Silversea Luxury Cruises A BATUMI

Discover the local traditions of Georgia on this half day outing by visiting a unique ethnographic museum and taking part in a Georgian cooking class and wine tasting experience.

Ethnographic Museum "Borjghalo"

Begin with an approximately 30 minutes panoramic city drive to the Ethnographic Museum "Borjghalo". The Southwest of Georgia has always been distinguished for its agriculture as well as folkloric and artistic history. The government gave the owner of the museum Kemal Turmanidze 3,000 square meters of land where he built all the buildings and beautiful greenery to live out his dream; to get visitors acquainted with a real Adjarian village with creations of his own. From childhood Turmanidze liked painting and making toys. He became interested in woodworking and is now an acclaimed master woodcarver. Everything in the museum was created by Mr Turmanidze; even the mannequins are made by him and they wear his own clothes! There are models of dwelling, agricultural and defense buildings, highlighting the daily life of Adjarian families, rich and poor. Discover approximately two hundred of his wood carvings and other interesting works of art.

Adjara Wine House, Cooking Class, Wine Tasting

Contemplate on the witnessed works of art during your brief ride to the Adjara Wine House. Upon your arrival, enjoy a fun cooking class and learn how to make a traditional Georgian dish - Khinkali, such as beef and pork dumplings. While the Khinkhali are being cooked, you will be taken on a tour at the Adjara Wine House where you will learn more about the history of Georgian wine and try some yourself. The tour ends with a tasting of the Khinkali you made.

Return to the coach and relax while watching the picturesque countryside on your way back to the cruise port.

Experience the splendid history, beauty and flavours of Batumi during this leisurely, half-day sightseeing excursion, involving minimal walking.

Batumi City Drive

_{Begin your tour with a panoramic drive in the city center passing by European Square and learn about the fast-developing resort city of Batumi.}

_{Batumi Botanical Gardens}

_{Reach the Batumi Botanical Gardens, located on the Green Cape, or 'Mtsvane Kontskhi', overlooking the Black Sea, among the largest and richest botanical gardens in the post-Soviet Union region. Batumi Botanical Gardens were established in 1912 and cover an area of approximately 111 ha (over a 100 football pitches), divided into nine geographic sections boasting more than 5,000 plant species from all over the world. Explore the gardens by buggies.}

_{Traditional Refreshments}

_{Next drive to a local restaurant by the seafront for a traditional snack. You will savor khachapuri, a Georgian dish of cheese-stuffed bread. And of course, you will have a chance to taste a glass of local wine in addition to tea or coffee.}

Explore the traditions, culture and landmarks of Georgia during this scenic highlights tour of Batumi.

Piazza Square and St. Nicolas's Church

Begin your tour with a drive to Piazza square and visit St. Nicola's Church to see so called "old Batumi". The St. Nicola's Church was built at the beginning of the XIX century and was the only church where religious services were conducted even during the Soviet times. You will be able to admire the exterior of the church, dominating Piazza Square, one of the charms of Batumi. It is one of the most beautiful places in the city, yet as its name suggests, it is distinctly Italian and so a little incongruous for Georgia, but in Batumi, when it comes to architecture, it seems anything goes! The Square covers about 5700 square meters and is surrounded by the Piazza complex, which includes a hotel, a couple of restaurants, a café and a pub. The architecture is distinguished by mosaics and stained glass art. The square usually hosts concerts of world famous musicians visiting Batumi. Piazza Square hosted concerts of Sting, Placido Domingo, Michel Legrand and many others.

European Square and Seaside Boulevard

Proceed with a short drive to European square. The statue of Medea is placed in the center of the square and symbolizes the connections of ancient Georgia with the European world. Continue with a short walk to Prymorsky (Seaside) Boulevard. Along the way stop at Neptune's square to admire the beautiful fountain surrounded by post-soviet residential buildings and neighboring ultra-modern sky-scrapers. Upon arrival at the boulevard, enjoy a short guided stroll to learn more about the modern development of the city and take some pictures with the gorgeous palms on the background.

Traditional Refreshments

Next drive to a local restaurant by the seafront for a traditional snack. You will savor khachapuri, a Georgian dish of cheese-stuffed bread. And of course, you will have a chance to taste a glass of local wine in addition to tea or coffee.

Gonio Fortress

Following the refreshment stop, drive approximately 30 minutes to Gonio Fortress. This fortification is an interesting historical and cultural attraction. According to Roman and Byzantine sources, Apsaros was formed as a settlement during the ancient times. A number of historians claim that Gonio fortress used to be the strategic, political, economic and cultural center of the Eastern Roman frontier. A theatre and hippodrome functioned here in I-III cc. AD. One of the twelve apostles of Christ St. Mathias is believed to be buried in Apsaros.

