Sevastopol Highlights
Duration: 4 hours
Tour Code: sev-001
Discover the incredible history of Sevastopol during this journey to the Panorama Museum, and a special visit to the ancient City of Chersonesus.
Begin your tour with a short drive to Primorsky Boulevard where you will lave your coach behind and take a walk along the Boulevard, viewing sights such as the Nakhimov Square and Grafskaya Quay where the ships of the Russian Navy can be seen.
Re-joining your coach, you will make your way to Historical Boulevard and have a visit to the Panorama Museum. This historic museum opened in 1905, on the 50th anniversary of the defense of Sevastopol in the Crimean War. In addition to numerous documents, photos and army relics, the Panorama Museum houses a magnificent 377-foot long, 46-foot high canvas by the famous Russian battle artist F. Roubaud depicting the first main assault of Sevastopol on June 18th, 1855. The picture is the best example of the national art of panoramic painting, and its circular canvas merges into the 9,630 square-foot relief model. Standing on the observation platform in the middle of the hall, you will feel as if you are atop Malakhov Hill during one of the fiercest and decisive battles of the war.
Next, you will journey through the central part of Sevastopol to the City of Chersonesus. Founded by ancient Greeks in 422 BC, Chersonesus played an important role in both Crimean and Russian history, and offers wonderful photo opportunities. It is perhaps best known as the cradle of Russian Orthodox Christianity, because it was here that the Great Prince Vladimir adopted Christianity to introduce it to his country. You will marvel at the magnificent ruins, including a Greek theater, Roman temples, fortifications, elaborate columns of marble, and beautiful mosaics. From the ruins, you will proceed to the Archaeological Museum, located in the ancient city, to view displays of pottery, mosaics, ceramics, coins and ornaments salvaged from the excavations here.
Your tour concludes with a visit to the impressive and recently restored St. Vladimir Cathedral, built in the 19th century. Some time will be made for shopping before you re-board the coach for the drive back to port.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 2.5 hours of walking and 100 steps to negotiate. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and may not be suitable for those with mobility concerns. Weather appropriate clothing; sun caps; sunglasses and flat, comfortable walking shoes are suggested. Women must have their head covered and shorts are not permitted in order to enter Cathedrals. Photos and video-taping are not permitted in the Cathedral. Kindly keep in mind that guides, though knowledgeable and the best available, may not be as skilled as those found in the larger tourist centers of the Mediterranean, or other parts of Europe.