The Black Sea: Crossroads of Culture from the Ancient Past to the Present

10 Days/9 Nights: 2012 Departures:• July 19 The magnificent Black Sea region is still new territory for many visitors—an exciting irony, since so many pivotal events of world history have played out within its margins, from the fall of Constantinople to the fall of the Soviet Union. In addition to its splendid history and culture, the Black Sea region—particularly the Crimean coast—enjoys a subtropical climate akin to that of the Mediterranean. Palm trees, rare flowers, vineyards, and orchards flourish, and the golden beaches and invigorating mineral spas draw visitors from throughout Europe. After sailing from Athens, arrive in Nessebur, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Next, via chartered airplane, arrive amid the undulating hills of Romania’s Bucovina region to see the astonishing 15th-century painted churches of Moldavia. Also explore Ukraine’s Odessa, a city rich in 19th-century architecture, including the famous Potemkin Steps, as well as Yalta and Sevastopol, crucible of the Crimean War. Sail to the seldom-visited north coast of Turkey to discover the soaring citadel of ancient Amasya. The journey concludes in Istanbul, old Constantinople, where you’ll visit the chief monuments of the Byzantines and the Ottomans, including the Church of Hagia Sophia and the sultan’s Topkapi Palace. Day 1 ATHENS | PIRAEUS, Greece | EMBARK Arrive in Athens and transfer Piraeus to board Corinthian II. Day 2 AT SEA Attend lectures while sailing toward Romania. Day 3 CONSTANTA, Romania Arrive in Constanta, Romania’s main port. A tour of the city will include the Ruins of Tomis Danubius, the Archaeological and National History Museum, the Archaeology Park, the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, and Piata Ovidiu, the central square of the old quarter where you will have time at leisure. Day 4 ODESSA, Ukraine Stroll through Odessa’s elegant leafy streets, lined with stately mansions. Discover its prime landmarks, including the grand, Viennese Baroque-style Opera House; the historic Potemkin Steps, site of the 1905 uprising of workers and sailors from the battleship Potemkin; and the Archaeological Museum. In the afternoon, you will have the chance to meet with local families in their homes, or enjoy time at leisure in the city. Day 5 SEVASTOPOL | CHERSONESOS | BAKHCHYSARAY | SEVASTOPOL Arrive in Sevastopol, a beautiful port city and the former base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet from the days of Catherine II until the fall of the Soviet Union. Drive to nearby Chersonesos, an ancient city founded by Greeks in the 5th century B.C. that became a prosperous trading post. Return to Sevastopol to visit the Panorama Museum, featuring a circular, three-dimensional work of art depicting the defense of the city during the Crimean War. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure in Sevastopol, or alternatively, drive to the Crimean interior to explore Bakhchysaray, the seat of the Tatar state from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Visit the imperial Khan’s Palace, built in 1519. Day 6 YALTA In the mid-19th century, the Russian imperial family chose Yalta for its summer residence, and almost overnight the town mushroomed into an elegant and popular resort. Tour the Alupka Palace, a stunning 19th-century edifice with both English Tudor and Byzantine embellishments, and Anton Chekhov’s House. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Livadia Palace, famed site of the 1945 Yalta Conference among Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin, and attend a private concert at its Organ Hall. Day 7 TRABZON | SUMELA MONASTERY | TRABZON, Turkey Trabzon, the ancient Trapezus, lies on a small tableland between two deep ravines, and was one of antiquity’s greatest cities and commercial centers. Founded by Greek colonists during the early part of the 1st millennium B.C., it continued to prosper under the Romans and Byzantines, reaching its golden age in the 13th and 14th centuries. Travel to the Sumela Monastery, founded in the 4th century and situated high in the mountains in a spectacular setting. Back in Trabzon, visit the city’s most stunning church, the 13th-century Hagia Sophia, and spend time at leisure exploring the city, known throughout Turkey for its silver workshops. Day 8 SAMSUN | AMASYA | SAMSUN, Turkey From Samsun, drive to Amasya, which (legend has it) was founded by the Amazon queen Amasis. Admire its setting amid a narrow gorge on the Iris River, flanked by cliffs. Ascend to the clifftop fortress for panoramic views and probe the rock tombs of the Pontic kings, which were carved into the cliff. Also visit the 15th-century Sultan Beyazit Mosque, whose buttressed domes and columns commend it as an architectural hallmark, before savoring lunch at a hilltop restaurant with postcard-perfect views. Visit the Archaeological Museum in Samsun before returning to the ship. Day 9 AT SEA Enjoy Corinthian II’s amenities while sailing to Istanbul. Day 10 ISTANBUL | DISEMBARK Disembark and transfer to the airport.