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Peregrine Travel Centre

Pearls of the Black Sea

Pearls of the Black Sea

From AUD $9,730

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Description

Departing from Istanbul, cruise along the coastlines in the Black Sea, to discover the Turkish, Bulgarian, Ukrainian and Georgian shores. During this 11-day cruise, Le Bougainville will take you to exceptional natural and historic sites.

Your trip will begin with the discovery of the city of Varna, in Bulgaria. 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.

After a stopover in Georgia, in Batumi, 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.

Trip Name
Pearls of the Black Sea
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bougainville will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Bougainville will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Bougainville has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Istanbul
Located on the Bosphorus, Istanbul is one of the most beautiful of all Turkish cities. Named Byzantium when founded by the Greeks, and then Constantinople under the Roman Empire, this city is steeped in history and, for this reason, is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on Sultanahmet hill, the great Blue Mosque, the mysterious Hagia Sophia and the vast Topkapi palace and its countless mosaics, dominate the Marmara Sea. In the Beyazit district, the Grand Bazaar allows to discover elegant covered passages. A little further away, delicate aroma of loukoum and spices will draw the visitors’ attention at the Egyptian Bazaar.
Day 2 - Day 2: Varna
Sometimes called “the marine capital of Bulgaria”, Varna stands on the shores of the Black Sea, offering a perfect blend of historical visits and relaxation on its long, white-sand beaches. Now a major Bulgarian port, the city was founded in the 6th century BC by the Greeks, before being taken by the Thracians 150 years later. After being conquered by Alexander of Macedon in the 4th century, it became Roman. Later, it was fought over by the Byzantines and Bulgarians before belonging permanently to the latter. Wander through the city’s streets to discover its architectural wonders: the Varna Opera House, the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, the Roman baths, and the highly popular sea garden. Varna is also home to many museums such as the archaeological museum, the naval museum, the park-museum of the Battle of Varna and the city art gallery.
Day 3 - Day 3 - 4: Odessa
Located on the Black Sea, Odessa, the third largest city in Ukraine, will charm you with its traditions, monuments and natural treasures. You will stroll around its historic centre where you’ll find historic sites and important museums on every turn of the street. Its buildings, along its wide shaded boulevards, give a good idea of its former grandeur. Near the sea, you will appreciate climbing the 192 steps of the Potemkin Stairs, considered as the formal entrance to Odessa. This genuine symbol of the city was made famous by Sergei Eisenstein’s film Battleship Potemkin (1925).
Day 4 - Day 5: At Sea
During your day 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 day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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.
Day 5 - Day 6: Batumi
Like many Black Sea cities, Batumi has successively been Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and under Russian and then Soviet control until the dissolution of the USSSR in 1991. Gonio Fortress, a few kilometres from the city, is testament to this rich history and was home to the different civilisations that occupied the region. Take a walk through Batumi’s old town centre to discover its most famous monuments: Piazza Square, Saint Nicholas Church, Europe Square, the Statue of Medea, the colonnades on the boulevard, the Alphabetic Tower and the Ali and Nino monument. Located on a promontory overlooking the Black Sea, the Batumi Botanical Garden, the second largest in the world, is well worth seeing.
Day 6 - Day 7: Trabzon
The cultural and historical capital of the Black Sea region, located in the north of Anatolia, Trabzon has important historical heritage. Founded in the 7th century BC by the Milesians, the city was dominated in turns by the Romans, the Goths and the Ottomans: all these different populations, kingdoms and empires have shaped this city’s very particular atmosphere. Not far from here, Altindere Valley National Park is renowned for its immense oak and conifer forests and is home to the ancient Sumela Monastery, nestled 1,200 metres high at the foot of an impressive cliff.
Day 7 - Day 8: Samsun
The biggest city in the Black Sea region, Samsun lies on the coast of Turkey. This modern, industrial city is home to 75 archaeological sites that can be interesting to visit. It gives access to one of the most beautiful cities in Asia Minor: the city of crown princes, Amasya, sitting on the banks of the green river (Yeşil Irmak). Its magnificent Ottoman houses lining the narrow left bank, tucked between the river and the rocky outcrop, are sure to captivate you.
Day 8 - Day 9: At Sea
During your day 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 day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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.
Day 9 - Day 10: Bartin
Located on the edge of the Black Sea in Turkey, Bartin is the prefecture of the eponymous province. It is surrounded by the Zonguldak provinces in the west, Karabük to the south, Kastamonu to the east, and faces the Black Sea to the north. It is the gateway to the mythical Safranbolu, a former caravan station that has preserved its typically Ottoman architecture and is now listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. It is also close to Amasra, a small, utterly charming seaside town.
Day 10 - Day 11: Istanbul
Located on the Bosphorus, Istanbul is one of the most beautiful of all Turkish cities. Named Byzantium when founded by the Greeks, and then Constantinople under the Roman Empire, this city is steeped in history and, for this reason, is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on Sultanahmet hill, the great Blue Mosque, the mysterious Hagia Sophia and the vast Topkapi palace and its countless mosaics, dominate the Marmara Sea. In the Beyazit district, the Grand Bazaar allows to discover elegant covered passages. A little further away, delicate aroma of loukoum and spices will draw the visitors’ attention at the Egyptian Bazaar.
Day 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-07-202220-07-2022AUD $9,730Deluxe Stateroom
10-07-202220-07-2022AUD $10,820Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
10-07-202220-07-2022AUD $11,360Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
10-07-202220-07-2022AUD $12,020Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
10-07-202220-07-2022AUD $16,800Deluxe Suite
10-07-202220-07-2022AUD $22,790Prestige Suite Deck 5
10-07-202220-07-2022AUD $23,990Prestige Suite Deck 6
10-07-202220-07-2022AUD $25,190Privilege Suite
10-07-202220-07-2022AUD $27,680Grand Deluxe Suite
10-07-202220-07-2022AUD $29,090Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • An itinerary along the coastlines in the Black Sea, to discover five countries: Turkey, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia and Georgia.
    • UNESCO sites: Istanbul (port of embarkation and disembarkation), the ancient city of Nessebar and the city of Safranbolu.
    • Discover Odessa, the pearl of the Black Sea.
    • From Trabzon, Altindere National Park and the Sumela Monastery.
    • The possibility of visiting Istanbul before or after your cruise.

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