SEVASTOPOL
Panorama - a unique historical museum, which was opened in 1905 on the 50-th anniversary of the defense of Sevastopol in the Crimean War. The museum houses a magnificent (115 meters long, 14 meters high) canvas by the famous Russian battle artist F.Roubaud, which is the best example of the national art of panoramic painting. The picture depicts the first main assault of Sevastopol on the 18th of June 1855. In front of the circular canvas is the 900 sq. m. subject plan. Spectators, rise on the observation platform in the middle of the hall, as if finding themselves on top Malakhov Hill during one of the fiercest and decisive battles of the war.
Underground Submarine Base (Balaklava) In the times of the USSR, a top secret submarine base was built inside the rock situated at the passage into Balaklava Bay. The magnitude of this facility will take your breath away, it shapes an underground city. Semi-submersed, submarines used to enter the rock by two canals. The facility could accommodate up to 6 submarines at a time! This factory would shelter in case of atomic bombing and was capable to resist the direct hit of a 100 kilotons bomb. Every detail was in place for life support - food-stuff storehouses, dwelling rooms, kitchens, self-contained air supply system, diesel generators, fuel and water pipelines, underground railways. As a sight alone, this facility is also an exciting and astonishing diving site.
The Archaeological Preserve of Chersonesus of Tauri - the city founded by ancient Greeks in 422 BC. The city has played an important part in both Crimean and Russian history. The city is called the cradle of Russian Orthodox Christianity due to the fact that it was here that the Great Prince Vladimir adopted Christianity to introduce it to his country. You will see the magnificent ruins, including a Greek theatre, Roman temples, fortifications, elaborate columns of marble and beautiful mosaics. From the ruins, we proceed to the Archaeological Museum, located on the territory of the ancient city, it displays pottery, mosaics, ceramics, coins and ornaments salvaged from the excavations here. Visit the impressive St. Vladimir Cathedral built in the 19th century and recently restored.
Russian Black Sea Navy museum . Founded in 1869, it is one of the oldest naval museums of Ukraine. The eight halls feature exhibits telling the history of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, from the days of the creation, till nowadays as well as about the foundation of Sevastopol as its main base.
Black Sea Navy Fleet Performance. If you enjoy fabulous live entertainment, do not miss this rare opportunity to view an unforgettable performance by the accomplished Black Sea Navy Ensemble. The Black Sea Navy Ensemble of Song and Dance was established in 1932 in Russian and Ukrainian folk song and dances, and Russian, German, English, Italian, Greek and Polish masterpieces. The Ensemble perform more than 150 concerts a year in small and large venues, on board ships, and for the military units of the Black Sea Navy in the Ukraine and Belorussia. They can be seen on tour throughout Russia, England and Europe. From 1989 to 2000, they performed 750 concerts throughout Western Europe, which gave rise to 40 live Crystal Stage Award for the best concert of the 1990-1991 season, and topped the television charts with a German folk song performance in 1992-1994. In 2000, the Black Sea Navy Ensemble received the prestigious Golden Apollo from the P.I. Chaikovsky Fund of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation.
Underground Submarine Base (Balaklava) In the times of the USSR, a top secret submarine base was built inside the rock situated at the passage into Balaklava Bay. The magnitude of this facility will take your breath away, it shapes an underground city. Semi-submersed, submarines used to enter the rock by two canals. The facility could accommodate up to 6 submarines at a time! This factory would shelter in case of atomic bombing and was capable to resist the direct hit of a 100 kilotons bomb. Every detail was in place for life support - food-stuff storehouses, dwelling rooms, kitchens, self-contained air supply system, diesel generators, fuel and water pipelines, underground railways. As a sight alone, this facility is also an exciting and astonishing diving site.
The Archaeological Preserve of Chersonesus of Tauri - the city founded by ancient Greeks in 422 BC. The city has played an important part in both Crimean and Russian history. The city is called the cradle of Russian Orthodox Christianity due to the fact that it was here that the Great Prince Vladimir adopted Christianity to introduce it to his country. You will see the magnificent ruins, including a Greek theatre, Roman temples, fortifications, elaborate columns of marble and beautiful mosaics. From the ruins, we proceed to the Archaeological Museum, located on the territory of the ancient city, it displays pottery, mosaics, ceramics, coins and ornaments salvaged from the excavations here. Visit the impressive St. Vladimir Cathedral built in the 19th century and recently restored.
Russian Black Sea Navy museum . Founded in 1869, it is one of the oldest naval museums of Ukraine. The eight halls feature exhibits telling the history of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, from the days of the creation, till nowadays as well as about the foundation of Sevastopol as its main base.