Discover the Jewish Heritage of Batumi and its Adjara region on this memorable half-day excursion.

Ethnographic Museum "Borjgalo"

Your first visit of the day will be the Ethnographic Museum "Borjgalo". The museum contains amazing works of Kemal Turmanidze - a master woodcarver. You will admire several hundred examples of his work, together with exhibits of Georgian cultural heritage there.

Jewish Synagogue

Afterwards drive to Batumi city center and visit the Jewish Synagogue, built by Semyon Vulkovich in 1904, inspired by the Hague and Amsterdam synagogues. In the interior admire snow-white walls, neat benches and the sky-colored ceiling.

Piazza Square and St. Nicola's Church

Continue to Piazza Square and visit St.Nicola's Church, in the so called "old Batumi". St.Nicola's Church was built at the beginning of the XIX century and was the only church where religious services were conducted even during the Soviet times.

Jewish Refreshment Stop

Following the tour you will have a traditional refreshment in a Jewish restaurant.

European Square and Prymorsky Boulevard

Then continue to European Square, home of a monumental sculpture of Medea, and walk to Prymorsky Boulevard, (seaside park) which is a popular seafront area to wlak and enjoy leisure-time with family and friends. Your will learn about the history of the boulevard from your local guide and be able to take pictures of lush evergreen vegetation and new modern buildings characteristic of new Batumi.

Explore the city of Batumi on foot. This will allow you to feel the busy but colorful life of the locals, while strolling along the maze of ancient narrow streets.

Piazza Square

Start your excursion with a brief walk from the port to Piazza Square. The Square, reminding of Italian style, is among the most beautiful site in Batumi. The large square is surrounded by the Piazza complex, which includes a hotel, a couple of restaurants, a café and a pub. The architecture is distinguished by mosaics and stained glass art. The square usually hosts concerts of world famous musicians visiting Batumi. At this point you will also see150-years old St Nicholas Church. It is one of the oldest churches in the city and an initiator of its construction was the Greek community of Batumi.

Batumi Cathedral, European Square, Medea Statue

Continue your walk to the Batumi Cathedral of the Mother of God. It is a Georgian Orthodox cathedral, originally built as a Catholic church early in the 1900s. Afterwards, proceed to European square, the heart of Batumi. The statue of Medea is placed in the center of the square and symbolizes the connections of ancient Georgia with the European world.

Wine Tasting

Follow with a wine-tasting experience at the well-known Khareba Winery. Here you will have an amazing opportunity to taste samples of one of the biggest Georgian Winery. In fact, its vineyards cover 745 hectares of land, where unique Georgian and European vine sorts are cultivated and high-quality wines produced. The company works towards the preservation of a local unique wine culture and produces wine by using ancient methods along with newest technologies.

Neptune Square, Prymorsky Boulevard

After the wine tasting, walk to Neptune Square to admire the Batumi Drama Theater and the Neptune Fountain, designed in traditional antique style with gold decorations. Your excursion will end with a laid-back stroll along the Prymorsky Boulevard, shaded by palm trees, before heading back to the port.

Discover the magnificent Machakhela National Park on this 4x4 adventure, introducing you to the flora, fauna, history and geology of this special area.

Machakhela National Park

An approximately 1 hour drive through countryside and narrow mountainous roads, will take you to the Machakhela National Park. The park is located south of Batumi, by the Machakhela Gorge, at the confluence of the Machakhela and Chorokhi rivers. The gorge is primarily known for its gunmaking traditions - manufacturing of Machakhela guns and heirloom daggers.

During your time in the park you will have the opportunity to see natural highlights, such as the Mirveti Waterfall and the beautiful forest. You will also be able to admire historical monuments, such as the Mirveti Stone Bridge dating back to 12^th Century, the Machakhela Gun Monument and an Embrasure and Piece of Ordnance of the Second World War

Georgian Lunch

After your exciting jeep safari, enjoy a traditional Georgian lunch in a local restaurant.

Machakhela Valley Ethnographic Museum

Your tour will culminate with a visit of the Ethnographic Museum of the Machakhela Valley. The museum is situated in the Machakhela Mosque. The 300 year old wooden mosque, formerly the cultural and religious center of the village, has been turned into an ethnographic museum showcasing the culture and development of the gorge. The intricate woodwork that adorns the mosque is unlike anything seen in other parts of the world. These traditional patterns, where hand-cut and affixed three centuries ago and have not been retouched or repainted since.

