Ship MS Dnieper Princess: Odessa - Kiev, River Cruise 04 Jul 2010 - 15 Jul 2010

Odessa was one of the most important cities in the Russian Empire. It was built by the order of Catherine the Great to defend the southern flanks from the Turks. Today Odessa is an important economic and cultural center known for its distinct dialect and massive migration to Brighton Beach in the late 80s - early 90s.

Optional tour: opera or ballet performance at Odessa Theater

Today is free for you to explore Odessa. An optional dinner at Belgorod-Dnestrovsky Restaurant awaits you in the evening.

Optional tour: Fine Arts Museum

Sevastopol is the capital of the Crimea. The Crimean Peninsula was given by Nikita Khrushev to Ukraine, but the future of the Crimea has become a point of contention between Russia and Ukraine in recent years. The political arguments do not diminish the natural beauty of this place, including Sevastopol's magnificent natural harbor and home of the Black Sea Fleet.

Closed for a long time to foreign visitors, Sevastopol and its history are more accessible now than ever before. You will see the remnants of the Greek colony Khersones and a Panorama of Defense of Sevastopol during the Crimean War of 1853-1856. You will also visit the World War II Memorials Malakhov Barrow, Sapun Mountain, and the Cemetery of the German Soldiers.

Optional tours: a bus tour to Bakchisarai; performance of the Black Sea Fleet Ensemble

Kremenchuk is a 400-year-old provincial town in the Poltava region. It was here that Peter the Great led his army against the mighty Swedish Empire, a fight that would last nearly 20 years. Peter's victory here placed Russia in a prominent spot as a European power.

Did you know? The literal translation of the word "Ukraine" in Russian is sideways or periphery.

Today is free for you to explore Kiev on your own. Ask your guide for site recommendations.

Optional tours: Pecherskaya Lavra; Open Air Museum; Andreevsky Izviv

Andreevsky Izviz is one of the best known historic streets in Kiev and is often compared to Montmartre. Some of Kiev's most interesting historical sites can be found here, including the Castle of Richard the Lionheart, St Andrew's Church, and Mikhail Bulgakov's house. The street also has a galore of shops and art galleries, delicious restaurants and museums, making it popular among locals and tourists alike.

Pecherskaya Lavra was the center of Orthodox Christianity in Eastern Europe until the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church was moved to the Novodevichiy Convent in Moscow. The Pecherskaya Lavra contains numerous architectural monuments ranging from belltowers to cathedrals to an impressive underground cave system. It is also the burial place of ancient rulers and stands today as one of the largest museums in Kiev.

Kiev was one of the oldest cities in ancient Russ and stands proud as the cradle of the Russian civilization. In its prime it was incredibly wealthy, had a powerful military, and possessed one of the most educated populations. The golden age of Kiev came to an end when the Mongol hordes burned it to the ground.

There are many important historical sights in Kiev, the most prominent being St. Sophia's Cathedral and the Pecherskaya Lavra. St. Sophia's Cathedral echoes the past glory of Byzantium while the Pecherskaya Lavra (Cave Monastery) recalls the deep asceticism of early Christianity.

Today will take you on a general tour of the city with a visit to Maidan Nezalejnosti, Kiev's central square that saw events of the Orange Revolution.

Optional tours: St. Sophia's Cathedral; performance of the Ukrainian National Choir

St. Sophia's Cathedral is an outstanding architectural monument of Kievan Russ. Originally the cathedral was a burial place of Kievan rulers, but after the pillaging of 1169 and then by the Mongols in 1240, the cathedral fell into disrepair. The Soviets called for the destruction of the cathedral, but thanks to the efforts of scientists and historians, this national heritage was preserved.