Crossroads of Culture from the Ancient Past to the Present!
THE BLACK SEA
August 12-22, 2008

Jason and his intrepid Argonauts, on their legendary voyage in search of the Golden Fleece, were the first Western sailors to navigate the Black Sea. Even today, the magnificent Black Sea area is new territory for the majority of Western visitors, which is why we are especially pleased to offer The Black Sea: Crossroads of Culture from the Ancient Past to the Present, aboard the all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II.

The rim of the Black Sea showcases a wide span of recorded history, from ancient sites in Trabzon, Turkey, and Varna, Bulgaria, to the locations of landmark 20th-century events in Odessa and Yalta. With the lifting of the Iron Curtain, the area has transformed yet again, as it ushers in democratic governments and market economies, prominently evident in Ukraine. In addition to its splendid history and culture, the Black Sea region—particularly the Crimean coast—enjoys a subtropical climate akin to that of the Mediterranean. Palm trees, rare flowers, vineyards and orchards flourish, and the golden beaches and invigorating mineral spas draw visitors from throughout Europe.

From the great city of Istanbul, sail along the largely tourist-free northern coast of Turkey, where Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches lie in the shadows of soaring citadels built by kingdoms established in the wake of Alexander the Great. Journey to Crimea to visit the site of the world-altering Yalta Conference and to explore the Black Sea Fleet city of Sevastopol, the focus of the Crimean War and off-limits to Westerners until 1996. Stand on the great Potemkin Steps in Odessa, a city of faded, cosmopolitan glories now re-establishing itself as Ukraine celebrates its emergence as a full-fledged democracy. And cruise to Bulgaria’s Varna to see its Archaeological Museum’s astounding collection of some of the oldest gold relics in the world.

Seldom is the opportunity to enjoy such intriguing destinations so far from the well-traveled capitals of Europe and Asia Minor. Rarer still is the chance to do so aboard a lovely ship with like-minded travelers and wonderful study leaders illuminating our itinerary. We have little doubt this will be a splendid experience for all. But we must emphasize: space is limited. We encourage you to place your reservation as soon as possible.

$6,395 + air (your companion's air, just $895 from JFK + tax)!

Brochure (Requires an Adobe pdf reader to view)