The Black Sea

Detailed Itinerary

Tuesday, September 3, 2013 - USA Fly from the U.S. to ISTANBUL, Turkey.

Wednesday, September 4 - ISTANBUL, Turkey | EMBARK
Arrive in Istanbul. Named Constantinople by Emperor Constantine the Great in a.d. 330, Istanbul has been the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. Here the traditions of East and West commingle, evident in the diverse architecture of the city. Board Corinthian and spend the night aboard ship docked in port. (D)

Thursday, September 5 - ISTANBUL
Istanbul, set on the Bosphorus, is a city that blends the cultures and traditions of East and West. 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 Spice Market, where you may enjoy time at leisure. (B, L, D)

Friday, September 6 - BARTIN | AMASRA | BARTIN
From the port of Bartin, drive to Amasra, a town situated atop a headland sheltering two bays. Known as Sesamus in ancient times, Amasra is one of the most beautiful towns on the coast. Founded by Milesians in the 6th century b.c., the city later became an important possession of both Byzantium and Genoa. On a tour of this pleasant and idyllic town, visit the Genoese citadel, which crowns one of the promontories with a formidable constellation of towers, battlements, and gates. (B, L, D)

Saturday, September 7 - SAMSUN | AMASYA | SAMSUN
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 cliff-top fortress for panoramic views and see 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. Visit the Archaeological Museum in Samsun before returning to the ship. (B, L, D)

Sunday, September 8 - YALTA, Crimea, Ukraine
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. Visit the Livadia Palace, famed site of the 1945 Yalta Conference among Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin. (B, L, D)

Monday, September 9 - 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. 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. (B, L, D)

Tuesday, September 10 - ODESSA
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. (B, L, D)

Wednesday, September 11 - 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, and Piata Ovidiu, the central square of the old quarter where you will have time at leisure. (B, L, D)

Thursday, September 12 - NESSEBUR, Bulgaria
Arrive in charming Nessebur, known in ancient times as Messembria. Enjoy a walking tour of the town and its old wooden timbered houses. Visit the Byzantine churches of St. Stephen and Christ Pantocrator and the Archaeological Museum. (B, L, D)

Friday, September 13 - ISTANBUL, Turkey | DISEMBARK | USA
Disembark in Istanbul and transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S. (B)

If you have any additional questions, please email us at aia@studytours.org (and include your full name) or call us toll-free at (800) 748-6262 (toll: 603-756-2884).