River-cruising enthusiasts will be delighted by our cruise through Ukraine, a country of fascinating contrast. We'll explore the Western-style elegance of Kiev, with it's sophisticated and stylish culture, the historic resort of Yalta and the important port city of Odessa, as well as picturesque villages set amid silver birches and rolling countryside, farms, fields and gardens that are lush with forest and cultivated crops and lovely towns that seem unchanged over the centuries. Travel the Dnieper River between the Black Sea and Kiev aboard our river cruiser.
Visit the land of Hospitality, the Kavkaz (Caucasus), as we make our way from Baku, Azerbaijan to Tbilisi, Georgia and Yerevan, Armenia; through rolling hills and lush valleys; past mountain lakes and ancient churches. Visit a winery, take in breathtaking views of valleys and mountains, explore ancient ruins and learn the guest is God in the Kavkaz.
Your Itinerary
Ukraine
Day 1: Arrive Odessa – Ukraine
After our arrival to Odessa’s International Airport, we go to the Port for direct embarkation of ‘General Vatutin’ Cruise ship, which will be our ‘home’ for the next 10 days. The rest of the day is free for acclimatization and relaxation. Overnight: ‘General Vatutin’ (10 nights) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 2: Odessa
After a good rest and a refreshing breakfast we start our sightseeing of Odessa. Among the great cities of the world, Odessa can claim certain distinctions. One of the major cities of contemporary Europe, Odessa, officially founded in 1794, is among the youngest ones. No other European city can match such growth rate in the 19th century.
It also developed in an area of the continent that has an ancient tradition of trade and a long, though discontinuous, history of urban settlement. Our visit will include masterpieces of architecture, such as the famous Opera and Ballet Theater, designed by Viennese architects, the Potemkin Stairway, the Primorskiy Boulevard and the One-wall building.
We will enjoy the view of Sea Port Terminal from the top of Potemkin Stairway, see the Monument of Duke de Richelieu - the founder of Odessa, and of course, will learn about the history, stories, and legends of Odessa. In the evening, as an optional program, we can attend a classical music performance. We will return for dinner and overnight to our ship. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3: Odessa / Sevastopol (cruise)
After breakfast we visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Odessa, where remarkable pieces of art are exhibited. When we return to the ship, the real cruise starts, as we leave Odessa for Sevastopol. We will arrive here on the following morning. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4: Sevastopol
We arrive in the morning (around 8 am) to Sevastopol, where we’ll start our visit and city tour shortly after breakfast. The large harbor town of Sevastopol it is built near the ancient Greek settlement of Hersones. Sevastopol is full of Russian navy officers and contains countless war monuments.
It's a great place to get a taste of Russian culture in Ukraine and at the same time enjoy the many beaches and historical monuments. We start our sightseeing tour around the city center, with the Count Landing-Stage, the Monument to the Scuttled Ships, visit the Chersonesus - the ruins of the antique city, a place where prince Vladimir of Kiev was believed to be baptized, the St Vladimir Cathedral in Chersonesus, laid in the presence of the Russian czar Alexander II.
An optional tour to Bakhchisarai, the former capital of the Crimean Khanate, will be available for those willing to visit. In the evening we’ll enjoy the performance of the ‘Black Sea Fleet Ensemble’.(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5: Sevastopol / Yalta / Sevastopol (drive)
A full-day excursion ahead of us, as we drive to the well-known Black Sea / Crimea settlement of Yalta. Yalta is considered to be the center of Crimea and most local and foreigner tourists head here first. There are nice beaches in Yalta as well as many places of interest, restaurants, shops and entertainment centers.
The place is also known for the 1945 Yalta conference, sometimes also called Crimean conference, attended by President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchill and Generalissimo Stalin. We return to Sevastopol in time to embark our ship (around 5 pm) to leave for Kherson. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6: Kherson
We arrive in Kherson around 2 pm and we proceed for a small-boat cruise into the Dnieper Delta. Kherson commands a panoramic view of the Black Sea beyond the Dnieper Delta. We cruise into the heart of the delta, a watery wilderness renowned for its bird life.
Call at a traditional fishing town where life is still guided by the rhythms of nature. After we return to the Cruise ship, we’ll leave again for Zaporizhya. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7: Zaporizhya
In the morning we take a city tour of Zaporizhya and visit the Museum of Cossack Glory, where one can view Cossack weaponry, clothing, and art. Then witness feats of Cossack horsemanship and enjoy lively performances of Ukrainian folk music and dance. It is often we can hear a word "Cossack" in Ukraine.
This word has existed since the 14 Century and means a free, and independent person. Peasant serfs, who escaped from advocates of serfdom, have survived in a "free place" on the Dnieper River on Hortiza Island and had founded their own state. Cossacks had their own laws and traditions; they hated wealth, conducted a moderate way of living and most of all have rated weapons and good horses.
