Russia River Cruises

From Istanbul to the Black Sea and Kiev- a 14-night cruise holiday from Istanbul and the Black Sea to Kiev

A 15 day holiday starting with a 2 night stay in Istanbul before exploring the Black Sea visiting Yalta, Sevastopol and Odessa and the River Dnieper through the Ukraine to Kiev

Explore Yalta, the most elegant resort on the ‘Crimean Riviera’ and Odessa with its picturesque setting on the shores of the Black Sea.

See the sun set over the minaret dotted skyline of Istanbul, the only city located in two continents, walk the streets where crusaders once marched, admire the breathtaking Blue Mosque and hunt for bargains in the Grand Bazaar.

The Constanta Casino

Voyage through the heart of the Ukraine uncovering the rich heritage along the Dnieper River, across the Black Sea all the way to Istanbul in Turkey.

Discover Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, with its western-style elegance and sophisticated culture.

Odessa

More information about MS Taras Shevchenko

Swallow's Nest, Yalta

NT167: Cruise Departure Dates 2010
Istanbul to Kiev
May 25; Jun 18; Jul 12; Aug 5, 29; Sep 22
Kiev to Istanbul
May 15; Jun 8; Jul 2, 26; Aug 19; Sep 12
NT167: From Istanbul to the Black Sea and Kiev 2010£ price per person
Single supplement: £510pp
Prices are per person based on two sharing a cabin.

Yalta White Palace

The cruise price includes
  • Economy return flights
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers
  • Accommodation in a twin berth cabin with private ensuite facilities
  • Full board each day (from evening dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 15)
  • Captain's Welcome Cocktail Reception and Gala Farewell Dinner
  • Included shore excursions, as outlined in the itinerary, with English speaking guides
  • All airport taxes, fuel surcharges and port taxes
  • Tour does not include:regional UK flight connections
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706533
International: +44 1756 706533
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706533
International: +44 1756 706533

Itinerary
Day 1
London - Istanbul

Fly UK to Istanbul* and transfer to hotel.

Day 2
Istanbul

Istanbul is the only city in the world which is situated on two continents. In its long history, Istanbul (Constantinople) served as the capital city of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire and the Ottoman Empire. During our city tour, we will see the beautiful and very famous Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. We will also see the Topkapi Palace, where the personal belongings of the Prophet Mohammed and the earliest Caliphs who followed him are today preserved. There is a chance to visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with more than 58 streets, 4000 shops, and 250,000 - 400,000 visitors daily, well known for its jewellery, pottery, spice and carpet shops.

Day 3
Istanbul - Nessebar

Today we leave Istanbul behind us and travel by coach to Nessebar, where the Taras Shevchenko awaits our embarkation.

Day 4
Nessebar

Nessebar is the historic treasury of Bulgaria and today you will have a chance to learn about its history on your guided walking tour. You will see the church of St John, St Sofia's Church, St Stefan's Church, the Archaeological Museum and many houses, built in the unique styles of the 16th - 19th centuries.

Day 5
Constanta

We arrive in Constanta, the third largest city in Romania, which is now an important cultural and economical centre, worth exploring for its archaeological treasures and historical monuments. We have a a city tour, and visit to the fortress and museum at Histria.

Day 6
Odessa

Odessa is the fourth largest city in the Ukraine. Its historical architecture has a flavour more Mediterranean than Ukrainian, having been heavily influenced by French and Italian styles, as you will see during our city tour today. You will see the Marine Passenger Terminal, the Palace of the Shah, the monument to Pushkin, the Marine Museum, the Opera Theatre, and the French Boulevard on our city tour.

Day 7
Odessa

Spend the day at leisure as you explore Odessa at your own pace, or take the optional excursion to Shabo Village.

Day 8
Yalta

During the city tour, you will see the famous Swallow's Nest, a gothic-style building resembling a small castle which was built on the edge of the cliff of Cape Ai-Todor. You will also see the house where Anton Chekhov, the famous Russian writer and playwright, lived until his death. We will also visit the Lividia Palace, built of white Crimean granite in the Neo-Renaissance style.

Day 9
Yalta

Spend the day at your leisure exploring this fascinating city on your own, or take the optional excursion to Alupka Palace with wine tasting.

Day 10
Sevastopol

Our city tour of Sevastopol includes panoramic views of many historical cathedrals and monuments. Enjoy a visit to the Panorama Museum, a museum honouring the liberation of Sevastopol.

Day 11
Kherson

Today, we have a special excursion to Fisherman's Island. We will board a smaller boat for a one-hour cruise to the island. Along the way, you will see the beautiful landscape of the Dnieper Delta, including many different types of flowers, plants and animals. Upon arrival, you will be invited to enjoy a typical Ukrainian lunch. After lunch, you will visit a souvenir market before returning to the ship.

Day 12
Zaporozhye

During your city tour, you will see Lenin Avenue, Zaporozhye's main street, October Square, Festival Square, the administrative centre of the city, and Lenin Square. Visit the Cossacks Museum located on Khortits Island, the largest island on the Dnieper River. The museum contains exhibits dating back to the Stone Age.

Day 13
Cruising the Dnieper River

The Dnieper River is the largest river in Ukraine and the third largest in Europe. Spend the day relaxing onboard.

Day 14
Kiev

Kiev, the capital of Ukraine has a fascinating history. Modern Kiev is a mix of old and new, seen in everything from the architecture to the stores and to the people themselves. During your city tour, you will see many historical buildings and monuments. Visit St Sophia's Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the city's best known landmarks

Day 15
Kiev - London

Disembark the ship and transfer to Kiev Airport flight to the UK.

*Please note that there is a small visa charge payable on arrival into Istanbul For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary
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