YALTA, UKRAINE

We will start our tour with an observation of the unusual Swallow’s Nest Castle, hanging over the sea on a 38 metre high rock. This foley romantic castle of love was constructed in 1912 and since then has been the symbol of Yalta and the Crimea.

We will start our tour with an observation of the unusual Swallow’s Nest Castle, hanging over the sea on a 38 metre high rock. This foley romantic castle of love was constructed in 1912 and since then has been the symbol of Yalta and the Crimea. After this short stop we will continue to Count Vorontsov’s Palace in Alupka. After a five minute walk from the parking area along a shady road over the sea we will find ourselves in front of the Tudor style Northern façade of the palace, built by an Englishman Edward Blore – one of the authors of Buckingham palace in London. In the 19th century it used to belong to one of Russia’s wealthiest people and was home to Winston Churchill during the Crimean Conference. Following our tour of the museum we will walk back to our coach for the short drive to Alupka Wine Tasting Hall. Here we will have the opportunity of tasting the delicate Massandra wines while learning about Crimean wine producing traditions. We will then proceed to a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch we will visit Livadia Palace – the summer residence of the last Russian Tzar – Nicholas II and the venue of Yalta Conference in 1945. Built in Italian Renaissance style in 1911 for the imperial family, the white palace is one of the most remarkable attractions of the Southern Coast of the Crimea. We will get to see the Great White Hall, where the fates of post-war Europe were decided on in 1945. We’ll feel the atmosphere of the rooms where the Tzar’s family lived and learn the details of everyday life of Russian aristocracy of the early 20th century. There will be an opportunity to browse through the souvenir shop in the palace that offers an abundance of local souvenirs and craft work. The order of visit may vary. There is a moderate amount of walking involved with this tour and about 85 steps to encounter. This tour is accessible to wheelchairs.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES