Crimea through the Ages tour (3 days)
Discover the cultural diversity of Crimea and admire its natural wonders.
The tour highlights include:
- Spend time near the Black Sea coast and enjoy the beautiful sea views
- Learn more about the heroic defense of Sevastopol during the Crimean War 1853—1856 and the Second World War
- Visit the unique ancient city Chersonesus Tavrichesky, the most majestic archaeological site in the south of Russia
- Admire the architectural perfection of the imperial palaces and parks
- Climb to the best viewing points, which offer spectacular views of the sea bays
- Discover Bakhchisarai, the ancient capital of the Crimean Khanate
Tour duration: 3 days
Why is Crimea such a fantastic place? Because there is absolutely everything here and everyone can find something interesting! If you love nature, seascapes, and mountains, here you will enjoy it in all its diversity. But if you take a few steps away from beach life, you will plunge into the world of historical and cultural masterpieces.
Day 1 Palaces near Yalta
Visit some of the famous palaces of Crimea to see with our own eyes the beauty embodied in stone.
You will see the Vorontsov Palace and its ancient park situated at the foot of Ai-Petri Mountain. You'll explore one of the oldest and largest palaces in Crimea, admire its luxurious halls, and walk through its picturesque park offers exceptional views of the sea and the mountains. In 1945 Winston Churchill and some British delegation members were given temporary residence within the Vorontsov Palace. According to Churchill, 'The setting of our abode was impressive ... Behind the villa, half Gothic and half Moorish in style, rose the mountains, covered in snow, culminating in the highest peak in the Crimea'.
During the tour, we will stop taking photos of the Swallow's Nest Castle built on the very brink of the cliff next to the sea.
After lunch at one of the local restaurants, we will visit Livadia Palace, known worldwide for the Yalta Conference held in February 1945 by heads of three delegations. It also shows the summer residence of the last Russian tsar Nicholas II.
Tour duration: 8 hours
Day 2 Highlights of Sevastopol
This day we'll explore Sevastopol, where each epoch has left a lot of reminders. During this tour, we will explore the city's main sights, visit the ancient Greek city of Chersonesos, and learn about the military history of Sevastopol, visiting Crimean War and WWII sites.
The history of the city goes back to the 6th century BC. We'll visit the ancient Greek town Chersonesos Tavrichesky, listed by UNESCO among the 100 most outstanding monuments of world culture.
Walking through the center of Sevastopol, you'll discover the snow-white Grafskaya pier, Nakhimov Square with the Monument to the hero of the first Siege of Sevastopol Pavel Nakhimov, Memorial to the Heroic Defense of Sevastopol in 1941-1942, well-known Primorsky Boulevard with the Monument to the Scuttled Vessels.
After lunch in one of the local restaurants, we will go to the Historical Boulevard, where we will see the famous panorama "The Siege of Sevastopol" that perpetuated the heroism of Sevastopol's defenders during the Crimean War.
We'll finish the day with a stop at one of the fabulous places of the Crimea - Cape Fiolent. It was formed about 160 million years ago, after a powerful volcanic eruption. The bizarre shapes of the frozen lava make the landscape of the area a truly unique natural creation.
Tour duration: 8 hours
Day 3 Bakhchisaray
This day we’ll talk about the Crimean Tatar state and visit its former capital Bakhchysarai. We’ll explore the Khan’s palace and learn about the history and culture of the Crimean Tatars.
Bakhchisaray
Chufut-Kale
During the tour, you will find yourself in a Tatar house-museum, see how the Crimean Tatars used to live, and also enjoy the coffee ceremony.
Tour duration: 8-9 hours
Optional Tour Extension.
Option 1. The Valley of Ghosts. (A trip to the mountains with 4-hour hiking)
For those who want to hide from tourist groups and relax in the environment of the purest mountain air and pristine nature, we offer to add another day of excursions.
Crimean mountains
Funa Fortress
Tour duration: around 7 hours
Tour cost: 5600 rubs per person in a party of 4
The Valley of Ghosts