ross castle boat trip

Ross Castle In Killarney: History, Tours + Map

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2024

Ross Castle in Killarney has stood proudly over the waters of Lough Leane for over 500 years.

Built in what is now Killarney National Park during the 15th century, it was once home to the head honchos of the fierce O’Donoghue Clan.

A key stop along the Ring of Kerry route , it can be admired from the outside, within the grounds and on the popular Ross Castle tour.

I’ve been to Ross Castle many times over the years – this guide contains everything from where to park to its history.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Ross Castle

Click to enlarge

A visit to Ross Castle in Killarney requires a little bit of prior planning. I’ll sum it up for you below:

1. Location

You’ll find Ross Castle in Killarney National Park. If you’re leaving from Killarney Town , it’ll take you 40 minutes to walk (via this route ), 10 minutes to cycle (via this route ) and 5 minutes to drive (via this route ).

There are two places for parking at Ross Castle and I’ve outlined both on the map above. Please do note that, as this is one of the more popular things to do in Killarney , the car parks get busy at peak times in summer.

3. The tour/tickets

You can only get inside the structure on the Ross Castle tour which runs from February 29th – November 3rd between 09:30 – 17:45 (last admission is 17:00). You can buy Ross Castle tickets from the reception in the castle (can’t be pre-booked) and they cost:

• Adult : €5
• Group/Senior : €4
• Child/Student : €3
• Family : €13

4. See it on a walk

If you don’t fancy the tour, you can see the castle on many of the Killarney National park walks . Arguably the best for seeing Ross Castle is the 5km Library Point Trail.

Ross Castle history

Photos via Shutterstock

A typical example of the stronghold of an Irish Chieftain during the Middle Ages, it’s estimated Ross Castle in Killarney was built towards the end of the 15th century.

The former fortress of the Clan O’Donoghues Mor (Ross), it is surrounded by a defensive wall with flanking towers – two of which still remain intact today.

The battle with Oliver Cromwell

One of the more interesting tales from the history of Ross Castle is when its inhabitants came up against Oliver Cromwell’s Roundheads (supporters of the Parliament of England).

It took place during the Irish Confederate Wars and the castle was one of the last to surrender to Cromwell’s forces. 4,000 foot-soldiers and 200 soldiers on horse back made their way to the castle.

However, despite these large numbers, Ross Castle was only taken when it was hit with artillery that had been moved via boat along the nearby river.

The Ross Castle legend

According to local legend, one of the chiefs of the O’Donoghue clan jumped from the window at the top of the castle and became submerged in the waters below, followed shortly by his horse.

The story goes that O’Donoghue now resides in a grand palace in the lake below the castle, where he watches over the park and its inhabitants.

Things to look out for when visiting Ross Castle in Kerry

If you’re heading off on the Ross Castle Tour, you’ll have plenty of things to keep you occupied as you wander around. 

Below, you’ll find some of the most notable things to look out for at Ross Castle – one of the most impressive castles in Ireland !

1. The furnishings

One fascinating aspect of a visit here is the authenticity. As I mentioned earlier, the ornate furnishings and tapestries of the castle’s interior are entirely representative of its 16th and 17th century heyday. You’ll take a a trip back in time and get a window into what daily life was like.

2. The defences

As the last place in Munster to hold out against Cromwell, you can imagine how formidable Ross Castle’s defenses were. Visitors will be shown the rooftop cannons, the fortifications, the arrow slits and the parapet. 

3. The views

A fixture of Killarney National Park, the scenery around Ross Castle needs little introduction. With the majestic Lough Leane sprawling out from its shoreline, visitors are greeted with a sweeping expanse of rugged mountainous country. Enjoy glorious views of the distant McGillycuddy’s Reeks and dramatic rolling woodlands. 

Ross Castle boat tours

One of the more unique ways to see Ross Castle is on the Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour (affiliate link) which costs around €16 and lasts 1 hour.

It leaves from near the castle and it takes in the Lakes of Killarney, the castle, islands, the MacGillycuddy Reeks and parts of the park that many miss.

The reviews are outstanding and it’s a handy way of seeing a lot in a short space of time.

