, said: “We’re thrilled to once again be able to offer tall ship sailings, as these cruises are always incredibly popular with guests.

“Their classic itineraries allow passengers to take in the very best of southern Europe from these exclusively-chartered vessels – an experience that can’t be matched.

“The introduction of MS Seaventure on our new Icelandic Adventure is equally exciting, and we’re confident guests will enjoy this bucket-list voyage. This cruise offers the perfect combination of exploration and stunning scenic sailing.”

All four itineraries are on sale now and include return flights and transfers, a full programme of guided tours and visits, all meals onboard the ship and the services of an expert tour manager.

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P&O Cruises releases summer 2026 itineraries

Barbara Muckermann replaced as Silversea boss

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Riviera Travel announces 2023 ocean cruise programme

Posted by Samantha Mayling on 1 June 2022

10 itineraries are available to book now

Riviera Travel has added three new voyages to its ocean cruise programme for 2023, making a total of 10 itineraries on offer.

New for next year are the Aegean Odyssey voyage on the Star Flyer, and two voyages on the new Ocean Albatros expedition ship (pictured): an Arctic & Spitsbergen cruise and a Buenos Aires & Voyage to Antarctica sailing.

The 194-guest Ocean Albatros is currently being built and cruises will feature a speaker programme by onboard expert guides.

Six cruises are available again “due to positive guest feedback and demand”, offering itineraries around the Adriatic and Mediterranean.

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Katja Hildebrandt, Riviera Travel head of product river and ocean cruise, said: “We take great pride in putting together the very best in ocean cruise experiences, so we’re pleased to make several favourite sailings available again, as well as introduce three new and exciting options.

“Whether you’re looking to explore the unchartered territories of the Arctic and Antarctica via a custom-made expedition ship, or simply looking to kick back and relax in the sun as you make your way around stunning European coastlines in one of our exclusively-chartered luxury vessels, we can offer the perfect 2023 holiday at sea.”

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• October 27, 2022
• Jack Goddard
• Last Updated 12 September, 2023

Fancy an Ocean Cruise with Riviera in 2023 and 2024?

Riviera Travel has launched a brand-new ocean cruise for 2023, and announced three new 2024 ocean cruise departures, all available to book from Thursday 27 October.

New for 2023

An 11-day icelandic adventure onboard ms seaventure.

Departing on August 29, 2023, the 11-day Icelandic Adventure comprises seven guided tours and visits including Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Dynjandi Waterfall, Goðafoss Falls and Lake Mývatn, Eastern Fjords drive from Eskifjordur, an overnight in Djupivogur, Heimaey Island drive and Reykjavik city tour, along with scenic cruising along some of Iceland’s most beautiful fjords.

The full-board 10-night sailing will be on the 158-guest MS Seaventure, refurbished in 2019. Seaventure is an expedition-ready ship and can dock at and explore smaller harbours. Seaventure has 80 sea-view cabins with a choice of a balcony, panoramic window or porthole. The vessel has an on-board fitness suite, sauna, heated saltwater pool, expedition theatre and library. Prices start from €5298pp.

A 14-day Mediterranean Odyssey onboard the Royal Clipper

Departing on June 7, 2024 the 14-day sailing departs from Rome and calls at Sorrento for Pompeii, Capri, Sicily, Corfu, Kotor and Dubrovnik. It features an overnight stay in Rome with a guided tour before the cruise, and an overnight stay and tour of Venice on the final day. The 227-guest Royal Clipper has five masts and is listed by Guinness World Records as the largest square-rigged ship in service. Prices start from €3799pp.

An 11-day Aegean Odyssey onboard the Star Clipper

An ‘Aegean Odyssey’ voyage on the Star Clipper, which comprises a seven-day sailing, two nights in Istanbul and one night in Athens, with guided tours in both cities. Departing May 30, 2024 guests will also take in Pergamon, Chios, Patmos, Santorini and Monemvasia. The 19th century, four mast Star Clipper has 16 magnificent sails and can house 162 guests with 74 crew. Prices start from €3109pp, with the 2023 departure already almost sold out.

