Istanbul - Istanbul

Ports

• Istanbul
  

  A transcontinental city straddling the Bosporus, one of the world's oldest waterways in northwestern Turkey, Istanbul has often been described as the destination where “East Meets West.” Its nickname comes from its most defining feature, the Bosporus Strait, which divides the European and Asian sides of the city, revealing a vibrant meld of cultures, architectural styles, and cuisine. Selected as a European Capital of Culture for 2010, Istanbul is home to some of the world’s most famous mosques, churches, and palaces, as well as being an important city during the Latin, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.

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• Sulina (Danube Delta)
  

  Sulina is the largest town in the Danube delta, first documented in AD950, with about 50% of the delta's population living here. The rather sleepy little town is poised on the literal edge of Europe and the busiest branch of the Danube shipping channel. A newly cobble-stoned riverside promenade looks impressive, but step just one street back from the promenade and old Sulina is still there in all its dusty glory. Sulina is well located for tours into the Danube Delta. The Delta is listed as a UNESCO Reservation of the Biosphere because of its variety of ecosystems (more than 25 types of natural ecosystems). It is considered to be the third in ecological significance among the 300 reserves of the world with over 1,200 varieties of plants, 300 species of birds as well as 45 freshwater fish species in its numerous lakes and marshes. This is the place where millions of birds from many different parts of the world come to lay their eggs.

• Batumi
  

• Trabzon
  

  The Northern coast of Turkey, borders the Black Sea and stretches 650 miles from the Georgian border to the Bosphorus. The coast is backed by forest-clad mountains and is sparsely populated. As the largest port on Turkey's Black Sea Coast, Trabzon today serves an interesting role as a go-between for the countries of the ex-Soviet Union, and for Russia as well. This modern town of over 200,000 is thoroughly commercial and crowded, with a fascinating blend of cultures and lifestyles. As one of the cities on the "Silk Road", it has a long history of trading. An hour's drive south of Trabzon, at 3,900 feet in the mountains is the remarkable Sumela Monastary, built into a sheer cliff face. The Orthodox monastery was founded in 386 AD and its present form dates from about 1350. The site was abandoned in 1923, following forced population exchanges between Greece and Turkey. Standing in the Atlindere National Park, it overlooks forests and streams, making it popular for its aesthetic attractions as well as for its cultural and religious significance.

• Sinop
  

  Sinop is a charming Black Sea port town with excellent views. You can easily spend a day here wandering around the town, restaurants and sea front, although you could also easily see everything in half a day. SeaDream offers two land adventures that will give you a complete overview of this picturesque unspoiled town. In order to give the best quality for these adventures, the licensed guides are traveling from Istanbul solely for SeaDream guests.

• Amasra
  

  Amasra is a small Turkish port located on the Black Sea. The town is visited primarily for its beaches and natural setting, which has made tourism the most important activity for its inhabitants. As of 2010, the population in Amasra was some 6,500. SeaDream will actually call nearby to a port called Bartin due to local restrictions. Amasra/Bartin creates excellent access for guests to see the Unesco awarded Safranbolu. For those that do not feel like venturing outside of town, we also have a Amasra Discovery option.

• Bosphorus (transit)