Varna
Varna is probably the most picturesque city in Bulgaria, and its wide beaches and crowded port are home to a huge diversity of people and cultures. Featuring the best weather in the country, Varna has become an increasingly popular spot to visit in recent years. Tourists are finding that the pleasures of the Black Sea Coast are numerous, and that the lovely museums and hot nightspots are too pleasurable not to be experienced. Varna is an outstanding destination to take a cruise to because of its convenient docking site and the compact nature of the city. Located right on the shore, Varna is brimming with life and excitement. The population of this lively city is a mere 300,000, but do not let this fool you. During the summertime, the actual number of people swells, and throughout the year the port is a major commercial and cultural center.
The Varna Museum is a wonderful institute full of fascinating exhibits. The Archaeological Museum is another incredible establishment, and hopefully you will have time to enjoy all of the displays inside these spectacular educational venues. The climate in Varna is amazingly pleasant, and all year long the rainfall is relatively low. There are some great shopping spots, and a couple of high quality restaurants, as well.
As early as 600 BC, Varna was already swarming with people looking for riches. This region was put on the map as the city of Odessos, a port location packed with Greek sailors. In the 2nd century, the Romans arrived looking to bask in the sun of this glorious city by the sea. Varna has a rich heritage that is brought to life in the museums and architectural landmarks of the area. Historians, archaeologists, and the government of Varna have all been extremely conscientious in making sure that all of the artifacts and relics that have been uncovered stay here in Varna. As a result, by taking a tour of the city, you will really be able to get the whole picture of what makes Varna so special.
Odessa
Odessa is both an historically important and entertaining city, one whose history is matched by the splendor of the present day community. In the new millennium, the citizens of Odessa are hopeful that their wonderful city will continue on its road to prosperity, and as tourism is increasing, this dream seems to become closer with each passing day. Just over one million people live in this bustling city, and there is always so much to do that it will seem like there are millions who reside here. You will not find that Odessa is overcrowded or stifling, but when you venture out at night, it appears as if the whole city is active and out on the town. There are some fabulous nightspots in Odessa, and a couple of the shopping districts are outstanding. Citizens of Odessa, particularly the younger generations, are extremely friendly, and even the bars remain relatively peaceful and free of altercations.
The catacombs of Odessa are a main attraction for tourists looking for a little history and culture. These underground wonders are the most expansive in the world, and hundreds of people hid here during the Nazi invasions. They are absolutely incredible, and demand a visit. There are a number of extremely interesting museums in Odessa, and the architecture of the buildings and the main square are magnificent. Three or four of the restaurants in town are particularly outstanding, and the tourist offices are comprehensive and will always lead you on the right path for a wonderfully enjoyable stay. As the cruise ship docks, you will instantly be reassured that you are in for a spectacular vacation. The region is subtly beautiful, and during the summertime the beaches are exploding with activity.
Yalta
Yalta is an extraordinary destination that is perfect for a cruising vacation. If you are looking for a little relaxation and pure enjoyment, the beaches along the Crimean coast of Yalta are ideal. If you wish to sightsee and gather insight into the history and culture of the Ukraine, there are few better places than Yalta. The museums are excellent, and the churches and cathedrals are great historical gems you will surely want to visit. The number of dining facilities and shopping areas in Yalta are limited, but those that do exist are top-notch. You are sure to discover some entrees that you have never heard of before, and after all, you are on vacation, so try something exotic and out of the ordinary. You might want to inquire about the ingredients in a particular meal that you are ordering, because those Ukrainians sure can get creative! It's probably a good thing that you are staying on the cruise ship, because the accommodations and hotels in Yalta are second rate. Lucky for you, there is no need to rely on the local domiciles, so you are free to have a splendid time in this land of beauty.
Set against the Black Sea, Yalta was settled hundreds of years ago, and the region is, in fact, so old that we cannot pinpoint exactly when the first inhabitants of the land lived here. The modernization of Yalta began in the early 19th century, and the official town came into existence in 1883. In the last couple of decades, the region has seen a boost in tourism, and in the summertime, the beaches are incredible, which will no doubt lead to an increasing amount of visitors during this season. The most desirable spots to explore in Yalta are the Uchan Su Waterfall and the Fairy-Tale Meadow. These two areas are remarkable, and the scenery will have you in awe for days. If you are thinking of visiting the Ukraine, then definitely plan a trip to Yalta. If nothing else, you will have the opportunity to experience hiking and exploration along the coast that will provide you with fabulous swimming locations, spectacular shots of cliffs and mountains, and lovely golden-sand beaches.
