Highlights of Southern Russia: Sochi - Krasnodar (CB-32)

On arrival, you’ll transfer to your hotel and then take a brief sightseeing tour. Overnight Sochi.

Today we begin by heading up into the mountains where you’ll discover the largest Russian ski resorts. These resorts attract visitors year round on account of the breathtaking scenery; we’ll travel up the mountain to a height of 2,320 metres above sea level by cable car. Next stop is the Caucasus National Reserve, an animal park where you’ll have the chance to see wild animals and learn about the area’s flora and fauna. After lunch, we’ll make our way to the Sochi Sky Park, an adventure park which contains the world’s longest hanging bridge. It’s an impressive 439 metres long and is found 207 metres above the ground. If you wish, you’ll have the opportunity to walk along the bridge and gaze down upon the river in the ravine below, taking photos from the observation platform located midway across the canyon. Overnight Sochi.

The world`s northernmost tea can be found growing near Sochi in the village of Uch-Dere, high above the settlements of Loo and Dagomys. We’ll be able to experience a typically Russian tea ceremony and feast on homemade cake and honey while watching a captivating show put on by the folk dance group Rus. Later, we’ll make our way to Gelendzhik where we’ll have a city tour before checking into our hotel. Overnight Gelendzhik.

Our destination is Novorossiysk, known as a hero city. There, we’ll see the Malaya Zemlya memorial complex, dedicated to the marines who landed at Sudzhuk spit, the symbol of Soviet invincibility. We’ll also visit Mikhail Kutuzov, a historic ship that once formed part of the Russian fleet under Stalin and which in its heyday patrolled the Black Sea. After our city tour, we will arrive at the Abrau-Durso champagne house, a winery with a long history. Founded by Emperor Alexander II, champagne production here began in the late 19th century and is attributed to Prince Galitzine`s appointment to the role of the Surveyor of Imperial Vineyards. At the end of the tour we will return to Gelendzhik. Overnight Gelendzhik.

Ataman is renowned for its ancient Cossack traditions and it is here that we’ll learn more. There’ll be some skilful riding, live folk music and a reenactment of a typical Cossack wedding. After lunch, we will travel to Fanagoria Winery for a wine tasting tour before driving on to Krasnodar for an overnight stay. Overnight Krasnodar.

This interesting city is the final stop in our Highlights of Southern Russia itinerary. A stroll along Krasnaya Street is without a doubt the best place to start, as it is along this road that you’ll find Ekaterina`s Cathedral, the Monument to Ekaterina II, Alexander Nevsky Military Cathedral, the Triumphal Arch in the former Cathedral Square and much more. There’ll be time to go souvenir shopping and to take in the extraordinary view across the Kuban river in the evening, the perfect end to our tour. Overnight Krasnodar.

Today marks the end of your tour and our driver will be waiting in the hotel lobby.