Wilderness Travel 2021 Cultural Cruises Brochure

Circumnavigation of the Black Sea ABOARD LE BOUGAINVILLE The fascinating countries ringing the legendary Black Sea—Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria—are an ancient crossroads of history, filled with the eloquent reminders of vanished civilizations, vibrant contemporary cultures, and a wealth of beautiful landscapes. Accompanied by an expert team of archaeologists and historians, you’ll explore these fabled lands of minarets and monasteries as you circumnavigate the coast from Istanbul to Odessa, with its spectacular 18th- and 19th-century architecture, to Romania’s stunning Danube Delta, one of Europe’s largest wetland reserves. DAYS 1-6 ISTANBUL, TURKEY, TO GEORGIA Explore Istanbul’s famed sites, then cruise up the Bosphorus toward the Black Sea. Discover well-preserved Ottoman architecture in both Safranbolu, a World Heritage Site, and Amasya, then head to 13th and 14th century Sumela Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff face near Trabzon. In Georgia, visit the 1st century Gonio Fortress, and enjoy a lively performance of traditional dances. DAYS 7-13 SOCHI, RUSSIA, TO ISTANBUL Visit the seaside resort of Sochi on the Russian Riviera and tour Stalin’s dacha. On the peaceful Danube, a local boat brings you into a vast wetland Biosphere Reserve, habitat for over 200 species of birds, from white-tailed eagles to Dalmatian pelicans. Explore the fascinating seaside ruins of Histria, a trading center founded in the 5th century BCE, and Constanta, with its large, preserved Roman floor mosaic. Visit the 2nd century Roman baths in Varna and disembark in Istanbul on Day 13.

UKRAINE

ROMANIA

Odessa

RUSSIA

Danube River Delta Histria

CRIMEA

Sochi

Constanea

Varna

BLACK SEA

Batumi GEORGIA

BULGARIA

Bartin

Samsun

Trabzon Sumela

Istanbul

Amasya Safranbolu

250 mi

TURKEY

250 km

DATE Jul 19-31, 2021

TRIP COST From $12,990

Price is per person and depends on cabin type

16

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES, CALL, EMAIL, OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE