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Experienced lodge-based trekking in the foothills of the Annapurnas, one of the most culturally rich and intensely scenic regions of Nepal. Hike in a marvelous Himalayan realm then finish with gameviewing by elephant in Chitwan National Park.
Circumnavigation of the Black Sea
Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania & Bulgaria Aboard the Clipper Odyssey
![Circumnavigation of the Black Sea route-map](javascript:routeMap("/images/trips/europe/turkey/blacksea-map.jpg");)
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $11,480 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 15 days |
| Arrive: | Istanbul, Turkey |
| Depart: | Istanbul, Turkey |
| Lodging: | 12 nights aboard lsland Sky, 1 night hotel describe |
| Meals: | All meals included aboard ship and with the group ashore |
| Activity: | Walking, Archaeology, Cultural Adventures, Small Ship Cruising |
| Trip Level: |
12-day cruise, cultural explorations and walking tours
explain
|
Highlights
- Istanbul’s famed monuments, including the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace
- Lovely seaside town of Amasra, Amasya’s Ottomon-era wooden houses
- Sochi on the Russian Riviera, Yalta on the Crimean Peninsula
- Romania’s tranquil Danube River Delta, a wildlife refuge and Biosphere Reserve
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
Email Area Manager
References
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
Email Area ManagerThe fascinating lands ringing the legendary Black Sea—Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria—are the ancient crossroads of history, filled with the remnants of vanished civilizations, vibrant contemporary cultures, and a wealth of beautiful landscapes. Accompanied by an expert team of archaeologists and historians, we embark aboard the Clipper Odyssey, a 110-guest luxury expedition vessel, to explore these fabled lands of minarets and monasteries. Our journey includes the famed monuments of Istanbul including the Topkapi Palace, ancient Trabzon, one of antiquity’s greatest cities, Georgia’s illustrious Gelati Monastery, founded in the 12th century, Sevastopol, crucible of the Crimean War, Odessa’s spectacular 18th and 19th century architecture, a cruise on the Danube River Delta, a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, and Bulgaria’s vast Roman ruins.
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary
Days 1-3
USA / Istanbul, Turkey
Fly to Istanbul and transfer to the hotel. On Day 3, explore the city’s famed sites, then embark the Island Sky and cruise up the Bosphorus.
Days 4-5
Amasra / Amasya
We stretch our legs on the cobbled streets of charming seaside Amasra, and in Amasya, we enjoy the Ottoman architecture and visit the ancient tombs of the kings of Pontus.
Days 6-7
Trabzon / Poti, Georgia / Kutaisi
After visiting the stunning 13th century Sumela Monastery, we cruise to the Republic of Georgia, visit Gelati Monastery, and enjoy a lively performance of traditional dances.
Days 8-9
Sochi, Russia / Yalta, Ukraine
On the Russian Riviera, we explore the seaside resort of Sochi and visit Stalin’s dacha. Voyaging to Yalta, a famed summer resort on the Crimean Peninsula, our excursions include the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Livadia Palace, summer home of Tsar Nicholas II.
Days 10-11
Sevastopol / Odessa
We tour the harbor town of Balaklava, Sevastopol’s Panorama Museum, with its vivid dioramas of the Crimean War, and Chersonesus, once a splendid Greek seaside colony. In Odessa, we walk the Old Town among ornate 18th and 19th century gems, including the Opera House and Gagarin’s Palace.
Day 12
Danube River Delta, Romania
On the peaceful Danube, a local boat brings us into a vast wetland Biosphere Reserve, habitat for over 200 species of birds, from white-tailed eagles to Dalmatian pelicans.
Day 13
Histria / Constanta
Explore the fascinating seaside ruins of Histria, an extraordinary trading center founded in the 5th century BC, and Constanta, where we can view one of the largest preserved Roman mosaic floors in Europe.
Days 14-15
Varna, Bulgaria / Istanbu
We visit the 2nd century Roman baths before sailing toward Turkey to complete our circumnavigation. Disembark in Istanbul on Day 15.
For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary
Note: These cruises are not exclusive Wilderness Travel departures. The itinerary, lecturers, and other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the ship operator.
What the Trip is Like
The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. There are shore excursions featuring walks, and it is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active.
Departures
Sep 4-18, 2013
Sep 1-15, 2014
Trip Cost
2013 Cruise Rates by Cabin Category
Per person, double occupancy
| Categories | Cruise Price |
| Category 1 | $11,480 |
| Category 2 | $12,580 |
| Category 3 | $13,380 |
| Category 4 | $14,580 |
| Category 5 | $15,880 |
| Category 6 | $17,280 |
Sole occupancy Category 2: $15,780
Sole occupancy Category 3: $16,780
Please call for 2012 rates
Deck Plan
Trip Cost Includes:
- 12-night cruise aboard the 116-guest Island Sky
- Accommodations in hotel and on board the Island Sky
- All meals included aboard ship and with the group ashore
- Complete program of tours and excursions
- Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers
- Arrival and departure transfers on group dates
- Complete pre-departure materials
- $50,000 of medical expenses and $75,000 in emergency evacuation insurance
- Landing and port fees, entrance fees
- All gratuities to porters, guides, and ship's crew
- Gift certificates for recommended expedition gear and reading materials
Trip Cost Does Not Include:
International airfare; excess baggage charges; airport arrival and departure taxes; transfers for independent arrivals and departures; passport and/or visa fees; accident/baggage/cancellation insurance; items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar charges, alcoholic beverages, email/internet/phone/fax charges.Island Sky
Our Trips using this Lodging:
One of the finest small ships in the world, the Island Sky features 57 spacious, outside-facing suites with marble-appointed bathrooms. Each suite includes a flat-screen TV with DVD player, hairdryer, individually controlled air-conditioning, and mini-fridge. High quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day aboard the Island Sky, with an on-board atmosphere more similar to a yacht than a cruise ship. Having undergone significant refurbishment in 2010, she features a large lounge, a library and bar, and an elegant dining room as well as spacious outside decks. The ship’s relatively small size lets her drop anchor in remote areas and in small ports where larger ships can’t go, and the fleet of inflatable zodiacs offers access in wonderfully remote places. Island Sky has a staff and crew of 75.
Deck Plan