Kiev - Odessa, 17 Sep 2012 - 28 Sep 2012

Your driver will pick you up at the airport. At the exit he will be waiting for you with your name on a sign, and from there he will take you to the ship where Welcome Cocktail Party will be served. You may relax and overcome your jetlag in your cabin, the ship’s lounge, or the fully-stocked bar.

Embarkation: 4:00 pm

We are glad to present you the capital of Ukraine – Kyiv, the biggest and oldest of Ukrainian cities, and is one of 10 biggest cities in Europe. Today's city tour will get you acquainted with the old part of Kyiv, where main monuments and sights are situated. Historic part is located on seven hills on the right bank of the mighty Dnieper. The tour will start from Podil, the place where our ships dock, then you will proceed to Kreshatyk, the main street of Kyiv, will see St. Michael’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Rastrelli St. Andrew Church, St. Sophia’s Cathedral, National Opera and Ballet theater, National T. Shevchenko University, will visit the pearl of Kyiv architectural ensemble – St. Volodymyr Cathedral.

Optional: St. Sofia's Cathedral; Pirogovo Open Air Museum; Boat trip “Kiev by Night” with professional folk show

There are many important historical sights in Kiev - the ancient capital of Russian lands - the most important being St. Sophia Cathedral and Pecherskaya Lavra. St. Sophia's Cathedral echoes the past glory of Byzantium, while the Pecherskaya Lavra (Cave Monastery) recalls the deep asceticism of early Christianity. This day is free for your to explore the city. We recommend seeing Andreevsky Uzvis, which is one of the Kiev's oldest merchant streets.

Optional: Visit to Kiev Cave Monastery or Ukranian National Choir Concert.

Departure: 10:00 pm

Kaniv, a small town on the right bank of the Dnieper River, 64 km from Cherkassy, was first mentioned in the historic annals in 1144. The town’s history is closely connected with the name of great Ukrainian poet and artist, the father of the modern Ukrainian language Taras Shevchenko. We will visit his grave on Tarasova Hora (Taras Mountain) and literary-memorial museum of Taras Shevchenko.

Note: To visit the grave and museum of T. Shevchenko we have to go up 365 stairs, thus we recommend comfortable footwear

Arrival: 8:30 am
Departure: 1:30 pm

Today you arrive in Kremenchug and will have a walking tour of the city. Kremenchug was founded approximately in 16th century for defence of the Left-bank Prydniprovya. The official date of the founding of the town is considered 1571.

According to one from the versions the name of the town spring from a Turkish word "Kermenchyk" which is translated as "a little fortress". Among others suppositions is a legend which is sad about old times, when caravans of ships passed this place, a helmsman when he noticed granite rapids cried: "Kremin! Chuv?" ("Kremin! Did you hear?"). In time mis word combination developed into Kremenchug.

Optional: Visiting a typical Ukranian village

Arrival: 8:00 am
Departure: 2:00 pm

Welcome to the lands of Cossacks, the freedom loving rules of Russian and Ukrainian steps, the best horseman in the whole Europe. Zaporozhye is situated on both banks of the Dnieper river extending for 30 km. In 1770 by the order of the Russian Empress Catherine II between Khortitsa island and Azov Sea a defense line consisting of seven fortresses was built.  One of the fortresses was called Aleksandrovska, and later a town called Aleksandrovsk was founded on its territory. In 1921 the town was renamed into Zaporozhye.

During the city tour you will see the biggest in Europe hydro-electric power station – Dniproges, will visit Khortitsa island with Cossack glory museum, will see the central part of the city.  

An optional tour of the day is the Cossack Horse Show.

Arrival: 8:00 am
Departure: 4:00 pm

Our ship will approach the Dnieper Delta and the town of Kherson where you will have a boat trip along the channels and inflows of the Dnieper river.

You will see Kherson from the river. This sunny city is situated on the right bank of the Dnieper, 28 km from its mouth. In 1778 the first stone was laid in the foundation of a fortress and town, which has got its name from one of the Greek colonies in Crimea Chersoness. The town was founded as a sea port in the south of Russia, together with a shipyard for the Black Sea fleet. The history of the city is closely connected with such outstanding personalities as General Ivan Gannibal, who supervised the construction of the city and the port, Admiral Fedor Ushakov, who helped to build the first Russian military ships, Commander Alexander Suvorov, who came to Kherson before the Russian-Turkish war to examine the place of possible fighting battles in this area. You will visit the Fishermens’ island where you will get acquainted with everyday life, customs and traditions of local people, will visit their homes and families. Our stay on the island will last for 1 hour.

Note: While in fishermens’ homes, the hospitable locals will invite you to the table and treat you with traditional dishes and drinks. We recommend thanking them with tips.  

Arrival: 8:00 am
Departure: 12:00 pm

Sevastopol was founded in 1784 as naval base, and his history is forever connected with Black Sea Fleet. The foundation of the city was preceded by centuries-old struggle for getting Crimea back into the Russian state. “Who owns Crimea, that owns also the Black Sea” – that was the definition Prince Grigory Potyomkin gave to the peninsula. Since 1804 Sevastopol has become the main port of the Black Sea. Crimean war turned out a heartrending experience for a city. In 1890 Sevastopol was officially declared the main base of the Black Sea fleet.  

During the city tour you will visit the central historic part of the city, St. Vladimir Cathedral, Historic Boulevard, will hear the legendary history of the foundation and life of Sevastopol.

Optional: a bus tour to Bakchisarai or performance of the Black Sea Fleet Ensemble

Arrival: 9:00 am

Today is devoted to the bus trip to one of the most picturesque resorts of the Black Sea - Odessa. The city was built by the order of Catherine the Great to defend the southern flanks of Russian Empire from the Turks and, eventually it became the third largest city of the Empire. Today, Odessa has lost most of its prominence, but still remains one of the largest cities in the Ukraine. The city is situated on a height and is washed by the waters of the Black Sea from the south and the west. The longest season of the year in Odessa is summer – it lasts for 145 days. The city is most known for its distinct dialect and a massive immigration to the US (NY Brighton beach area) in late 80s - early 90s.

During our tour you will get to know a lot about the city’s history, its modern face, will see one of the most beautiful buildings in the world – Opera and Ballet house, built by the project of the Viennese architects F. Felner and G. Helmer, will walk along the famous Primorsky Boulevard and Potemkin’ stairs, will visit city museums.  

Optional: Evening opera or ballet performance at Odessa Opera House

Arrival: 2:00 pm

Today is your free day in Odessa. Stroll through its streets that keep memories of a great number of actors and artists, writers and poets born in this city and made it a real legend. A farewell dinner will be served for you on the board of the ship.

Optional: Visiting the Museum of Fine Arts or a trip to an ancient city-fortress Belgorod-Dnestrovsky meaning "the White City at the Dniester river" because of its white stone constructions.

Your voyage is coming to an end. It is time to say goodbye to this beautiful country, the crew and your fellow passengers. It is time to pack up and to go home bringing unforgettable memories with you. The airport transfer service is arranged for you.


Disembarkation: 10:00 am