Mediterranean - Black Sea Cruise, 27 Sep 2012 - 08 Oct 2012

Route description:

Your cruise begins in the city of rivers and romance: Venice, Italy. From there you will travel to the old Mediterranean port of Kotor, Montenegro, a place whose heavy Venetian influence can be felt in their architecture and culture. The port of Athens, Piraeus, is your gateway to such historic wonders as the Acropolis and the Archaeological Museum, as well as a true taste of Greek life in their street markets and vine-covered taverns. Your tour of the Black Sea begins in the jewel of the Crimean Peninsula, Yalta, Ukraine, and continues in Odessa. Istanbul unites three ancient world powers – Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman – giving you a taste of strength, ambition, and lush heritage. Get your blood pumping at the birthplace of the Olympic games in Katakolon before you finish your journey in one of the most beautiful places in the world, the Pearl of the Adriatic: Dubrovnik, Croatia.  

Day 1	Arrival in Venice Venice is a city frozen in the mists of time, ancient yet thoroughly modern. Somehow it survives built on a series of wooden poles that sink deep into the mud and flowing water of the Adriatic underneath the city. World-renowned city of canals and bridges. These facilitate internal transportation and have a beauty and charm that draw countless visitors each year. The modern city embraces the whole 90-mile (145-kilometer) perimeter of the lagoon and includes ten principal islands in addition to those of the mother city and two industrial boroughs of Mestre and Marghera on the mainland. Departure: 5:00 pm
Day 2	Bari, Italy An increasingly popular holiday destination, Bari is the commercial and administrative capital of Puglia as well as being a bustling university town. Bari offers much for the visitor to do and a fun day away from the ship with something for everyone, from families to couples looking for a magical romantic setting. Situated in the ‘heel’ of the boot-shaped country that is Italy, Bari is famous for its beaches, old town and fabulous food. Bari is considered the second most important city in Southern Italy, and on your day away from your luxury cruise ship, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to discover why! Arrival: 1:00 pm Departure: 7:00 pm
Day 3	At Sea You will spend this day on board of the ship. Take advantage of the wonderful attractions cruise ship Opera has to offer.
Day 4	Piraeus, Greece Piraeus is the port of Athens, capital of Greece and the country largest city.  Athens is dominated by the flat-topped hill of the Acropolis site of the Parthenon, one of the most famous classical monuments in the world. The center of modern Athens, most notably the chic area of Kolonaki, has many designer boutiques, smart restaurants and international-class hotels. Athens has always exuded a unique charm, its lively character winning over tens of thousands of visitors every year. Street markets, vine-covered taverns, souvenir stalls and ancient monuments are all part of Athens. Arrival: 7:30 am Departure: 4:30 pm
Day 5	At Sea You will spend this day on board of the ship. Take advantage of the wonderful attractions cruise ship Opera has to offer.
Day 6	Yalta, Ukraine WWII history buffs will want to visit Livadia palace where Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin met in 1945 at the Yalta Conference to decide the future of Europe.Enjoy a Ukrainian style lunch and folklore show.Chekhov lived here and his home is now a museum. Arrival: 8:00 am Departure: 4:00 pm
Day 7	Odessa, Ukraine You will have a rare glimpse of both old and new in the former Russian republic the Uspensky Cathedral and the Potemkin steps. Feast on delicious Ukranian specialties accompanied by classical music. The Opera House is renowned for its ballet. Arrival: 7:00 am Departure: 12:30 pm
Day 8	Istanbul, Turkey The former capital of three empires - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman - is a fascinating mixture of past and present, old and new, modern and traditional. The museums, churches, palaces, mosques, bazaars and the sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible. In addition to its unique historical and cultural background and innumerable attractions, modern hotels, exclusive restaurants, nightclubs and shops make Istanbul a visit to remember. Arrival: 9:30 am Departure: 7:30 pm
Day 9	At Sea This day you will spend on the board of your cruise ship. Take advantage of amazing facilities that MSC Opera has to offer.
Day 10	Katakolon, Greece Venture to the birthplace of the Olympic Games with the stadium,the temples of Hera and Apollo. Visit the Olympic museum, whose most popular attractions include Painios famous Victory and Praxiteles Hermes. Arrival: 7:00 am Departure: 1:00 pm
Day 11	Dubrovnik, Croatia Dubrovnik is the capital of South Dalmazia and reputed to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Many writers and travelers remain astonished by its charm, defining the town as the Adriatic Pearl, the Slav Athen: a true paradise on Earth. Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik. This is a statement by George Bernard Shaw when he first visited the town. Anyone who has the chance to visit at least once will surely agree. Arrival: 8:30 am Departure: 2:30 pm
Day 12	Departure from Venice This is a last day of your cruise. It is a time to say good buy to your new friends and prepare for a trip home. Ask your travel specialist about available cruise extensions. Arrival: 9:00 am