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Black Sea Explorer Cruise

A cruise on MV Discovery which reflects the tales of dramatic conflict, religious unrest and political revolution echoing around the shores of the legendary Black Sea.

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Itinerary
Ship

Blue Mosque, Istanbul
The banks of the Bosphorous, Istanbul
Yalta coastline on the Crimea
The Crimea's pretty coastline near Yalta
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Yalta
Livadia Palace, Yalta
St Vladimir Cathedral, Sevastopol
Khan Palace at Bakhchisaray near Sevastopol
Theatre of Opera and Ballet, Odessa
Potemkin Steps - the word-famous 27-metre staircase, Odessa
Boats in Nessebur harbour
Nessebur
Ancient basilica ruins, Nessebur

DAY 1: UK - Istanbul.

Fly to Istanbul where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for one night. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at leisure.

DAY 2: Istanbul.

After breakfast, transfer to your cruise ship, MV Discovery, for embarkation. (B, D)

DAY 3: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 4: Trabzon.

Trabzon has been an important trading city since it was founded by merchants from Sinop in around 1000BC. Over the centuries the city has been ruled by Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Goths and Ottomans. Invaded by the Russians in World War I, the city is rich in historical treasures. The most significant building, the 13th century St Sophia Byzantine church, was used for centuries as a mosque and is now a museum containing splendid frescoes and examples of Byzantine painting. (B, L, D)

DAY 5 to 6: Sochi.

Set at the foot of the Caucausus Mountains, the spa town of Sochi enjoys a pleasant climate, warm coastal waters, lush vegetation and the curative powers of its springs at Matsesta. The city played a prominent role during the 1917 Revolution when Lenin decreed that resort facilities for working people should be provided. Relax by the beach, visit the botanical gardens and look out for the many 'Trees of Friendship' around town - citrus trees with buds grafted on by visitors from all over the world as a symbol of peace and friendship. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Novorossiysk.

Overlooking the beautiful Tsemes Bay, with the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains as a scenic backdrop, Novorossiysk is one of the few cities honored with the title of 'Hero City'. Enjoy free time today to explore independently or perhaps take one of the interesting optional excursions. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Yalta.

Arrive in Yalta, a picturesque, mountain-framed summer resort known as the 'Pearl of the Crimea'. Enjoy an optional sightseeing tour of the city and marvel at the extravagant Livadia Palace, once a summer residence of Russia's imperial family and the famous meeting place of Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill at the 1945 Yalta Conference. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Sevastopol.

Site of the tragic Crimean War of 1853-56 when French, English and Turkish forces battled for the city, historic Sevastopol was 'closed' until 1992, with non-residents needing special entry permits. An optional tour of this legendary Black Sea port takes you on a fascinating journey through its bloody past, visiting the magnificent St Vladimir Cathedral, Admiral Nakhimov Square and military memorials. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Odessa.

Designed in classical style with wide, tree-lined avenues, beautiful Odessa is crammed with historic and cultural sights. Marvel at the grandiose Opera House, explore the superb Art Museum and gaze at the world-famous Potemkin Steps, a 27-metre staircase leading to the city's upper levels from the sea, on an optional city sightseeing tour. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Nessebur.

The small, historical town of Nessubur is situated on the Black Sea coast and has been included in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites due to its architectural and archaeological uniqueness. Enjoy free time to discover one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria or take one of the optional excursions that will be available. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Istanbul.

Half in Europe, half in Asia, Istanbul is divided by the Bosphorus whose shores are filled with wealthy private residences and exclusive restaurants. Enjoy an optional sightseeing tour and see some of the world's greatest historic treasures such as the Blue Mosque, with its precious Iznik tiles, and the Topkapi Palace, containing the treasures of Ottoman sultans. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Istanbul - UK.

After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

Accommodation on Tour

Istanbul: Hotel Best Western Hotel Palace.

Visa Requirements

A visa is required for entry into Turkey. This can be purchased on arrival by UK passport holders.

MV Discovery
Seven Continents Restaurant, MV Discovery
Seven Continents Restaurant, MV Discovery
Category K twin outside cabin, MV Discovery
Superior twin outside cabin, MV Discovery
Deluxe twin outside cabin, MV Discovery
Discovery Bar, MV Discovery
Palm Court, MV Discovery
Palm Court, MV Discovery
Card room, MV Discovery
Library, MV Discovery

MV Discovery

Compact yet spacious, MV Discovery is designed to emulate traditional ocean cruise ships whilst being small enough to navigate smaller ports of call inaccessible to the classic cruise liners. Offering a good choice of amenities along with friendly, personal service and a home-away-from-home atmosphere, MV Discovery comfortably accommodates up to 500 guests in spacious, well-equipped cabins and offers a tranquil, tastefully furnished environment in which to enjoy the fascinating destinations visited en route.

Public Rooms & Facilities

2 swimming pools (one with retractable glass roof); 2 whirlpools; Seven Continents dining room with bar; Yacht Club à la carte restaurant with bar; Waves bar; Hideaway bar; Explorer Bar; Carousel Lounge Bar; Discovery Lounge; Palm Court lounge; Bridge Club lounge and games room; library; lecture theatre and cinema; internet centre; fitness centre; beauty salon; hairdresser; saunas; gift shop; photo gallery; medical centre.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. Breakfast and lunch are open seating and are both buffet style, served in the Seven Continents dining room or al fresco on the sun deck. Dinner is usually served at two sittings, depending on excursion times, and your preference should be selected at the time of booking. Alternatively, the invitation only Yacht Club restaurant provides an intimate, a la carte dining option for at least one evening during your cruise. Guests will be sent an invite to enjoy the culinary delights of speciality theme menus such as Italian, Oriental, Polynesian or Mexican. 24-hour self-service tea and coffee and 24 hour room service are available and light snacks are available from some of the lounges and bars.

Cabins

All cabins have twin beds; air-conditioning; satellite TV; hairdryer; safety deposit box; telephone; and private bathroom. Your holiday price includes a category O inside cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

O Twin inside cabin

K Twin outside cabin

G Twin outside cabin

Superior and Deluxe twin outside cabins and Junior Suites available on request

Tipping

For your convenience, gratuities for cabin staff and waiters are included in your cruise price and a service charge is already included in beauty salon, spa service, and bar/wine prices.

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