12-night Ballad of the Black Sea Cruise
$10799

The Signature Collection – A Hosted Sailing
Hosted Sailings offer Outstanding Value and Exclusive Amenities.
- $400 per Couple Shipboard Credit
- Cocktail Reception
READY TO PLAN YOUR SHORE EXCURSIONS?
To view our top picks, please click here.
Itinerary
Trieste is an interesting city and a flourishing center of trade and commerce. It was a literary and cultural center in the 20th century, and the town has Viennese influence and style - along with grand squares, palazzi and churches. The main square, Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia, has Viennese cafes, Palazzo del Governo, and Palazzo del Comune with its clock tower. All of these buildings were built in the 19th century. The promenade is a worth a stroll. Upper town, Colle di San Giusto - with its terrific views - has beautiful Castello di San Giusto and its musuem at the top of the hill, Piazza Cattedrale. Basilica di San Giusto is two churches in several styles, including Roman and Byzantine, with frescoes depicting San Giusto (the town's patron saint), mosaics, and the lovely rose window. The civic museum here has art, religious items and historical items inside. Orto Lapidario displays pottery and statues. Visit Civico Museo Revoltella. Stop at Castello di Miramare and her gardens. Villa Opicina has a wonderful belvedere and views, and Grotta Gigante is an amazing walkable cave museum.
Suggested Private Excursion
Split, the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast, is the heart of Dalmatia. The old town is built around the harbor on the south side of a high peninsula sheltered from the open sea by many islands. Split achieved fame when the Roman emperor Diocletian (245-313), noted for his persecution of early Christians, had his retirement palace built here from 295 to 305. Since 1945 Split has grown into a major industrial city with large apartment-block housing areas. Much of old Split remains, however, and this combined with its exuberant nature makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Europe.
Suggested Private Excursions
Split: Krka Waterfalls & Trogir - 8 hours
Split: Salona, Split & Trogir - 8 hours
Split sightseeing and Foodie tour
Split tour and Olive oil tasting
Sightseeing of Split and Trogir
Suggested Private Excursion
Bari (ancient Barium) is an industrial city in the Apulia region of southern Italy and a seaport on the Adriatic Sea. The old quarter of the city sits on a promontory separating the old and new harbors. It is the site of two notable Romanesque churches: the Basilica of San Nicola (11th-12th century) and the cathedral (late 12th century). Bari was formerly a Greek colony and later a Roman trading settlement. It came under the domination of the Lombards, the Byzantines, and the Normans. It was a key Italian naval base during World War II and sustained heavy damage. From here it is easy to visit Alberobello and Egnazia.
Suggested Private Excursions
Bari: Polignano a Mare & Monopoli - 5 hours
Bari: Locorotondo & Alberobello - 5 hours
Argostoli is the capital of Cephalonia. The harbour front is worth a walk. There is an excellent market for buying fresh fruit and veg, and the traffic free shopping area running parallel to the harbor front is also well worth visiting. Spend a Saturday evening in the main square over an ouzo, watching the local populace taking their volta. The whole family comes out to play. There are balloon sellers and amateur entertainers. Children race around on tricycles and on foot while their older brothers and sisters play the age old game of eyeing each other from the safety of their own peer groups. All this while the parents look on indulgently.
The beautiful town of Chania is where modern, Venetian, Turkish and traditional architecture are blended together to make this one of the most picturesque towns in Crete. Various archaeological sites, villages, churches, caves, gorges and wonderful beaches are embellishing the charming area. It is worth a visit to the Archeological museum that is housed in the Venetian church of St. Fragiskos and exhibits important finds from the Neolithic and Minoan period to the late Roman.
