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Request further details or information.TREASURES OF THE BLACK SEA
Just what is it about the Black Sea region and in particular the Crimea that intrigues travellers so much? This relatively small peninsula of land that juts out into the Black Sea provokes great interest well beyond that which might be expected. True, the Crimean War put it on the international map, but ever since then it has punched above its weight. The building of aristocratic palaces and the famous Yalta Conference of 1945, its attraction to higher echelons of Soviet leaders. So for 150 years or so the Crimea has popped in and out of the news, but anyone interested in the area also appreciates the fascinating ancient history of the region. The Crimean Peninsula with its prominent geographical position has been an intersection of influences between east and west. Early Greek colonies, Constantinople and the movements along the great Danubian route, combined with influences from the Caucasus and Central Asia with the arrival of the Khazars in the 8th and 9th centuries, have made Crimea what it is today.
The Black Sea itself has seen settlements on its shores for nearly 3000 years. It is an area that has witnessed many empires and more than its fair share of wars and invasions, from the time of Herodotus to the fall of the Soviet Empire. Scythians, Greeks, Persians, Romans, Goths, Huns, Vizigoths, Arabs, Khazars, Vikings, Poles, Seljuk Turks, Crusaders, Venetians, Mongols, Tartars, Genoese, Russians, Cossacks and the wars of the 19th and 20th centuries, have all greatly influenced the surrounding lands making the Black Sea one of the most fascinating and historically rich regions in the world.
We are indeed fortunate in having the 44-passenger MV Harmony to explore this fascinating region. Such a journey as this would be totally impractical by any means other than a cruise. In just ten days we will have seen and learnt so much. 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.
Guest speaker Major General Stephen Carr-Smith served throughout much of the Cold War in Europe (10 years) and then with NATO (6 years) before, during and after it was adjusting to its new role with the demise of the Warsaw Pact and the USSR. On leaving the Army, he worked for a company providing security and mine clearance services in remote and hostile countries; was the Senior Military Advisor to an operational analysis company owned by British Aerospace; and was the Chairman of a company developing opportunities to marry up Russian technology with western finance and production.
The Black Sea itself has seen settlements on its shores for nearly 3000 years. It is an area that has witnessed many empires and more than its fair share of wars and invasions, from the time of Herodotus to the fall of the Soviet Empire. Scythians, Greeks, Persians, Romans, Goths, Huns, Vizigoths, Arabs, Khazars, Vikings, Poles, Seljuk Turks, Crusaders, Venetians, Mongols, Tartars, Genoese, Russians, Cossacks and the wars of the 19th and 20th centuries, have all greatly influenced the surrounding lands making the Black Sea one of the most fascinating and historically rich regions in the world.
We are indeed fortunate in having the 44-passenger MV Harmony to explore this fascinating region. Such a journey as this would be totally impractical by any means other than a cruise. In just ten days we will have seen and learnt so much. 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.
Guest speaker Major General Stephen Carr-Smith served throughout much of the Cold War in Europe (10 years) and then with NATO (6 years) before, during and after it was adjusting to its new role with the demise of the Warsaw Pact and the USSR. On leaving the Army, he worked for a company providing security and mine clearance services in remote and hostile countries; was the Senior Military Advisor to an operational analysis company owned by British Aerospace; and was the Chairman of a company developing opportunities to marry up Russian technology with western finance and production.
Departures
TREASURES OF THE BLACK SEA
10 October, 2012 to 19 October, 2012
10 October, 2012 to 19 October, 2012
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Category C
£3995.00 GBP pp
Lower Deck- 1 Double or 2 Lower Beds
The Category C cabins are located on the lower deck. Each cabin has two large portholes with twin or Queen Size beds, colour television, video player, music channels, mini bar/ refrigerator direct dial telephone, safe deposit boxes, hair dryer & en suite bathroom with shower.
The Category C cabins are located on the lower deck. Each cabin has two large portholes with twin or Queen Size beds, colour television, video player, music channels, mini bar/ refrigerator direct dial telephone, safe deposit boxes, hair dryer & en suite bathroom with shower.
Category B
£4295.00 GBP pp
Main Deck - 2 Lower Beds Forward/Aft
The Category B cabins are located on the main deck. Each cabin has a large window providing for the most beautiful views of all destinations the ship cruises to with twin size beds, colour television, video player, music channels, mini bar/ refrigerator direct dial telephone, safe deposit boxes, hair dryer & en suite bathroom with shower.
The Category B cabins are located on the main deck. Each cabin has a large window providing for the most beautiful views of all destinations the ship cruises to with twin size beds, colour television, video player, music channels, mini bar/ refrigerator direct dial telephone, safe deposit boxes, hair dryer & en suite bathroom with shower.
Category A
£4495.00 GBP pp
Main Deck - 2 Lower Beds
The Category A cabins are located on the main deck. Each cabin has a large window providing for the most beautiful views of all destinations the ship cruises to with twin size beds, colour television, video player, music channels, mini bar/ refrigerator direct dial telephone, safe deposit boxes, hair dryer & en suite bathroom with shower.
The Category A cabins are located on the main deck. Each cabin has a large window providing for the most beautiful views of all destinations the ship cruises to with twin size beds, colour television, video player, music channels, mini bar/ refrigerator direct dial telephone, safe deposit boxes, hair dryer & en suite bathroom with shower.