Things to do near Ross Castle

If the day is still young and you want to avoid the pubs in Killarney for a while, you have plenty of options, with many of the best things to do in Kerry nearby.

Walk wise, there’s Torc Mountain  and Cardiac Hill . However, if you don’t fancy a long stroll I’d recommend checking out:

• Muckross House (11-minute drive): A tudor-style mansion that dates back to 1843
• Muckross Abbey (20-minute drive): Stunning ruins of a Franscian Friary founded in 1448
• Torc Waterfall (20-minute drive): A 20 metres high waterfall with a thunderous cascade that runs for 110 metres.
• Gap of Dunloe (20-minute drive): A narrow mountain pass forged between the MacGillycuddy Reeks
• Ladies View (25-minute drive): One of the most impressive viewpoints in Kerry
• The Black Valley (45-minute drive): A remote and rugged area of immense natural beauty

FAQs about visiting Ross Castle in Killarney

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from where to park at Ross Castle to where to grab the best views.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is Ross Castle worth a visit?

A visit to Ross Castle in Killarney is one of the most popular things to do in Kerry for good reason. Looking proudly over the vast expanse of Lough Leane for over 500 years, Ross Castle is a medieval gem in the heart of Killarney National Park.

How much time do you need at Ross Castle?

The tour takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour. Allowing for time to get your ticket, allow 1.5 hours. This will give you time to admire the scenery from the grounds, also.

Where do you get Ross Castle tickets?

Tickets for Ross Castle can be purchased at the castle’s reception. Please keep in mind that they can’t be pre-booked, so it’s first-come-first-served.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Killarney Lake Boat Tours

Innisfallen Island Tour

Lakes of Killarney Tours are owned and operated by committed and knowledgeable boatmen who ensure all visitors experience an intimate guided tour on the beautiful Lakes of Killarney. The use of humour and Irish ‘wit’ is a key component of the trip and ensures this is a truly unique experience.

Pick Up / Drop Off: Ross Castle Pier Operating Time: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm Tour Start Times: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm Tour Duration: 1 Hour

Dinis Cottage & The Meeting of the Waters

The tours offers an extensive tour of both Lough Leane and The Muckross Lake while also journeying into narrow river channels providing our guests with a unique perspective available only on the traditional boats.

Pick Up / Drop Off: Ross Castle Pier Operating Time: Monday to Sunday from 11am to 3pm Tour Start Times: 11am, 1pm, 3pm Tour Duration: 1 Hour 20 mins

The Gap of Dunloe

Beautiful guided tour through the 3 Lakes of Killarney. Guests will enjoy 90 minutes of the best of Killarney’s scenery.

Pick Up / Drop Off: Lord Brandon’s Cottage Operating Time: Monday to Sunday at 10.30am Tour Start Times: 10.30am Tour Duration: 1 Hour 30 mins

Muckross House & Gardens

A visit to Muckross House and Gardens allows our guests to enjoy an extensive view of Killarney’s largest lake, Lough Leane. This tour offers extensive scenery and concludes by dropping our guests at the beautiful Muckross Boat House.

Pick Up / Drop Off: Muckross House (Boathouse – 5 mins walk) / Ross Castle Pier Operating Time: Monday to Sunday from 11am Tour Start Times: 11am, 1pm, 3pm Tour Duration: 45 mins

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Innisfallen Island - Enjoy the scenery & history of the Lakes of Killarney.

Muckross House and Gardens, Killarney - Scenic Tour (Minimum 4 People - 1 way).

The Meeting of the Waters, Dinis Island, Lakes of Killarney (Minimum 6 people)

The Gap of Dunlop - Day Trip (subject to minimum numbers)

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ROSS CASTLE BOAT TOURS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Ross Castle Boat Tours

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Innisfallen Island - Enjoy the scenery & history of the Lakes of Killarney.

Muckross House and Gardens, Killarney - Scenic Tour (Minimum 4 People - 1 way).

The Meeting of the Waters, Dinis Island, Lakes of Killarney (Minimum 6 people)

The Gap of Dunlop - Day Trip (subject to minimum numbers)

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Ross Castle Boat Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Experience Killarney by boat cruise or jaunting cart tour

Lough leane waterbus tour, cruise killarney’s beautiful lakes with the m.v pride of the lakes. this scenic tour offers views of lough leane, killarney’s largest and most picturesque lake..

Setting sail from the 15th century Ross Castle, MV Pride of the Lakes offers scenic tours on Lough Leane, Killarney’s largest and most picturesque lake, with heritage attractions including O’Sullivan Cascade and the monastic ruins of Inishfallen Island. This Killarney waterbus tour is an enjoyable trip to relax and view Killarney lakes and mountains.

The meeting point for the Waterbus departure is Ross Castle. 

Sailing Times are: 11.00am, 12.30pm, 14.30 pm , 16.00 pm

This Killarney Lake tour lasts approximately 1hr. 

Killarney Jaunting Car Tour

Enjoy the sights of killarney national park from the traditional horse-drawn jaunting car, an absolute “must” for everyone visiting killarney..

Learn about the history, folklore and the beauty of Killarney National Park and  the majestic 15th century Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane, f rom the comfort of the traditional mode of transport; the Irish jaunting car from years gone by. 

This tour starts at the Killarney Visitor Centre across from Scotts Hotel, Scotts Street and drops off at Ross Castle.

Tour Times are: 9 .00a m ,  10.00a m , 11.30a m , 12.30 pm ,  13.30p m ,  15.00 pm,  16.00 pm,  17.00 pm

A minimum of 2 people are needed for this tour, and lasts approximately 1hr.

Killarney Combination Tour

Our combination tour offers you a unique opportunity to experience a scenic tour through the national park on a traditional jaunting car   to ross castle, plus  our waterbus cruise taking in the beauty of the killarney lakes.   .

The driver of your jaunting car trip, known as a “jarvey”, is both a guide and a storyteller on your journey through the grounds of the Killarney National Park to the majestic 15th century Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane.  From here you’ll then take a cruise through scenes of gentle lowlands and scattered islands, in the shadow of the towering, rugged McGillcuddy Reeks Mountains, and your experienced skipper will give a full commentary on the flora, fauna and historical heritage of the area.

Tour Times are: 10.00a m , 11.30a m , 13.30 pm , 15.00 pm

There is a minimum of 2 people needed for this tour

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Innisfallen Island - Enjoy the scenery & history of the Lakes of Killarney.

Muckross House and Gardens, Killarney - Scenic Tour (Minimum 4 People - 1 way).

The Meeting of the Waters, Dinis Island, Lakes of Killarney (Minimum 6 people)

The Gap of Dunlop - Day Trip (subject to minimum numbers)

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Innisfallen – An enchanted island

Visitors to Killarney usually ask some variant of the “what it is that I should see when in Killarney?” question. There are dozens of answers, but a trip to Innisfallen Island is not always included in the “must see” list. It should be. Innisfallen is a magical, special place that needs only a couple of hours of your time. In return, you will be rewarded with an enchanting experience that will linger long after you leave the island.

Enchantment

It was a very early summer’s morning many years ago when the magic of Innisfallen was marked indelibly in my mind. We were on a boat heading out from Ross Castle with the morning chill still in the air. The early sun had not yet burnt away the mist that clung to the surface of the lake. As we passed Library Point on Ross Island and set the boat facing towards the McGillycuddy Reeks, we were greeted with the sight of a group of deer swimming towards Innisfallen. We cut the engines immediately to observe the wondrous animals making their way across Lough Leane. With only their heads and antlers protruding from the water, they made their way smoothly through the water. The only sound was of the water rippling and the occasional great snort from the deer as they controlled their breathing with ease on their morning dip.  Within minutes, they reached the shore of Innisfallen and nimbly plucked themselves from the chilly water. They paused to shake themselves dry, gave one last look at us and disappeared into the quite woods of the island. Ever since that day, I’ve been drawn to the island. It’s a magical place that never loses its charm.

One of the reasons that make the island such a great place to visit is the variety of attractions the island provides. Innisfallen ticks many of the boxes for those interested in beautiful scenery, nature, history, folklore and a plentiful dose of fresh air in a peaceful, secluded location. The short boat trip to and from the island also provides an opportunity to hear some tall tales about the island from your driver.

How Do I Get There?

For most people, a trip to Innisfallen Island starts from Ross Castle. The Castle is just over 2km from the centre of Killarney town. You can get there on the main road (Ross Road) or alternatively via Killarney National Park. The route through the National Park is for non-motorised vehicles so you can walk, cycle or perhaps take a jaunting car ride from the town centre. During the summer months there are a couple of shuttle bus services that will take you there or you can get a taxi from the rank in the town centre. The route through Killarney National Park is a fantastic way to go to Ross Castle and it is recommended to go this way if you can. You could combine it with a lap of the Circular Walk in Knockreer if you have some more time.

Ross Castle looking out to Innisfallen

Once you arrive at Ross Castle, there a couple of ways to get to Innisfallen. Swimming to the island is not recommended – this is best left to the fish and deer! (If you’re lucky, you might get to spot some of the deer swimming to the island when the lake is calm) It is possible to hire a row boat and make your way across on your own muscle power. If you prefer kayaking, then you can also book a kayak trip where you will be accompanied to Innisfallen by a tour guide. The open motorised boats at Ross and Reen pier will take you to the island in less than 10 minutes. The covered waterbus tours that operate from Ross Castle do not land on the island but you’ll get a glimpse of the ruins of the Abbey as you pass the island.

Innisfallen Island has no facilities so bring anything you may need with you before you depart. There are toilet facilities in Ross Castle as well as a small snack and coffee shop during the summer months. The weather can change quickly on the lake so be prepared for this before you set off. There is a rough trail around the island that varies from grassy to muddy in parts so bring appropriate footwear. It’s pretty smooth in most areas and flat for the most part. If it’s summer time when you visit, be prepared for some of the local midge population to accompany you at times!

Innisfallen is a special place at any time but maybe the desolation of a wet and windy winter’s day is not the best time to visit. (Unless you want to  really get a feel for what it was like in times gone by….). The boats typically travel from early Spring to late Autumn and weather permitting. I always find that early in the morning is the best time of day to go. The lake is quieter, the animals are more active and there’s a special beauty in the morning light as it climbs over Ross Castle on the shore.

On the Water

Whatever craft you choose to get you to Innisfallen make sure to enjoy the actual trip out to the island. The journey from Ross Castle across Lough Leane to the island is part of the magic of a visit to Innisfallen. The scenery is beautiful and you get a wonderful perspective of the surrounding mountains and islands when you are on the water. During the spring, you will pass many nesting sites for the swans that inhabit Lough Leane on your way to Innisfallen.

The Abbey appears at the edge of the island

Look out too for cormorants perched on the rocks or one of the white tailed eagles that now reside in Killarney National Park.

“Will I get wet?” is a common question that is asked by those considering a boat trip to Innisfallen. You are travelling across a lake after all, so you may get a few splashes over the edge of the boat. Generally speaking, there is no reason to expect any soaking! Unless of course it comes from the skies above…. There is a solid pier at the island so you don’t have to wade through the water or anything like that. If you are rowing yourself, the splash count will be completely down to your own rowing skills! Remember that it will be a bit cooler on the lake than on land so even on the warmest of days, it is advisable to bring something warm for the boat trip. For the open boat trip, life jackets are mandatory and will be provided for you.

As you approach the island and exit Ross Bay, the expanse of Lough Leane becomes visible as it stretches to meet the McGillycuddy Reeks range to the south-west and the low hills of Aghadoe and beyond to the north. The pier on the island where you will come ashore edges closer. Behind the pier lies the ruins of the Abbey. At this point, you may also catch a glimpse of some of the deer that reside on the island. The  deer  that inhabit Innisfallen are quite numerous so if you are quiet, there is a good chance you will spot them as you explore the island.

