Turkey and the Black Sea - Unmissable experiences
A cruise around Turkey and the Black Sea is the perfect opportunity to explore the history of this fascinating region, located at the crossroads of civilisation. From Istanbul, a city caught between two continents, to the enchanting Cappadocia, and from the Byzantine monuments to the Danube Delta, this area is full of surprises. We have put together a list of unmissable activities for you to peruse.
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Turkey and the Black Sea - Essential guide
Between the Greek and Roman archaeological sites, Byzantine monuments and seaside towns, a cruise to Turkey and the Black Sea is an opportunity to discover a world caught between civilisations. Here is some essential information to help you familiarise yourself with Turkey and the inland sea it shares with Ukraine and Bulgaria.
Read more
Turkey and the Black Sea - Unmissable experiences
A cruise around Turkey and the Black Sea is the perfect opportunity to explore the history of this fascinating region, located at the crossroads of civilisation. From Istanbul, a city caught between two continents, to the enchanting Cappadocia, and from the Byzantine monuments to the Danube Delta, this area is full of surprises. We have put together a list of unmissable activities for you to peruse.
See the real Istanbul - Turkey
Byzantium, Constantinople... This city has been known by several names since it was settled in the 7th century. But Istanbul has always had a strong identity: at the crossroads of civilisation between Europe and Asia, it is a buzzing hive of activity. To really get a feel for the city, be sure to visit Balat, one of its oldest neighbourhoods, where Jews, Orthodox Christians and Muslims all coexist. If you want to explore the modern side of Istanbul, simply take a stroll down the Istiklal Avenue, which is lined with many different cafes and shops. Finally, pay a visit to St. George's Cathedral, the seat of the Orthodox Patriarchate, or to the Kiliç Ali Pasha Mosque, a replica of the famous Hagia Sophia.
Discover the wonders of Nessebar - Bulgaria
Built on a rocky peninsula, Nessebar is one of the oldest cities in Europe, founded around 3,000 BC. To appreciate its riches, simply take a stroll along its cobbled streets and visit some of its iconic Byzantine churches. The Nessebar archaeological museum also houses a collection of artefacts dating back to the 5th and 2nd centuries BC, as well as numerous icons. Finally, the Moskoyani House, an ethnographic museum, provides an interesting overview of the Bulgarian traditions and way of life during the last century.
Admire the splendours of Cappadocia - Turkey
Three days in Cappadocia is the perfect way to escape from reality. This central region is one of the most popular destinations in Turkey thanks to its fairy chimneys, troglodyte dwellings and magical underground cities. Taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise is the best way to appreciate its unique landscape and steep hillsides, letting you see the world in a whole new light. Cappadocia is home to many must-see attractions: Göreme, with 30 churches and chapels carved into the rock; Pasabag, with its impressive fairy chimneys; the Greek architecture of the village of Mustafapasa; and the underground city of Kaymakli.
Appreciate the Turkish way of life - Turkey
Cruise passengers stopping in Kusadasi can head a little inland to discover a variety of picturesque villages. Kirazli, which literally means "cherry village", is a particularly special spot. Surrounded by olive trees, cherry trees and vineyards, it is not a typical tourist destination, but rather offer a glimpse of everyday life in the Turkish countryside. A visit to a vineyard is highly recommended!
Admire the Danube Delta from Sulina - Romania
In Sulina, time flows by as peacefully as the water of the Danube Delta. Not far from its long sandy beach, the city's lighthouse marks the mouth of this legendary river. Thanks to its impressive biodiversity, the Danube Delta has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to 1,200 varieties of plants, 300 bird species and 45 species of freshwater fish. During migration seasons, millions of birds from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean pass through this area.
Turkey and the Black Sea - Essential guide
Between the Greek and Roman archaeological sites, Byzantine monuments and seaside towns, a cruise to Turkey and the Black Sea is an opportunity to discover a world caught between civilisations. Here is some essential information to help you familiarise yourself with Turkey and the inland sea it shares with Ukraine and Bulgaria.
Helpful tips
Dos. In Turkey, skimpy outfits are considered provocative. Men should stick to trousers and women are advised to wear a long skirt and a scarf when visiting mosques.
Don'ts. Although the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is a great place to buy souvenirs, it is not customary to haggle. The prices on display are typically fixed. There may be more room for negotiation in shops catering to tourists, where the prices can be lowered by up to 50%.
Unique features
One of the country's most famous creations, Turkish coffee was actually introduced by Syrian merchants in the 16th century, although it did not really take off until the 17th century. The drink became so popular that the sultan signed an edict stating that women could petition for divorce if their husbands did not satisfy their coffee needs.
Essential phrases
Hello/good evening: Merhaba/Iyi akşamlar
Goodbye: Hoşçakalın
Welcome: Hoş geldiniz
Excuse me/please: Bakar mısınız/Lütfen
Thank you very much: Teşekkür ederim
Yes/no: Evet/Hayır
How are you?: Nasılsınız?
Very well, thank you, and you?: Iyiyim, teşekkür ederim, ya siz?
My name is…: Benim adım…
Gastronomy
Everyone knows kebabs, but few have experienced the culinary masterpiece that is a testi kebab. Originally from Cappadocia, this dish is made from a combination of beef, lamb and vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic) simmered over a fire for several hours in a sealed clay jar. The only way to enjoy the dish inside is to break open the amphora, creating a theatrical and tasty dining experience!
Myths and legends
The legend of Ergenekon is Turkey's founding myth. After a terrible battle against Mongol invaders, the Turks, led by Prince Sevintch, were massacred on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Only one survivor was captured: young Peurtedjene, whose hands and feet were cut off by the enemy before he was abandoned in a swamp. Suffering in agony, he was saved by a she-wolf. She took him to a country created by the gods, the Ergenekon. Ten children were born of their union, helping to ensure the survival of the Turkish people.
In the spotlight
In October 2018, a team of underwater archaeologists discovered the world's oldest intact shipwreck in the Black Sea off the coast of Bulgaria. Dating back to 400 BC, this Greek trading vessel owes its incredible state of preservation to the deep water. Lying 2,000 metres below the surface, the lack of oxygen has allowed the materials to resist the wear that typically occurs over time.
Culture
Books. In Istanbul: Memories and the City, (2005, Faber & Faber) Ohran Pamuk sifts through his own childhood, from happy memories to confused recollections, punctuated by several emotionally charged situations. This autobiographical tale also offers a fascinating portrait of this bustling city, its crowded streets, its architecture and ruins, the waters that flow through it and the mountains that surround it. A bittersweet melancholy permeates Ohran's Istanbul, a city at the crossroads between two cultures. Following the publication of this book, the author received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2006.
Music. A contemporary pianist and composer, Fazıl Say began his international career very early, playing with the New York Philharmonic and the Orchestre National de France. He is also the founder of the Antalya Piano Festival and performs in many classical and jazz festivals in France and around the world. Fazıl Say brings his unique style to everything he plays, from Mozart to his own compositions.
Film. A tool of Bolshevik propaganda, Battleship Potemkin (Sergei Eisenstein, 1925) has long been censored by Western countries. However, it was named the greatest film of all time by 117 international critics at the Brussels World Fair in 1958. The film is based on the mutiny staged by the crew of the Potemkin in the port of Odessa in 1905, the revolt that swept through the population and the bloody repression that followed. The massacre of civilians in the city's monumental staircases is still considered one of the most ground-breaking sequences in the history of cinema.
Facts and figures
97%Turkey straddles the continents of Asia and Europe. 97% of its territory lies in Asia and 3% in Europe. Approximately 17% of the Turkish population lives in Europe.