Istanbul
Istanbul is an amazing destination, full of extraordinary outdoor vendors, wonderful restaurants, interesting sites, and glorious museums. There are so many things to do in the city that you are certain to feel overwhelmed. Your best bet is to line up three or four activities that particularly interest you, and spend your time exploring these in depth. A visit to Istanbul without a definite plan is a chaotic visit. Your eyes and ears will be inundated with sights and sounds that are intoxicating. Watch out for an abundance of ruthless salesmen, but do not be too much on the defensive. The citizens of Istanbul are respectful and friendly, and if you stop someone to ask for directions, they will be more than happy to help you. But once you enter a store or bazaar, the game is on. If you are shopping, you are in the hunt, and if you are in the hunt, you are fair game for the merchants to attempt to force a sale on you. Simply stick to your guns, and you will find the bargains you are looking for
This historic city is 2,500 years old, and the heritage of the country can be observed in the region known as Sultanahmet. Also called Old Stamboul, the architecture and park areas in this section of the city are particularly beautiful. The heart of Istanbul can be found near the Golden Horn, and everywhere you travel you will see a cultural tug of war between East and West. Traditions are being met head on by American and European influences, creating a strong cultural youth movement. This is making for an even more complex and fascinating Turkish society. In any event, a visit to this sprawling and spectacular city will be one that you will never forget.
Kusadasi
Turkey is a sprawling and diverse country, and Kusadasi best exemplifies this diversity. The city has been built up to resemble a beach resort, but the citizens have rebelled against this all-out push for tourism. Many of the beaches are quite unpopulated, and when you travel into the heart of the town you do not get a bustling touristy feeling at all. Instead, you are likely to marvel at the glorious historical and architectural sights, enjoy one of the great dining facilities, or lounge around a cozy bar and have a drink with one of the locals.
No one is exactly sure when Kusadasi was officially founded. The Greeks inhabited the area and had a tremendous impact on the history and culture. Kusadasi took over as the major trade center when the ancient port of Ephesus was rendered useless because of a lack of water and resources. By the 1400?s, Kusadasi was controlled by Genovese and Venetian traders and shop owners who named the port Scala Nuova. Some years later the Ottomans invaded and took over, and they ruled the land for centuries. They called Kusadasi Bird Island because of the frequent herds of pigeons that migrated to the area.
Today Kusadasi is a city famous for its spectacular sunsets and interesting bazaars. The best way to enjoy Kusadasi is by spending the majority of your time at the beach or by one of the fabulous swimming pools. If you are one to trust the masses, then visit Kusadasi in the summertime when the normal winter population of 40,000 balloons to a tremendous 400,000. Even in the summer you will still be able to find beautiful and secluded beach areas and enjoy a peaceful dinner by the sea.
Santorini
The Cyclades Islands in Greece are a gorgeous collection of unique and empirically beautiful islands. The southernmost area in this island collection is Santorini. This is the island that most often adorns tourist brochures welcoming visitors with its fantastic landscape. Guests will tell you that photographs can hardly do this place justice. Famous for its caldera, the collection of cliffs bordering the Aegean Sea that in ancient times was an active volcano, Santorini is the Cyclades most prized possession
Geologically, it is a spectacular sight. The western side of the island is stacked with homes of lucky locals that sit perched atop sharp cliffs thrusting toward the sea. The eastern side of the island is a tourist's paradise, with calm beaches stretching as far as the eye can see.
With over a million tourists per year, Santorini is constantly packed. And the 7,000 residents of the island have made their home an inviting destination by opening shops, nightclubs and restaurants in abundance. By day, Santorini is a sparkling place of water and relaxation. At night, it comes alive as its tone is transformed from placid to party. Wine is the islands largest export, and the incredible selection undoubtedly adds to the festive atmosphere the island takes on after dark. Local taverns are packed with tourists who simply want to taste the flavors and sample Santorini's finest.
Santorini has two main towns, Ia to the north and Fira in the center of the island. Both towns sit atop the caldera and are visible upon your arrival to the island. Fira, Santorini's capital, is the livelier of the two towns. It is truly the embodiment of commercialism and trade, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to indulge themselves and their wallets. Ia is a tamer town, catering especially to visitors looking to slow down and enjoy the scenery. With a decidedly residential tone, Ia emphasizes the beauty of its land and invites visitors to unwind and take in the famous Ia sunset on any of its caldera's peaks.
Sorrento
Sorrento has long held a special place in the heart of Italians. Its rugged beauty has attracted poets, philosophers, playwrights, and authors for centuries. Roman mythology places Sorrento as the spot where sailors were lured to their death by the songs of the sirens, mermaids who used their beautiful voices to lead men to their watery graves. It's said that the mythical hero Ulysses stuffed his crew's ears with wax to deafen them and strapped himself to the ships hull in order to resist their allure.
Today, the city is still every bit as alluring. Sorrento is on the beautiful Amalfi Coast, a strip of land in Western Italy that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The small island of Capri is just three miles off shore, and one of Italy's most beautiful (but dangerous) roads winds along from Sorrento, through Amalfi and into Salerno. Sorrento is equidistant from both Naples and Salerno, exactly 43 miles away from each. Vic Damone's tear-jerking hit, Come Back to Sorrento may become your theme song once you visit this little slice of paradise.
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