LAND OF THE COSSACKS; KIEV, ODESSA, SEVASTOPOL, YALTA

Reserve by June 30, 2010
to qualify for the early booking discount. Space is limited so please reserve early.

Sample Itinerary: (A)–Kiev to Odessa

Day 1: Depart USA. Depart this evening on your overnight flight.

Day 2: Arrive Kiev. Today arrive in Kiev, the 1000-year old capital of the Ukraine. You’ll be met and escorted to the pier where you board your riverboat, unpack and rest. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation briefing. (D)

Day 3: Kiev. Beautiful Kiev is situated on the banks of the rivers Dnieper and Dnestar. Experience the unique history, fine architecture and rich culture of the city while docking here for the next two days. On this morning tour, a local expert introduces you to Kiev’s grand monuments as you travel along broad boulevards lined with chestnut trees. Visit the impressive Cathedral of St. Sophia with its golden domes echoing the past glory of Byzantium and view the 18th century baroque St. Andrew’s Church. You’ll also visit the charming Old Quarter where many historic buildings remain. After lunch free time to stroll around, explore the fascinating Jewish quarter or visit one of the Kiev’s many enticing museums. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Kiev. Today, enjoy an included morning excursion to renowned Pechor Lavra, the “Monastery of the Caves” founded in 1051. Here, tour the catacombs that served as religious tombs for hundreds of years. Free time to explore Kiev at your own pace. Later, set sail. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Kanev. Over the next several days, sail along the scenic Dnieper River towards the Black Sea and get a close-up look at ancient villages and picturesque countryside. This morning dock in one of the oldest cities in the Ukraine, Kanev, founded in the 11th century and successively ruled by Tatars, Lithuanians, Poles, Turks and Russians. Visit the museum dedicated to the life and works of Taras Shevchenko, the admired Ukrainian poet and painter. Return to the boat and continue sailing. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Kremenchug. Dock in Kremenchug, founded in the 15thcentury as a wooden fortress and embark on a guided walking tour. This afternoon, you may join an optional visit to a local kolhoz farm. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Zaporozhye. Follow the footsteps of the legendary Ukrainian Cossacks, the mighty warriors that defended the empire’s borders, as you visit the town of Zaporozhye, an important stop along the river and part of the ancient trade route that ran from Constantinople to the Baltic Sea. Here, visit the Cossack Museum and learn about the rich history of the city and the fabled Cossacks. You’ll also tour other highlights of the town. In the afternoon, you may join an optional horsemanship show of the Zaporo Cossacks. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Kherson. Disembark this morning and board a small boat to sail along the narrow canals of the picturesque Dnieper Delta and explore the bountiful fauna and wildlife. Return to your river boat and enjoy a lecture and afternoon activities. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Sevastopol. As you sail into the Black Sea today, dock in the city of Sevastopol, an important seaport, scientific and cultural center founded in 1778 and best known as the site of a fateful siege during the Crimean War. Since the early 19th century, it served as the principal base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The highlight of your guided tour of this gracious city is a visit to the Panorama Museum that features a multi-dimensional artwork representing a 24-hour period in the defense of the city during the Crimean War. The world’s largest art work of its kind, it is a fascinating fusion of a painting in the background with real objects in the foreground. Later, enjoy some free time to explore the architectural gems of the city at your own pace. An optional concert of the Black Sea Fleet Choir is available. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Yalta & Livadia Palace excursion. On today's included shore excursion visit Livadia Palace, a former royal residence of the Czar, built in 1913 in lavish Italian Renaissance style and also known as the White Palace. It was also the site of the Yalta Conference, held in 1945, between Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin. Stop along the route for a photo opportunity of the famous Swallow's Nest, a striking Gothic-style building resembling a castle which was built on the huge overhanging cliff. Arrive in Yalta, a popular seaside resort that is blessed with temperate year-round climate. It was the retreat of the Czars and Russian nobility and later became the playground of the Soviet leaders. An afternoon walking tour of the promenade and seafront also takes in Yalta’s tree-lined streets rising steeply from the coast. Free time available to explore one of the many museums including the house where Anton Chekhov lived and wrote "The Three Sisters". Return to the ship for dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 11 & DAY 12: Odessa. On day 11, arrive in Odessa, the "Pearl of the Black Sea" and a gateway to many of the Black Sea famous resorts. This spectacular city is built on terraced hills rising above the gently curving bay and has drawn the rich and famous for centuries. On a guided tour explore the bustling harbor, the tree-lined promenade and see some of the graceful historic buildings painted in pastel hues and the beautiful Opera House. Free time is available to explore independently and to take in the beauty of Odessa. On day 12 savor the Captain’s Gala Dinner. (B,L,D daily)

Day 13: Odessa/USA. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive New York later today. (B)