Cruises from Yalta

The city of Yalta is best known for the famous conference that took place at the end of World War II. But this city has been known as a vacation destination for many years, and it was the favourite spot of Russian Tsars and princes. Located along 70 kilometres of the Black Sea coast, this city has a varied geography that ranges from mountains to beaches. There are 170 settlements and sanatoriums that make up the city and the sun shines around 2,250 hours per year. Since the fall of the Soviet regime and the opening of the Ukrainian borders, Yalta has grown by leaps and bounds and visitors will find all sorts of accommodation for their stay.

You enter the city at the 150-year-old Baidarsky Gate that is located 46 kilometres from the city proper. The view from the hillside over the city is beautiful. You will be able to see the silhouette of the Church of the Resurrection on the Red Cliff and the palace of Alexander Kuznetsov. You will also be able to visit the Iphigenia Cliff and the Devil’s Ladder pass all within the Greater Yalta area.

Yalta has vegetation all around it that you would expect to see in more tropical locales. There are palm trees, seagulls, and warm sea waves lapping on the shore and when you add traditional music from the area, you are stepping into a world that you never knew existed. The city theatre is a must see, especially if a play by Anton Chekov is being performed. There is a dacha museum in his honour in the city and many of his things can be found here. The Lesya Ukrianka Literature-Memorial Museum is also located here. She is the poetess that translated Byron’s ‘Cain’ and Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ in to Ukrainian.

As you move through the city you will be able to see the narrow street where the fishermen lived. You can take a funicular ride over the city and enjoy this bird’s eye view as you take the half hour ride to the observation site that overlooks the city. Children will enjoy the dolphinarium and families will find the Church of the Immaculate Conception – a local lore museum – interesting as they learn about the city through the centuries.

The town of Gaspra just outside Yalta is the home of Swallow’s Nest, a castle that was built in 1912 at the cape of Ai-Todor. It sits on top of a 40-metre cliff and has a fine restaurant within. Alupka is located along the shore not far from Gaspra, and the Palace of Count Vorontsov spreads to the park that was developed by Edward Blore who was the court architect of Queen Victoria. The castle is romantic and there are many sculptures to be seen in the garden throughout the year.

The entire area known as Greater Yalta is filled with many different things to do and enjoy. Before you leave the area, make sure you try one of the many traditional Ukraine dishes that are served in the restaurants in the city.