KIEV - ISTANBUL CRUISE ITINERARIES 15 DAYS / 14 NIGHTS

DAY 1- KIEV
Kiev, Ukraine. Arrival in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, embarkation and overnight.

DAY 2 – KIEV
Breakfast aboard the ship. After breakfast a half-day city tour. Includes "Vladimir’s Old Town" — the place were Prince Vladimir the Baptist founded his Kremlin and built the first Christian church in Kievan Rus State. See the panorama ground (a marvelous view of the Lower Old Town called Podol) and Dnipr River (third-longest in Europe). See the Golden Gate of Kiev, University Building, Opera House, Kreshchatik Street (main Kiev boulevard), Arch of Friendship Monument to the founders of the city of Kiev and St. Vladimir’s Cathedral. Also an inside visit to St. Sophia Cathedral — Kiev’s oldest surviving church, built in 1037 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise to glorify Christianity, with 13 majestic domes, ancient frescoes and mosaics. This evening you leave Kiev for the start of your cruise. Lunch and dinner on board. | Optional: Kievo-Pecherskaia Lavra with Caves.
Departure 6:00 pm

DAY 3 – CRUISING
Your first day of cruising. Breakfast. Enjoy your first opportunity to get lost in the variety of scenery of the banks of the Dnepr River. Onboard entertainment, lectures, movies,dancing. Lunch aboard. Captain’s cocktail followed by dinner.

DAY 4 – ZAPORIZHZHYA
Morning arrival to Zaporozhye. Take the panoramic city tour. The city of Zaporozhye is more 200 years old and situated about 600 km South-East of Kiev.Archaeological finds in the area suggest that the Scythian nomads were living here about 2 to 3 thousand years ago. In XV-XVII centuries this place was famous of cossac's fortress Zaporizka Sich. In 1770, Russian government established new fortress at the Dnieper River, named Aleksandrovsk. Until the beginning of the 20th century Aleksandrovsk was a small town. The city was named Aleksandrovsk until 1921 when the city's name was changed to Zaporizhia. During and after theWorld War 2 years, the city was the location of prisoner-of-war camps. Enjoy the visit of legendary Khortitsya island. Lunch and dinner aboard.
Optional: Cossak Folklore Show
Arrival : 9:00 am | Departure 5:00 pm

DAY 5 – KERZHON
Kherson, Ukraine. This morning, arrive in Kherson, Take an opportunity to learn its rich history and admire its unique architecture. Enjoy a boat trip to a traditional fishing village, meet local residents and experience their way of life.
Lunch and dinner aboard.

DAY 6 – SEVASTOPOL
After breakfast, take a city tour of Sevastopol and visit the Panorama Museum. The city of Sevastopol was closed to foreigners until 1996. It is a home base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, which leases bays and infrastructure from the Ukraine. Sevastopol has long heroic history, and is famous for its siege resistance during the Crimean War and World War II. These events are commemorated throughout the city in numerous monuments and famous 115-meter (377-ft) long panorama hall. Among the city's historical attractions are the ruins of the ancient Greek colony Chersonesus, founded in 421 BC. Lunch and dinner aboard.
Optional:Bakhchisaray Bus Tour. Concert of Ensemble Black Sea Fleet .
Arrival : 9:00 am | Departure : noon

DAY 7 – YALTA, CRIMEA
Yalta, Crimea. Today enjoy the city tour of Yalta. The loveliest among Black Sea resorts lies in a natural amphitheatre framed by the Crimean Mountains and the sea. It was once the retreat of the tsars and Russian nobility; later it became the playground of Soviet leaders. Yalta has a magical reputation for its sunshine, fine wines and relaxed living. Visit Levadia Palace, built in 1911 for Tsar Nicolas II, which hosted the Yalta Conference in February 1945. During this extraordinary event, the leaders of the three Allied powers – Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin – decided on the postwar division of Europe. Lunch and dinner aboard.

