Ukraine and Black Sea Adventure (August 27 – September 07, 2007)

Kaleidoscope Tours is proud to present a fully escorted cruise on the third largest river in Europe, the Dnieper River.

ITINERARY
dnieper princess
Day 1 – Monday, August 27, 2007
Home town – Odessa

Today we will fly from our home towns—to begin an amazing adventure in an amazing country as we embark the Dnieper Princess. Tonight we will enjoy a Captain’s Cocktail Party.

Day 2 – Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Odessa

Odessa is a very important port city in Ukraine, situated on the Black Sea; Odessa was founded by Katherine the Great in the 18th century as a fortress on the southern borders of the Russian Empire. During the city tour we will see beautiful constructions in classical style and the famous symbol of Odessa – Potemkin’s Stairs – which lead down to Odessa’s harbor and the Black Sea. We will also have an opportunity to discover Odessa, to walk along Deribasovskaya Street, and to visit different museums or the beautiful Opera Theatre, one of the best in the world.
Tonight we will cross the Black Sea, as we sail to another beautiful destination.

Day 3 – Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Sevastopol

Sevastopol is the largest non-freezing commercial and fishing Black Sea port of Ukraine and one of the major industrial, scientific, and cultural centers of the country and Eastern Europe in general. Located on the site of the ancient Greek colony, Khersonesus, the city itself and the Black Sea Fleet, based in Sevastopol, have occupied a prominent place in Russian and Soviet history. The whole city is a museum, with over 1,800 monuments and memorials. Among them are Russian, Ukrainian, Armenian, British, French, Georgian, German, Greek, Italian, Jewish, and other historic sites such as the world-famous Khersonesus. We will be given the opportunity to visit the Crimean War Diorama, an incredible achievement, and learn of the history of the Siege of Sevastopol, and see the Balaclava Valley, where the British lost 600 men at the Charge of the Light Brigade. Today we will enjoy a city tour and tonight, an optional tour to experience the world famous Black Sea Fleet Ensemble will be offered.

yalta black sea bigDay 4 – Thursday, August 30, 2007
Sevastopol – Yalta – Alupka

Today we may visit Yalta and Alupka. During this optional tour we will visit the Livadia Palace. The summer home of the last of the Russian Tsars, Nikolai II, and in 1945, home to the Yalta Conference, where Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin met to re-draw the map of Europe at the end of the war. The Livadia Palace breathes the history of the last 150 years. The palace buildings and extensive gardens overlooking the sea and the bay of Yalta reflect the influence of the original architect, Ippolito Antonovich Monighetti, who was sent from Moscow to Livadia after the estate was bought for Tsar Alexander II in 1861.

Day 5 – Friday, August 31, 2007
Sevastopol – Bakchisarai

Another very interesting tour will be offered today. Bakchisarai is the former capital of the Crimean Tatars and is situated 75 km from Sevastopol. On the way to Bakhchisarai we will see the Northern part of the Crimea with the landscapes of gardens, roses and lavender plantations. In one hour we will suddenly find ourselves in the East. The architecture of the former residence of Khan Girey is the mixture of different styles from Russia, Italy, Ukraine and Turkey. Alexander Pushkin was impressed by the legends and Fountain of Tears in Bakhchisarai and wrote a beautiful poem “Bakhchisarai Legend” inspired by the romance of this amazing place.

image2Day 6 – Saturday, September 1, 2007
Kherson

Kherson stands high above the Dnieper Delta, offering commanding view out to the Black Sea. The present-day Black Sea Fleet can trace its origin to the first shipyard in Kherson. The city and its surroundings are situated in the famous Tavria Region with its wide steps, gardens, vineyards and cornfields. From Kherson you will be taken to the beautiful delta of the Dnieper River, stopping off en-route at a traditional fishing village, here we will have an opportunity to buy handmade crafts and gifts offered by the locals.

Day 7 – Sunday, September 2, 2007
Zaporizhia

The land of Cossacks: In the 16th century they had built a fortress on the Khortitsa Island and lived there according to their own laws. We will learn of there lifestyle and history when we visit the Cossack Glory Museum. During the city tour you will also learn about this modern industrial city on the Dnieper River. Founded in 1770 it has more that 800 thousand inhabitants, working mostly in energy, iron and the automobile industries. The immense dam of the Dniprogess hydro-electric power station (built in 1932) divided the city in two halves. A magnificent view of the dam and 2 locks is commanded from the Cossack Glory Museum. We will also be offered an optional tour to the Cossack Village to see the Cossack Horse Show.

Day 8, Monday, September 3, 2007
Kremenchuk

Today we will see the railway bridge lifted so that ships can dock in the provincial town of Kremenchuk. This small industrial town in Poltava region was founded 400 years ago. During World War II it was totally destroyed. On the walking tour you will see a friendly and hospitable town with a lot of parks. On board we can taste the wine of the Ukraine and learn of the culture, as we celebrate Ukrainian National Day.

Day 9, Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Kaniv

A special day for those with Ukrainian ethnic background, as we will visit the Grave of Taras Shevchenko. The greatest Ukrainian poet, and the symbol of Ukrainian National Liberation, we will also visit his memorial museum. There will also be an optional tour to a Ukrainian farm.

kiev2Day 10 – Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Kiev

Today we will arrive in Kyiv (Kiev). We will enjoy a city tour of this Ukrainian capital, a city with more than 1 500 years of history. Charming and with splendid architecture of ancient golden domed cathedrals, numerous parks on both sides of the mighty Dnieper River, Kiev is a delight. During the city tour you will have the chance to visit the famous Andrijiv Descent (St. Andrew Descent) where numerous artists and craftsmen offer their works. We will see the Golden Gate, the remains of a huge wall that was erected in the 10th century to protect the city; and the Parliament building that is situated in a beautiful park. The Dnieper River (the 3rd largest in Europe), crosses the city in the North-South direction; the old town is situated on the high right bank, while the new districts occupy the left bank. The old Kyiv is known as the “mother of Russ cities”, and has a number of ancient monuments that shows the art of the old builders and the culture of Ukrainian people. Although Kyiv has changed its face for a modern one, the ancient monuments and the mighty Dnieper are the pearls of the city.

Day 11 – Thursday, September 6, 2007
Kiev

Near the Upper Town and Podil (where the ships are docked) is Petchersk, one of the oldest districts of the city. The name is closely tied with the Cave Monastery (“peschery” are caves), the most significant Monastery of the old Kyiv Russ. An optional tour of this beautiful area and the magnificent St. Sophia’s Cathedral, as well as a tour to an Open Air Museum, which depicts life in the Ukraine throughout history, will be offered. And tonight, what will be one of the many highlights of our tour, a concert of the world renowned Ukrainian Men’s Choir, will also be offered.

Day 12 – Friday, September 7, 2006

Today we will disembark the Dnieper Princess and journey home to our home cities—having seen wonderful sights—experienced wonderful moments and no doubt shared them with some new and wonderful friends.

FEATURES OF THIS TOUR

RATES PER PERSON
(CANADIAN DOLLARS)

Two per room (Main Deck): $1,395.00 per person
Two per room (Upper Deck): $1,495.00 per person
Two per room (Semi-suite): $1,995.00 per person
One per room (Single): $1,995.00 per person

The rates quoted are in Canadian currency and are those in effect at the time of printing – should the tariff or exchange rates vary at any time prior to date of your deposit we reserve the right to change the stated rates without notice.

RESERVATIONS