The small Russian village of Kuzino serves as a stopover for Viking River Cruises on its popular Moscow–to-St. Petersburg itineraries. The line uses the rather remote docks here as an access point for the nearby Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded in the 14th century by Saint Cyril. Viking pairs the monastery tour with a visit to a Kuzino school for a program with local schoolchildren.
Viking Hall: Apart from the main lure of the monastery, there’s little in the way of diversion in Kuzino, although this small Viking-themed lodge features a mildly entertaining, if kitschy, reenactment show in which costumed performers depict the region’s historical and cultural significance.
Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery: Established by Saint Cyril in 1397 on the shores of Lake Siverskoye, this ancient fortified monastery’s historic grounds include exhibits and priories, as well as some dozen churches and chapels, such as Assumption Cathedral. All are filled with an impressive collection of Russian Orthodox icons and religious works.
History Buffs: With its more than six centuries of history, Kuzino will charm aficionados with its well-preserved historic architecture and the ancient collections of the sprawling Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery.
Viking Territory: If you’re sailing a similar route on Scenic Cruises or Uniworld Boutique River Cruises (rather than with Viking), note that those lines utilize the river town of Goritzy instead as their access point to the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery.