TOUR IHS6: BLACK SEA CRUISE ODYSSEY

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The 2010 cruise is now fully booked. Expressions of interest for the same/similar cruise in 2011 are invited.

 

11 days: LONDON – ISTANBUL – AMASRA (Turkey) - SAMSUN (Turkey) – TRABZON (Turkey) - BATUMI (Georgia) – SOCHI (Russia) – YALTA (Ukraine) – SEVASTOPOL (Ukraine) - ODESSA (Ukraine) – NESEBUR (Bulgaria) – ISTANBUL TO LONDON. 10 nights on board MS Island Sky - all inclusive including shore excursions Just over 100 passengers – single supplements available
 

Itinerary


Day 1: October 11 – LONDON TO ISTANBUL  (cost of this return flight is included)
Fly by scheduled flight economy class. Drive to the MS Island Sky and embark in the late afternoon. Welcome drinks and dinner

Day 2: October 12 – AMASRA, TURKEY
From the port of Bartin in ancient Paphlagonia, join the excursion and drive along the coast to nearby Amasra (ancient Sesamus) which is located on a headland in between two bays. Local guides will lead us through the attractive old town which was founded by the Milesians in the 6th century B.C. and later became an important possession of both Byzantium and Genoa. See the Genoese citadel and learn more about its Greek and Roman past. Sail in the afternoon.

Day 3: October 13 – SAMSUN, TURKEY
Join the excursion and drive inland to Amasya which according to legend was founded by the Amazon queen Amasis. The setting is beautiful, in a deep narrow gorge of the river Iris. From the clifftop fortress there are marvelous views. See the rock tombs of the Pontic kings which were carved into the cliff face and later visit the 15th century Sultan Beyazit mosque. After lunch spend some time in the Archaeological Museum before returning to the vessel.

Day 4: October 14: TRABZON, TURKEY
On a day excursion see the church of Aya Sofia and the old town, then travel to the outskirts to visit Ataturk’s lovely villa set high on a cliff above the city. Continue on through the picturesque mountain scenery to Sumela, a dramatic Bysantine monastery carved out of a sheer rock face.

Day 5: BATUMI, GEORGIA
Another day, another port brings us to another country. Spend the day in charming Batumi. On the excursion visit the vast Botanical Gardens, the Ethnographic Museum and the chaotic market place. This is a safe and secure way to visit this little known country much in the news recently.

Day 6: SOCHI, RUSSIA
We have a half day excursion to explore the delightful Russian town of Sochi, framed by the Caucasus Mountains and famous for its marvelous climate and health spas. Take a walk along the sea front or there is an optional trip to the world’s highest tea plantation.

Day 7: YALTA, UKRAINE
Join today’s excursion  which begins with a visit to the Chekhov House Museum followed by a tour of the Livadia Palace, an Italian Renaissance style villa rebuilt in 1911 for Tsar Nicholas II.  It was here that Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin held their Yalta Conference in 1945. After lunch continue to Alupka, the most exotic of all Crimean estates.

Day 8: SEVASTOPOL, UKRAINE
Today’s morning tour starts at the Panorama Museum where the siege of the city in the Crimean War comes vividly to life in the painted murals. later drive out to the “Valley of Death”, the site of the “Charge of the Light Brigade”.  In the afternoon there is an excursion to Chersonesus, a Greek colony founded in 433 B.C.

Day 9: ODESSA, UKRAINE
Today’s port of call is Odessa, founded by Catherine the Great in 1794 following the Russian victory over the Turks. Odessa today is a busy port and popular resort. Visit the famous Promenade and the acoustically perfect Opera House.

 

 

Day 10: NESSEBUR, BULGARIA
After a morning at sea we will arrive in the ancient town of Nessebur, a delightful place to spend an afternoon. There is a guided tour of the town that includes the 5th century Bishopric, the 12th century St Stephen’s Church and some of the traditional style houses with their overhanging first floors above winding cobbled lanes.

Day 11: ISTANBUL TO LONDON
Disembark after breakfast and return to London by scheduled flight.

 

 

 

 

NOTE: For Imperial Holidays travelers there is the option to extend your stay in Istanbul or any other part of this region. Just let us know and we will be happy to organise your extension. TOUR IH09 offers a Stay-a-While stopover in Istanbul which may interest you.


 

Price: From $5,410 to $9,925 per person twin share
depending on cabin category*
Plus $443 per person to cover all shore excursions paid at time of booking (optional)
Single: Sole occupancy rates ranging from $8,118 to $9.992*
Plus $443 per person to cover all shore excursions paid at the time of booking (optional)
* These prices include cost of return economy airfare London – Istanbul - London