Circumnavigation of the Black Sea
A springtime voyage discovering the wonderful Black Sea region aboard the MS Serenissima with Guest Speaker Major Gordon Corrigan
- 14 April 2022
- 26 April 2022
Join us aboard the MS Serenissima as we explore the shores of the Black Sea, one of the most fascinating and historically rich regions in the world. Our voyage begins in Istanbul and from the Golden Horn follows the Turkish coast to Trabzon (Trebizond) before crossing to Georgia where the richness of its culture reflects the influence of Greeks, Byzantines, Persians, Turks and Mongols. Georgia’s ‘Golden Age’ reached its height between the reigns of David the Builder and his granddaughter, Queen Tamara, in the 11th and 12th centuries.
From Georgia we follow the coastline to Russia’s premier resort and spa, Sochi. Here the microclimate produces wonderful year round weather and a lush countryside. After a day at sea which will be filled with interesting lectures by our onboard Guest Speaker, we reach Odessa, the historic city founded by Catherine the Great at the mouth of the great River Dnieper where we have the benefit of an overnight stay. We continue to Constanta an ancient metropolis and Romania’s largest seaport. Finally, we reach Nessebar, a delightful Bulgarian town with a fascinating history before our cruise ends where it all began, in the captivating city of Istanbul.
Such a journey as this would be totally impractical by any means other than a cruise. Whether your interest lies in ancient or military history, architecture, literature, contemporary politics or just in visiting some of the most atmospheric and fascinating places on earth, the Black Sea has a lot to offer. Local guides and our onboard Guest Speaker will contribute greatly to our enjoyment and understanding of this intriguing corner of the world where East meets West.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Extensively renovated in 2003 she was rechristened MS Andrea and began her life as a classic cruise ship, and was chartered by Noble Caledonia for a number of years. In spring 2012 MS Andrea was purchased by our longstanding associates Volga Dream and renamed the MS Serenissima. After a thorough renovation and upgrading, the charming MS Serenissima commenced cruise operations in April 2013 and we have chartered her for the majority of each year since knowing her to be perfect for small ship cruising. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Itinerary
Day 1 London/Manchester to Istanbul, Turkey.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Serenissima and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 2 Istanbul.
We start our exploration of Istanbul at the Hippodrome, the centre of civic life in the capital of the Ottoman Empire and the site of speeches, chariot races, and riots. Next, visit the nearby Blue Mosque, named for its glorious 17th century painted tiles; and the Hagia Sophia, first a Byzantine patriarchal basilica, later an imperial mosque and today a museum. Known for its massive domed roof and colourful mosaics, this structure is widely regarded as the world’s finest example of Byzantine architecture. A short walk brings us to the Basilica Cistern, which dates back to the 6th century and is supported by 336 Corinthian columns making it one of the most magnificent covered cisterns in Istanbul. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to explore further. Be on deck this evening as we sail down the Bosphorus towards the Black Sea.
Day 3 Bartin.
From the port of Bartin in ancient Paphlagonia, we have a choice of excursions today. The morning tour will include a drive along the coast to nearby Amasra (ancient Sesamus) which is located on a headland in between two bays. We will explore the attractive old town which was founded by the Milesians in the 6th century BC and later became an important possession of both Byzantium and Genoa. See the Genoese citadel and learn more about its Greek and Roman past. Alternatively join a full day tour to the UNESCO site of Safranbolu, a preserved Ottoman style town named for its prominence in saffron production. On a walking tour we will visit the marketplace, the streets where copper makers, iron makers and Turkish delight makers work, the Mosque and a Turkish Hammam all from the time of Suleiman the Magnificent. Our tour will end at a typical Safranbolu house which is now an ethnographical museum. Enjoy lunch in an Ottoman caravanserai before returning to the MS Serenissima and sailing this evening.
Day 4 Sinop.
Founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC Sinop flourished as a Black Sea port on the caravan route. On a walking tour this morning we will discover this walled city including the 13th century Alaadin Mosque, constructed after the Seljuk conquest of the Sinop Province. The architecture is representative of the Seljuk period consisting of a rectangular plan featuring five domes. A fountain adorns the courtyard, which also contains ancient tombs. We will visit the Archaeological Museum of Sinop with a collection of objects dating from the Hittite, Hellenistic, Phrygian, Roman and Byzantine periods and the Ethnography Museum located in a typical Ottoman House. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruising.
Day 5 Trabzon.
Trabzon is a gateway to Eastern Turkey and Iran which was founded in the 7th century BC. On our morning excursion we drive through the picturesque mountain scenery to Sumela to see the dramatic Byzantine monastery carved out of a sheer rock face in the Pontic Alps. After lunch on board we discover the church of Aya Sofia and the old town of Trabzon, then travel to the outskirts to visit Ataturk’s lovely villa set high on a cliff above the city.
Day 6 Batumi, Georgia.
Enjoy a day amongst the sights and sounds of charming Batumi. On a full day tour visit the ancient Gonio fortress dating back to the first century AD and the Ethnographic Museum that highlights the varied and fascinating history of the country. Continue to the impressive botanical garden ‘Dendrarium’ and see the golden statue of Medea before heading to the bustling farmers market. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant where we will also enjoy a truly exhilarating private performance of Georgian song and dance by the Adjara State Assembly of Music and Dance.
Day 7 Sochi, Russia.
We have a day to explore delightful Sochi, framed by the Caucasus Mountains and famous for its marvellous climate and health spas. On a morning tour we will visit Dagomy’s tea plantation, the most northerly in the world where we learn about the cultivation processes and challenges before having the chance to enjoy a local brew. After lunch in a local restaurant we will visit Stalin’s Dacha; built in 1937 as his summer residence it remains intact as it was in Stalin’s time.