Your final portion of the experience is a panoramic drive back to Batumi.

_{Immerse yourself in the history and tradition of Georgia by visiting the impressive Petra Fortress, the Memorial House of a local poet and the home of a local family. Your half day excursion will take you through the beautiful countryside of the Adjara region.}

_{Petra Fortress}

_{Start your excursion with an approximately 45 minutes panoramic drive to Petra Fortress. It is located on the seashore rocky hill and apart from the terrestrial fence, it was also protected by rocky terrain (its Greek name is "Petra", which means stone or rock). Petra was considered an almost inaccessible fortress. It was built by John Strathegos in 535. The ruins are still preserved to this day. The archaeological complex includes the citadel, as well as the remnants of a town and the ruins of a palace, antique bath, agricultural and soldiers' housing.}

_{Countryside Scenic Drive}

_{Continue with an approximately 1 hour scenic drive through the countryside of the Adjara region, where the house of your local family is located. En-route you will see evergreen mountains and seascapes.}

_{Georgian Poet Memorial House and Adjara Home Visit}

_{Upon arrival, you will explore rustic Georgia and take a guided tour of the Memorial House of the famous Georgian poet Zurab Gorgiladze which represent a typical Adjara house. Then walk across the garden to a local Georgian home. At this point, you will meet your host, learn about Georgian lifestyles and traditions and relax with homemade khachapuri, local wine and juicy fruits.}

_{Your trip will end with a drive back to the port.}

The historical cities of Batumi, Kiev and Odessa are home to a wealth of incredibly well-preserved and beautiful monuments, fortresses, churches, and landmarks that offer a wonderful insight into their grandeur and legacy. Your panoramic, four-day sightseeing adventure begins with a visit to Batumi. Highlights here include the European Square with its statue of Medea, amazing woodcarvings and Georgian cultural exhibits at the Borigalo Ethnographic Museum, and the Gonio-Apsaros Fortress, one of the oldest in Adjara. Next, fly to Kiev for a three-night stay at the at the 5-star Fairmont Grand Hotel. During your first day in Kiev, explore the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and Life-for-Life Memorial. Witness the 'City of Ghosts', and the tragedy that influenced the entire world. The next day, visit the Kiev Monastery of the Caves and explore the subterranean caves beneath Lower-Layra. View artefacts, gems, metalwork, jewellery and Scythian gold at the Golden Treasury Museum. After a Ukrainian lunch, visit the nearby Sophia Cathedral, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, stop for photos at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, and enjoy some free time and souvenir shopping at the Adreyvskiy Descent. After dinner at the Dom 10 restaurant and an overnight stay, check-out and transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Odessa. Visit the Preobrazhensky (Transfiguration) Cathedral, the largest in Odessa, and enjoy some free time at Cathedral Square. Your journey concludes with a stroll along picturesque Prymorsky Boulevard. See a host of beautiful, 19th-century buildings, statues and monuments, and stop for photos atop the world-renowned Potemkin Steps, the best-known symbol of Odessa, before transferring to the pier and ship.

03MIDBTU-A Kiev & Chernobyl Today

Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights

Departs from: Batumi

Re-join the ship: Odessa

Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 120 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Russia, Georgia and the Ukraine. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency in Batumi is the GEL, and the local currency in Ukraine is the UAH; however, US dollars and credit cards are well-accepted by most vendors. Local ATMs are available in some locations visited (shopping stops are planned during this program).

Experience a wealth of incredibly well-preserved and beautiful monuments, fortresses, churches, and landmarks during this panoramic, four-day overland adventure to Batumi, Kiev and Odessa, along with a rare visit to Chernobyl to witness the tragedy that influenced the entire world.

DAY ONE - Sunday, September 26, 2021 - Batumi/Kiev

Disembark the ship, meet your guided and transfer to the European Square & Statue of Medea

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and depart the pier for a scenic sightseeing tour of Adjara. Situated in southwest Georgia on the Black Sea coast, it is one of the most beautiful regions in Georgia. Begin with a short transfer to the European Square, and a photo stop at the statue of Medea. Situated in the centre of the square, it symbolizes the connection between ancient Georgia and the European world.

Borigalo Ethnographic Museum, amazing woodcarvings and Georgian cultural exhibits

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Borigalo Ethnographic Museum. During your visit, marvel at the amazing works of master woodcarver Kemal Turmanidze. The museum contains several hundred examples of his work, together with exhibits of Georgian cultural heritage.

