The Black Sea and its surrounding lands are where West meets East, Europe meets Asia, and Christianity meets Islam. Since the Ottoman invasions of the 16th century, the region has been – and continues to be – a strategically significant region. This 11-day Black Sea cruise was designed to introduce the broad sweep of the region’s history, both ancient and modern, and to provide a glimpse of its promising future. Sail first to Turkey's seldom-visited north coast to explore Amasra, Amasya, and the stunning Sulema Monastery outside of Trabzon. Then it’s on to the Russian resort town of Sochi (host to the 2014 Winter Games), before lingering in Yalta and Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula. Your last two calls are at elegant Odessa and historic Romanian town of Constanta.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the Artemis. Settle into your cabin as she sets sail.
Day 2: Amasra
Arrive in Amasra, a small town which shelters two bays. Known as Sesamus in ancient times, Amasra is one of the most beautiful towns on the coast. Founded by Milesians in the 6th century B.C., the city later became an important possession of both Byzantium and Genoa. Visit the Genoese citadel, which crowns one of the promontories with a formidable constellation of towers, battlements, and gates.
Day 3: Samsun / Amasya
Drive to Amasya, which (legend has it) was founded by the Amazon Queen Amasis. Admire its location on the river's narrow gorge and ascent to its cliff-top fortress for panoramic views. Visit the rock tombs of the Pontic kinds and the 15th century Sultan Beyazit Mosque.
Day 4: Trabzon
Ancient Trapezus, one of antiquity's greatest cities and commercial centers, was founded by Greek colonists during the early part of the 1st millennium B.C. Travel high in the mountains to the Sumela Monastery, which was founded in the 4th century. Back in Trabzon, visit the Hagia Sophia, a 13th century architectural masterpiece.
Day 5: Sochi, Russia
Arrive in Sochi, one of Russia's favorite resort towns and the site of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Located at the foot of the snow-capped Caucasus mountains, Sochi enjoys surprisingly mild weather. View the many stately sanitoria which still line Sochi's main thoroughfares, along with modern spas and hotels. Visit Dagamys Tea Plantation and enjoy stunning views from its location on Mount Armyanka.
Day 6: Kerch, Crimea
Found at the easternmost part of the Crimea and guarding the narrow entrance into the Sea of Azov, Kerch was founded by Greeks from Miletos in the last 7th through early 6th centuries B.C. Tour the area of Mitridal Hill, where most of the city's ancient remains are found. Visit the acropolis of Pantikapaion, the Melek-Chesmensky Tomb, the mausoleum of Bosporan Kinds, and the church of St. John the Baptist.
Day 7: Yalta
In the mid-19th century, the Russian imperial family chose Yalta for its summer residence. Tour the Alupka Palaca, a stunning 19th-century structure with both English Tudor and Byzantine embellishments. Also worth a visit is the house of Anton Chekhov. Visit the Livadia Palace, which was the famed site of the 1945 Yalta Conference.
Day 8: Sevastopol
Arrive in Sevastopol, a beautiful port city and former base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Drive to Chersonesos, an ancient city founded by the Greeks in the 5th century. Return to Sevastopol to visit the Panorama Museum and enjoy some time at your leisure in town before visiting the imperial Khan's Palace, which was built in 1519.
Day 9: Odessa
Stroll through Odessa's elegant leafy streets, which are lined with stately mansions. Discover its prime landmarks, such as the Viennese Baroque-style Opera House, the historic Potemkin Steps, and the Archaeological museum. In the afternoon, meet with local families in their homes or enjoy some free time in the city.
Day 10: Constanta, Romania
Arrive in Constanta, Romania's main port city. A tour of the city includes the ruins of Tomis Danubius, the Archaeological Museum, the Archaeology Park, and Piata Ovidiu, the central square of the old quarter.
Day 11: Istanbul, Turkey / Disembark
Enjoy one last breakfast on board before you disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your continued flights onward.
Dates & Prices
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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
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.
