E-mail a friendShip: Corinthian II
Itinerary: The Black Sea: Crossroads of Culture from the Ancient Past to the Present 2009
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Odessa, Ukraine
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | ISTANBUL, TURKEY |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | ISTANBUL | EMBARK |
| Day 3 : | VARNA, BULGARIA |
| Day 4 : | CONSTANTA | BUCOVINA | CONSTANTA, ROMANIA |
| Day 5 : | ODESSA, UKRAINE |
| Day 6 : | SEVASTOPOL | CHERSONESOS | SEVASTOPOL OR BAKHCHYSARAY | YALTA |
| Day 7 : | YALTA |
| Day 8 : | SAMSUN | AMASYA | SAMSUN, TURKEY |
| Day 9 : | AT SEA | ISTANBUL |
| Day 10 : | Istanbul, Turkey / Disembark / Return Home |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||||
| Cat E | Cat D | Cat C | Cat B | Cat A | Cat AA | Cat VS | Cat PHS | ||
| 10 | Aug 7, 2009 Aug 15, 2009 Aug 23, 2009 |
$6,995 | $7,995 | $8,995 | $9,995 | $10,895 | $11,495 | $12,495 | $13,495 |
| A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories D - A at a supplement of $2,995 | |||||||||
| Destinations : Bulgaria, Europe, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine Activities : Ancient Ruins, Cultural Activities, Modern History, Nature Viewing, Photography |
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The magnificent Black Sea region is still new territory for the majority of western visitors—an exciting irony, since the Black Sea rim is dotted with cities and sites spanning the course of recorded history, from Trabzon in Turkey and Varna in Bulgaria, to the scenes of relatively recent history in Ukraine. Even today, the area has once again undergone massive historical changes as most of the independent successor states to the Soviet Union have established democratic governments and market economies. In addition to its splendid history and culture, the Black Sea region enjoys a subtropical climate equal to that of the Mediterranean. Embarking in Istanbul, one of the great cities of world history and the pivot point between Western and Eastern civilizations, we explore the seldom-visited northern coast of Turkey with Ottoman mosques, Byzantine churches, and soaring citadels. Our comprehensive voyage also includes Sevastopol, crucible of the Crimean War, Odessa, and Bulgaria’s historic town of Varna.
Day 1 : ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Arrive in Istanbul. Transfer to the Hilton Hotel. Set on the Bosphorus, fabled Istanbul blends the cultures and traditions of East and West. In the evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception.
Day 2 : ISTANBUL | EMBARK
Tour the city’s principal landmarks, including the majestic Hagia Sophia basilica, built by the emperor Justinian I in A.D. 537; the Topkapi Palace, once the principal residence of the Ottoman sultans and, from the mid-15th to 19th centuries, the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire; the Blue Mosque; and the Grand Bazaar, where time at leisure will be provided. Board the ship and sail through the Bosphorus, the narrow waterway that separates Europe from Asia, to enter the Black Sea.
Day 3 : VARNA, BULGARIA
Explore Varna, founded in 580 B.C. as the ancient Greek trading colony Odessos. Visit the domed Cathedral of the Assumption, with its splendid iconostasis and bishop’s throne, and the Archaeological Museum, with an astounding collection of the “Gold of Varna,” Chalcolithic grave-goods from Varna’s necropolis and the oldest gold treasure ever excavated. Continue to the remains of the Roman Thermae (Baths) and the adjacent Church of Sveti Atanas, and then to the Evksinograd Palace and its botanical gardens, built in 1882 by Prince Aleksandar Batenberg.
Day 4 : CONSTANTA | BUCOVINA | CONSTANTA, ROMANIA
Fly via a special charter from Constanta to Suceava for a drive through rolling hills, forests and rustic villages of the Bucovina region, where the great painted churches of Moldavia stand proud. These 15th-century UNESCO World Heritage Sites, enclosed within medieval fortifications, are sumptuously illustrated—from floor to ceiling, inside and out—with colorful scenes from the Bible that have somehow survived centuries of weathering. Fly back to Constanta in the late afternoon to reboard the ship.
Day 5 : 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.
Day 6 : SEVASTOPOL | CHERSONESOS | SEVASTOPOL OR BAKHCHYSARAY | YALTA
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. Reboard the ship in Yalta, where we will stay overnight docked in port, affording the opportunity for a jaunt along Yalta’s lively promenade.
Day 7 : 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. Then visit the Livadia Palace, famed site of the 1945 Yalta Conference among Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin, to attend a private concert at its Organ Hall.
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. Then continue to the Archaeological Museum.
Day 9 : AT SEA | ISTANBUL
Spend the day at sea cruising along Turkey’s Black Sea coast. In the evening, sail through the Bosphorus and dock in Istanbul.
Day 10 : Istanbul, Turkey / Disembark / Return Home
Arrive in Istanbul in the morning. Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights.
-Please note the following fuel surcharge information:
*$180/person for departures from Sept-Oct 11, 2008
*$250/person for departures from Oct 11-Dec 22, 2008
*$275/person for all Antarctic departures, Dec 2008 - March 2009.
-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.
- A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories D - A. Supplement depends on particular voyage; contact us for details. Singles in categories AA - PHS are available at double the per person, double occupancy rates.
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Ship Description: Corinthian II
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Corinthian II Ship
The distinguished 114-guest Corinthian II offers a classic yacht-like atmosphere and fine accommodations. Corinthian II is ice-strengthened for voyages into Antarctic waters, and is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac inflatable craft for forays ashore. Originally built in 1992 and refurbished in 2005, Corinthian II accommodates all guests in 57 outside suites, each affording sea views and elegantly appointed with a sitting area, TV, mini-refrigerator, safe, and other amenities as well as a marble bathroom. Several suites include private balconies accessed via sliding glass doors. Spacious and finely decorated public areas include a library stocked with books related to the itinerary and other volumes, and four computer terminals for e-mail access; an elegant lounge; and The Club, a space for convivial relaxation, with picture windows for panoramic views. The restaurant, serving fine cuisine prepared by European chefs, accommodates all guests at a single unassigned seating. The ship also includes a gym, beauty salon, a sun deck with Jacuzzi, and an outdoor café and bar, where meals may be served al fresco. Corinthian II is served by 70 experienced European officers and crew. There is also an elevator offering access to all decks.
Cabin Categories & Descriptions
All accommodations aboard Corinthian II are suites. They face outside, affording sea views, and several have balconies with sliding doors. All suites include a bedroom with twin or queen-size beds, sitting area, ample closet space, mini-refrigerator, TV, marble-appointed bathroom with shower, and other amenities.
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Cat E Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 250 - 252 |
Cat D Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 329-332 |
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Cat C Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 254 - 262 |
Cat B Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 333 - 348 |
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Cat A Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 416 - 428 |
Cat AA Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with forward and side windows and sitting area. 265 sq. ft. Suites 414 - 415 |
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Cat VS Deluxe Veranda Suites on Erickson Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 300 sq. ft. (including balcony) Suites 505 - 512 |
Cat PHS Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Explorer Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 400 sq. ft. (including balcony) Suites 601 - 604 |