The 11-day French Riviera and Corsica onboard the Star Flyer

Departing from Rome on July 12, 2024 this new itinerary now boasts two overnights in Nice and features the new-for-2024 port of Alghero, Sardinia. Seven-nights onboard the Star Flyer with hotel stays in both Rome and Nice, the itinerary includes one beach stop and nine guided tours including Rome, Portoferraio, Bonifacio, Alghero, Ajaccio, Calvi, St Tropez, Cannes and Nice.

The 16-sail, 162-guest Star Flyer is a reconstruction of a 19th-century, four-masted vessel. It combines age-old design with luxury on-board facilities. Prices start from €3220pp.

All itineraries include return flights and transfers, a full programme of guided tours and visits, all meals onboard the ship, and an expert tour manager’s services.

Katja Hildebrandt, Riviera Travel’s head of product river and ocean cruise , said:  “We’re thrilled to once again be able to offer Tall Ship sailings, as these cruises are always incredibly popular with guests. Their classic itineraries allow passengers to take in the very best of southern Europe from these exclusively-chartered, stunning 19th-century sail-vessels – an experience that can’t be matched.

“The introduction of MS Seaventure on our new Icelandic Adventure is equally exciting, and we’re confident guests will enjoy this bucket-list voyage. This cruise offers the perfect combination of exploration and stunning scenic sailing.”

For more information, visit  rivieratravel.co.uk  or call 01283 523431.

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Last Updated on 12 September, 2023 by Allie Sheehan

10 things to expect when you cruise with Voyages to Antiquity on the Aegean Odyssey

If you love to dip into the history of the Mediterranean, to understand the cultures and landscapes that create the countries we see today, then I’d highly recommend the cruise we took on the Aegean Odyssey through Titan Travel .

Our cruise took us from Rome, to the islands of the Mediterranean; Corsica, Sardinia and Elba. There were stops to explore the heritage of Renaissance Italy at Lucca, Pisa and Florence. We ended our cruise at Marseille on the French Riviera with further opportunities to explore Avignon, Cannes and Aix-en-Provence as the ship sailed on to Nice.

This article may contain affiliate links that provide commission on purchases you make at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Note: We travelled with Voyages to Antiquity which has now closed but other similar cruises are available through Titan travel.

With the Titan VIP door-to-door travel service , excursions with knowledgable local guides and relaxed atmosphere on board, it was a stress-free opportunity to visit many places but only unpack once. But you should be aware that not all Mediterranean cruises are created equal. So, if you’re thinking of cruising, here’s what to expect on board their ship, Aegean Odyssey.

Table of Contents

Aegean Odyssey reviews

1. elegant decor in your cabin and around the ship.

With the emphasis on history and culture I was half expecting that the decor on Aegean Odyssey would not be terribly exciting. I was pleasantly surprised, however, to find that the ship was both elegant and modern.

In our cabin the colour scheme was fresh and inviting in greens and yellows, with pale wood furniture giving an airy feel. Our cabin number 750 on the upper deck had a small balcony with two easy chairs, but when I peeped into some of the inside cabins they also looked very pleasant.

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Our bathroom had marble effect tiles and flooring with a large sink area and walk in shower. There were plenty of delicious Molton Brown toiletries to spoil us too. Storage was plentiful in the double wardrobe and drawers, with space for our cases under the beds and a fridge to keep drinks cool.

Around the ship was colourful artwork with an abstract feel and our favourite place on the whole ship was the Terrace Café where we ate almost all our meals. With the scrubbed wooden deck and white safari chairs, we almost felt as if we were in a harbourside café with an uninterrupted view of the ocean.

Read more: A Mediterranean cruise for culture lovers

2. The joy of small ship cruising

Having taken a few cruises, I’ve found there’s a cruise ship to suit every taste and interest. Some travellers love the bigger ships with a range of on board restaurants and buzz of activity, while others prefer the more intimate feel of a small ship. So what does small ship cruising mean for your holiday experience?

Firstly a ship that holds only 350 passengers never feels crowded. You don’t feel that you have to fight for a sunbed, even on a day at sea. Let’s think of it as the difference between staying in a small boutique hotel, compared to a larger holiday resort. You’ll get to know your fellow passengers and make friends easily, while the staff quickly get to know you and your tastes.

Small ship cruising does tend to be more expensive as there are not the economies of scale that you get on a ship with thousands of passengers. We found our fellow guests were affluent and well educated. Most were more interested in the places they were visiting than in having a climbing wall, nightclub and three swimming pools.

