May 19 Depart JFK
Friday
Meet your travel companions this evening at New York’s JFK airport. Our Lufthansa flight departs at 5:50 PM. Add-on flights are available from your home city. (Meals aloft)

May 20 Kiev
Saturday
We arrive at Frankfurt at 7:30 AM and connect to our flight to Kiev departing at 9:40 AM. Welcome to Ukraine! Our flight lands in Kiev at 1:00 PM and we are met by our guide for the tour who will escort us to our private coach. We will embark on an introductory panoramic tour of Kiev, the capital city of Ukraine, enroute to our cruise ship. Kiev is a charming city with 1500-year history, standing on the high hills of one of the largest and most ancient rivers of Europe—the Dnieper River. We’ll see golden-domed cathedrals, churches and monasteries belonging to different historical epochs and also modern monuments and building and numerous parks. A chain of museums and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saint Sophia Cathedral are some of places we will visit in the next two days.

We’ll have time to freshen up and unpack before dinner on board ship this evening. (Meals aloft – D)

May 21 Kiev
Sunday Departure
We’ll rise early for a hearty breakfast on board our ship. Today will be an exciting day for we will step inside the magnificent Saint Sophia Cathedral! But first, we’ll set off on a city tour with many fabulous photo opportunities. We’ll see Kontraktova Square, Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Samson Fountain, the Philarmony, Kreschatyk Street, Independence Square, Mykhaylovsky Monastery, Monument to Princess Olga, Starokyivska Hill, Sophiyivska Square, the Golden Gates, The Opera Theater, Monument to M. Grushevsky, Shevchenko Boulevard, L. Ukrainka, Memorial Symbol of the Founder of Kiev, the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra Monastery, Askold Grave, the monument to Apostle Andrew, Pochtova Square.

We’ll continue to Kiev’s Saint Sophia Cathedral which was designed to rival the Saint Sophia of Constantinople. Prince Yaroslavl the Wise built it to commemorate the victory over the Pechenegs (Asian nomadic tribes) and to glorify Christianity. From here the Orthodox religion spread over the larger Russian world. The cathedral was built in 1037, and still stands proudly in the old city center. It is open to visitors, and services are held.

After this very rich and moving morning, we will return to our ship for lunch. This afternoon, we will visit the open-air Pirogovo, Museum of Wooden Architecture, on the vast territory of 150 hectares. In this village-museum the unique collection of folk architecture from all regions of Ukraine has been gathered. The visitors to the museum are welcome not only to admire rare exhibits but also visit folk crafts shops and a traditional restaurant serving Ukrainian cuisine. For three decades of its existence the museum has accumulated a rich collection of over 200 structures, some of which were brought there from various parts of the country. Some exhibits are replicas of typical traditional buildings. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of 40,000 ethnographic exhibits, among which there are folk costumes, fabrics, embroidery, carpets, ceramics, articles of metal, wood, glassware, musical instruments, paintings, tools and household articles.

Return to the ship, then all hands on deck when at 6:00 PM when we depart from Kiev and begin our cruise along the mighty Dnieper River. Enjoy dinner on board and watch the lights of the city dim in the distance. (B-L-D)

May 22 Cruising
Monday
Today we will cruise the Dnieper River. Enjoy the passing scenery from the sundeck or the boat deck. Relax and enjoy the leisurely pace—catch up on your journal writing, read a book purely for pleasure—the choice is entirely up to you! There will be activities on board ship as well. In the morning will be a lecture; in the afternoon a traditional tea ceremony; after dinner will be a folk concert. (B-L-D)

May 23 Zaporizhzia
Tuesday
We arrive at Zaporizhzia this morning at 8:30 AM. This “city beyond the rapids” is closely associated with the history of the Cossack warriors whose independent 16th-18th century state was headquartered at nearby Khortitsa Island. This morning, we will enjoy a coach tour of the city. We’ll travel along Lenin Avenue, the main street of Zaporizhzia, stopping at Octoberskaya Square and Festivalnaya Square, the administrative center of the town. We’ll continue to Lenin Square and to an overlook for a panoramic view of the town and Khortitsa Island.

Later this morning, we will travel to nearby Khortitsa Island, the largest island in the Dnieper River. We will visit the Museum of Cossack History and see exhibits from the 16th and 17th centuries. Later, we will enjoy a Cossack Show, where present-day Cossacks will show their trained horses, and demonstrate the skills of handling firearms and swords. After the show, the traditional “kulish” and Ukrainian vodka will be served.

Return to the ship for lunch. As we dine, our ship will depart Zaporizhzia on our journey to the Black Sea and Odessa.

May 24 Odessa
Wednesday
After breakfast this morning will be language lessons on board ship. Enjoy an art lecture before lunch. We arrive in Odessa this afternoon. Odessa is the third largest city in Ukraine, often referred to as “little Paris.” It is a southern gateway to the state and one of the biggest ports of the Black Sea. There has been a settlement here since ancient times and the city as we see it today was mostly developed during the reign of Catherine the Great. Today it is a bright, elegant and modern city with well-planned streets, beautiful parks and splendid buildings.

On our city tour today, we will see: the marine passage terminal; Haven descending; Suvorov Street; Palace of Shah; Teshchin Bridge; Primorsky Boulevard; Potemkin’s Stairs; Duck Reshelie’s Monument; Pushkin’s Monument; the Municipal Duma; “Tigr” Cannon from the submerged English frigate; the Marine Museum; the Archaeological Museum; Opera Theater; Reshilievskaya Street; Kulikova Field; the Arkadia District; French Boulevard; Monument of the Unknown Sailor, during the changing of the guard; Shevchenko Park; Kanatnaya Street; and Grecheskaya Street.

We return to our ship for dinner. Then, we’ll have two choices this evening in Odessa. Those who wish can attend a folklore performance at a theatre in town. Or, you may attend an opera performance at the Odessa Opera Theater. (B-L-D)

May 25 Odessa
Thursday
After a restful night’s sleep, we’ll rise early for a hearty breakfast. Today will be another very special day. First, we will continue our city tour of Odessa with a visit to the Art Museum. Established in 1899, the museum houses one of the largest collections of Russian and Ukrainian masterpieces in the Ukraine. The collections boast works of great masters from icon painting of the 15th - 18th centuries to contemporary painting, graphic art, sculpture and decorative art.

We will continue to the nearby town of Belgorod-Dnestrovsky. The town traces its roots to the ancient Greek city of Tira, founded in the 4th century BC. Remains of the ancient temples and burial mounds can still be seen. However, today the town is best known for its 15th century medieval fortress that protected inhabitants from the Ottoman Empire. The fortress remains remarkably well preserved to this day. Lunch will be a special treat at a local restaurant before we return to our ship for our afternoon departure. We’ll enjoy the passing scenery as we continue towards Sevastopol. (B-L-D)

May 26 Sevastopol
Friday
Enjoy a hearty breakfast. We arrive in Sevastopol this morning and set off on a city tour. Situated in a magnificent natural harbor, historic Sevastopol has changed many times since it was founded as a Greek colony in 421 BC. During our city tour, we will see the trade port of Sevastopol; Bolshaya Morskaya Street; Pokrovsky Cathedral; Vladimirsky Cathedral; Petropavlovsky Cathedral; Sailor’s Cathedral; National Technical University; Lenin Street; Nahimov Square; Museum of Fleet History; World War II Memorial; Earl’s Pier – the Front Sea Gates of Sevastopol; Primorsky Boulevard, Monument of Submerged Ships; Nahimov Avenue; the Artists Museum; Drama Theater. Then, we will go inside the world-famous Panorama Museum which depicts one of the episodes of the 349-day heroic defense of Sevastopol on June 6, 1855.

Return to our ship for lunch. Depart for a coach tour of the old town of Bakhchisaray. Bakhchisaray means the “palace of gardens” in the tartar language. It was the capital of the Crimean Khandom from the 15th to the 18th centuries. Today, Bakhchisaray is a growing city of more than 30,000 people. We will visit the old city which has retained a medieval atmosphere with its narrow, curved streets and Khan’s Palace. Return to our ship for dinner. Tonight we will enjoy a special performance of the Black Sea Fleet Ensemble. (B-L-D)

May 27 Yalta
Saturday
We arrive early this morning in Yalta. After breakfast, we’ll embark on a tour of this charming resort city. The loveliest Black Sea resort lies in a natural amphitheater framed by the verdant Crimean mountains and the sea. Yalta is a home to the historic Yalta Conference of 1945, attended by Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill.

First, we will travel along the coast to see the famous Swallow’s Nest, a Gothic-style building resembling a small castle which was built on the edge of a huge overhanging cliff of Cap Ai-Todor. Continue to the house where famous author, Anton Chekhov, lived until just before his death.

Next, we will visit the great Livadia Palace, the ex-summer residence of the last Russian czar, Nicholas II, and the setting for the Yalta Conference. The palace ensemble includes the Great Palace, the Retinue Building, the Palace of the Minister of the Courtyard, the palace church and the Italian Gardens.