Guided walking tour of the Gonio-Apsaros Fortress

Leaving the museum, continue on for visit to the Gonio-Apsaros Fortress. The history of Batumi is well-represented by this fortress; one of the oldest in Adjara. Its history dates from the 1st century, and is closely connected to the myth of the Argonauts. Upon arrival, explore the legend of the fortress and its cultural antiquities during a guided walking tour.

About Apsaros

According to the Roman and Byzantine sources Apsaros was formed as a settlement during that period. Many historians claim that the Gonio-Apsaros Fortress was once the strategic, political, economic and cultural centre of the Eastern Roman frontier. A theatre and hippodrome functioned here from the 1st century A.D. to the 3rd century A.D. One of the Twelve Apostles of Christ, St. Mathias, is believed to be buried in this historic fortress.

Georgian lunch at a local restaurant

Following your fortress tour, proceed for a lunch at a local restaurant in Batumi. Enjoy Georgian specialities such as khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), kaimagi (cream-filled with crumbled cheese), yakhni (stewed beef in ground walnuts, onion and garlic) and sinori (traditionally made rolls filled with nadughi, a fresh Georgian cheese), try some wine and admire traditional live music.

Transfer to Batumi Airport for your scheduled flight to Kiev

After lunch, re-board your coach and transfer to Batumi Airport for your scheduled afternoon flight (Flight # PQ422), departing at approximately 2:45 p.m. and arriving in Kiev at approximately 4:15 p.m.

Transfer to the hotel for check-in and free time

Upon arrival in Kiev, meet your guide and transfer to the 5-star Fairmont Grand Hotel for check-in and some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the hotel, with the evening at leisure.

Overnight accommodations at the Fairmont Grand Hotel - Kiev

DAY TWO - Monday, September 27, 2021 - Kiev/Chernobyl/Kiev

Breakfast and a transfer to the Chernobyl area

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide, check your tour documents and depart for the transfer to the Chernobyl area

The Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, a territory which has been forbidden from free access

Upon arrival, experience a rare opportunity to see the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, a territory which has been forbidden from free access. It all occurred as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster on April 26, 1986. Although the Pripyat River, Chornobyl town, and a part of the Kyiv region were directly impacted by the disaster, it has influenced the entire world ever since.

Zalissya Village, abandoned houses and barns, Kopachi Village and the Red Forest

En route to Chernobyl, pass by the village of Zalissya with its abandoned houses and barns, and the shop and house of the only self-settler, Rozaliya Ivanivna. After a document-check at the Dityatki Checkpoint, enter the approximately 18.6-mile (about 30-kilometre) zone. Among the sites that you may see during your visit include the almost-fully-buried village of Kopachi, with a remaining kindergarten; a concrete-reloading unit, essential for the Sarcophagus erection in 1986; and the decontaminated Red Forest, site of the first, and worst, radioactive fall-out.

Pripyat, hospital, river port, cinema, Town Hall, City Executive Committee building, Polissya Hotel

Additional sites to be seen may include the town of Pripyat, populated by 50,000 people before the evacuation (exterior visit only; entrance into the buildings is prohibited for your safely); the hospital receiving the firefighters and NPP workers badly-affected by the accident; a river port with the prestigious Pripyat Café at the embankment; the Prometey Cinema; Town Hall; City Executive Committee building, a police building with a pre-trial detention centre; the first headquarters for mitigation of the accident consequences; and the Polissya Hotel, where there was an observation post for adjusting helicopter operations and the dropping of lead bags over the ruin of the 4th reactor.

Palace of Culture, Ferris wheel, Prypyat Stadium, and a swimming pool

Finally, you may also view the once-lively Palace of Culture, the main recreational site for Prypyat youth; a Ferris wheel in the amusement park that was never opened; Prypyat Stadium; and the Azure swimming pool, which was still in operation after the accident. For safety reasons, entrance inside any of the buildings is strictly prohibited.

Lunch at the Chernobyl Canteen

Following your tour, proceed for lunch at the Chernobyl Canteen.

The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (exterior view only)

After lunch, re-board your coach and head to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). Upon arrival, your guide explains the history of the fire extinguishing and evacuation of residents on the night of the disaster on April 26, 1986.