As one guest told me ” We don’t want a cruise that’s all eat, eat eat, drink, drink, drink. We want a cruise where we go home feeling that we’ve learned something.” With Titan Travel it’s more about the enrichment you get from visiting fascinating historical sights than the entertainment on board, which is fairly low key.

Read More: Delicious Mediterranean foods to try on your cruise (and where to find them)

Visiting ports with smaller crowds

Smaller ships are also able to visit ports that would not be suitable for the mega-ships holding thousands of passengers. We especially appreciated this when we visited some of the Mediterranean islands like Corsica, Sardinia and Elba, where although there were other ships in port, none of them were especially large.

In Marseilles we docked in the Vieux Port, a short stroll from the sights, rather than a mile down the road in the new port that’s designed for larger ships.

Small ship cruising works well for those who don’t want to fight their way through the crowds that can flood a destination from a larger ship. When you have to take the ship’s tender into port, as we did at Bonifacio, it’s a relatively quick process to disembark 350 guests compared to the long waits you can get on larger ships with ten times as many passengers.

3. Excursions for those who love history and culture

On our cruise, our excellent local guides at each destination gave us insights on Napoleon’s life on Elba. They explained how the Medici family came to dominate Florence and told us why the campanile in Pisa began to lean.

We were provided with QuietVox headsets with built in earpieces. This made it easy to hear the guide explain everything, even while wandering off to take a million photographs (as one does as a blogger).

We enjoyed the balance of guided tours and free time on most excursions. A guided walking tour provided plenty of information. it was generally combined with some time to stroll around town, window shop, buy local specialities or find a shady café for lunch.

In some places like Bonifacio the visit was entirely self-guided. We wandered on our own using the maps and information provided by the ship. In other places such as Pisa, where time was limited, and the crowds more intense, our tour was mainly with a guide.

As a history graduate, I found it fascinating to learn about Napoleon’s life on Elba. We visited Villa dei Mulini, his home on the island. In 1814 he entertained the local nobility and governed the island, making his escape from exile only a year later.

Almost all the excursions like this one were included in the cruise price. This was a real benefit, since the cost of excursions on some cruises can be substantial. There were only a couple of extra excursions that incurred an additional cos. We preferred to use this time to explore on our own or relax on board.

4. Expert speakers for an enriching experience

Titan Travel are known for the programme of on-board talks given by expert lecturers. And when they say Expert , these really are leading academics in their field of history, art, antiquity or geology.

On our cruise we enjoyed the lectures from Jeremy Boudreau of the British Institute of Florence, in preparation to our visits to Lucca, Pisa and Florence. He shared his in depth knowledge of the art and culture of Renaissance Florence.

We could look out for the development of perspective when visiting the Uffizi and understand why the Baptistry was so significant when visiting Florence or Pisa. We learned why the famous David statue was “the stars and stripes of Republican Florence” , representing the city state’s struggle for independence in the face of a threat from more powerful Rome.

The second lecturer, Dr David Price-Williams of the University of London was equally entertaining. He made us see how the geology and geography the region of the Mediterranean had impacted the history of places we would be visiting.

Once thriving ports such as Pisa were now miles from the sea. Other ancient cities were now underwater following earth tremors that had caused them to sink below the waves.

According to Dr Price-Williams, cities like Venice that are also built on precarious foundations of sediment may in time face a similar fate. We also learned about the great nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, who as an ambitious young soldier, had been killed by Zulus in South Africa. This ended all hope of a Napoleonic dynasty.

5. It’s all about the destination

Another benefit of small ship cruising is that the spotlight is firmly on the destinations you visit. In the Mediterranean most of the ports are close together, so you visit a new place almost every day.

We usually arrived into port at breakfast time and stayed until dinner time, giving us a full day for sightseeing. Each evening of our cruise, there was a talk about the next day’s destination. So, we would know what to expect and we were given a printed guide on the key things to look out for.

For those who wanted to explore independently, information was provided on what to see in and around the port area. I never felt the lack of a guidebook or map, as further information was often available as we got off the ship or in a nearby tourism information office.