In the Museum of Cossacks History we can learn about Cossacks' life. During the Cossack Horse show on the Hortiza Island we could see some traditional Cossack games and get to know how they’ve spent their time between battles: riding the horses, playing with a whip, dancing and singing. Once back, we’ll sail away again, this time all the way up to Kiev. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 8: Sailing upstream the Dnieper River
Day 9: Arriving Kiev
Around 11 am we arrive to Kiev and a bit later we start our city tour. Walk down Andriyivsky Uzviz, a colorful street where local craftsmen display their wares. View the Golden Gate, once the ceremonial entrance to the city, and the glass-domed, Neoclassical Parliament. Later we admire original frescoes, well-preserved Byzantine mosaics, and the sarcophagus of the National hero Prince Yaroslav the Wise at the Cathedral of St. Sophia.
The Cathedral it is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 11th Century and modeled on Constantinople’s Hagia Sophia. Also visit the 18th Century St. Andrew’s Church, a baroque jewel that crowns the historic district’s Upper Town. This evening, attend a private reception and a performance by the Ukrainian National Choir. Overnight: Luangsay Lodge (1 night) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Kiev / Baku – Azerbaijan (flight)
Today, after breakfast, we’ll have an optional tour to the Open Air Museum, before leaving to the airport, in time to connect with our flight to Baku, the Capital of Azerbaijan. Once there, well meet our guide and driver and have transferred to our Hotel. The rest of the day is free. Overnight: Hotel Irshad, Baku (2 nights) (Breakfast)
Azerbaijan
Day 11: Baku
The city it is situated at the southwestern part of the Absheron Peninsula. Its main houses and administrative buildings are dispersed in Amphitheatre manner, along the picturesque bay of the Caspian Sea. Scientists date the first settlements back to the 2nd Millennium B.C. First mentioning about Baku as a city was found in Arab manuscripts of the 8th Century A.C.
We start our full day city tour of Baku with the “Icheri Sheher”, the old town, and visit here the Shemakha Gate, the Maiden Tower and the Shirvanshah's Palace. The Walled City of Baku, with these architectural monuments it is included in the World's Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. In the afternoon we take a short cruise on the Caspian Sea and when we return, also visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 12: Baku / Shemakha / Sheki (drive)
After breakfast we drive to the township of Sheki, located in the northwest of Azerbaijan. En route we’ll have several stops, including visits to the Diri Baba Mausoleum in Maraza and the Seven Tombs in Shemakha. Our Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Shemakha. From here we continue drive and arrive in Sheki late in the afternoon.
Here we visit the History Museum, the Sheky Khan’s Palace and a local handicrafts workshop for the Shebeke icons. The famous local sweet shop is next, before reaching our hotel. Overnight: Caravansary Hotel, Sheki (1 night) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Georgia
Day 13: Sheki / Lagodekhi / Tbilisi (drive)
We leave early in the morning Sheki and drive to the border of Azerbaijan with Georgia. We cross the border, meet with our Georgian guide and change the vehicles and ready to start our Cultural tour of Georgia. Kakheti, Georgia’s famous wine district lies due east from Tbilisi in a land dotted with fine old churches and vineyard after vineyard.
En route we will visit the Gremi architectural Complex (16th C), the township of Telavi, where we’ll taste some of the best Georgian wines, as well visit the Palace of Irakli II, the last King of Georgia. Arrive in Tbilisi in the late evening hours. Overnight: Hotel Ambasadori, Tbilisi (3 nights) (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 14: Tbilisi
Tbilisi, the Capital of Georgia (since the 5th Century), has a long and fascinating history. Founded by King Vakhtang Gorgasali on the site of its warm mineral-water springs – it developed into a main city of the Caucasus. By the 12th Century Tbilisi became one of the most important political, economic and cultural centre in the Middle East.
It has stood as a key stop on the famous Silk Road - right on the border between Europe and Asia. Tbilisi’s Old Town, the most ancient part of the city, is renowned for its wonderful mix of cultures. The mosque, the synagogue, the Armenian and Roman Catholic Churches mingle harmoniously with the splendid Georgian churches and architecture.
The wooden houses with open, carved balconies seem to welcome every visitor. The balmy sulfur baths have hosted poets, writers, Musicians, Kings down through the Centuries.
The multi-ethnic markets with large variety of produce and languages, gives the city an eastern, cosmopolitan feel. Looking down the city are the Mount Mtatsminda (the Holy Mountain) and the 4th Century Narikala Fortress, both excellent spots for panoramic views over the swirling River Mtkvari (Kura) and the City.
Our full-day city tour of Tbilisi starts with a visit to the Old Town and see the Metekhi Temple (12th C), followed by the Abanotubani and the Narikala Fortress, the main fortress of Tbilisi.
We’ll be walking through narrow streets, where the carpet and souvenir shops are situated, visit the Sioni Cathedral (11th C) Anchiskhati Church (6th C) and the Georgian National Museum (or Georgian Arts Museum). By the end of the day we walk along Rustaveli Avenue, the main street of Tbilisi. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 15: Tbilisi / Mtskheta / Gori / Uplistsikhe / Ateni Church / Tbilisi (drive)
We start our full day excursion by driving to Mtskheta. Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, is situated 20 km from Tbilisi. Scientists date the town back to the 2nd Millennium B.C. Mtskheta was the capital of the Georgian Kingdom of Iberia during 500 BC – 500 AD.
Here Georgians accepted Christianity in the beginning of 4th Century. The town and its architectural monuments are included in the World's Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Here we will first visit the Jvari Monastery (6th C.) and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th C.). From here, we continue driving to Gori, another historical town. Today the town is mainly known for its huge Fortress and as the birthplace of J. V. Stalin.
We drive thru the city to the Uplistsikhe Cave Town – Great Art in Stone, dated to 7th C. BC. Here we find a big hall for pagan rituals and some living rooms, as well as a church of the 9th Century. From Uplistsikhe we visit Ateni Church (7th C.), known for its unique frescos, before we return to our hotel in Tbilisi. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Armenia
Day 16: Tbilisi / Haghpat - Armenia / Yerevan (drive)
In the morning we drive to the border with Armenia, where we meet our Armenian guide and driver. After we change vehicles we start our tour in Armenia. First to visit is the Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO cultural heritage site, founded in the 10th C. the Monastery is located close to the border, in the village of the same name.
Standing on a high plateau, amidst low structures, it rises sharp against the background of steep forest-grown slopes. The ensemble it is complemented by small churches built near it. From here we proceed to the Sevan Lake, the highest mountainous lake in the Caucasus, at 2000 m above sea level.
En route we’ll be also visiting the churches on the St. Astvatsatsin and St. Arakelots Peninsula, before arriving in Yerevan. Overnight: Hotel Metropol, Yerevan (3 nights) (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 17: Yerevan & Echmidazin
Yerevan once sat at the crossroads of several important trade & caravan routes, thus solidifying its importance in the region. Modern Yerevan was redesigned in the early part of the 20th Century on top of the old city, creating a series of parks and squares that run through the city centre.
The sightseeing will start with the visit to the Matenadaran Museum, which houses a unique collection of ancient manuscripts covering such lofty topics as philosophy, law, mathematics, medicine and geography. Later visit the Genocide Memorial and the Museum, as well Echmiadzin, the spiritual capital of Armenia, (UNESCO cultural heritage site).
Located at 30 min drive outside the city, it is considered one of the holiest cities in Armenia. This former capital is now home to the Supreme Catholic’s of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox faith. The main Cathedral it was founded by St. Gregory in 303 B.C and sits on a former pagan shrine. On our way back to Yerevan we stop by the ruins of the Zvartnots Temple. (Breakfast)
Day 18: Yerevan / Khor Virap / Garni and Geghard / Yerevan (drive)
A short drive from Yerevan will take us to Khor Virap Monastery, once a famous pilgrimage site, from where we may witness the stunning views of Mount Ararat and then visit the Garni Temple, site of the Roman Temple of the Sun, built in the 1st Century.
Soon after Armenia adopted Christianity, the temple became the summer residence of Armenian royalty. Next stop is Geghard Cave Monastery. The name ‘Geghard’ derives from the relics of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the spear that one of the Roman guards had used to pierce the rib of crucified Christ. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 19: Yerevan / Departure
Early in the morning we are transferred to the airport in Yerevan, for our flight back to Europe and Home. After an exceptional journey, which has taken us from the Black to the Caspian Seas, crossing over the legendary lands of the Caucasus, we return home with unforgettable memories. (Breakfast)
Price includes:
- Accommodation as mentioned or similar (all superior category!)
- Meals as mentioned (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- All sightseeing and transfers by private car, minivan or bus
- Road taxes, parking fees, driver’s overnight wages
- 10-day package aboard ‘General Vatutin’ Cruise Ship
- Regional flight tickets (Kiev to Baku)
- Services of local English-speaking guides and drivers
- Entrance fees to museums, parks and sites mentioned in the itinerary
- Wine tasting at the winery in Telavi Town
- Necessary visa support (i.e. letter of invitation for Ukraine)
Price does not include:
- International airfares and airport taxes (departure tax - about US$20 - at Yerevan airport)
- All optional programs marked as ‘optional’ in the itinerary
- All kind of Insurance
- Visa fees for Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Armenia. Note: The citizens of Canada and the USA do not need visa for entry in Georgia.
- Personal expenses / Beverages / Tips / Bills
- Entrance fee to Stalin Museum if required
- Services not mentioned above
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
USD: 5,435.00 / CAD: 5,700.00 - per person in double occupancy.
Single supplement is USD: 710.00 / CAD: 745.00
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Ukraine
Azerbaijan
Georgia
Cultural Journey
Boating and Sailing
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