Black Sea Navy Fleet Performance. If you enjoy fabulous live entertainment, do not miss this rare opportunity to view an unforgettable performance by the accomplished Black Sea Navy Ensemble. The Black Sea Navy Ensemble of Song and Dance was established in 1932 in Russian and Ukrainian folk song and dances, and Russian, German, English, Italian, Greek and Polish masterpieces. The Ensemble perform more than 150 concerts a year in small and large venues, on board ships, and for the military units of the Black Sea Navy in the Ukraine and Belorussia. They can be seen on tour throughout Russia, England and Europe. From 1989 to 2000, they performed 750 concerts throughout Western Europe, which gave rise to 40 live Crystal Stage Award for the best concert of the 1990-1991 season, and topped the television charts with a German folk song performance in 1992-1994. In 2000, the Black Sea Navy Ensemble received the prestigious Golden Apollo from the P.I. Chaikovsky Fund of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation.
YALTA
Bakhchisaray, Khan's Palace, Chufut Kaleh Cave City. You will visit two former capitals of the Crimean Khanate, which possessed the Crimean Peninsula many years long, - the city of Kyr-Or or Chufut Kaleh, as well as Bakhchisaray and preserved Khan's Palace with dwelling rooms, a mosque, a cemetery, arbours, as well as famous Fountain of Tears.
Chufut Kaleh, founded on the top of an inapproachable mountain in 6th-11th century, is one of the most well-preserved cave cities of the Crimea. You may have a look at Karaim Knessas (temples), Janyke-Khanum Mausoleum, defensive walls and caves, as well as one of the recent archaeological finds - a 120-meter underground fresh-water well. On the way to the city you may see caved Uspensky Cave Monastery.
Count Vorontsov's palace in Alupka . After a 5-minute walk from the bus parking area along a shady road over the sea find yourself in front of the Tudor style Northern faзade of the palace, which belonged to 19th century Russia's wealthiest person.
The grandiose building took 20 years to construct, material being local stone diabas (twice as hard as granite). The architect - Englishman Edward Blore - one of the authors of Buckingham palace in London, designed Vorontsov's palace as a blend of styles with gothic exteriors harmonically neighboring eastern Moorish elements.
Walk through the authentic interiors of the palace, marvel at finely carved marble sculptures of the winter garden, and see the numerous paintings (including Hogarth, Ayvazovsky, Shchedrin). Enjoy the striking beauty of the Southern faзade, built in oriental style and resembling the temples of Alhambra.
Winston Churchill, who lived here during the Crimean Conference, said that in Alupka he felt the spirit of "good old England".
Livadia Palace - the summer residence of the last Russian Tzar - Nicholas II and the venue of the Crimean 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
See the Great White Hall, where the fates of post-war Europe were decided on in 1945, feel the atmosphere of the rooms where the Tsar's family lived, learn the details of everyday life of Russian aristocracy of the early 20th century.
Massandra Winery - creation of Prince Leo Golitsin, forefather of the Russian winemaking, and a unique place that boasts the biggest wine collection in the world, containing million bottles of wine from different countries. One of its contemporaries called it "the eighth wonder of the world". Constructed in 1894 it reminds a French chateau, hidden amidst the Crimean Mountains. During the winetasting tour, accompanied by professional experts, the guests get acquainted with winemaking process, strolling along the tunnels with oak barrels and later are invited to taste nine exquisite samples of Massandra wines. Nobody leaves the winery unmoved.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - Yalta's central Russian Orthodox temple, built in early 20th century under design of A.Krasnov - the author of Livadia Palace. The faзade of the cathedral is remarkable for the mosaic picture of the ancient Russian Prince Alexander Nevsky - a Russian saint.
Swallow's Nest castle hangs over the sea on a 38 meters high rock. This folly romantic castle of love was constructed in 1912 and since then has been the true symbol of Yalta and the Crimea. Today the castle houses an exquisite restaurant.
Nikitsky Botanical Gardens - one of the oldest and biggest Botanical gardens in the World, representing some 50000 species, varieties, forms and hybrids of plants from all the continents. Established in 1812 and located on high slopes of Nikita settlement today it occupies the area of forty hectares. The tour lasts three hours including the visit to the adjacent cacti hothouses, representing some 800 varieties of cacti and succulent plants. From mid-spring till late autumn one can admire blooming roses, counting 250 varieties selected by the local botanists, alongside with rich chrysanthemums in mid October. Behind the bamboo thicket the visitors seek into "Fruit tasting cafe" and taste exotic fruits, Crimean herbal teas, balsams, etc.