Category C Sgl
£4995.00 GBP pp
Lower Deck- for sole occupancy
The Category C cabins are located on the lower deck. Each cabin has two large portholes with twin or Queen Size beds, colour television, video player, music channels, mini bar/ refrigerator direct dial telephone, safe deposit boxes, hair dryer & en suite bathroom with shower.
The Category C cabins are located on the lower deck. Each cabin has two large portholes with twin or Queen Size beds, colour television, video player, music channels, mini bar/ refrigerator direct dial telephone, safe deposit boxes, hair dryer & en suite bathroom with shower.
Category P
£4995.00 GBP pp
Upper Deck - 1 Queen Size Beds
The Category P suites are located on the upper deck. Each cabin has a large window providing for the most beautiful views of all destinations the ship cruises to with Queen size beds, colour television, video player, music channels, mini bar/ refrigerator direct dial telephone, safe deposit boxes, hair dryer & en suite bathroom with Jacuzzi Bathtubs.
The Category P suites are located on the upper deck. Each cabin has a large window providing for the most beautiful views of all destinations the ship cruises to with Queen size beds, colour television, video player, music channels, mini bar/ refrigerator direct dial telephone, safe deposit boxes, hair dryer & en suite bathroom with Jacuzzi Bathtubs.
TREASURES OF THE BLACK SEA itinerary:
Day 1 - LONDON HEATHROW TO YALTA, UKRAINE
Fly by scheduled flight. Transfer to the MV Harmony and embark.
Day 2 - YALTA, UKRAINE.
Join the morning city tour which begins with a visit to the Chekov House Museum followed by a tour of the Lividia Palace, an Italian Renaissance style villa built in 1911 as a summer residence for Tsar Nicholas II. It was here that Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt held their Yalta Conference in 1945. Afternoon free.
Day 3 - KERCH, UKRAINE.
This morning we arrive at Kerch, one of Ukraine’s oldest cities, this will be a highlight of our cruise. Our local guides will accompany us ashore through the historic city of Panticapaeum, a principle Greek polis and port in Taurica. It is situated on a hill often referred to as Mount Mithridates on the western side of the Cimmerian Bosporus, founded by Milesians in the late 7th to early 6th century BC. The view from the summit is truly amazing. Our tour will also include Scythian burial mounds, some over 50m high from which much has been learnt about Scythian life and art. We continue on to the Kerch Museum of Antiquities and Church of St John the Baptist, Ukraine’s oldest surviving church dating back to 717 AD.
Day 4 - SEVASTOPOL, UKRAINE.
This morning we will start at the Panorama Museum where the siege of the city in the Crimean War comes vividly to life in the painted murals which line the walls of the circular building. Later, drive out of the city to the ‘Valley of Death’, the site of the ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’. From Lord Raglan’s viewpoint the whole of the north valley can be seen and the events of the 25th October 1854 explained. This afternoon enjoy free time or there will be an optional excursion to Chersonesus, a Greek colony founded in 433 B.C.
Day 5 - YEVPATORIYA, UKRAINE.
This morning we arrive in Yevpatoriya, one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient towns. On a short drive through the town we see the Drama Theatre, the main square with an eternal flame, the monument to Tokarev, a local hero aviator of WW II. We continue to the actual sight of the Battle of Eupatoria, the most significant military engagement of the Crimean War in 1855, just outside Sevastopol. We will also have a guided visit of the 475 year old Khan Mosque which will include a private lecture by the local Imam. We continue to St Nicholas the Miracle Worker Cathedral and the renovated Karaim Kenassa.
Day 6 - ODESSA, UKRAINE.
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 Promenade and the acoustically perfect Opera House. Afternoon free.
Day 7 - CONSTANTA, ROMANIA.
After a morning at sea we arrive in Constanta, known as Tomis to the Greeks but named Constanta by the Romans. Our tour will include the excellent Archaeological Museum. Be sure to visit the Treasury and see the gigantic 3rd century Roman Mosaic. Later, stretch your legs with a walk along the Black Sea waterfront promenade.
Day 8 - NESSEBAR, BULGARIA.
Arrive in the ancient town of Nessebar, a delightful place to spend the day. A guided tour 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 9 - ISTANBUL.
Enjoy a morning of exploration on a guided excursion. See the Blue Mosque, stroll through the labyrinth of shops and markets in the Grand Bazaar and visit Hagia Sofia, the magnificent basilica built by the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. This afternoon is free to return to the city and explore independently, maybe visit the spice market or Topkapi Palace
Day 10 - ISTANBUL TO LONDON.
Disembark after breakfast and return to London by scheduled flight.
Harmony G
The Harmony "G" is a modern vessel with a sleek high-tech look very similar to the private yachts to be found in the famous ports of the world. The 53 meter long / 7.2 meter wide Mega Yacht Harmony G was launched in January 2001 and renovated in 2009-10. It complies with the most stringent SOLAS safety regulations ,while its powerful engines and state of the art stabilizers allow for safe and comfortable cruising.
Life on board centers around the Indoor / Outdoor lounge and its American bar, on Upper Deck. The classy dining room located on Main Deck is surrounded by large windows. The spacious Sun deck is the ideal place to bask under the sun, read a good book or just gaze at the scenery. The swimming platform on Harmony G stern enables you to swim when weather and anchorage conditions permit.
