Over 1,000 years of cultural history have transformed Europe’s inland seas into real treasure chests. Besides monuments left behind by fallen empires in Pergamon or the grave mounds of Vergina, explore shows of heartfelt belief: monks still live high in the monasteries of Meteora and to this day the old frescoes in the Church of St Stephen in Nesebar instil awe in visitors. The Potemkin Stairs – Odessa’s landmark – is a further highlight of your cruise. To round off your cruise, you will then enjoy some time in Istanbul, the exciting metropolis between East and West.
The cruise is fully booked.
For further assistance please contact us at 040 30703050.
Save €500 per person when you combine cruises EUR1507 and EUR1508.
Scheduled flight from Germany to Athens
Transfer to embarkation point for the EUROPA
Piraeus (Athens)/Greece, departure 21.00 hrs
Volos, 10.30 – 20.00 hrs
Volos/Greece
In the mountainous hinterland, we will arrive at a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is quite enigmatic from a distance: the monasteries of Meteora* seem to be balancing on the edge of a knife on the high, rocky points. Take a walk on Mount Pelion* and enjoy the view of the natural wonders of Thessaly.
Thessaloniki, 8.00 – 17.00 hrs
Thessaloniki/Greece
The Macedonians, Byzantines and Ottomans left behind a diverse cultural legacy* in a city mentioned as early as in the Bible. A tour* will lead you from the landmark, the White Tower which dates back to the Ottoman era, to the wonderful mosaics of the early Christian Basilica of Agios Dimitrios.
Dikili/Turkey, 8.30 – 19.00 hrs
Passage through the Dardanelles
Evening passage through the Bosporus
Nesebar/Bulgaria, 8.00 – 19.00 hrs
Relaxation at sea
Trabzon/Turkey, 8.00 – 18.00 hrs
Batumi/Georgia, 6.00 – 18.00 hrs
Batumi/Georgia
With numerous colleges and universities, the youngest city in Georgia* is a place of knowledge and plenty of surprises: large Black Sea bottlenose dolphins show off their talent in the Dolphinarium, 5,000 types of plants from around the world bloom in the Botanic Gardens* and Gonio Castle* at the city gates attests to Roman rule.
Sochi/Russia, 7.00 – 19.00 hrs
Sochi/Russia
Even Stalin retired to his dacha* summer retreat in this popular health resort. Thanks to its subtropical climate, the boulevards are lined with palm trees and over 2,000 types of plants thrive in the Botanical Gardens. A country drive to Agura Gorge* will take you to the heart of nature in Sochi National Park*. Wander through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and breathe in the fresh fragrance of moss and leaves.
Relaxation at sea
Constanta/Romania, 5.00 – 19.30 hrs
Discover Bucharest*, the capital of Romania! Visit the vast complex of the Romanian Parliament and the Metropolitan Church, a majestic centre of Romanian Orthodox belief. Alternatively you join a boat trip on the Danube delta*. At 5,600 square kilometres, the Danube delta is one of the biggest deltas in Europe.
Odessa/Ukraine, arrival 8.00 hrs
Odessa/Ukraine
Pushkin praised Odessa for its freedom and independence. Walk from the harbour and up the Potemkin Stairs straight into the majestic inner city and explore the metropolis on a tour to Uspensky Monastery*. Alternatively, explore a labyrinth of tunnels in the Odessa Catacombs*, where partisans hid during the Second World War. In the evening, the ballet* in the neo-baroque Opera House promises another unforgettable experience.
Odessa/Ukraine, departure 8.00 hrs
Morning passage through the Bosporus
Istanbul/Turkey, arrival 8.00 hrs
Overnight stay on board
Istanbul/Turkey
With the Blue Mosque*, Hagia Sophia* and Topkapi Palace, the former city of Constantinople can look back proudly on thousands of years of history. Dive into this bustling metropolis and haggle for your favourite souvenir in the largest covered bazaar* in the world. Experience the special flair of Istanbul on a boat trip through the Bosporus*, which divides not only the city, bus also the continents. After staying on board overnight, start your journey home or stay for the “Istanbul – between East and West” post-cruise programme*.
Istanbul
Transfer to scheduled flight to Germany
* The shore excursions are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to changes.
The Verbier Festival has been promoting contact between established artists and promising new faces for 20 years. In this time, it has evolved into an extremely renowned international music festival. During your cruise, you can experience some of the most brilliant soloists of the Verbier Festival during exclusive concerts on board the EUROPA. Enjoy an extraordinary classical music event on the world’s most beautiful yacht.
The Verbier Festival has been promoting contact between established artists and promising new faces for 20 years. In this time, it has evolved into an extremely renowned international music festival. During your cruise, you can experience some of the most brilliant soloists of the Verbier Festival during exclusive concerts on board the EUROPA. Enjoy an extraordinary classical music event on the world’s most beautiful yacht.