From the pier you will travel west to Alupka village to visit the Vorontsov Palace, one of the most beautiful Crimean resorts.  Known as Alupka Palace, this architectural marvel was built between 1828 and 1846 by Mikhail Vorontsov, the Governor-General of Novorossiya.  Prince Vorontsov was brought up in England and the palace was designed to be an imitation of an English mansion.  However, although one side of the palace is in the English Tudor style, the opposite side shows strong Byzantine influence, both architecturally and it's interior decor.
     You will walk through a portion of the 100 acre park before your guided palace visit.  The richly decorated rooms provide splendid viewing.  En route to the next stop you will see the "Swallow's Nest" which looks like a turreted medieval castle perched on a cliff hanging over the sea.
     The next stop on your itinerary is the Livadia "White Palace."  Built in 1911 by Czar Nicolas II, Livadia now houses a spa resort and museum.  You will see the site of the famed Yalta Conference, Roosevelt's quarters and restored conference room.
     There are souvenir shops at Livadia with a generous selection of Russian and Ukrainian items.
     The tour will be completed by a superb Crimean-style lunch at one of the best local restaurants.  Among other delicacies, your meal will include borsht, black caviar, vodka and local wine.

Note:  There is a walk of approximately 15 min. to and from the coach parking area to each palace.