Yalta

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The Southern Coast of the Crimea

This narrow strip of land between the Black Sea and the jagged ridge of the Crimean mountain chain has the warmest weather in Ukraine and breathtaking views.

At extreme southern tip of Crimea is the small settlement of Foros that is world famous for Gorbachev's dacha where the first President of the USSR was taken into custody during the August 1991 coup. Foros is often portrayed by the miniature Resurrection church clinging to a 400 m-high precipice. The golden-domed church which is situated on the top of the Red Cliff was built in 1892 as a donation and gratitude for the miraculous escape of Alexander III in a train crash. From a panoramic place outside the church you will enjoy the gorgeous view of the coast.

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Palace of Count Voronzov in Alupka

Designed by Edward Blore, one of the architects of Buckingham Palace, and completed between 1828 and 1848, the palace was summer residence of Count Vorontsov, Governor-General of Novorossia, Russia's wealthiest person. Blore used the most typical features of Eastern and Western heritage and of course the features of Tudor castles of England, that's why gothic exteriors harmonically neighboring Moorish elements. magnificent park surrounding the palace, is a real masterpiece of landscape architecture. Sunny lawns and picturesque groves, twisting paths and wide alleys, streams, ponds, Swan Lake add to the romantic atmosphere. Winston Churchill, who stayed in Alupka during Yalta (Livadia) Conference in 1945, said that here he felt the spirit of "old England".

Alupka Palace

Alupka Palace

Alupka Palace

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The Swallow's Nest

This tiny castle on the very edge of Aurora Rock, hanging over the sea, charms everyone who sees it for the first time.

The Swallow's Nest with towers and spires, resembling a fairy tale castle which clings to an inaccessible cliff. Completed in 1911, the castle has become a true symbol of the Crimea. The best point to take pictures of the Swallow's Nest is the observation platform located in 600 m from the castle.

Swallow's Nest

Swallow's Nest

Swallow's Nest

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Livadia Palace

Livadia Palace, the summer residence of the last Russian Czar Nicholas II. Designed by Russian architect Krasnov in the early Italian Renaissance style and completed in 1911, the Palace will strike you with its irresistible beauty. You'll feel the atmosphere of the rooms where Czar's family lived. During Yalta (Livadia) conference, in February, 1945, Livadia Palace became the meeting place of Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill. You'll see White Hall where the historical meetings were held and the rooms used by the Head of American delegation Roosevelt who stayed here as well. Don't forget to look at the Italian patio, a copy of the Monastery Courtyard of St. Mark's in Florence and to buy Livadia souvenirs.

Livadia Palace

Livadia

1945, Conference

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Organ Hall in Livadia (concert of organ music)

Centre of Organ Music in Livadia is the part of Livadia Palace and Park Complex and can accommodate up to 150 spectators. A new big organ in Livadia, put in action in 1988, is the first instrument of the class made on the territory of the former Soviet Union. The organ has more than 4600 pipes. The length of the biggest pipe is about 6 metres and the smallest is just several millimeters. The latest achievements of electronics as well as traditional organ mechanics have been used while making the organ. Musical compositions of French and German organ classics are performed by the Livadia Organ Centre.

Organ Hall in Livadia

Organ Hall in Livadia

Organ Hall in Livadia

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Yalta

The Black Sea resort of Yalta is one of the most scenic Crimean towns, created for entertainment and relaxation. Located on the southern coast of the Crimean peninsula, Yalta is like a precious gem set between the mountains and the sea. The local air enriched with sea salts and pine scent is famous for its curative properties. This blend as well as the Mediterranean climate contributed to the development of numerous health resorts that emerged here in the 19th century. Being founded by the ancient Greek sailors, Yalta turned from a tiny fishing village into a fashionable resort thanks to the Russian tsars of the Romanovs ruling dynasty who chose this area as their summer residence site. It was popular with the Soviet party leaders, famous writers, poets and artists.

Nowadays it is an administrative centre of the vast health resort area that stretches for 70 km from Foros in the west to Ayu-Dag Mount in the east and is dotted with numerous hotels and sanatoria. On the Main Yalta Promenade you will find a wide choice of excellent waterfront restaurants, cafes, night clubs.

Yalta

Yalta

Yalta

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Anton Chekhov's Memorial House -Museum

Anton Chekhov lived in Yalta. In this house he spend the last years of his life. Visit this house-museum and you'll feel the atmosphere of Chekhov's everyday life and creative activity and see the orchard planted by Chekhov himself, and the study where the famous writer was working at "the Lady and the Lapdog", "Cherry Orchard", "Three sisters".

Anton Chekhov

Anton Chekhov's Memorial House - Museum

In the Museum

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Palace of Alexander III in Massandra (Massandra Palace)

The French chateau-style Massandra Palace started in 1881 by count Vorontsov, the construction of the palace was continuoud by Russian Czar Alexander III and completed by Nickolas II. A visit inside shows the obsession of the Russian Royalty with imitating English and French styles. During the Soviet period it was Stalin's summer residence and a closed dacha for top officials.

Massandra winery (wine-cellars & wine-tasing)

Massandra Winery is the world famous centre of classical wine-making. Its long tunnels penetrate granite rocks going deep into the mountains. There, in coolness, deep under the ground, wine is aged in numerous oak casks. Here you will have a unique opportunity to explore the wine cellars and taste delicate and world famous Massandra wines.

During wine tasting you will be treated to ten samples of the fabulous Massandra winery and provided with an interesting presentation of the Massandra wines. Purchase of the local wines is available at the facility.

The "Massandra" wines have been awarded 4 Super Grand Prix, 4 Grand Prix Cups and 190 gold and silver medals at various international contests and tastings. You'll encounter a priceless collection of vintage wines (on request). During wine-tasting you'll get a unique chance to try the favourite wine of Nicholas II, red port "Livadia", you'll savour muscats and will find out which wine the Russian Empress preferred.

Palace of Alexander III in Massandra

Massandra Winery

Massandra Winery

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Nikitsky Botanical Garden

The garden in Nikita (10 km from Yalta downtown) laid out in beautiful terraces down to the sea in 1812. One of the oldest among the world's botanical gardens, Nikita Botanical Garden is a large scientific-research institute as well as a beautiful tourist attraction. It represents about 20 000 species and varieties of plants from all continents.

Due to subtropical climate, there are many plants from Mediterranean coast, Middle Eastern countries, Japan, Northern and Southern America. Many of the trees and plants adorning the parks and gardens of Crimea originated here. As the treasury for development of most of the Southern Crimean parks, the gardens could impress any visitor with their magic atmosphere.

Nikitsky Botanical Garden

Nikitsky Botanical Garden

Nikitsky Botanical Garden

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Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral built in 1902, is the most beautiful Yalta cathedral. Its architecture is typically Russian with the onion-shaped domes. Tha fasade of the cathedral is remarkable for the mosaic picture of the ancient Russian Prince Alexander Nevsky, Russian saint.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

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Uchan-Su waterfall

Water falls from the height of 98 m! That's why Uchan-Su is known as the highest waterfall in Europe. Waterfall is superb in spring but in summer it is almost dry.

Uchan-Su waterfall

Uchan-Su waterfall

Uchan-Su waterfall

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Grand Crimean Canyon

It is a deep (by Crimean standards), narrow canyon in the Crimean Mountains. It is a popular destination for both tourists and backpackers. The most popular destinations in the Grand Canyon - "Blue Pond" and the "Bath of Youth" - are just 2-4 km up the stream from the parking area, so they are great for not very difficult hike. Swimming is allowed, but the water is cold even in summer.

Grand Crimean Canyon

Grand Crimean Canyon

Grand Crimean Canyon

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Ai-Petri Mountain

Ay-Petri is the name of mountain peak, as well as the plateau that it is on. The view from Ai-Petri is spectacular. The weather is usually quite a bit windier and cooler than down below. One can climb to the top of Ai-Petri peaks (easy to do). There is a large tourist area with Tatar restaurants and locals' homemade wine. Also offered are tours of nearby caves (the plateau is made of limestone and is full of caves) and horseback riding

Ai-Petri Mountain

Ai-Petri Mountain

Ai-Petry Cable-Car

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