Day 8 At Sea.
Enjoy a day at sea as we cruise to Odessa. Maybe join one of the lectures or find a spot on deck.
Days 9 & 10 Odessa, Ukraine.
We have a day and a half to explore this fascinating city. Founded by Catherine the Great in 1794 following the Russian victory over the Turks, Odessa today is a busy port and popular resort. On our morning tour we will see the famous Potemkin Steps, Primorsky Boulevard and the Preobrazhensky Cathedral. This afternoon is free to explore at leisure and we hope to enjoy a concert this evening at the acoustically perfect Opera House. On our second day we recall Odessa’s former splendour by visiting the impressive Pototsky Palace which is now home to the Fine Arts Museum which contains the most significant collection of art in the Ukraine. After our visit a short drive takes us to the Gagarin Mansion, designed by Otton in the middle of the 19th century for the nobleman, Prince Gagarin. This now houses the Museum for Russian & Ukraine Literature. Tour the museum before enjoying a superb violin recital in the Golden Hall. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at sea.
Day 11 Constanta, Romania.
During breakfast we arrive in Constanta, known as Tomis to the Greeks but named Constanta by the Romans. Choose this morning to stay in Constanta and enjoy a tour to include the excellent Archaeological Museum and a visit to the Treasury to see the gigantic 3rd century Roman Mosaic. Later, stretch your legs with a walk along the Black Sea waterfront promenade. Alternatively join a full day tour to Bucharest. We will explore the main sights of the city and see the boulevards with their decidedly French style. After lunch in a local restaurant we visit the Parliament Palace, the second largest administrative building in the world at 3.77 million square feet and renowned as former dictator Ceausescu’s most infamous creation.
Day 12 Nessebar, Bulgaria.
After a morning at sea we will arrive in the ancient town of Nessebar, a delightful place to spend an afternoon. A guided walk of the town will include the 5th century Bishopric, the 12th century St Stephen’s Church and some of the traditional-style houses with their overhanging first floors above winding cobbled lanes.
Day 13 Istanbul, Turkey to London/Manchester.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London or Manchester.
Dates and Prices
14 to 26 April 2022 • 26 April to 8 May 2022 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
2 Standard Stateroom | £5695 | £5495 |
3 Classic Stateroom | £5995 | £5795 |
4 Superior Stateroom | £6395 | £6195 |
5 Deluxe Stateroom | £6895 | £6695 |
6 Junior Suite | £7395 | £7195 |
7 Owner’s Suite | £7795 | £7595 |
8 Serenissima Suite | £8195 | £7995 |
10 Standard Single | £6195 | £5995 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE140422
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel •12 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes • Group visa for Russia.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Deckplan
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Extensively renovated in 2003 she was rechristened MS Andrea and began her life as a classic cruise ship, and was chartered by Noble Caledonia for a number of years. In spring 2012 MS Andrea was purchased by our longstanding associates Volga Dream and renamed the MS Serenissima. After a thorough renovation and upgrading, the charming MS Serenissima commenced cruise operations in April 2013 and we have chartered her for the majority of each year since knowing her to be perfect for small ship cruising. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Travelling with You
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Major Gordon Corrigan MBE
Gordon Corrigan spent most of his adult life as an officer of the Royal Gurkha Rifles, serving mainly in the Far East but also in Cyprus, Berlin, Northern Ireland and Belize. He is now a military historian and the author of a number of books on subjects ranging from the Hundred Years War to the Peninsula War to the First and Second World Wars. To date he has been the presenter of five TV series dealing with various aspects of military history, in addition to regular appearances in documentaries. He conducts military history study tours in Europe, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Turkey and North Africa. He has lectured in Russia and Central Asia and is a regular speaker on Noble Caledonia cruises. He has lectured in the United States and Canada and is an Honorary Research Fellow of the Universities of Birmingham and Kent, a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society, a Member of the British Commission for Military History, and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. During our cruise he will be lecturing on the history of the nations and the areas that we will be visiting or travelling through.
Major Gordon Corrigan MBE will be on the following tour dates: 14 to 26 April 2022 • 26 April to 8 May 2022
Tour Extensions
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For those who wish to spend some time discovering Istanbul before embarking the MS Serenissima we are offering a two night hotel extension with included sightseeing.
Suleymaniye Mosque
The Itinerary
Day 1 London/Manchester to Istanbul, Turkey.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this evening and transfer to the hotel for our two night stay. Meet this evening for dinner in the hotel restaurant. (D)
Day 2 Istanbul.
Our day begins with a visit to the Suleymaniye Mosque, the largest in the city and a masterpiece of the 16th century architect Sinan before we continue to the small yet lavishly decorated Chora Church. Part of a Byzantine monastery complex (now a museum) it was originally built outside the city walls of Constantine the Great. View the many frescoes and mosaics here depicting the beginnings of Christianity. Before lunch in a local restaurant stop at the Fener Greek Quarter, visiting the Greek Patriarchate and Orthodox Church and Balat, the Jewish Quarter, which dates back to the Byzantine period. Return to the hotel and the remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure. (B, L)
Day 3 Istanbul.
Take some time to explore independently or relax in the hotel before we check out in the late morning. We will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to the impressive Topkapi Palace, a complex of buildings and annexes that was used as the Imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years. Since 1924 it has been preserved as a museum, and it is noted for its beautiful shaded courtyards and elegant architecture. In the late afternoon we will transfer to the MS Serenissima for embarkation. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
12 to 14 April 2022 • 24 to 26 April 2022 Category Price Twin £695 Single £895 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), tours as described, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000