Return to our ship for lunch. This afternoon, we’ll visit the Alupka Palace. In the early 19th century, Count Vorontsov commissioned an English architect to design a palace that combined Scottish and English Gothic and Moorish architecture. It’s hard to think of a more unlikely mix for a successful building, but it did succeed—with surprising panache and remarkable elegance. Our guide will take us on a walking tour of the magical palace set in an exotic park. Then, we’ll partake of a tasting of local Crimean wines. Return to our ship for dinner and overnight. (B-L-D)

May 28 Yalta
Sunday
After breakfast, relax on board ship or stroll along the port of Yalta. Be back on board ship for lunch and our 1:00 PM departure. As we cruise along, enjoy the beautiful passing scenery while listening to a classical music concert on board ship. After dinner, join us for a vodka tasting party! (B-L-D)

May 29 Kherson
Monday
Today is a good day to sleep late and relax. We’ll leave the Black Sea and travel once again along the Dnieper River. We arrive at Kherson at noon. Located at the mouth of the Dnieper and standing high above the Dnieper delta, Kherson offers commanding views out to the Black Sea. The present-day Black Sea Fleet can trace its origins to the first shipyard in Kherson. From here we will visit the beautiful delta of the Dnieper River, stopping en-route at a traditional fishing village for a picnic. We will enjoy meeting the villagers and experiencing their way of life. Return to the ship for dinner. (B-L-D)

May 30 Dnipropetrovsk
Tuesday
We arrive in Dnipropetrovsk just after lunch and embark on a city tour. Founded in 1787 by General Potemkin, a favorite of Catherine the Great, on the site of a Zaporozhian Cossack village, it was originally named Katerynoslav, meaning “to the Glory of Catherine.” The city was later called Novorossiysk from 1791 to 1802 and Katerynoslav until 1926, when it was renamed Dnipropetrovsk. The population greatly increased after the completion in 1932 of the Dniprohes dam and power station. The city was occupied from 1941–43 by German forces during World War II.

On our city tour, we will see the Dnieper Bridge, Central Railway Station, Karl Marks Avenue, M. Gorky Theater, Astoria Hotel, Literature Building, T. Shevchenko Theater, Lenin Square, Glory Avenue, Glory Monument, Merefo-Khersonsky Bridge, D. Yavornitsky Historical Museum, Cathedral Square, and Potemkin Palace. Return to our ship for dinner. This evening will be a folk show on board ship. Late-night departure. (B-L-D)

May 31 Kremenchug
Wednesday
This morning we’ll cruise along the Dnieper River enjoying the lovely scenery. After lunch, we arrive at Kremenchug and embark on a walking and coach tour of the city. Kremenchug is a major industrial center with many large factories and light industries. There are about 40 large working enterprises in the city. But it is not this that impresses tourists in Kremenchug. We will enjoy her many coastal parks, city squares and the mighty Dnieper River. Our city tour will also include Victory Square, October Street, Forever Leaving Memorial, Makarenko Museum, Pervomaiskaya Street, Lenin Street, Independence Square, Dnieper Bridge, and Proletarskaya Street. Return to our ship for dinner and evening departure. (B-L-D)

June 1 Kanev
Thursday
We arrive in Kanev just after breakfast this morning and will depart on a walking tour. Founded in the 11th century by Prince Yaroslavl the Wise, this pleasant city is known today mostly as the burial site of Taras Schevchenko, the great Ukrainian poet and artist. Today, we will visit his tomb and museum. This afternoon will be a shashlik barbecue in a park.

There will be free time for strolling around this beautiful town, but be sure to be back on board for our 5:00 PM departure. Tonight is a special Captain’s Gala Dinner! (B-L-D)

June 2 Kiev
Friday
We arrive in Kiev at 7:00 AM. After an early breakfast, we depart for a tour of the UNESCO site, the Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra Monastery. On the high hills of the right bank of the Dnieper River rises the magnificent Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra topped with gilded domes. According to the legend, Apostle Andrew blessed the hilly bank of the Dnieper River and said to his disciples: “On these hills a great city and many churches in glorification of the Holy God will be.”

The history of Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra started in remote days and is closely connected to the caves. According to historical chronicles, in 1051 Reverend Anthony settled in one of the caves. This year is recognized as the foundation date of the Monastery. The Monastery reserve is located on 24 hectares and includes 102 buildings from the 11th to the 20th centuries. We will see three to four interiors containing unique church relics including crosses, bibles, icons and jewelry. We will also visit the caves where holy relics are buried.

Return to our ship for lunch. Then, the remainder of the afternoon is free for independent exploration of Kiev, to do some last-minute shopping or to get a head start on packing. This evening after dinner, there will be a concert on board ship, a fitting farewell. (B-L-D)

June 3 Kiev
Saturday U.S.A
After our final breakfast on board, say goodbye to our ship’s crew and new friends we’ve made on this remarkable journey. We leave for the airport later this morning. Our Lufthansa flight departs at 1:50 PM. We arrive Frankfurt at 3:40 PM and connect to our homeward flight, arriving JFK at 7:25 PM. Welcome home! (B and meals aloft).

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner

Please note, flight schedules are always subject to change.