History of the Waterway
The original river and canal system, known as the Vyshny Volochyok canal system, was created because once Peter the Great had conquered the Gulf of Finland and triumphed over Sweden, it became mandatory to provide a safe and unthreatened means of transportation via the river into Russia. The system was ready in the year 1709 and then later, a more expansive version called the Ladoga Canals was initiated. It was in the year 1810 that the Mariinsk canal system finally came into being and provided the base for the present day river and canal system of Russia. The name ‘Mariinsky’, though no longer in use, was chosen to honour the Empress Maria Feodorovna, the second wife of the Emperor of Russia, Paul I.
Uses of the Waterway
The waterway is an integral part of life in the region as it serves as a means of transport for both trade activities and tourism purposes. Cargo is transported daily on these waterways, and the export of lumber and oil is one of the biggest industries in Russia. The waterway has become an integral part of the tourism industry in Russia because a number of boats and cruise vessels organize trips and holiday travel packages on these waters.
Travel the Russian Waterway with the Baltic Travel Company
The Baltic Travel Company offers an exciting range of Russian River Cruises that allow passengers to explore the sights, sounds, culture and atmosphere of Russia from a unique perspective. The most popular cruise offered is the river cruise between Moscow and St. Petersburg. Spread over a period of 11 days and 10 nights, the cruise is priced at a rate of £1,265 for each person. The cruise is conducted in the form of a guided tour and one gets to visit all of the most important sights in Russia, such as the Peterhof, the Hermitage and the Kremlin, as well as visiting small towns such as Kizhi and Uglich, which offer a quaint charm and a lesser known picture of this great land.