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Hagia Sophia in Istanbul

Treasures of the Black Sea

Round-trip Istanbul - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Le Bougainville
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This 10-day cruise will have you revisit the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations that succeeded one another. You will also enjoy a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, this fantastic natural site is home to exceptional birdlife. The pearl of the Black Sea will win you over with its unique charm resulting from the mix of Slavic and Mediterranean cultures. Don’t miss the chance to visit its palaces, its catacombs, its magnificent opera house, and of course take a detour via the legendary giant stairway immortalized in the film Battleship Potemkin. Your ship will then make its way to the Turkish coast, where the ports of call will be of great cultural and historical interest. 
Ancient ruins in UkraineInterior image of the Blue Mosque.Idyllic islands line the coastIstanbul shoreline and shipsHagia Sophia in Istanbul
Highlights
  • Discover four countries along the coastlines of the Black Sea
  • Visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Sail along the Sulina Channel
  • Explore Trabzon, Altindere National Park and the Sumela Monastery
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Istanbul | Embark

Located on the Bosphorus, Istanbul is one of the most beautiful of all Turkish cities. Named Byzantium when founded by the Greeks, and then Constantinople under the Roman Empire, this city is steeped in history and, for this reason, is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on Sultanahmet hill, the great Blue Mosque, the mysterious Hagia Sophia and the vast Topkapi palace and its countless mosaics, dominate the Marmara Sea. In the Beyazit district, the Grand Bazaar allows to discover elegant covered passages. A little further away, delicate aroma of loukoum and spices will draw the visitors’ attention at the Egyptian Bazaar.

Day 2: Nessebar

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Built on a peninsula on the south-west coast overlooking the Black Sea, the town of Nesebur possesses age-old history. Founded by the Greeks and then colonized by the Romans and the Ottomans, it is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. You can ramble in the historical district without worrying about cars because the area is fully pedestrian. As you mosey through the streets, look out for the houses with wooden corbels, and, in the squares, admire the Byzantine sanctuaries and their astonishing multi-colored adornments, like Saint-Paraskevi church. The Archaeological Museum has a very rich collection of ancient vestiges. Don’t forget to try the local specialty, touloumbitchki dipped in syrup.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Walking Tour Of Nessebar, History & Folklore, Taste Of Bulgaria.

    Day 3: Sulina

    • Ship
    • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
    In the easternmost point of Romania, on the banks of the Black Sea, discover the town of Sulina. Once among the country’s most prosperous towns, this port city still has various traces of its glorious past today, such as the palace of the European Commission of the Danube and its lighthouse. Today, though, Sulina is above all renowned for its natural setting. In addition to its magnificent wild beach, the locality offers privileged access to the famous Danube delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unique in Europe, this immense natural space shelters an exceptional ecosystem, and hundreds of different species of birds can be observed here.

    Day 4: Odessa

    • Ship
    • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
    Located on the Black Sea, Odessa, the third largest city in Ukraine, will charm you with its traditions, monuments and natural treasures. You will stroll around its historic center where you’ll find historic sites and important museums on every turn of the street. Its buildings, along its wide shaded boulevards, give a good idea of its former grandeur. Near the sea, you will appreciate climbing the 192 steps of the Potemkin Stairs, considered as the formal entrance to Odessa. This genuine symbol of the city was made famous by Sergei Eisenstein’s film Battleship Potemkin (1925).

    The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: City Tour Of Odessa, Palaces & Recital, Odessa & Its Catacombs.

    Day 5: At Sea

    • Ship
    • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
    During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

    Day 6: Samsun

    • Ship
    • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
    The biggest city in the Black Sea region, Samsun lies on the coast of Turkey. This modern, industrial city is home to 75 archaeological sites that can be interesting to visit. It gives access to one of the most beautiful cities in Asia Minor: the city of crown princes, Amasya, sitting on the banks of the green river (Yeşil Irmak). Its magnificent Ottoman houses lining the narrow left bank, tucked between the river and the rocky outcrop, are sure to captivate you.

    The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Amasya, On The Silk Road.

    Day 7: Trabzon

    • Ship
    • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
    The cultural and historical capital of the Black Sea region, located in the north of Anatolia, Trabzon has an important historical heritage. Founded in the 7th century BC by the Milesians, the city was dominated in turns by the Romans, the Goths and the Ottomans: all these different populations, kingdoms and empires have shaped this city’s very particular atmosphere. Not far from here, Altindere Valley National Park is renowned for its immense oak and conifer forests and is home to the ancient Sumela Monastery, nestled 1,200 meters high at the foot of an impressive cliff.

    The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Treasures Of Sumela & Trabzon.

    Day 8: At Sea

    • Ship
    • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
    During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

    Day 9: Bartin

    • Ship
    • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
    Located on the edge of the Black Sea in Turkey, Bartin is the prefecture of the eponymous province. It is surrounded by the Zonguldak provinces in the west, Karabük to the south, Kastamonu to the east, and faces the Black Sea to the north. It is the gateway to the mythical Safranbolu, a former caravan station that has preserved its typically Ottoman architecture and is now listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. It is also close to Amasra, a small, utterly charming seaside town.

    ​The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Safranbolu, On The Caravans Road, Amasra, Islander Citadel.

    Day 10: Istanbul | Disembark

    • 1 Breakfast
    Disembark this morning after breakfast.

    Ship/Hotel

    Le Bougainville

    Le Bougainville Ship
    Le Bougainville
    Le Bouganville Restaurant

    Dates & Prices

    My Preferred Start Date

    Per person starting at
    Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
    Cabin
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    Deluxe Stateroom
    Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² Private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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    Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
    Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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    Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
    Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
    Cabin
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    Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
    Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
    Cabin
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    Deluxe Suite
    Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 6m² private balcony
    Cabin
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    Prestige Suite Deck 5
    Area: 38 m² 8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
    Cabin
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    Prestige Suite Deck 6
    Area: 38 m² 8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
    Cabin
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    Privilege Suite
    Area: 32 m² Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin 8m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
    Cabin
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    Grand Deluxe Suite
    Area: 45 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
    Cabin
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    Owner's Suite
    Area: 45 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds

    Notes

    Please note:
    Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and are subject to change without notice.
    Included
    • 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
    • 9 Nights Accommodations
    • Accommodations as listed
    • Ground transportation as listed
    • Activities as listed
    • Meals as listed
    • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
    • Port Fees
    • Unlimited Wifi
    • Onboard Entertainment 
    • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
    • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
    • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
    • 24h Room Service (special selection)
    • English-Speaking Lecturer 
    • Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
    • Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
    • Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite. 
    Excluded
    • Travel Insurance
    • Personal Expenses
    • Flight costs (please request a quote)
    • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
    • Visa Fees
    • Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
    • Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
    • Luggage Handling 
    • Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
    • Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions 
    • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
    • CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses

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