Our Top Voyages to Sochi - home of the 2014 Winter Olympics
With the 2014 Winter Olympics in full swing, all eyes are on Russia. Nearly 3,000 athletes have flown in to compete as well as thousands of spectators. But if you don't fancy battling your way through the crowds over the next couple of weeks, why not explore the host city of Sochi later in the year on a fascinating Black Sea cruise.
We've put together our favourite voyages exploring Sochi and other fascinating Black Sea ports. Relax on board a luxurious ship or enjoy onboard lectures by specialist guest speakers on a cultural voyage.
VOYAGE: Black Sea Adventure
ABOUT THE CRUISE LINE: Voyages of Discovery offer fascinating cultural voyages on board 550-passenger Voyager to exciting destinations, including the Baltic, Mediterranean and Norwegian Fjords. There are expert guest speakers on board every cruise and a wide choice of optional shore excursions.
DEPARTS: 8 October 2014
DURATION: 14 nights
PRICE FROM: £2149pp
SUMMARY: Join small ship Voyager in Pireaus for this superb Black Sea cultural voyage. Discover the ruins of Troy on an optional excursion from Canakkale, before exploring Sochi, home of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Visit the historic cities of Yalta, famous for the 1945 conference between Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt, Sevastopol, with its neoclassical buildings and Odessa, known as the “Pearl of the Black Seaâ€. End this fascinating holiday with an overnight stay on board in the diverse city of Istanbul.
VOYAGE: Black Sea Legends
ABOUT THE CRUISE LINE: Oceania Cruises operate luxury port-intensive itineraries on five superb mid-sized ships, carrying up to 1250 guests in style. Destinations include Asia, South America and Australasia and dining on board is hailed as the ‘finest at sea' with a variety of open seating restaurants and a selection of Signature dishes.
DEPARTS: 19 July and 22 September 2014
DURATION: 10 nights
PRICE FROM: £2357pp
SUMMARY: Discover ancient treasures and mythical lands on this luxury Black Sea voyage on Riviera. Explore the Byzantine town of Nessebur, discover the ruins of ancient Histria from Constanta and experience the Ukraine's time-honoured history first hand by visiting Yalta's famed White Palace and walking Odessa's Potemkin Steps. Explore Sochi, site of the 2014 Winter Olympics, before cruising to the Turkish city of Sinop and Kusadasi, from where you can visit the ruins of ancient Ephesus.
VOYAGE: Greek Islands and Black Sea Explorer
ABOUT THE CRUISE LINE: Hapag Lloyd's luxurious fleet explores worldwide destinations, including Antarctica, South America and the Mediterranean in style and comfort. Launched in 2013, 516-passenger Europa 2 set a new standard for luxury ships with eight themed restaurants serving gourmet international cuisine, a large spa area and an open pool.
DEPARTS: 6 September 2014
DURATION: 14 nights
PRICE FROM: £5700pp
SUMMARY: Explore picturesque Greek Islands and historic Black Sea ports on this luxury voyage from Piraeus on Europa 2. Discover the picture-postcard islands of Skopelos and Skiathos, the town of Dikili on Turkey's north Aegean coast and the Black Sea city of Trazbon, from where you can visit the spectacular Sumela Monastery. Visit Sochi, the host city of the 2014 Winter Olympics and Yalta on the southern Crimean coastline, before enjoying an overnight stay in Odessa. Discover magnificent architecture in the Bulgarian city of Varna and see the sights of Istanbul, including the impressive Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.