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11 Day Pearls Of The Black Sea Onboard Le Bougainville Leaving Istanbul, Turkey
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Hurtigruten's Norwegian Coastal Cruise along the scenic coast and fjords of Norway has often been praised as being one of the most beautiful voyages in the world. Each day of your voyage will yield unforgettable memories of natural beauty as you discover a coastline with an ever changing personality with a new revelation around every headland.
✓ Travel with Ponant Cruises
✓ 11 Day cruise on board the Le Bougainville on Selected Stateroom (Upgrades available)
✓ Unlimited drinks are included, at any time of the day (excludes certain items)
✓ Fine French dining daily with all breakfast, lunches and dinners while sailing
✓ An itinerary along the coastlines in the Black Sea
✓ Discover four countries: Turkey, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Georgia
✓ Wi-Fi free of charge
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cabin Bedding and Upgrades
Bedding on board the cruise is restricted to the following configurations. If you wish to upgrade your cabin, the following amounts are payable in addition to the package price prior to travel:
Prestige Deck 4
Private balcony, Individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower, Minibar, Flat screen, Satellite TV, Desk with stationery, Ipod(TM) players, Video on demand, Safe, Hairdryer, Bath robes, Satellite direct line telephone, 110/220 volts outlet, French bath products, 24hr room service, Internet acces wifi, 1 stateroom for people with reduced mobility.
Deluxe Suite Deck 3
Private balcony, Individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, 1 sofa, Shower, Minibar, Flat screen, Satellite TV, Desk with stationery, Ipod(TM) players, Video on demand, Safe, Hairdryer, Bath robes, Satellite direct line telephone, 110/220 volts outlet, French bath products, 24hr room service, Internet acces wifi. Upgrades from AU$5,090 per person, twin share or AU$7,620 per person, single (subject to availability).
Prestige Deck 5 Suite
With 8m² private balcony, Individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower, Minibar, Flat screen, Satellite TV, Desk with stationery, Ipod(TM) players, Video on demand, Safe, Hairdryer, Bath robes, Satellite direct line telephone, 110/220 volts outlet, French bath products, 24hr room service, Internet access wifi. Upgrades from AU$10,180 per person, twin share or AU$15,260 per person, single (subject to availability).
Please request your cabin upgrade in the 'special requests' field. Availability and price will then be confirmed and added to your invoice upon acceptance.
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's Zodiac® inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, a multisensorial underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
To know more about your ship, please click HERE.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request
COVID-19
Due to COVID, there may be disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview of the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorize each of our tours in terms of their intensity.
These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers. As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times, you are expected to handle your luggage where help may not be available.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and are subject to availability. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Please follow the 'book now' prompts and select 1 passenger to view the single supplement cost.
Triple Share
Not Available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including, e-tickets and cruise details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Children
Children must share a room with their parents at all times and are charged the same price as adults.
Warning About The Use Of Drones
The use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call, or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations.
In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region traveled through, as well as a pilot’s license that should be obtained from your home country.
Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorizations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.
The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.
Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.
Turkey: note that some nationalities are required to get a visa for Turkey. The visa can be obtained online at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/.
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