Fire station, memorial, Observation Deck, Arch, secret project, town of Chernobyl-2, giant antennas

Next, view the fire station at the NPP, a Memorial at the administrative building, Sarcophagus (Observation Deck), and New Safe Confinement (Arch), detour around the Chernobyl NPP, and enjoy an opportunity to feed the catfish (depending on the season). In addition, view the secret object of Chernobyl-2, giant antennas of the DUGA-1 Radar, and the secret town of Chernobyl-2, which provided for the operation of antennas for horizontal tracking of the launch of ballistic missiles.

Equipment and robots, Life-for-Life Memorial

Continue your inspection of the city, and the exhibition of equipment and robots that took part in the liquidation of the accident. Finally, visit the Life-for-Life Memorial, which is located in front of the administrative building where there used to be an enormous parking lot in 1986, and the monument, To Those Who Saved the World. At the conclusion of your tour, transfer back to the hotel.

A late dinner is served at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations at the Fairmont Grand Hotel - Kiev

DAY THREE - Tuesday, September 28, 2021 - Kiev

Breakfast at the hotel and a transfer to the Kiev Monastery of the Caves

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately 20-minute drive to the Kiev Pechersk Lavra (Kiev Monastery of the Caves), an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since its foundation as the cave monastery in 1051, the Lavra has been a preeminent centre of Eastern Orthodox Christianity in Eastern Europe.

View artefacts, gems, metalwork, jewellery and Scythian gold at the Golden Treasury Museum

In the Golden Treasury Museum, situated at the rear of the Upper-Lavra, view a showcase of historic items, precious stones, metalwork and jewellery; most notable is its spectacular collection of Scythian gold.

Explore the subterranean caves beneath Lower-Layra

Beneath the Lower-Lavra are hundreds narrow passages and caves where monks once lived and worshiped. Over 100 of them lie mummified in niches that line the subterranean streets. Entrance to the caves is free, but most visitors purchase a candle at the entrance for a couple of hrvnias. Women are asked to cover their heads prior to entering the caves, and photography is not permitted inside the caves.

Ukrainian lunch at the 100 Years Back in Future restaurant

Following your guided visit to the caves, proceed for a lunch consisting of modern and innovative Ukrainian cuisine at the 100 Years Back in Future restaurant.

Sophia Cathedral, an UNESCO World Heritage Site

After lunch, walk to the nearby Sophia Cathedral, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, view its amazing frescoes, mosaics, and church paintings dating from the 11th century.

Photo stop at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery & St. Andrew's Church, Desyatynna Street

Next, an exterior photo stop is made at the world-renowned St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery. From here, walk through Desyatynna Street and take in lovely exterior views of the wonderful St. Andrew's Church.

Free time and souvenir shopping at the Adreyvskiy Descent, and a transfer back to the hotel

Following your tour, drive to the Adreyvskiy Descent, where some free time is made available to browse for souvenirs for such as Matreshka dolls, works of local art, and wooden crafts. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and transfer to the hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner at the Dom 10 restaurant

This evening, meet your guide and proceed for dinner at the Dom 10 restaurant. After dinner, transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight accommodations at the Fairmont Grand Hotel - Kiev

DAY FOUR - Wednesday, September 28, 2021 - Kiev/Odessa

After breakfast and check-out, transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Odessa

After breakfast and check-out, meet your guide, receive a boxed lunch and transfer to Kyiv Airport for your scheduled morning flight (Flight # PS 57), departing at approximately 9:30 a.m. and arriving in Odessa at approximately 10:30 a.m.

Lunch at either the Kumanets or City Garden restaurants

Upon arrival in Odessa, meet your guide and proceed for lunch at either the Kumanets or City Garden restaurants.

Stop by Deribasovskaya Street, the City Garden & Preobrazhensky (Transfiguration) Cathedral

After lunch, visit Deribasovskaya Street and lovely City Garden, then transfer to the Preobrazhensky (Transfiguration) Cathedral, the largest church in Odessa. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of this recently-restored Cathedral and learn about its history.

Cathedral Square, home of the monument to Count Mikhail Vorontsov

Next, head to Cathedral Square, home of the monument to Count Mikhail Vorontsov (1781-1856). His remarkable achievements included building the first steamship to navigate the Dnieper, and establishing a steamship service for the Black Sea ports. During this time, Odessa began to develop as a major port, and gained a reputation as a home to all of Europe. The town grew and acquired its famous steps, the Richelieu Monument, palaces, roadways, and seafront. Vorontsov not only took charge of a number of projects and decisions, but pushed them through the local governing bodies. He even brought over European engineers and doctors, and personally transported a set of surgical instruments from Britain for the town hospital.

