Begin your journey with the discovery of the city of Nessebar, in Bulgaria. Then set sail for eastern Romania, stopping in Constanta, where you can admire the precious heritage preserved in the national museum of History and Archeology. Further north, explore Odessa, the pearl of the Black Sea. Later head to the East, to discover the lively seaside towns of Sochi, on the Russian Riviera, at the feet of the Western Caucasus mountains, and Batumi, in Georgia. Le Bougainville will make its way to the Turkish coast, where the ports of call will be of great cultural and historical interest. First, Trabzon and Samsun, at the gateway to Anatolia, then, not far from Bartin, the ancient city of Safranbolu, boasting typical Ottoman architecture.
With the exceptional presence on board of the journalist Christophe Barbier.
Highlights
Discover six countries: Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia
Explore the ancient city of Nessebar and the city of Safranbolu
View the lovely Odessa, the pearl of the Black Sea
Visit new ports of call on the Russian and Georgian coasts
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Embark on the Le Bougainville at the port of Istanbul.
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 discovering elegant covered passages. A little further away, the delicate aroma of loukoum and spices will draw the visitors’ attention at the Egyptian Bazaar.
Built on a peninsula on the south-west coast overlooking the Black sea, the town of Nesebar possesses an 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.
Odessa is the third most populous city of Ukraine. It is a major tourism center, transport hub and seaport located on the northwestern shore of the Black Sea.
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.
Batumi is the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and the third-largest city of Georgia, located on the coast of the Black Sea in the country's southwest.
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 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.
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.
Day 11: Istanbul, Turkey | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast at the ship, disembark at Istanbul.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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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
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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
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Deluxe Suite
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
6m² private balcony
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Prestige Suite Deck 5
Area: 38 m²
8m² private balcony
King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
Area: 38 m²
8m² private balcony
King-size bed or twin beds
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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
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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
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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.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
10 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
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
