Island paradises, palaces and catacombs – this cruise with passages through the Dardanelles Strait and the Bosphorus combines the fascinating highlights of the eastern Mediterranean with those of the Black Sea. Idyllic bays promise some sunny sights and in Pergamum* you can visit one of Turkey’s most impressive archaeological sites. The abandoned Sumela monastery enjoys a spectacular location in the mountains while Sochi is inviting with its Mediterranean charm. The Potemkin Stairs in Odessa can be seen from afar and in the evening you can enjoy watching the ballet* at the opera house. In Istanbul, the cosmopolitan city on the Bosphorus, your cruise on board the EUROPA 2 draws to a close.
The cruise is fully booked.
For further assistance please contact us at 040 30703050.
Combine this cruise with EUX1428 and save € 500.
Save 10 % on this cruise.
At anchor - If the ship anchors in open water the ferrying ashore will be done with tenders or Zodiacs.
Scheduled flight from Germany to Athens and transfer to embarkation
Piraeus (Athens)/Greece, departure 21.00 hrs
Skopelos/Sporades/Greece, 9.00 – 17.00 hrs
Skiathos/Sporades/Greece , arrival 19.00 hrs
Following an evening cruise out of the port of Piraeus, you will arrive the following morning at a true island paradise: Skopelos is an inviting place to explore with its lush natural landscape and picturesque villages, whilst on the neighbouring island of Skiathos you can enjoy the wonderful bays.
Skiathos/Sporades , departure 18.00 hrs
Dikili/Turkey, 7.00 – 18.00 hrs
In Dikili you have an exclusive choice: you can combine your visit to Pergamum* either with the Asclepion* or with the Archaeological Museum*. Whatever you decide, one of the best archaeological sites in Turkey awaits – the former glory of this city, which was even more important than Alexandria in its heyday, is still clear to see even today. Alternatively, you can leave the ship for three nights (re-embarkation in Trabzon) in order to devote yourself to the equally legendary natural wonders of Cappadocia*.
Passage through the Dardanelles Strait, 1.00 – 5.00 hrs
Passage through the Bosporus, 16.00 – 18.00 hrs
Those who stay on board in Dikili will be rewarded with a passage through the Bosporus and a relaxing day at sea.
Relaxation at sea
Trabzon/Turkey, 8.00 – 18.00 hrs
Sochi/Russia, 7.00 – 18.00 hrs
The Russian city of Sochi, host city for the 2014 Winter Olympics, is famous as an exclusive holiday destination. You can discover the magnificent parks and manor houses of this “Russian Nice” on a city walking tour*. The city’s Mediterranean charm even appealed to Stalin, who had a holiday home* built here. Breathe in the fresh air on a hike through the delightful forests of the Caucasian National Park*.
Sinop/Turkey, 8.00 – 12.00 hrs
For centuries, Sinop has played an important role as a centre of culture and trade on the Black Sea. To this very day, the well-preserved city walls that in the past served as a line of defence encircle the centre. Take a guided walk* through the city to step back in time and discover the past. Or explore the city’s most important sights, as well as the nearby area during a panoramic tour*.
Constanta/Romania, 8.00 – 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. Admire the unique and diverse flora of the delta and with little luck, you may discover some of the many of bird species.
Odessa/Ukraine, arrival 8.00 hrs
The historic Potemkin Stairs welcome you to the port of Odessa. A city walking tour* takes you to see the city’s most significant landmarks. Or go down into the Odessa catacombs* and explore part of the huge network of tunnels. A cultural treat awaits in the evening at a ballet performance at the opera house* and the next day, a visit to a Ukrainian family* will provide interesting insights into how people live here.
Odessa/Ukraine, departure 12.00 hrs
Varna/Bulgaria, 12.00 – 19.00 hrs
Varna’s colourful history is revealed on a city tour*. On the other hand, the Stone Forest outside Varna* guards its secrets – limestone columns rise up in the midst of wild moorland.
Passage through the Bosporus, from approx. 06.00 hrs
Istanbul/Turkey, arrival 8.00 hrs
Overnight stay on board
Early in the morning on the next day you arrive in Istanbul. A visit to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are the highlights of a city tour*, whilst a helicopter flight* over the city and the Bosphorus will provide some breathtaking views. You can find a wide variety of Oriental treasures in the Grand Bazaar*. Here, there are more than 4,000 shops where you can browse and haggle, before spending one last night on board before your cruise comes to an end.
Istanbul
Transfer to scheduled flight to Germany
*?These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The shore excursions listed here are in the planning stage. Subject to changes.
= at anchor