Fresh air with the fragrance of blooming flowers will inspire you for the rest of the day.
Chekhov house-museum . Quite a number of places in Yalta are connected with the name of famous Russian writer Anton Chekhov: a Chekhov district, a Chekhov Museum, a Chekhov Theatre, a monument to Chekhov, and a street, a library and a school named after him. Chekhov was very popular among local residents.
He came to Yalta for the first time in the summer of 1888 "just to satisfy his passion for travel". In 1898 on medical advice he decided to make Yalta his permanent home and he brought his mother and sister Maria with him. He bought a small plot of land and built a two-storeyed house with an attic which his contemporaries called "White Cottage".
Chufut Kaleh, founded on the top of an inapproachable mountain in 6th-11th century, is one of the most well-preserved cave cities of the Crimea. You may have a look at Karaim Knessas (temples), Janyke-Khanum Mausoleum, defensive walls and caves, as well as one of the recent archaeological finds - a 120-meter underground fresh-water well. On the way to the city you may see caved Uspensky Cave Monastery.
Count Vorontsov's palace in Alupka . After a 5-minute walk from the bus parking area along a shady road over the sea find yourself in front of the Tudor style Northern faзade of the palace, which belonged to 19th century Russia's wealthiest person.
The grandiose building took 20 years to construct, material being local stone diabas (twice as hard as granite). The architect - Englishman Edward Blore - one of the authors of Buckingham palace in London, designed Vorontsov's palace as a blend of styles with gothic exteriors harmonically neighboring eastern Moorish elements.
Walk through the authentic interiors of the palace, marvel at finely carved marble sculptures of the winter garden, and see the numerous paintings (including Hogarth, Ayvazovsky, Shchedrin). Enjoy the striking beauty of the Southern faзade, built in oriental style and resembling the temples of Alhambra.
Winston Churchill, who lived here during the Crimean Conference, said that in Alupka he felt the spirit of "good old England".
Livadia Palace - the summer residence of the last Russian Tzar - Nicholas II and the venue of the Crimean 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
See the Great White Hall, where the fates of post-war Europe were decided on in 1945, feel the atmosphere of the rooms where the Tsar's family lived, learn the details of everyday life of Russian aristocracy of the early 20th century.
Massandra Winery - creation of Prince Leo Golitsin, forefather of the Russian winemaking, and a unique place that boasts the biggest wine collection in the world, containing million bottles of wine from different countries. One of its contemporaries called it "the eighth wonder of the world". Constructed in 1894 it reminds a French chateau, hidden amidst the Crimean Mountains. During the winetasting tour, accompanied by professional experts, the guests get acquainted with winemaking process, strolling along the tunnels with oak barrels and later are invited to taste nine exquisite samples of Massandra wines. Nobody leaves the winery unmoved.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - Yalta's central Russian Orthodox temple, built in early 20th century under design of A.Krasnov - the author of Livadia Palace. The faзade of the cathedral is remarkable for the mosaic picture of the ancient Russian Prince Alexander Nevsky - a Russian saint.
Swallow's Nest castle hangs over the sea on a 38 meters high rock. This folly romantic castle of love was constructed in 1912 and since then has been the true symbol of Yalta and the Crimea. Today the castle houses an exquisite restaurant.
Nikitsky Botanical Gardens - one of the oldest and biggest Botanical gardens in the World, representing some 50000 species, varieties, forms and hybrids of plants from all the continents. Established in 1812 and located on high slopes of Nikita settlement today it occupies the area of forty hectares. The tour lasts three hours including the visit to the adjacent cacti hothouses, representing some 800 varieties of cacti and succulent plants. From mid-spring till late autumn one can admire blooming roses, counting 250 varieties selected by the local botanists, alongside with rich chrysanthemums in mid October. Behind the bamboo thicket the visitors seek into "Fruit tasting cafe" and taste exotic fruits, Crimean herbal teas, balsams, etc.
Fresh air with the fragrance of blooming flowers will inspire you for the rest of the day.
Chekhov house-museum . Quite a number of places in Yalta are connected with the name of famous Russian writer Anton Chekhov: a Chekhov district, a Chekhov Museum, a Chekhov Theatre, a monument to Chekhov, and a street, a library and a school named after him. Chekhov was very popular among local residents.
He came to Yalta for the first time in the summer of 1888 "just to satisfy his passion for travel". In 1898 on medical advice he decided to make Yalta his permanent home and he brought his mother and sister Maria with him. He bought a small plot of land and built a two-storeyed house with an attic which his contemporaries called "White Cottage".