Suggested Private Excursion
Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. Climb the hill of Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and find a welcoming taverna for spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and energetic Greek dancing. Piraeus is the largest harbor in the country. The white chapel of St. George at its summit has a theater bearing the same name. The hill of Nymphs is the site of a planetarium, which is located above magnificent Thesseio temple. Among all of these hills, Acropolis is the one that glorified Athens and the whole Greek world and became the symbol of the western civilization. Bays and small rocky or sandy coves dot the area and during the summer are filled with Athenians and foreigners enjoying their beauty.
Suggested Private Excursions
Suggested Private Excursion
Santorini is everything that has made the Greek islands legendary. The world famous island of Santorini is the southern most island of the Cycladic group in the Aegean Sea, and is located north of Crete. Its population is distributed among thirteen villages and just exceeds nine thousand. The marvelous dry climate and unbroken sunshine create year around conditions which are perfect for observation, photographs and videos under an extraordinary variety of natural lights and colors.
Suggested Private Excursions
Santorini Island Tour - Half Day Tour approx 4 hours
Santorini: Santorini Highlights - 4 hours
Santorini's ancient Akrotiri excavation & Oia Tour approx 4 hours
Santorini cooking and wine tasting class approx. 4 hours
Megalochori village & the lost Atlantis Museum approx. 4 hours
Santorini Walking food tour approx. 4 hours
Suggested Private Excursion
Rhodes is one of Greece’s favored vacation centers and was an important cultural center with a well-known School of Rhetoric attended by such greats as Cicero and Caesar. Rhodes' most famous attractions originated with the Knights of St. John, who occupied parts of the island from 1310 to 1522 and left a medieval town, dominated by the Palace of the Grand Masters and Knights' Hospital, which houses an Archaeological Museum with interesting exhibits of national archaeological finds. Rhodes has inspired many artists. The Old Town offers shopping opportunities and lively nightlife. At Mount Filerimos a church has been built on the site of an ancient temple. A popular excursion is to the charming village of Lindos. Its premier attraction, the ancient acropolis, stands atop sheer cliffs. Walls of a 13th-century Crusader castle enclose the site. Today, the winding path up to the acropolis is lined by stalls, where locals sell lace tablecloths and souvenirs. Mandraki Harbor's entrance is flanked by stone columns topped by figures of a stag and a hind, the town's heraldic animals.
Suggested Private Excursions
Rhodes Town & Lindos - Full day tour approx 8 hours
Rhodes Medieval town & Lindos Tour approx 5 1/2 hours
Suggested Private Excursion
Situated on a beautiful peninsula, Bodrum is known as a popular holiday resort. Enchanting villages of white painted houses trimmed with purple bougainvillea together with miles of sandy beaches and ideal locations for water sports. On the southern coast of the peninsula lie the golden sandy beaches at Bardakci, Gumbet, Bitez, Ortakent Yalisi, Karaincir, Bagla and Akyarlar, while on the western side are Gumusluk, Yalikavak and Turgut Reis.
For those who want seclusion, the northern coast boasts Turkbuku, Golkoy and Gundogan - all small simple fishing villages, ideal for those who want a subdued and relaxing atmosphere. While the nights in Bodrum town itself are noisy, crowded and vital, these smaller villages offer cozy taverns and restaurants over-looking quiet bays and can all be reached easily by car or even by boat.
Suggested Private Excursions
Suggested Private Excursion
Visitors come to Kusadasi for beaches and nearby ruins of Ephesus. The major attraction is the archaeological site of ancient Ephesus, considered to be most important in Turkey. The history of this ancient city dates back to 10th century BC; many remarkable structures seen today are result of an excavation and restoration program. Along a white marble road grooved by ancient chariot wheels, the two-story Library of Celsus presents a striking sight. There are temples, houses of noblemen, and community buildings lining ancient streets. Nestled in the mountainside is a 25,000-seat amphitheater, still used for performances during Festival of Culture and Art. Bible buffs may know Ephesus as inspiration for St. Paul’s Epistle to Ephesians and the site of one of the first seven churches of Asia Minor. Treasures are kept in the Seljuk Archaeological Museum. Among the better-known ancient sites near Kusadasi are ancient Miletus and Dydima. Remains include a well-preserved Roman theater at Miletus and Dydima's sacred temple of Apollo.
