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Golden Coast of the Black Sea
- Piraeus - Piraeus
COX1220 | September 22 - October 6, 2012 |
Popular seaside resorts, the rich heritage of the tsars, venerable religious legacies
- six countries and countless experiences enhance your time along the shores of the Black Sea.
Highlights of your cruise
• Religious site in airy heights - the Suemela Monastery
• A stroll aIong the Russian Black Sea coast in Sochi
• Yalta and its palaces - welcome on the Crimean Peninsula!
• Setting foot on the Potemkin Stairs in Odessa
• Istanbul, city of millions between east and west, Europe and Asia |
| Day |
Date |
Destination |
| Sat |
22-Sep-12
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Embarkation on the COLUMBUS 2. Piraeus (Athens), departure 21.00 hrs |
| Sun |
23-Sep-12 |
Dikili, 12.00 - 21.00 hrs |
| Mon |
24 Sep - 25 Sep-12 |
Relaxation at sea.
Passage through the Dardanelles and the Bosporus |
| Wed |
26-Sep-12 |
Trabzon, 7.00 - 18.00 hrs |
| Thurs |
27-Sep-12 |
Sochi, 7.00 - 14.00 hrs |
| Fri |
28-Sep-12 |
Yalta, 8.00 - 16.30 hrs |
| Sat |
29-Sep-12 |
Odessa, 8.00 - 23.00 hrs |
| Sun |
30-Sep-12 |
Constanta, 14.00 - 19.00 hrs |
| Mon |
1-Oct-12 |
Varna, 7.00 - 13.00 hrs |
| Tue |
2-Oct-12
|
Relaxation at sea.
Passage through the Bosporus |
| Wed |
3-Oct-12 |
Istanbul, 0.30 - 19.00 hrs |
| Thurs |
4-Oct-12 |
Relaxation at sea |
| Fri |
5-Oct-12 |
Kavala, 7.00 - 13.00 hrs |
| Sat |
6-Oct-12
|
Piraeus (Athens), arrival 7.30 hrs. Disembarkation. |
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Piraeus (Athens)/Greece
Come aboard and set course for the Black
Sea.
Dikili/Turkey
Set out on the excursion to Pergamon* - one of the most
beautiful archaeological excavation sites in Turkey awaits you with the famous Asclepeion, both
sanctuary and ancient healing centre. The overland excursion Cappadocia* takes you to the
fascinating lava landscape of the Anatolian high plateau. Here, natural erosion created bizarre ravines
and the unique "fairy chimneys" as well as tuff pyramids into which man carved caves and subterranean
cities.
Trabzon/Turkey
Re-embarkation of the guests of the overland excursion to
Cappadocia. Trabzon, the lively city on the Black Sea coast, was already founded by Alexander the Great
and is the starting point for the excursion to the Pontic Mountains with the ancient Suemela
Monastery*. The latter is situated in a spectacular location above a ravine, and you can admire its
fresco-adorned cave chapel and old monks' cells. After the Suemela Monastery, you may wish to visit the
Hagia Sophia*.
Sochi/Russia
On the excursion Sochi and Stalin's holiday home*, you can
immerse yourself in the history of the tradition-steeped spa on the Russian Black Sea coast with its
almost subtropical features. Alternatively, you may opt to enjoy the fresh scent of moss and leaves on
the hike in the Caucasian National Park*.
Yalta/Ukraine
In the 19th century, it was the "seaside resort of the upper class",
and cosmopolitan Yalta with its waterside promenade continues to attract many visitors to the present
day. Here on the Crimean Peninsula, history was made - en route to the palaces of the Romanovs*,
you can set foot in the White Hall of the summer palace Livadia, where the Yalta Conference was held.
The landscape tour along the southern coast of Crimea* reveals marvellous views of the
mountains, the Crimean Riviera and the fairytale-like "Swallow's Nest", which is regarded as the
landmark of the region.
Odessa/Ukraine
Catherine the Great commissioned its foundation in 1794, Alexander
Puschkin praised it for its liberty - discover Odessa's multifaceted character. The city's former
governor, the Duke of Richelieu, reacted to the colourful mixture of the most diverse peoples and
religions by building an opera. You can admire the magnificent building that succeeded it on the
excursion city and Uspensky Monastery*. The catacombs of Odessa*, an approx. 1,000 km
long labyrinth of tunnels underneath the city, were also established by order of the Duc de
Richelieu.
Constanta/Romania
Today, you can immerse yourself in Romanian culture*. In
the historic district of Constanta, you may wish to visit the Roman mosaic, which was only excavated in
the middle of the 20th century.
Varna/Bulgaria
Architectural treasures and beaches that are several kilometres long
account for the appeal of Varna. On ancient trails all around Varna*, you will discover a stone
forest and the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin, one of the most impressive churches in Bulgaria.
Istanbul/Turkey
Late at night, the COLUMBUS 2 arrives in the Turkish metropolis.
The following morning, you will get to know the former Constantinople with the Blue Mosque and the
Hagia Sophia on the city tour*. Or perhaps you are in the mood for a boat trip on the
Bosporus*? Pulsating Istanbul from a bird's eye view - your unique experience on the helicopter
flight* over the city.
Kavala/Greece
A Byzantine-Turkish castle towers over one of the most beautiful
cities in Greece. On the excursion Philippi and Kavala*, you will see the impressive excavation
site of Philippi with the forum, the theatre and the acropolis as well as the church where Lydia was
baptised. The hike along the Nestos gorge* takes you through a picturesque nature reserve which
is home to numerous bird species.
Piraeus (Athens)/Greece
Back in the Greek metropolis, you will embark on your
return journey.
*These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The shore activities listed here are in the
planning stage and are subject to changes.
**Due to the flight schedule, the transfer will take you directly from the airport to the ship or from
the ship to the airport. In the case of an early arrival or a late departure, the transfer initially
takes you to a lounge with a subsequent transfer to the ship or the airport
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The COLUMBUS 2 all-inclusive package is offered at a surcharge to complement the
advertised cruise and can only be booked prior to the beginning of the cruise. The package price
includes a credit for the shore excursions of your choice, beverages with the meals and free
selection from 81 beverages on the bar menu of the COLUMBUS 2. The mini bar as well as a selection
of other beverages, for example champagne, are not included in the COLUMBUS 2 all-inclusive
package. The credit for your shore excursions worth € 60 will automatically be credited to your
on-board account.
¹ You pay only the guaranteed price for double occupancy shown here. Accommodation will be provided in
an inside cabin of Category 1 or an outside cabin of Category 3 to 4, subject to availability. If you
book a combination of several cruises in a guaranteed two-berth cabin, we cannot promise that you will
be allocated the same cabin throughout your whole stay. You will receive your cabin number with your
final travel documents (limited allotment).
³ US Dollar rates as of January 4,2012. Fares are based on the current Euro to
Dollar exchange rate and are subject to change.
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Each month our cruise experts select great itineraries that will be sailing within the next
6-8 months.
Check back next month to see what itineraries have been added to our 'top picks' list.
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