Our local guides gave us an excellent overview of the culture and history of each destination, as well as the individual places we saw on each tour. Although the time in each destination was quite limited, I came away with a much better understanding about each place. I mentally earmarked a few that I’d love to return to and explore in more depth.

On our cruise, we boarded in Rome and visited Olbia (Sardinia), Bonifacio (Corsica), Elba, Florence, Lucca and Pisa. We would have finished with some visits on the French Riviera, had we not disembarked a day early in Marseille. It was fascinating to visit these Mediterranean islands so close together whose history had given them such a different flavour.

Read more: A Mediterranean cruise for culture lovers with Voyages to Antiquity

6. A lot is included in your cruise price

If you’re new to cruising you may not realise that there’s a lot of variation in what different cruise lines include in their holiday price. The key items that can seriously dent your budget are excursions, gratuities and drinks, These are often charged separately, on top of your cruise price.

You’ll be pleased to know that on a cruise these big ticket items are mostly included. In fact there’s little need to spend much on top of your cruise price.

There was an included excursion most days and sometimes a second optional second excursion which was moderately priced. We only took the included excursions and were very happy with them.

When it comes to drinks, you are offered unlimited table wine with your evening meal. But, you need to pay for drinks at lunchtime or when served in the Charleston Lounge before or after dinner. Gratuities for restaurant and cabin staff are also included in your cruise.

What’s included with a Titan Travel cruise

So to give you the full picture, here’s what’s included in the price of a cruise with Titan Travel;

• All meals on board with a choice of buffet style and a la carte in two different restaurants.
• Red or white house wine with your evening meal
• Most excursions, which usually included a coach transfer and a local guide to show us the sights, with some free time to wander on our own.
• Some but not all exercise classes
• Gratuities for cabin and restaurant staff are included in your cruise price although 12.5% service is automatically charged on drinks.
• Depending on the package you book, scheduled flights and transfers to the ship on arrival are included unless you opt out.
• When you book through Titan Travel you get the additional benefit of their VIP door-to-door service. You’ll have a driver to take you from your home to the airport and back home on your return.

You need to budget for the following, which are extra charges;

• There were a few optional excursions which were reasonably priced, for instance including a wine tasting.
• You need to pay for alcoholic and soft drinks at lunch and drinks other than the table wine at dinner.
• Cocktails, post or pre-dinner drinks, speciality coffee in the Charleston lounge or pool bar were extra.
• Exercise classes such as Yoga and Pilates were extra however some classes were included.
• Laundry and pressing are charged and there was no self service laundry on board. We understood that the laundry service was free with some superior cabins.

7. A relaxed atmosphere on board

We found that the atmosphere was very relaxed and informal, with free seating at dinner and no fixed dinner sittings. During restaurant opening times we could wander down to whichever of the two restaurants we preferred.

We could be seated at our own table or join some of our newly made friends at a larger table. The service was excellent, with plenty of smiling staff ready to bring what we required, open a door or carry a tray from the hot station back to the table.

The dress code was also relaxed on board. While guests would tend to dress more smartly at dinner, there were no formal nights requiring a tuxedo or evening dress.

Even though Guy had packed a jacket, he only wore it a couple of times in the Marco Polo restaurant. Here it was all waiter service from an a la carte menu.

Most days we preferred to sit outside in the less formal Terrace Café, enjoying the warmth of the Mediterranean evening and views of the ocean or port.

Plenty time for relaxation

There was plenty of time after a morning excursion to relax by the pool on the lido deck. Or, we could find a quiet corner of the ship where other sun loungers had been placed.

Tea and coffee were readily available from the drinks station in the shady area at the end of the pool. Many guests would sit here reading a book from the well stocked on-board library.

The food on board was excellent, with a wide choice at all meals and delicious fruits and salads as well as hot dishes. Guy sometimes preferred the Marco Polo Restaurant with more formal service. I must admit that I enjoyed sitting outside on the Terrace Café and choosing from the buffet where there was plenty of choice.

In addition to the hot buffet choices available, we could also order from the a la carte menu. Or, we could go to the pasta station for a bowl of freshly made pasta. On our day at sea we really enjoyed the curry lunch with plenty of different curries and chutneys, salads and side dishes.

