WATERWAYS of the TSARS

A Viking river cruise from Moscow to St Petersburg is the opportunity to experience the cultural and historical treasures of Russia, discovers Liz Jarvis

- Liz Jarvis

As something of a magpie, I am easily attracted to shiny, sparkly things. But the Fabergé eggs on display at the Kremlin Armoury in Moscow are something else. There are other royal treasures to marvel at – including ball gowns with hand-span waists, an array of carriages belonging to the Imperial Family and variously-sized swords and daggers and muskets – but those nine priceless eggs are by far the most appealing exhibits for me. My favourites include the Clock Egg, which was given by Tsar Nicholas II to his wife Alexandra; the poignant Alexander Palace Egg, which includes portraits of the five Romanov children, including Anastasia; and the frankly adorable Trans-Siberian Express Egg, with its tiny clockwork train and carriages made of pure gold. If I could pick one egg, it would be that one.

Yet it’s impossible to view these jewels, or indeed any of the splendours of Imperial Russia, and not think of them within the context of the Russian revolution. We leave the armoury to find the changing of the guard in full flow, and as we stand watching the procession underneath the shadow of the golden onion domes, it feels as though we have been transported back to 1917.

Every moment of Viking’s Waterways of the Tsars cruise tour is like this, filled with awe and wonder but also the lessons of history are never far from our minds.

Our ship, Viking Akun, has three decks including a very nice sun deck, and the rooms are spacious and spotless, with fantastic showers. The first day in Moscow includes a Metro ride into the capital, with frequent stops to marvel at some of the most impressive ceilings and sculptures found along the way. Definitely a change from the Northern Line.