Day 1 – Sunday, July 22 Istanbul, Turkey, depart 10pm
In exotic Istanbul, it’s easy to spend an entire day strolling through the grand Bazaar, exploring the famous Blue Mosque, or wandering through the majestic Topkapi Palace, with its gardens, libraries and 400-room harem.
Day 2 – Monday, July 23 Varna, Bulgaria, arrive 10am, depart 10pm
At first glance, you’re met with an imposing 19th century landmark – the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin. After that, you’ll find a modern city filled with ancient buildings, meandering streets and a cluster of seaside resorts nearby. Varna, no matter when you go is always a delight.
Day 3 – Tuesday, July 24 Constanta, Romania, arrive 6am, depart 10pm
Constanta is more than just the entry point to the Black Sea coast. It is a place with a long and interesting past, attested by its many Roman vestiges, historic buildings, facades and mosques that color the Old City Center. The third largest city in Romania, Constanta is now an important cultural and economic hub, worth exploring for its archaeological treasures and the atmosphere of the old town center. Its historical monuments, ancient ruins, grand Casino, museums and shops, and proximity to beach resorts make it the focal point of Black Sea coast tourism.
Day 4 – Wednesday, July 25 Odessa, Ukraine, arrive 12pm, depart 11:59pm
Relatively new as European cities go, Odessa was founded in 1794 by Catherine the Great, and became an important commercial and cultural center, and the Black Sea’s greatest seaport. Two famous sites claim the interests of most visitors: The neo-baroque Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater is considered one of the world’s finest opera houses, with unique acoustics in its luxurious rococo hall, that allow even a whisper from the stage to be heard in every corner. The Odessa Steps were the set for an iconic scene in motion picture history, in a scene from the Battleship Potemkin, where hundreds of citizens were killed on the great stone steps.
Day 5 – Thursday, July 26 Sevastopol, Ukraine, arrive 1pm, depart 10pm
Sevastopol’s status as a strategic naval stronghold has contributed to its fascinating history, but has not been kind to the city itself. Under siege for 11 months during the Crimean War, the formerly glorious city was left in ruins. Reconstructed, it was then besieged again by Germans in WWII, reduced to rubble, and rebuilt once again. During Soviet times a closed city, Sevastopol opened to the outside world only in 1995, and not until 1997 did Russia and the Ukraine sign a peace and friendship treaty, ruling out Moscow’s claims, and making Ukraine a sovereign nation.
Day 6 – Friday, July 27 Yalta, Ukraine, arrive 8am, depart 7pm
They say a visit to Yalta is good for your health, and it is only because the Russian aristocracy believed that, that the city became more than a backwater. In the mid 19th century, its mild climate was deemed beneficial for recovering from various ailments, and once the Tsar bought property there, the race to wellness was on. The elite built neo-gothic chateaux, as did the Tsar, whose Livadia Palace eventually hosted Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt for the Yalta Conference at the end of WWII. In the Soviet era, dutiful comrades were rewarded with rest trips, though in somewhat less luxurious facilities.
Day 7 – Saturday, July 28 Day at Sea/Cruising Bosporus Strait, 4-6pm
Today you’ll get to enjoy all you came on a cruise to do…relax poolside with your new friends while sipping a Pina Colada, enjoy learning about the different destinations with onboard enrichment programs, de-stress with a hot stone massage or participate in onboard Amazing Journeys programs.
Day 8 – Sunday, July 29 Canakkale, Turkey, arrive 7am, depart 2pm
Touching both the shores of Asia and Europe, Canakkale sits on the Black and Mediterannean Seas. Visit the ancient city of Troy to see the inspiration for Homer’s Iliad and a replica of the Trojan Horse. Once you do, you’ll understand why people have been passing through here for centuries.
Day 9 – Monday, July 30 Santorini, Greece, arrive 9am, depart 11:59pm
Santorini is a volcanic island where you’ll find several Greek towns, each having their own ambience. Fira, is at the center of it all, and it is here where you’ll find shops and restaurants perched high above the Agean Sea. In Ia, a small village, you’ll see the iconic white washed buildings, with their blue domed roofs set against the deep azure blue seas. Wander the streets in both towns to find unique jewelry, crafts and tasty samples of Greek cuisine. For the adventurous, ride a donkey down the side of a mountain, and then return by cable car.
Day 10 – Tuesday, July 31 Paros, Greece, arrive 8am, depart 8pm
The island of Paros is one of the most popular of all Greek islands. Paros is located in the heart of the Cyclades, in the Aegean Sea, near Mykonos. It is a popular island and the reasons are obvious: exquisite sandy beaches in crystal waters, Parian traditional villages with whitewashed cubic houses in narrow paved alleys contrasted with the many colorful bougainvilleas, lovely chapels, an exciting nightlife… Paros Island was known in antiquity for its fine marble.
Day 11 – Wednesday, August 1 Athens, Greece, arrive 6am
Our cruise ends here. Transportation will be available to the airport for your journey home.
All cabins where we provide roommate matches are non-smoking. Items listed in this brochure are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined in this brochure. Air: Airfare is not included in the rate and should be arranged individually by the passenger. Transfers are not included and may be purchased. Details regarding transfers will be sent closer to the sailing date. Cancellation Policy for the Cruise and Pre-Cruise Package: Prior to March 20, 2012, there is a $100.00 penalty for cancellation. From March 20 – April 17, 2012, the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit for cruise and pre-cruise package. From April 18 – May 20, 2012, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total cruise and pre-cruise package price. From May 21 – June 20, 2012, the cancellation penalty is 75% of the total cruise and pre-cruise package price. Cancellations made on or after June 21, 2012 and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation after the start of the cruise or pre-cruise. Cancellation insurance: Trip insurance is optional but highly recommended and is available through Amazing Journeys, LLC. Information will be sent with your cruise confirmation. Passport Requirements: All passengers must present a valid passport (valid for six months beyond the last date of travel) to board the vessel. Some visas may be required for this itinerary. Some of the countries on this itinerary are working on waiving visa requirements for cruise passengers. We will have details on visa requirements at a later date. Port taxes, Government Fees and Gratuities: Port taxes, government and immigration fees have been included in the rate. Gratuities are also included in the rate. Port taxes, government fees and gratuities are based on October, 2011 rates and are subject to change. Fuel surcharges were deleted from the rates due to a suspension in fees by Azamara. Should oil costs go above $65 per barrel, and the cruise lines reinstate these fees, Amazing Journeys reserves the right to add them back at that time. The cost will be no more than $15 per guest / per day. Currency Fluctuations: In case of currency fluctuations greater than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our prices accordingly in order to operate the tour. Dining Preference: Azamara Club Cruises features Open Dining onboard. In addition to the main restaurant, there are two specialty restaurants, a buffet on deck, room service available, and on most nights, the ship is docked and optional dining is available in port.