DAY 8 – YALTA
Today in Yalta you may explore on your own. Whatever your interest, our local hosts ease your way by making all arrangements for the optional tours. Lunch and dinner aboard.
Optional:Visit of Alupka City Palace with wine tasting
Departure : 2:00 pm

DAY 9 – ODESSA
After breakfast, you will arrive in Odessa. Take a city tour of this extraordinary city. Thanks to old romantic traditions, Odessa is considered to be one of the world's most fascinating cities. The inimitable coloring of the city is sustained not only by the sea, the aroma of the acacia flowers, and velvety summer nights; it is also enhanced by marvelous monuments of 19th-century architecture. Unique in their beauty — the Opera House, the museum of Western and oriental Art, the museum of Archeology and, of course, the famous Potemkin Staircase — are the symbols of the city's splendid past and superb present. Lunch and dinner aboard.
Optional: Visit to the Art Gallery, evening performance
Arrival : 11:00am

DAY 10 – ODESSA
This day in Odessa you may explore on your own. Whatever your interest, our local hosts ease your way by making all arrangements for the optional tours. Lunch and dinner aboard.
Optional:Bus tour to Kishinev — capital of Moldova.
Departure : . 10:00 pm

DAY 11 – CONSTANTA, ROMANIA
Breakfast. Arrival in Constanta, city tour. Situated at the crossroads of several commercial routes, Constanta lies on the western coast of the Black Sea, 185 miles from the Bosphorus Strait. An ancient metropolis and Romania’s largest seaport, Constanta traces its history some 2,500 years. Excursion to Histria, one of the oldest urban settlements in the country. Lunch and dinner aboard.

DAY 12 – NESEBAR, BULGARIA
After breakfast, arrival in Nesebar. Nesebar has on several occasions found itself on the frontier of a threatened empire, and as such it is a town with a rich history. The ancient part of the town is situated on a peninsula (previously an island) connected to the mainland by a narrow man-made isthmus, and it bears evidence of occupation by a variety of different civilizations over the course of its existence. Its abundance of historic buildings prompted UNESCO to include Nesebar in its list of World Heritage Sites in 1983. City walking tour includes visit to the Old Town, ancient ruins and churches and one of the town's symbols, the wooden windmill. Enjoy your farewell dinner aboard as it is your last day of cruising.

DAY 13– NESSEBAR, ISTANBUL, TURKEY
After breakfast, disembarkation. Enjoy beautiful sightseeing during your bus ride to Istanbul. Lunch aboard the bus. Arrival in Istanbul, accommodation at a hotel, dinner and overnight in the hotel.

DAY 14– ISTANBUL
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning City tour of Istanbul. Istanbul historically Byzantium and later Constantinople is Turkey’s most populous city, and its cultural and financial center. The city covers 25 districts of the Istanbul province. It is located on the Bosphours strait, and encompasses the natural habor known as the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country. It extends both on the European and on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, and is thereby the only Metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. The city was chosen as joint. The "Historic Areas of Istanbul" were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Lunch in a local restaurant, dinner and overnight in the hotel.

DAY 15– ISTANBUL
Breakfast in the Hotel. Check out from the hotel. Time to bid farewell to your new friends. We transfer you to the airport after your unforgettable journey.

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ISTANBUL - KIEV CRUISE ITINERARIES 15 DAYS / 14 NIGHTS

DAY 1- ISTANBUL,TURKEY
Istanbul, Turkey. Arrival in Istanbul, transfer to hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 2 – ISTANBUL
Istanbul. Breakfast at the hotel. Morning city tour of Istanbul. Historically Byzantium and later Constantinople, Istanbul is Turkey’s most populous city, and its cultural and financial center. The city covers 25 districts of the Istanbul province. It is located on the Bosphorus and encompasses the natural harbor knownas the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country. It extends both on the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world situated on two continents. The "Historic Areas of Istanbul" have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Lunch in a local restaurant, dinner and overnight in the hotel.

DAY 3 – ISTANBUL - NESEBAR, BULGARIA
After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Lunch in the local restaurant. After lunch, enjoy beautiful sightseeing during you bus ride to Nesebar (6 hours). Embarkation. Welcome captain’s cocktail followed by dinner on board.

DAY 4 – NESEBAR
Breakfast. Enjoy your walking tour of Nesebar. Walking city tour includes visit to the Old Town, ancient ruins and churches and one of the town's symbols, the wooden windmill. Lunch and dinner aboard.

DAY 5 – CONSTANATA, ROMANIA
Breakfast. Arrival in Constanta, city tour. Situated at the crossroads of several commercial routes, Constanta lies on the western coast of the Black Sea, 185 miles from the Bosphorus Strait. An ancient metropolis and Romania’s largest sea port, Constanta traces its history some 2,500 years. Excursion to Histria, one of the oldest urban settlements in Romania. Lunch and dinner aboard.

