Cruise the Black sea for Culture

Some of these cruises are not well known to many customers, but they deserve to be highlighted a bit. If you are a culture lover (and already did a Nile River Cruise), why not think about a Black Sea cruise?

Below are the highlights of some ports of call in the various countries around the Black Sea. Do give me a ring if you need assistance with booking a lovely Black Sea cruise.
Batumi, Georgia
Batumi is the main port of Georgia and the capital of Adjara. Due to the subtropical climate, palm trees, lemon trees and orange trees can be found all over the city. Attractions include botanical gardens, an aquarium, a circus and the Adjara State Museum. Construction of over 20 new hotels and resorts is set to begin in 2007.
Language: Georgian
Currency: Lari (GEL)

Constanta, Romania
An escorted excursion is the best way to see this city. The main attraction on most tours is the archaeological museum. Other stops include the Folk Art Museum and the Murfatlar vineyards for wine-tasting.
Language: Romanian
Currency: Leu (RON)

Nesebur, Bulgaria
Founded by Thracians and colonized by the Greeks in 510 BC, this charming, well-preserved town was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, making it among the rarest places in the world. Its rich cultural heritage can be seen in the Byzantine churches, old homes and Roman ruins.
Language: Bulgarian
Currency: Lev (BGN)

Odessa, Ukraine
Known as the “Pearl of the Black Sea,” Odessa has an exciting history. This city has hosted great artists, writers and musicians, and many of the opera houses, theaters and museums are still standing. City tours visit the Academia Opera and Ballet Theatre, where Tchaikovsky conducted “The Queen of Spades.”
Language: Ukranian
Currency: Hryvnia (UAH)

Sevastopol, Ukraine
Nestled between the sea and beautiful green valleys, Sevastopol sits on a group of hills forming a natural amphitheater overlooking the magnificent Bakhtiarsky Bay. Translated from the Greek, Sevastopol means “majestic city,” and it has well earned its name. This second largest of Crimea’s cities will greet you with bays of astonishing beauty, impressive architectural ensembles, unique museums, charming gardens and attractive squares and boulevards.
Language: Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian, Polish, Hungarian
Currency: Hryvnia (UAH)

Sinop, Turkey
Sinop is well known as one of the Black Sea’s most beautiful natural harbors. This city is the home to the only fjord in the country, Hamsilos Fjord. Sinop also features historical sites such as the Alaeddin Mosque, Alaiye Medresse and the Balatlar Church and you can learn more about the city’s history at the Archaeological Museum. Quaint villages and restaurants along the harbor add to Sinop’s charm.
Language: Turkish
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)

Sochi, Russia
Sheltered by these mountains, this Black Sea city has been a popular Russian resort area for nearly two centuries. Its most outstanding characteristics are a favorable climate, beautiful landscapes, beaches, parks, health spas and mineral springs.
Sochi will host the Winter Olympic games in 2014
Language: Russian
Currency: Rubles (RUB)

Trabzon, Turkey
Trabzon is along the road from Istanbul to Iran and was an important meeting point for international trade. The city offers a variety of tourist attractions, including some that date back to ancient times. Visit Boztepe Park and enjoy a panoramic view of the city, take in the amazing scenery at Uzungöl, or travel to the Sumela monastery. The center of the city features shops, stalls and restaurants surrounding a square and tea garden.
Language: Turkish
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)

Varna, Bulgaria
Varna takes pride in its expansive beaches and beautiful waterfront parks and gardens. It was founded by the Greeks in the sixth century and later became the playground of Romanian royalty. The Aladzha monastery, carved out of rock, dates from the fourth century. Other stops include a museum of art and history and a seaside resort.
Language: Bulgarian
Currency: Lev (BGN)

Yalta, Ukraine
Because of its mild climate, Yalta was once a popular health and spa resort and a favorite vacation spot for the Russian czars. Many of their palaces remain, including the White Palace in Livadia. The best tours also stop at the Chekhov House museum and garden and the Vorontsov Palace, designed by Buckingham Palace’s architect.
Language: Ukranian
Currency: Hryvnia (UAH)