Overview
Your trip will begin with the discovery of the city of Nessebar, in Bulgaria. The architecture of this city established over 3,000 years ago is extremely rich, inherited from the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilisations that succeeded one another here.
You will then head north to Bulgaria with a port of read more call in Varna. Renowned for its fine sandy beaches, this major city also features an important architectural heritage from the end of the 19th century, such as the Cathedral of the Assumption, built after the cathedral of Saint Petersburg. Further north, Odessa, the pearl of the Black Sea.
This city will win you over with its unique charm resulting from the mix of Slavic and Mediterranean cultures. Don't miss the chance to visit its palaces, its catacombs, its magnificent opera house, and of course take a detour via the legendary giant stairway immortalised in the film Battleship Potemkin. Your ship will then head to the East, to discover the lively seaside towns of Sochi, on the « Russian Riviera », at the feet of the Western Caucasus mountains, and Batumi, in Georgia.
Your ship will then make its way to the Turkish coast, where the ports of call will be of great cultural and historical interest. First, Trabzon and Samsun, at the gateway to Anatolia, then, not far from Bartin, the ancient city of Safranbolu, boasting typical Ottoman architecture. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was a major caravan station between Europe and the East. Then you will reach Istanbul, a rich historical UNESCO listed site, at the end of a magnificent cruise.
12 Days
Istanbul
Istanbul
Itinerary
Once the seat of two massive empires, Istanbul has been shaped by its colourful history. From massive Byzantine churches, to towering Ottoman mosques, history can be found in each building no matter what part of the city you wander through. Ships will dock at the Galataport cruise ship terminal which is a 40 minute drive from the Istanbul Airport.
Top Things to Do in Istanbul:
- marvel at the Blue Mosque
- haggle at the Grand Bazaar
- explore the Underground Cistern
- visit the Hagia Sofia
Built on a peninsula overlooking the Black sea in Bulgaria, the town of Nessebar possesses age-old history. Founded by the Greeks and then colonised by the Romans and the Ottomans, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visitors can stroll the cobbled streets and look for houses with wooden corbels, admire Byzantine sanctuaries with astonishing multi-coloured adornments, visit the Archaeological Museum to inspect its rich collection of ancient vestiges and try the local speciality of touloumbitchki, a fried pastry dipped in syrup. Ships will dock at the Port of Nessebar.
Although this 'Pearl of the Black Sea' is now a bustling port of over a million inhabitants, Odessa still retains an old fashioned charm. Stretching along a semi-circle bay, it is known for its beaches and 19th-century architecture, including the Odessa Opera and Ballet Theatre. Ships will dock at the Port of Odessa.
Top Things to Do in Odessa:
- climb the Potemkin Steps
- visit the Palace of Count Tolstoy
- stroll along Primorsky Boulevard
- explore Gagarin's Palace
- visit the Akkerman Fortress
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.
This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Located on the northeast coast of the Black Sea, Sochi is Russia's only subtropical resort city and the gateway to the 'Russian Riviera'. Most famous for hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics, its fresh air, majestic mountain scenery, mineral springs, long beaches, warm sunny days, and bustling nightlife, are also a big draw. Ships will dock at the Port of Sochi.
Top Things to Do in Sochi:
- stroll through the Dendrary Botanical Garden
- hike through the beautiful Alek Mountains
- tour the Olympic Park
- try a Russian tea at Dagomys Tea Plantation
Once the seat of two massive empires, Istanbul has been shaped by its colourful history. From massive Byzantine churches, to towering Ottoman mosques, history can be found in each building no matter what part of the city you wander through. Ships will dock at the Galataport cruise ship terminal which is a 40 minute drive from the Istanbul Airport.
Top Things to Do in Istanbul:
- marvel at the Blue Mosque
- haggle at the Grand Bazaar
- explore the Underground Cistern
- visit the Hagia Sofia
Life On Board
Enjoy the luxury and sophistication of mega yacht cruising when you explore the seas on Le Lyrial. Read more
Relax in the comfort of chic decor and luxury in your ocean facing accommodation. Read more
Exquisite French gastronomy is the highlight of every meal you will savour in the restaurant and grill. Read more
Applaud a live show in the theatre or enjoy the social life and dancing in the main lounge. Read more
It doesnt matter where you are cruising, you will be well looked after from the moment you embark. Read more
Using on the best French products, a treatment in the spa will revive and rejuvenate. Read more
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