I don’t think I would ever pass a member of staff without without them wishing me a good afternoon or good morning. Our cabin was kept immaculate by our cabin steward.

8. Good deals for solo travellers

We noticed quite a few solo travellers on board our cruise, who were all having lots of fun mingling with other guests. The ship seemed ideal for those travelling on their own.

With around 350 passengers on board it was easy to make friends with other guests, both couples and singles. As one friend commented “ It’s small enough to meet the people you want but big enough to avoid those you don’t “.

The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly and at dinner in the Marco Polo Restaurant we had the option to join a table of six or to be seated on our own. This gave us plenty of opportunity to meet different people if we wanted.

Many cruise lines are expensive for solo travellers. If you want a room on your own you will need to pay a single supplement. However, the Aegean Odyssey has 26 single occupancy cabins with low or no single supplements, rising to 39 in 2018.

This makes it an excellent value choice for solo travellers. It’s also worth getting on their mailing list so that you hear about special offers where the single supplement is either waived or reduced.

9. Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service

Our cruise was booked through Titan Travel, one of the UK’s leading travel companies. They are specialists in luxury holidays, escorted tours and cruises.

One of the joys of travelling with Titan is that you get a VIP door-to-door travel service . This provides transfers from your home to the airport if you live on the UK mainland.

What a pleasure it was to be picked up by a smartly dressed driver in a large, comfortable people-carrier to take us to the airport for our early morning fligh. No worries about driving when we were half asleep!

Even better to be greeted as we arrived back at the airport by someone to take us home after a day of travelling. It really means trip becomes hassle free and extends that relaxed holiday feeling for as long as possible.

10. Who is a Voyages to Antiquity cruise best for?

We found that a cruise booked through Titan Travel is well suited to 50+ travellers who enjoy exploring new destinations and discovering the history and culture of the places they visit. While there is some entertainment on board, things are fairly low key and relaxed. If you are looking for a party atmosphere and lots to do on the ship, this may not be the cruise for you.

The other guests on our cruise tended to be well educated retired travellers. They were mainly from the UK with a smaller proportion from the US, Canada and Australia. Most were in their 60s and 70s with a few younger passengers who were accompanying older relatives. We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise and would certainly recommend it to those looking for an enriching travel experience.

Read more from this cruise

A Mediterranean cruise for culture lovers Delicious Mediterranean foods to try on your cruise (and where to find them)

Book your cruise with Titan Travel and Voyages to Antiquity

You can book your cruise through Titan Travel who specialise in luxury holidays, escorted tours and cruises. When you book through Titan Travel you enjoy their VIP door-to-door travel service which is included in your holiday, to transfer from your home to your departure airport and back in one of Titan’s own vehicles.

Heather and Guy travelled through Titan Travel on a 13 day cruise from Rome to Nice. Note that Voyages to Antiquity no longer operate cruises but there are many other similar cruise options bookable through Titan Travel.

Thanks to Titan Travel and for hosting* our cruise.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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Steven @ marine speaker Reviewer

Wednesday 20th of September 2017

Wow! Amazing article!

I’ve never considered attending a cruise before (they typically make me think of a floating casino). Sounds like I need to realign my thinking and set sail for Central America ?

Claire Robinson

Sunday 25th of June 2017

Ah, it sounds very much like a Silverseas Cruise - a smaller capacity, so much included and onboard enrichment. I must say I loved the Silversea experience so I imagine I'd enjoy this too. I don't think I could do big cruise ships when you have this as an alternative.

Heather Cowper

@Claire I think I'd enjoy a Silversea cruise too

Suzanne Jones

Saturday 24th of June 2017

I've been on some of some of the big cruise ships but would love to try a more intimate style of cruise on a boutique ship like this. I love that there are talks on the places that the ship visits, it must enable guests to get so much more from their visit. That salad looks really good too!

@Suzanne This cruise was great for those who are travelling for the destination

Friday 23rd of June 2017

Looks like a lovely ship – my only concern about small ships is do you feel more motion from the sea if it's rough as they're not so big (a bit like small vs large planes?).

@Lucy I think the smaller ships are still very stable - I certainly didn't have any problems and typically you sail at night when you won't notice it as much

Jaillan Yehia

This will sound like a cliche but I have always had preconceptions about cruises - but the decor on this looks really boutiquey in style, the food looks fresh and healthy and not your usual buffet and all in all I'd be delighted to see some of my favourite parts of the world again from this boat!