Free time at Cathedral Square to browse for souvenirs and explore your surrounds

Upon arrival at Cathedral Square, enjoy some free time to explore your surrounds and browse for souvenirs such as Matreshka dolls, works of local art, and wooden crafts.

Stroll by early-19th-century buildings, Odessa Opera House, the Promenade, park, Pushkin Statue and British Tiger Gun

Next, continue to Odessa Opera and Ballet Theatre - the oldest theatre in Odessa, Ukraine. The theatre where P.I. Tchaikovsky, N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov, S.V. Rakhmaninov condicted; where Fedor Chaliapin, Salomiya Krushelnitskaya, Leonid Sobinov sang; and Anna Pavlova and Isadora Duncan danced. Afterwards, continue your walk along Prymorsky Boulevard. Pass by early-19th century buildings, the shady Promenade and the park tumbling towards the sea. At the eastern part, in front of colonnaded Odessa City Hall, a photo stop is made near the Pushkin Statue and a British Tiger Gun, captured in 1854 during the Crimean campaign.

Walk to Prymorsky Boulevard to view the statue of Odessa's beloved first mayor

Continue walking along Prymorsky Boulevard to view the statue of Odessa's first mayor, Duke Armand Emmanuel Richelieu, clad in a Roman toga. According to legend, the Duke wanted to build a new city as beautiful as his native Paris. When Napoleon was exiled to Elba in 1814, the Duke ended his service to Odessa and returned to France. Odessites loved their first mayor. When Richelieu left Odessa on September 26, 1814, 5,000 people followed his carriage; almost the entire city saw him off. The Duke subsequently served two terms as Prime Minister of France.

Stop for photos at the top of the Potemkin Steps, the best-known symbol of Odessa

During your visit, a photo stop is made at Catherine Square and the Potemkin Steps, a giant, 193-step stairway built from 1837-1841. The best-known symbol of Odessa, the Potemkin Steps are considered a formal entrance into the city from the direction of the sea. The top step is approximately 41 feet (about 12.5 meters) wide, and the lowest step is approximately 71 feet (about 22 meters) wide. The staircase is approximately 88 feet (about 27 meters) high and extends for approximately 466 feet (about 142 meters). However, it gives an optical illusion of greater length; a person looking down the stairs sees only the landings, and the steps are invisible, but a person looking up sees only steps, and the landings are invisible.

Transfer to the pier and ship

At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the short transfer to the port of Odessa. Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking for approximately 5.6 miles (about nine kilometres), at times over uneven, cobblestone, sandy, grassy, slippery, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and board/de-board the airplanes, and many steps at the sites visited. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to airsickness, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with claustrophobia, guests with a fear of heights, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing (long-and-short-sleeved shirts, shorts and pants, with flat, non-slip, and closed-toe walking shoes and sneakers, and bring sun protection, sunglasses with a strap, insect repellent, a weatherproof jacket, raingear, umbrella, small backpack for land visits (for cameras, bottled water, etc.), camera, plastic bag to keep your camera or photographic equipment dry, medications, binoculars, and credit cards and/or local currency for purchases from the ship. Proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Women must cover their head with a scarf or a hat. The visit to Chernobyl also requires comfortable clothing that covers most of the body; open shoulders, skirts and sandals are not permitted. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Photography/videography is not permitted inside the Kiev Monastery of the Caves. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. The tour sequence, timings and itinerary may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

• Three-night stay at the Fairmont Grand Hotel - Kiev
• Scheduled flights: Batumi/Kiev and Kiev/Odessa (Economy-Class). Business-Class is available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as most aircraft do not offer business seating
• Three breakfasts, Four lunches and Three dinners, with drinks included
• Georgian lunch at the Veranda Acropolis restaurant (or similar) - Batumi
• Photo stop at the Statue of Medea - Batumi
• Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and Life-for-Life Memorial - Chernobyl
• Guided, subterranean cave tour beneath beneath Lower-Layra - Kiev
• Ukrainian lunch at the 100 Years Back in Future restaurant - Kiev
• Visit the Sophia Cathedral, an UNESCO World Heritage Site - Kiev
• Exterior photo stop at the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery - Kiev
• Dinner at the Dom 10 restaurant - Kiev
• Lunch at either the Kumanets or City Garden restaurants - Odessa
• Souvenir stop at Cathedral Square - Odessa
• Photo stop atop the Potemkin Steps - Odessa
• Photo stop near the Opera House, Pushkin Statue and a British Tiger Gun - Odessa
• All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance and other personal items.