Over 50 authentic sights and dozens of exciting excursions, about 20 ancient cities and 8 regions, three rivers - Volga, Kama and Belaya. This is a cruise in numbers, but hidden behind them are exciting adventures and unusual places. We will tell you about them today …
The view from the water is the best angle
In ancient times, the main trade routes passed along the rivers, and, of course, architects tried to present their cities in the best possible light, to attract, surprise and delight merchant travelers. We also advise modern tourists to play this role and invite them to make a voyage across Tatarstan. After all, it is from the river, while on board the ship, that you can begin your acquaintance with the ancient cities and sights of the republic, proceeding from West to East, appreciate the beauty and harmony of local architecture, feel its flavor. And the river will give you its energy and help you see a lot in a new way.
What rivers will you pass on a cruise? Of course, the Volga is a great flat river, one of the largest on Earth and the largest in Europe; Kama, flowing through five regions of Russia, and White, along the banks of which there are many sights.
Best time to cruise? Is always
So, when and how long to go on a river trip? It all depends on how many days you are ready to take for a cruise and in which month you are more comfortable with your vacation.
In 2019 navigation, river travel from Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod with calls to the amazing cities of Tatarstan will take place from early May to late August.
For example, a circular cruise on the route Moscow-Perm-Moscow (on the m / v "Solnechny Gorod") will start on May 4 and will last 15 days. But if you wish, you can join this trip in Nizhny Novgorod or Perm.
The next 12-day cruise (on the m / v "NA Nekrasov") starts on May 17 on the route Moscow-Elabuga-Moscow.
What will we see, what will we be surprised at?
You can choose your own cruise, focusing on those attractions that, like precious stones, are scattered along the way. And only you decide - for the sake of which "emerald" you go on a ship's journey.
Tatarstan - an original republic located at the confluence of the Volga and Kama. The history of the multinational region was largely influenced by the way of life of several peoples.
One of the leaders of Russia in terms of tourist flow is the capital of Tatarstan Kazan always welcomes guests with open arms, generous treats, unique souvenirs. Visiting the city, tourists will see a magnificent mosque Kul Sharif, standing on the site of the old mosque with many ministers destroyed by Ivan the Terrible.
Guests will also be shown facilities specially erected for the 2013 Universiade and for the 2015 FINA World Championships. Athletes from 190 countries of the world took part in large-scale competitions, and this is a record!
It will also be interesting to visit Tugan Avylyma, which means "native village" from the Tatar language. This cozy national settlement with wooden houses and a pond is located right in the middle of the city. Little tourists will definitely like the Exitgames play center, which is part of the complex, where children can prove themselves in quests, play hide and seek or start a laser battle. There is also a toy museum "Mishkin's House" and a mini-zoo with tame pets.
If you don't want to go on a planned excursion, you can walk along your own route. For example, visit a cozy Old Tatar settlement with old mosques and merchant houses. This is a unique place on the shores of Lake Kaban. The national spirit is still felt here, age-old traditions are observed, and a pedestrian zone has been arranged for tourists, which makes it possible to get acquainted with the history of the local people, their customs and culture.
And don't forget to bring from Kazan present! For example, the famous honey chak-chak, a treat of honey and ghee - talkysh kaleve or Tatar brushwood - kosh tele. Tourists also like strong local balms infused with herbs and roots. A nice gift for the girl will be an ornament made of lumpy filigree - tin pendants, long earrings with coins, breast necklaces made of beads, coins and stones. In the old days, they were worn by all local beauties.
In a small town Bulgarians you will see the extraordinary White Mosque, which is considered the architectural pearl of Tatarstan. During its construction, 1200 tons of marble were used.
In the past, this city was one of the largest in the Golden Horde. Until now, buildings of the 13th century and an ancient settlement have been preserved on its territory. The monuments of Bolgar are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
A must-see is the unique Museum of Bulgarian Civilization, which houses the world's largest printed Koran, which weighs 800 kg!
In the center of an amazing town Elabuga there are several museums at once. Including the museum complex of Marina Tsvetaeva, the estate of an extraordinary personality - the cavalry girl N. A. Durova, the museum of the scientist-psychiatrist V. M. Bekhterev and the Portomoynya Museum, where they tell about the work of old public laundries, the installation of water pipes, soap making and other "bath and washing" traditions of our ancestors.
Travelers will visit the high bank of the Kama, where the archaeological complex "Yelabuga settlement" is located - a picturesque ancient settlement of the Volga Bulgars, one of the symbols of the city. A magnificent view of the Kama River opens up from here - a truly spacious and clean land!
If you want privacy go to the Shishkinsky ponds, located on the territory of the park "1000 years of Yelabuga" not far from the Shishkin House-Museum. This is a picturesque, well-groomed place for walking and relaxation.
They say when Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin first saw the island city Sviyazhsk, he was delighted, admitting that this is exactly how he imagined his magical island Buyan from the Tale of Tsar Saltan. The town, conceived by Ivan the Terrible, was extensively restored at the beginning of the 21st century, but managed to preserve its originality to this day, as you can see for yourself.
During the excursion, tourists will be told about the warlike past of the city, its unusual fate. In our time, Sviyazhsk has become one of the main attractions of Tatarstan … Travelers are immediately fascinated by the constellation of ancient temples and monasteries.
Tourists who have visited this place say that here you can feel a completely extraordinary energy, and with it - calmness and grace.
Fans of reconstruction should visit the Lazy Torzhok complex. There are craft shops and shooting ranges, an exhibition of ancient weapons and armor, they regularly arrange impromptu military fights, and prepare national dishes.
Also interesting to visit the old horse yard of Sviyazhsk … After the restoration, an entertainment complex was opened on the territory of the courtyard. Here you can ride a horse, visit the smithy, bread and honey shops. To feel like a master, you can order a carriage and ride in it all over Sviyazhsk, dine at a local restaurant, and make purchases.
Town Tetyushi, founded in the 16th century, is renowned for its hospitality. At the pier, the creative team greets the motor ships with unique local folklore. It is interesting that the artists accompany guests to sightseeing points: on the Vshikha mountain near the Tetyushinsky settlement, and in the local history museum.
On a sightseeing tour, guests of the city will see monument to the giant 5-meter beluga fishcaught by local fishermen; taste the liqueur from the merchant P. V. Serebryakova and “collapsible” pie are an original treat for Tetyushin bakers.
Fans of extreme sports will have the opportunity to climb from the river to the city along the highest stairs on the Volga - 400 steps!
In the noble the Molostovs' estatelocated on the territory of a nature reserve "Long Glade", tourists will find a concert of Russian romance and tasting herbal tea. It offers a stunning view of the Kuibyshev reservoir and the Great Bolgar.
There is a belief among local residents that a meadow is mystical, anomalous zonewhere amazing things happen. For example, here magnetic devices "go off scale", the clock goes astray, frames from digital cameras disappear. For lovers of the unknown - a great opportunity to check it out for yourself!
V Nizhnekamsk tourists will have a walk to the "Red Key" - an amazing source located on the banks of the Kama. To this unusual shrine both Muslims and Christians make pilgrimages, which in itself is already a rarity.
There are many natural attractions here that will delight photography enthusiasts. But the main purpose of the walk is, of course, the spring. Legend has it that the source has existed here since ancient times, but it became a shrine only after an amazing event. Once, near the place where water comes out of the earth, a true Muslim believer found an icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. So the spring forever made Muslims and Christians brothers of these places.
When you want new emotions, impressions and knowledge, a trip to the original cities of the Republic of Tatarstan is the best solution, because several types of cultures, two religions, traditions of the East and West are harmoniously combined here. Choose your trip!