@Jaillan - I always think there's a cruise for every taste and a lot of first time cruisers get hooked once they try it

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Most Beautiful Metro Stations in Moscow

Visiting Moscow? Get yourself a metro card and explore Moscow’s beautiful metro stations. Moscow’s world-famous metro system is efficient and a great way to get from A to B. But there is more to it; Soviet mosaic decorations, exuberant halls with chandeliers, colourful paintings and immense statues. Moscow’s metro is an attraction itself, so take half a day and dive into Moscow’s underground!

The best thing to do is to get on the brown circle (number 5) line since the most beautiful metro stations are situated on this line. The only exception is the metro stop Mayakovskaya one the green line (number 2). My suggestion is to get a map, mark these metro stops on there and hop on the metro. It helps to get an English > Russian map to better understand the names of the stops. At some of the metro stops, the microphone voice speaks Russian and English so it’s not difficult at all.

Another thing we found out, is that it’s worth taking the escalator and explore the other corridors to discover how beautiful the full station is.

Quick hotel suggestion for Moscow is the amazing Brick Design Hotel .

These are my favourite metro stations in Moscow, in order of my personal preference:

1. Mayakovskaya Station

The metro station of Mayakovskaya looks like a ballroom! Wide arches, huge domes with lamps and mosaic works make your exit of the metro overwhelming. Look up and you will see the many colourful mosaics with typical Soviet pictures. Mayakovskaya is my personal favourite and is the only stop not on the brown line but on the green line.

2. Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya metro station is famous for its yellow ceiling. An average museum is nothing compared to this stop. Splendour all over the place, black and gold, mosaic – again – and enormous chandeliers that made my lamp at home look like a toy.

3. Novoslobodskaya Station

The pillars in the main hall of Novoslobodskaya metro station have the most colourful stained glass decorations. The golden arches and the golden mosaic with a naked lady holding a baby in front of the Soviet hammer and sickle, make the drama complete.

4. Prospect Mira Station

The beautiful chandeliers and the lines in the ceiling, make Prospekt Mira an architectural masterpiece.

5. Belorusskaya Station

Prestigious arches, octagonal shapes of Socialistic Soviet Republic mosaics. The eyecatcher of Belorusskaya metro station, however, is the enormous statue of three men with long coats, holding guns and a flag.

6. Kiyevskaya Station

The metro station of Kiyevskaya is a bit more romantic than Belorusskaya and Prospect Mira. Beautiful paintings with classical decorations.

7. Taganskaya Station

At the main hall Taganskaya metro station you will find triangle light blue and white decorations that are an ode to various Russians that – I assume – are important for Russian history and victory. There is no need to explore others halls of Taganskaya, this is it.

8. Paveletskaya Station

Another and most definitely the less beautiful outrageous huge golden mosaic covers one of the walls of Paveletskaya. I would recommend taking the escalator to the exit upstairs to admire the turquoise dome and a painting of the St Basil’s Cathedral in a wooden frame.

Travelling with Moscow’s metro is inexpensive. You can have a lot of joy for just a few Rubbles.

• 1 single journey: RMB 50 – € 0,70
• 1 day ticket: RMB 210 – € 2,95

Like to know about Moscow, travelling in Russia or the Transsiberian Train journey ? Read my other articles about Russia .

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Wow! It is beautiful. I am still dreaming of Moscow one day.

It’s absolutely beautiful! Moscow is a great city trip destination and really surprised me in many ways.

My partner and I did a self guided Moscow Metro tour when we were there 2 years ago. So many breathtaking platforms…I highly recommend it! Most of my favorites were along the Brown 5 line, as well. I also loved Mayakovskaya, Arbatskaya, Aleksandrovski Sad and Ploshchad Revolyutsii. We’re heading back in a few weeks and plan to do Metro Tour-Part 2. We hope to see the #5 stations we missed before, as well as explore some of the Dark Blue #3 (Park Pobedy and Slavyansky Bul’var, for sure), Yellow #8 and Olive #10 platforms.

That’s exciting Julia! Curious to see your Metro Tour-Part 2 experience and the stations you discovered.

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