DAY 6 – ODESSA, UKRAINE
Ukraine. After breakfast, arrive in Odessa and take a tour of this extraordinary city. Thanks to its old romantic traditions, Odessa is considered one of the world's most fascinating cities. The inimitable coloring of the city is sustained not only by the sea, the aroma of the acacia flowers and velvety summer nights, but also by marvelous monuments of 19th-century architecture. Unique in their beauty, the Opera House, the Museum of Western and Oriental Art, the Museum of Archeology and, of course, the famous Potemkin Staircase are symbols of the city's splendid past and superb present. Lunch and dinner aboard.

DAY 7 – ODESSA
Odessa. Explore on your own. Whatever your interest, our local hosts ease your way by making all arrangements foroptional tours. Lunch and dinner aboard.

DAY 8 – YALTA, CRIMEA
Today enjoy the city tour of Yalta. The loveliest among Black Sea resorts lies in a natural amphitheatre framed by the Crimean Mountains and the sea. It was once the retreat of the tsars and Russian nobility; later it became the playground of Soviet leaders. Yalta has a magical reputation for its sunshine, fine wines and relaxed living. Visit Levadia Palace, built in 1911 for Tsar Nicolas II, which hosted the Yalta Conference in February 1945. During this extraordinary event, the leaders of the three Allied powers – Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin – decided on the postwar division of Europe. Lunch and dinner aboard.

DAY 9 – YALTA
Today in Yalta you may explore on your own. Whatever your interest, our local hosts ease your way by making all arrangements for optional tours. Lunch and dinner aboard.

DAY 10 – SEVASTOPOL, CRIMEA
After breakfast, take a city tour of Sevastopol and visit the Panorama Museum. The city was closed to foreigners until 1996. It is a home base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, which leases bays and infrastructure from Ukraine. Sevastopol has a long heroic history and is famous for its siege resistance during the Crimean War and World War II. These events are commemorated throughout the city in numerous monuments and the famous 115-meter-long (377 ft) panorama hall. Among the city's historical attractions are the ruins of the ancient Greek colony Chersonesus, founded in 421 BC. Lunch and dinner aboard.

DAY 11 – KHERSON, UKRAINE
This morning, arrive in Kherson, an opportunity to learn its rich history and admire its unique architecture. Enjoy a boat trip to a traditional fishing village, meet local residents and experience their way of life. Lunch and dinner aboard.

DAY 12 – ZAPOROZHYE, UKRAINE
Morning arrival in Zaporozhye. Take the panoramic city tour. The city of Zaporozhye is more than 200 years old, situated about 350 miles southeast of Kiev. Archaeological finds in the area suggest that Scythian nomads were living here 2,000 to 3,000 years ago. In the 15th to 17th centuries it was the Cossack fortress Zaporizka Sich. In 1770, the Russian government established a new fortress at the Dnepr River, named Aleksandrovsk. Until the beginning of the 20th century Aleksandrovsk was a small town. In 1921 the city's name was changed to Zaporozhye. During and after World War II, the city was the location of prisoner-of-war camps. Enjoy a visit to legendary Khortitsya island. Lunch and dinner aboard.

DAY 13– CRUISING
Enjoy your last opportunity to get lost in the variety of scenery of the banks of the Dnepr River. Onboard entertainment, lectures, movies, dancing. Lunch. Farewell dinner as it is your last day of cruising.

DAY 14– KIEV, UKRAINE
Breakfast aboard the ship. Arrival in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. After breakfast a half-day city tour. Includes “Vladimir’s Old Town” – the place where Prince Vladimir the Baptist founded his Kremlin and built the first Christian church in Kievan Rus State. See the panorama ground (a marvelous view of the Lower Old Town called Podol) and Dnepr River (third-longest in Europe). See the Golden Gate of Kiev, University Building, Opera House, Kreshchatik Street (main Kiev boulevard), Arch of Friendship Monument to the founders of the city of Kiev and St. Vladimir’s Cathedral. Also an inside visit to St. Sophia Cathedral – Kiev’s oldest surviving church, built in 1037 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise to glorify Christianity, with 13 majestic domes, ancient frescoes and mosaics. Lunch and dinner on board.

