Ukraine Waterways Istanbul Cruise

The rich heritage of the Ukraine is explored during this Dnieper River cruise on the MS Taras Shevchenko. The well known cities of Kiev and Odessa and thoughtfully selected, unique villages along the Dnieper River are blended for a genuine Ukrainian encounter. However, on this cruise package you also have the opportunity to explore other Black Sea countries: Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey! One of Europe's oldest towns, Nessebar, Bulgaria is known for its architectural and archeological wonders. Turkey's cultural center, colorful, bustling Istanbul, is also visited. In 15 days experience a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and tastes on your Black Sea odyssey!

The itinerary is reversed on April 26, May 20, June 13, July 07 & 31, and August 24, 2008 departure dates. Please see Four Country Black Sea Cruise - Kiev to Istanbul.

You may also take shorter versions of this tour:

Ukraine Waterways Cruise - Kiev to Odessa .

Ukraine Waterways Cruise - Odessa to Kiev .

Itinerary

After arrival in Istanbul, transfer to you hotel on your own. Best Western President Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, depart on your city tour featuring the main attractions of Istanbul. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Return to your hotel for dinner. There will be an optional night tour of Istanbul available.

Board your bus in the morning for a 6 hour ride to Nessebar. Embarkataion and departure at 9:00 PM.

Today a walking tour of Old Historic Town Center. The ship departs at 9.00.

Arrive at 8.00am. A city tour of Constanta including Histria Fortress and Museum.

Depart at 6.00pm.

We arrive in Odessa at 2.00pm, also known as the "Pearl of the Black Sea", Odessa is a modern city and a major seaside resort which rises in tiers above a gently curving bay. Your city tour by bus and foot will feature all major attractions of this fascinating city. In the evening there will be an optional cultural performance.

Today, enjoy a full free day at leisure or join an optional bus tour to Chisinau- Moldova. We depart at 7:00 PM.

Welcome to Yalta! After arrival at 4:00 PM, we will embark on our city tour which includes the Great Livadia Palace with 120 luxurious rooms, built in 1913 in Italian Renaissance style, where the Yalta conference was held in 1945.

Spend the morning at leisure. Stroll down the local promenade for some shopping or souvenir hunting. An optional excursion to the Alupka Palace with wine tasting. The ship departs at 8:00 PM.

We arrive at 6:00 AM. Founded in 1778, Sevastopol today is a major seaport and is the industrial, scientific and cultural center of the Crimean region. This morning, enjoy a city tour of this interesting city, including a tour of the famous Panorama Museum. In the afternoon there is an optional bus excursion to Bakhchisaray and in the evening an optional concert by the Black Sea Fleet. We depart at 5:00 PM.

We arrive at 2:00 PM. Kherson is a naval and river port which was founded in 1778. The city is situated at the mouth of the Dnieper and has a population of 300,000. Upon arrival, you will transfer to small boat for a trip to the Fishermen's Island. Enjoy your picnic lunch. We depart at 6:00 PM.

We arrive at 10:00 AM. Site of the first Cossack state in the 15th century, this city "beyond the rapids" is a place of pilgrimage for thousand of tourists seeking to learn the history of the Cossack warriors. Today, enjoy a city tour and trip to Hortica Island. You might want to join the highly recommended optional Cossack show. Our ship departs at 5:00 PM.

As the ship glides silently up the Dnieper river, today's on board activities will focus on the Ukraine, a great way to get accustomed to your new surroundings and get a first hand introduction to this beautiful and newly democratic country.

After arrival at 10:00 AM, depart on a city tour of the capital of the Ukraine, which is a tourist delight with is numerous monuments and unique architecture. Your tour will include a visit of St Sophia's Cathedral. The afternoon is free or you can join an optional excursion to Pecherskaya Lavra Tombs. .

Disembarkation after breakfast.

Notes