E-mail a friendShip: Corinthian II
Itinerary: The Black Sea: Crossroads of Culture from the Ancient Past to the Present 2008
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Istanbul
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | Istanbul, Turkey / Embark |
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| Day 2 : | Bartin / Amasra / Bartin |
| Day 3 : | Samsun / Amasya / Samsun |
| Day 4 : | Trabzon, Turkey |
| Day 5 : | At Sea / Yalta, Crimea, Ukraine |
| Day 6 : | Yalta |
| Day 7 : | Sevastopol / Chersonesos / Bakhchysaray / Sevastopol |
| Day 8 : | Odessa, Ukraine |
| Day 9 : | Varna, Bulgaria |
| Day 10 : | Istanbul, Turkey / Disembark / Return Home |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type |
| Destinations : Bulgaria, Europe, 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 / Embark
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the port to embark on Corinthian II. Sail in the afternoon, navigating the Bosporus, the narrow channel that separates Europe and Asia. Enter the Black Sea in the evening.
Day 2 : Bartin / Amasra / Bartin
Cruise alongside ancient Paphlagonia, a country that hosted Greek colonies until Romans conquered the area in 63 B.C. Arrive in Bartin and drive to Amasra (the ancient Sesamus), situated atop a headland sheltering two bays and known as one of the coast’s most beautiful towns. Founded by Milesians in the 6th century B.C., it later became an important possession of both Byzantium and Genoa. Visit the Genoese citadel, which crowns one of the promontories with a constellation of towers, battlements, and gates.
Day 3 : Samsun / Amasya / Samsun
From Samsun, drive to Amasya, founded, according to legend, by the Amazon queen Amasis, and admire its beautiful setting in a narrow gorge on the Iris River, bounded by vertical cliffs. Ascend to the clifftop fortress for a view of the city below and explore the rock tombs of the Pontic kings, which were carved into the clifface. Also visit the architecturally precious 15thcentury Sultan Beyazit mosque before enjoying lunch at a restaurant high on the hill, affording spectacular views. Then, continue to the Archaeological Museum.
Day 4 : Trabzon, Turkey
Trabzon, the ancient Trapezus, 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. From here, 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 13th-century Church of Hagia Sophia and spend time at leisure to explore the city on your own.
Day 5 : At Sea / Yalta, Crimea, Ukraine
Spend the day at sea cruising in the Black Sea. Late in the afternoon, Corinthian II will dock in Yalta and spend the night in port. Enjoy time exploring Yalta’s bustling waterfront promenade on your own.
Day 6 : Yalta
In the mid-19th century, the Russian Imperial family chose Yalta for its summer residence, and almost overnight the town grew into an elegant and popular resort. Tour the Alupka Palace, an amazing 19th-century edifice with both English Tudor and Byzantine embellishments. Then visit the Livadia Palace, famous site of the 1945 Yalta Conference between Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin.
Day 7 : 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., which became a prosperous trading city. Return to Sevastopol to see the Panorama Museum’s intricate depiction of 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 imperial Khan’s Palace, built in 1519.
Day 8 : Odessa, Ukraine
Arrive in Odessa in the morning. This "Pearl of the Black Sea" flourished in the 19th century when the Duke de Richelieu transformed it into a center of free trade, attracting Russian, Jewish, Greek, and Italian settlers, among others. Explore Odessa’s tree-lined streets, with their many stately mansions. See its principal landmarks, including the Baroque-style Opera House, the historic Potemkin Steps, and the newly restored Archaeological Museum. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to meet with local families in their homes.
Day 9 : 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 10 : Istanbul, Turkey / Disembark / Return Home
Arrive in Istanbul in the morning. Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S.
-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 |