DAY 15– KIEV
Breakfast aboard. Check out from hotel. Time to bid farewell to your new friends. We transfer you to the airport after your unforgettable journey.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Prices are in USD

• All the prices and schedules are subject to change. All taxes and surcharges are additional.
• Air is available upon request. For more information, please call us.
• Please be informed that all pre/post cruise services (additional arrival/departure transfers, hotel accommodation, additional excursions, etc.) can be also arranged by us

RESPONSIBILITY:
Imperial River Cruises, hereafter referred to as the tour operator, and/or the travel agent, acts only as intermediary and agent for various steamship companies, airlines, hotels, transport and sightseeing companies who provide the cruise, tour, accommodations and other services described. This agency, therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions, errors or omissions on part of such suppliers which result in any loss, damage, delay or injury to you or your travel companions or group members. Travel agency shall not be responsible for any injuries, damage or losses caused to any travel in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, mechanical or construction conditions or developments, or any other actions, errors, omissions, or conditions outside the travel agency's control. By embarking upon his/her travel the traveler voluntary assumes all risk involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected. Traveler is hereby warned of such risk, and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against them. Your retention of tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute consent to the above, and an agreement on your part to convey the contents hereto to your travel companions or group members. Imperial River Cruises reserves the right to withdraw and/or to cancel a tour or to make changes in the itinerary and accommodations whenever, in its sole judgment, conditions warrant it. The tour operator reserves the right to not accept, nor retain any individual for any reason, including but not limited to those of passenger's health, general deportment or attitude infringing upon safety of fellow passengers or service personnel. Any additional costs incurred as the result of such behavior shall be the sole responsibility of the passenger. Baggage is carried at the owner's risk and baggage insurance is recommended. The issuance and acceptance of tickets and vouchers shall be deemed to be consent to the above conditions.
ALL PRICES, TARIFFS, ITINERARIES AND SCHEDULES in this brochure are in effect at time of printing, and are subject to change without notice. Unless the price is specifically stated in writing on your voucher, invoice or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee any suppliers' rates, bookings or reservation. Air inclusive packages do not include US air travel and other taxes and fees.

If you accept a refund, you waive all other rights and remedies under applicable law. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.

Unused Features - We regret not being able to issue refunds for voluntary absences from itinerary services including but not limited to meals and/or sightseeing. Once cruise or tour program has commenced, there will be no refund for unused features or services, or any portion of cruise or tour not taken due to passenger's cancellation.

CHANGES TO ITINERARIES AND PROGRAMS:
Imperial River Cruises will make every effort to operate all cruises and tours as described. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to make such changes as are deemed necessary. In addition, if the ship-owner/supplier or tour operator cancels or postpones any scheduled sailing or tour, the participants will receive refund according to the supplier company's rules.

SPECIAL REQUESTS:
Special request should be submitted at the time of booking. These requests are outside of our control and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

CHANGE FEES:
A minimum processing fee of USD $50 per person will be charged for each change to the original booking.

INSURANCE:
Baggage, health and trip cancellation insurance is available through Imperial River Cruises or your travel agent and strongly recommended. Once purchased, insurance is non-refundable.

CRUISE DOCUMENTS:
Cruise document packet will be sent 14 days before departure. If you request that your documents must be sent earlier, your cruise confirmation can be mailed at the time the full payment received.

YOUNG TRAVELERS:
Travelers who are under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

VISA INFORMATION:

No visa is required for citizens of the following countries:
United States of America | Canada | Japan

25 European Union member states:

Austria | Belgium | Cyprus | Czech Republic | Denmark | Estonia | Finland | France | Germany | Greece
Hungary | United Kingdom | Ireland | Italy | Latvia | Lithuania | Luxembourg | Malta | Poland | Portugal
Principality of Liechtenstein | Slovakia | Slovenia | Spain | Sweden | The Netherlands | The Swiss Confederation

Citizens of the above-mentioned countries do not need visas to enter Ukraine or transit through its territory for the period of time of up to 90 days with a valid travel passport.
Visas are still required for citizens who enter Ukraine with the purpose of employment, permanent residency, study and work at the diplomatic missions in Ukraine or with any other purpose if they are going to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days.