Suggested Private Excursions
Kusadasi: Ancient Ephesus Tour - 7 hours
Kusadasi: Priene Day Tour - 7 hours
Kusadasi: The Greco-Roman City of Ephesus & the Wine-making Village of Sirince - 7 hours
Kavala is one of Greece's most attractive large port cities. The large community squares, modern buildings and shopping districts on the west side of the city are a pleasant contrast to the traditional homes and small gardens of the eastern side. Visitors will find charming alleyways and picturesque views of the harbor on the more traditional side of Kavala. There is also an archaeological museum containing ancient finds from Greece's past. Villages adjacent to Kavala are filled with treasures such as Early Christian Basilicas, a Roman Forum, the acropolis and a theater. Performances of ancient dramas are held in the renovated theater every summer.
Suggested Private Excursion
This centuries old capital guards the slender waterway between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and is the doorway between the East and West. Visitors can explore remnants of Byzantine Constantinople in the Sultanahmet district, where you will have the chance to see ancient splendors, such as the Haghia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. At night the city boast a lively nightclub scene and excellent Turkish dining options that may include cultural entertainment and dancing. Istanbul also features splendid shopping malls, boutiques, and hand crafted items can be found all over the city.
Suggested Private Excursions
Istanbull: Highlights - 7 hours
Istanbul: Jewish Heritage Tour - 7 hours
Istanbul: Private Art Collections - 7 hours
Istanbul: Private Yacht Cruise along the Bosphorus - 7 hours
Istanbul: The 16th Century Masterpieces of Sinan the Architect - 7 hours
Suggested Private Excursion
This centuries old capital guards the slender waterway between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and is the doorway between the East and West. Visitors can explore remnants of Byzantine Constantinople in the Sultanahmet district, where you will have the chance to see ancient splendors, such as the Haghia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. At night the city boast a lively nightclub scene and excellent Turkish dining options that may include cultural entertainment and dancing. Istanbul also features splendid shopping malls, boutiques, and hand crafted items can be found all over the city.
Suggested Private Excursions
Istanbull: Highlights - 7 hours
Istanbul: Jewish Heritage Tour - 7 hours
Istanbul: Private Art Collections - 7 hours
Istanbul: Private Yacht Cruise along the Bosphorus - 7 hours
Istanbul: The 16th Century Masterpieces of Sinan the Architect - 7 hours

Itinerary subject to change without notice. Please confirm itinerary at time of booking.
Fares are in US dollars, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy and include fees/taxes. Price does not include airfare, transfers and airline government fees and taxes.
EVERY LUXURY INCLUDED:
- FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions
- FREE 2- or 3-night land programs* on select voyages
- FREE 1-night pre-cruise hotel package* in Concierge Suites and higher
- FREE unlimited beverages, including fine wines and spirits
- FREE open bars and lounges, plus in-suite mini-bar replenished daily
- FREE pre-paid gratuities
- FREE specialty restaurants
- FREE transfers between airport and ship*
- FREE unlimited Wi-Fi
- FREE valet laundry service
Pre or post cruise hotel stay.
Optional roundtrip airfare.
Optional shore excursions.
*Fares subject to increase. All fares and offers are per person in U.S. dollars, valid for residents of U.S. and Canada, based on double occupancy for new bookings only and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Not all promotions are combinable. 2-f
All prices per person and in USD unless otherwise stated.
Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.
Information and pricing is subject to change without notice. While we do our very best to ensure that information and pricing appearing in this website is complete and accurate, we cannot be responsible for incomplete and inaccurate representations, which may or may not be under our control. In the event of a pricing error, misrepresentation or omission, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing or make any other corrections.
Company Info
Luxury Cruise Experts
5850 Canoga Avenue | Suite 550
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
713.850.1566
800-563-2238