From Athens to Istanbul calling on Ephesus; Sinop, Turkey; Trabzon, Turkey; Sochi, Russia; Sevastopol, Ukraine; Yalta, Ukraine; Odessa, Ukraine and Constanta (bucharest), Romania with 1 day at sea from $9,299

Virtuoso Voyager Club Exclusive Experience
Complimentary, exclusive and unique Voyager Club event in Odessa. See Voyager Club Shore Excursion for complete details.

When you reserve this cruise through us, your Virtuoso Travel Specialist, you automatically become a member of the prestigious Virtuoso Voyager Club, entitling you to a wealth of privileges and complimentary amenities - including a unique and exclusive shore event not available to the general cruising public.

NOTE: You may choose this exclusive shore event, credit toward a customized Virtuoso on-shore event, credit toward a Virtuoso Discovery pre/post hotel stay or shipboard credit. Ask us for complete option details.

Exclusive Shore Event: Odessa | City Sights and Luncheon

Ukraine's natural wealth has invited and tempted conquerors for centuries. Since 988, when Vladimir the Great Russian Orthodox Saint and Grand Prince of Kiev unified a confederation of Slavic peoples under Christianity, a cavalcade of oppressors has proclaimed dominion: Mongols, Lithuanians, Poles. The native peasant Cossacks rose up against their Polish lords and formed an independent state in 1649. Fierce fighting continued with Poland and soon inclined the new state to enter into a protection pact with their powerful neighbor, Russia. It was "absorbed" quite quickly into the Russian Empire.

When in 1762 the German princess Sophia of Anhalt-Zerbst became Empress Catherine II of Russia, the Ukraine of the Cossacks had been "part" of the empire for over 100 years. Catherine the Great undertook a tour of the far reaches of her realm. The coast of the Black Sea intrigued her. And though she was not often given over to whim, Catherine created the glorious port city of Odessa the "Pearl of the Black Sea."

Our day begins with a short drive to the historic city center, where we will enjoy a leisurely walk to take in some of the major highlights beginning with the impressive Potemkinskaya Staircase.

We will stroll along the city's popular promenade, Primorsky Boulevard, lined with majestic 100 year-old horse chestnut and plane trees and see the Classical building of the Archaeological Museum, the white marble Lacoon Statue, the colonnaded City Hall and Pushkin's Monument. Our walk also takes us to the Richelieu Monument, and a new monument to Catherine the Great. We'll then re-board our coach for a drive to Tolstoy's Palace, the estate of Count Tolstoy which now houses the Scientists Club of Odessa. Count Mikhail Tolstoy was a cousin of Leo Tolstoy, the outstanding Russian writer and the Palace features a collection of photographs and furniture once belonging to the Count. We continue on through the University area towards the Odessa Opera & Ballet House which underwent a recent restoration, and as we explore inside, we will see why it is considered one of the most beautiful houses in the world. It is second only to the Vienna Opera Theatre built in similar Baroque style. After our visit, we will make a photo stop at the Unknown Sailor's Monument in picturesque Schevchenko Park before making our way to our wonderful luncheon.

We will enjoy delicious typical Ukrainian specialties complimented by wine at Restaurant Khutorok, one of the city's best restaurants nestled close to the Black Sea shore. The restaurant is cozy and decked out in a Ukranian-style interior. Adding to the ambience, we'll be treated to a Ukrainian folkloric concert as we dine. After lunch we will have the opportunity to split into special interest groups where we may choose to visit the Savior- Transfiguration Cathedral and Prince Vorontsov's monument, or browse the flea market and stores of Deribassovskaya Street.

Approximate Length: Four hours.

Suggested Attire: Casual elegant wear with comfortable shoes. Moderate walking required over some steps.