From Istanbul To Athens With Azamara Quest 2014

This ancient and rich city-museum is preserved intact on a peninsula separated from the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Buildings from all stages of its existence are evident, from Roman and medieval fortress walls, to 18th and 19th century wooden houses. It boasts an impressive number and variety of churches, constructed during Byzantine, Bulgarian, and Ottoman reigns, representing the rich architectural heritage of the Eastern Orthodox world. Contemporary Nessebar is a major seaside resort, with wide, golden beaches and lots of sun.

 

Romania counts as one of the most diversely beautiful countries in Europe and the thriving city of Constanta – pronounced Constantza – not only counts the country’s largest seaport, but also as one of its loveliest seaside resorts. As the portal to Romania’s Dobruja region, the city offers a multitude of sights to see, things to do and destinations to explore, such as the glorious Danube Delta near Tulcea to the north.Situated towards the southern end of the Black Sea coast, Constanta was originally founded by the Greeks around 2,600 years ago and, according to Greek mythology, is even said to have been the very port that welcomed Jason, the Argonauts and the much-prized Golden Fleece on their return.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

This is the time to personalize your cruise experience—you can participate in any or all the activities scheduled onboard or do nothing more strenuous than lift an umbrella drink while reading a book poolside.

 

A small island surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea, Skiáthos is part of the Sporades archipelago along the east coast of Greece. Explore the island’s many inlets, capes and peninsulas by boat, or enjoy the endless stretches of picture-perfect beaches. Wander the pedestrian streets, with its bustling marina and many villas, hotels and tavernas. The distinctive clusters of white-washed buildings and red rooftops contrast against the backdrop of the island’s lush, pine forest. Built into the hillside, the remarkable 18th century Byzantine Evangelistrías monastery now houses a wonderful museum. Absorb the natural beauty of the ruins of the 16th century medieval town at Kástro. For stunning views of the archipelago, venture to Boúrtzi, a small peninsula that divides the port, to explore the ruins of the Venetian fortress established in 1207.

 

A small island surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea, Skiáthos is part of the Sporades archipelago along the east coast of Greece. Explore the island’s many inlets, capes and peninsulas by boat, or enjoy the endless stretches of picture-perfect beaches. Wander the pedestrian streets, with its bustling marina and many villas, hotels and tavernas. The distinctive clusters of white-washed buildings and red rooftops contrast against the backdrop of the island’s lush, pine forest. Built into the hillside, the remarkable 18th century Byzantine Evangelistrías monastery now houses a wonderful museum. Absorb the natural beauty of the ruins of the 16th century medieval town at Kástro. For stunning views of the archipelago, venture to Boúrtzi, a small peninsula that divides the port, to explore the ruins of the Venetian fortress established in 1207.

 

Piraeus is the main port of Athens, the biggest in Greece, and one of the most important in the Mediterranean Sea. Piraeus is walking distance from Kastella, a hill strewn with beautiful houses that offers a majestic view of the Saronic Gulf. Other points of interest include an archaeological museum, Mikrolimano, where you can enjoy an ouzo accompanied by seafood mezedes.