Any can't miss places on the Black Sea?

[Zoidberg]

I am planning my trip to Ukraine in late May for 3 weeks. I am visiting one woman and we are planning to go to the Black Sea for about a week. Are there any suggestions of places we should go to? We want to get a flat and I think we'd rather not go to a big city. We'd rather go someplace where we can just walk the beaches and spend some quiet time together. That is if she does not throw me out of the train before we get there! We might even stop at a few places travelling by bus or just stay in one place. We are not sure where to go so I thought I'd ask some of you if you have any suggestions.

Thanks!
Z

[Deckard]

... in response to Any can't miss places on the Black Sea?, posted by Zoidberg on Jan 26, 2003

Zoidberg,

The Black Sea does cover a lot of area as Dan had said.

I can only advise you about Crimea:

I second Jski's recommendation of Swallow's Nest. It was good enough for me to visit twice. I also highly recommend the tour of the palace in Alupka (very close to Yalta). Also the fortress at Sudak is very cool, my fiancee and I loved the place. Right next to Sudak is Novy Svet (New World), which the French aptly named. It is nicknamed "Paradise". It has great sandy beaches, and is surrounded by two rock mountains that one can climb for an amazing view. The rock mountains create a kind of inlet or mini gulf. Some of the best wine and champagne in Europe is made there, and we ended up buying several bottles right where it was made for less than 3 U.S dollars per bottle.

Back in Yalta I recommend seeing the Lavadia Palace. I was also there twice. It is where the big three leaders met at the end of WW2. Beautiful palace and gardens are there, I wouldn't miss it if I were you and anywhere close to Yalta.

Like flowers? Then don't miss the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens, not far from Yalta, and situated with a view of the Black Sea.

Actually everything I've mentioned so far is either within view of the Black Sea, or right on it .

I've been to all of these places and I have nothing but wonderful memories and the pictures I took there are priceless for me.

Perhaps you would agree if you are ever able to make it there.

There are many many more places to visit then the ones I have listed here. You could not possibly see them all in one short trip.

The water should be rather cold in May, but everything else should be perfect.

Hope this helps

-Deckard

[Zoidberg]

... in response to Absolutely, posted by Deckard on Jan 29, 2003

Deckard... Thanks for all the great tips. Not sure how many places we will try to go but we are probably not going to run around all over. I looked at photo's of Novi Svet and it looks very nice. Sounds like Swallows Nest and the Fortress at Sudak are places we will go.  

Thanks!
Z

[thesearch]

... in response to Any can't miss places on the Black Sea?, posted by Zoidberg on Jan 26, 2003

I can not give you any response to your question however,
I would like to encourage you to post a trip report when you return.

Trip reports are very helpful for the guys just getting into this. They get a feel for what is to come and it helps them to move to next step, getting off their duff and going.

Have a great trip, I'll cross my fingers she does not throw you off the train and vice versa LOL

[thesearch]

... in response to Hey Zeeee, posted by thesearch on Jan 28, 2003

Give us a trip report dude ))

[Zoidberg]

... in response to not HAZY - I am very clear on this, posted by thesearch on Jan 28, 2003

n/t

[Jski]

... in response to Any can't miss places on the Black Sea?, posted by Zoidberg on Jan 26, 2003

Just got home from there today.

Swallows nest castle by Yalta (Its a boat ride out to it....It was cold, but nice)

[Rags]

... in response to Re: Any can't miss places on the Black S..., posted by Jski on Jan 27, 2003

[This message has been edited by Rags]

We drove to it. BTW, if anyone wants to rent the apartment on the top floor it can be arranged by Eugene.

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Re:Swallow's nest, posted by Rags on Jan 31, 2003

...

[cherokee]

... in response to Any can't miss places on the Black Sea?, posted by Zoidberg on Jan 26, 2003

it's on the outskirts of Yalta.

[Stan]

... in response to Massandra wine tour, posted by cherokee on Jan 27, 2003

Just buy a couple bottles and picinic up on the mountain by Aloopka or at the sea.  
Stan

[Jski]

... in response to Re: Massandra wine tour, posted by Stan on Jan 27, 2003

Got my two sitting in my suitcase still.  Right next to the Honey-Pepper Vodka :-)

[Stan]

... in response to Re: Re: Massandra wine tour, posted by Jski on Jan 28, 2003

I hear ya'. Last time I was there, I brought back 4 liters of Massandra, declared it at customs in Chicago and they just waved me thru?? Actually, Tanya and I just drank the last one on Christmas Eve.
If you realy like that wine, try to find a Moldovian wine called "Karop" (car-go) It usualy comes in a tall, thin bottle. I prefered it over most of Massandra's.

[Jski]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Massandra wine tour, posted by Stan on Jan 28, 2003

Thanks, I'll look for it.  I tried to find the Congac I had with her father (he sat there until we finished the bottle and some beer....I was a bit thirsty for water in the morning) I couldn't remember the name though and she didn't read the bottle.  It was good though!

[Zoidberg]

... in response to Any can't miss places on the Black Sea?, posted by Zoidberg on Jan 26, 2003

Thanks guys... I will look at the website and check some of the suggestions. I know I will have many more questions.

We do not have a timetable of how long we will stay there yet. It could be a few days to a week or more. We will not go to Odessa but some of the places you suggested I will look into. We just want a quiet place to be together where we do not have to worry about other distractions like family and friends... I will spend the rest of the 2 week trip in Dnepropetrovsk where she is from. While there we will be very busy with friends and family so the Black Sea will be our time.

Thanks again!
Z