Saints & Scholars (& Lepers)

Ireland was known as the island of saints and scholars in the past, and Inis Faithleann ( The island of Faithleann) played its part in establishing this reputation for learning, teaching and religious devotion. A monastery was established here by Faithleann in the 7th century and the famed ‘Annals of Innisfallen’ were compiled and completed by the resident monks over the course of a few hundred years. It is reputed that Brian Boru, a famous high king of Ireland, received his education here.

Book Kayak Trip

Once you land on the island, you should take plenty of time to explore. If you have arrived by boat, you will probably be given approximately one hour on the island before you are picked up for the return journey. If you have the time, try and get some more time on the island. If you agree this up front with the boatman, there should be no issue. Bring a picnic or some snacks and get the most out of your time on the island. The trail on the island takes less than half an hour to walk. However, head off the beaten track as you go – remember, you’re on a small island so it should be difficult to get lost!

Queues for the picnic table…

There are some beautiful secluded little bays and stony beaches on the western side of the island. On the northern shore, there is a makeshift landing spot. This sheltered area is often used to land when the prevailing southerly and western winds are high. It is believed that this was the original landing spot used by the monks.

Tip: If you are being collected by boat and they are not too busy, you might be able to get the boatman to do a quick lap of the island if you ask them nicely….

As you make your way around the island, you may catch glimpses of the deer that inhabit the island. Their camouflage can make them hard to spot but the lack of any predators makes them relatively comfortable in the presence of humans. Be sure to keep your distance if you are visiting during the annual rutting season in late September / October.

There are three main ruins of interest on Innisfallen Island: The main abbey structure that greets you when you disembark on the pier, and two other smaller oratories close by (one right near the pier). Let yourself wander through the ruins and get a feel for life on the island in years gone by. It is a lovely place to amble around with only the distant hum of the motors on the boats reminding you of the 21st century you left behind at the mainland.

A lovely circuit of the island will tempt you away from the ruins once you have finished exploring.

Donations at the Oratory

A grassy path leads away from the back of the ruins – or you can head off to the left as you come up from the pier. It is a looped trail so it doesn’t matter which way you go. The path hugs the shoreline for a while but also veers inland into the woods where the island is at its most peaceful. Take some time to wander down some of the stony beaches at the back of the island. There are some spurs off the trail to some of the inlets where you can maybe take a break and listen to the waves lapping on to the shore.

Tip: Bring your picnic/snack with you and stop off along the trail. If you are with others on the island, you may not have sole access to the picnic table at the Abbey! There are plenty of suitable spots for a picnic along the way.

The Gift of Innisfallen

I remember hearing at some stage that Innisfallen Island was given as a 21st birthday gift to one of the daughters of the previous owners of what is now Killarney National Park. I don’t know whether this is true or not or if it has been mixed up with the story of Muckross Estate being purchased by Mr Bourne as a wedding gift to his daughter. Either way, this story was in my head as I cycled back to Killarney town that sunny day when we saw the deer swimming to Inisfallen. I had just turned 21 and the bicycle underneath me was the present I got for reaching that milestone. Not quite the same as getting an enchanted island in beautiful Lough Leane. But the sight of those deer gliding across the lake to Innisfallen in the morning mist was a gift that has stayed with me ever since.

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6 thoughts on “ Innisfallen – An enchanted island ”

are there any times of the year you cannot get to innisfallen island? we will be there the last week in March

Hi Heather, thanks for visiting the website. Innisfallen is open to the public all year round but landing on the island is subject to weather and availability of boat providers. The boats will definitely be operating by the end of March so you should be fine. However, if the weather is particularly bad, the boats may not travel. It is a very short, sheltered trip on the boat, so there would need to be very strong winds for the boats not to travel. I hope this helps and enjoy your trip to Innisfallen – you’re in for a treat!

Is Innisfallen island available to visit all round year

Hi Ajesh – thanks for leaving a comment on the site. Yes, the island is open all year round. However, the boats to the island from Ross Castle may not be available during the winter months. It is very much weather dependant. If it is a fine calm day in the winter, the boats will be at the pier at Ross Castle. I hope this helps and thanks again for visiting KillarneyGuide.ie

love this place love to know more

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

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