Meet up with a guide in your centrally-located hotel lobby, and get a brief overview of Moscow’s history and culture as you walk to the river cruise port. Board a boat on the river, and enjoy unobstructed views of some of Moscow’s key sites.
Take in the Kremlin from the Moskva River: the UNESCO-listed fortress dates back to the 11th century, when it was a small settlement on Borovitsky Hill, and now contains five palaces, four cathedrals, and the official residence of the Russian President. You’ll also see the Novospassky Bridge, the fortified Novospassky Monastery, and the imposing façade of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Snap a photo of the infamous Peter the Great statue; the eighth tallest statue in the world, it’s been controversial since it was erected in 1997 by artist Zurab Tsereteli. Continue past the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and Luzhniki Stadium, where the World Cup finals will be played in 2018. Finish the tour at Gorky Park, which sprawls 300 acres (120 ha.) along the Moskva River. Visit a coffee shop surrounded by lush vegetation—Gorky Park is the perfect place for summertime people watching in Moscow during the warmer months, you can finish the tour with tips on the best places to keep exploring.
