Explore More Issue 18

TRAVEL
Russian Discovery
We join food writer Karen Burns-Booth as she
journeys along the waterways of Russia on a river
cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg
Russia is a country that
has constantly fascinated
me. I remember reading
Russian fairy tales with
equal measures of joy and fear as
a child, and now many years on, I
am visiting on Viking’s Waterways
of the Tsars river cruise. I hope you
enjoy reading my travel diary as
much as I enjoyed the voyage.
DAY ONE:
After an early morning flight from
London, we arrived in Moscow and
were whisked off to Viking Akun,
our floating home for the next
ten days. (Akun was the nephew
of Viking ruler Rurik, who was
among the signatories of the 944
Rus-Byzantine Treaty named in the
Russian Primary Chronicle.) My
stateroom is large and spacious
with a veranda, which comes in
handy for early morning viewing
and scenic cruising. I began by
exploring Viking Akun, which has a
large main restaurant with amazing
panoramic views, two bars, a Sun
Deck, Library and a very enticing
shop. Later, dinner was a delight,
with a choice of delicious dishes
from a set menu as well as the
daily ‘destination menu’ which
offers regional specialities. After a
cocktail in the bar, I headed to bed
early ahead of tomorrow’s full-day
excursion around Moscow.
DAY TWO, MOSCOW:
I was looking forward to today’s
eight-hour Moscow Up-Close
tour, which involved exploring the
Russian capital by both Metro and
foot. I had learnt about Moscow’s
Metro while studying for my
history of art degree and it was
fascinating to see the decorative
stations firsthand. Their style and
design ranges from over-the-top
Rococo to elegant Art Deco, and
they are adorned with a plethora
of statues, chandeliers (yes, really!)
and exquisite marble tiling. We
rode the Metro for over an hour,
alighting at certain stations to
marvel at the art, before travelling
on to Revolution Square and Red
Square. We explored this area on
our own and, as well as admiring
St. Basil’s Cathedral and its dizzying
collection of gaily painted domes,
Clockwise, from
far left: One of
Moscow’s ornate
Metro stations; the
Kremlin seen from
the river; Karen
Burns-Booth on
board; an elegant
Viking eatery
WINTER 2019 | VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK 57
056-063_EM18_KarenBoothRussia.indd 57 05/11/2019 11:08