Great Discovery of Southern Russia: Sochi - Gelendzhik - Krasnodar (CB-33)

Sochi is not only the largest of the Russian resorts, it’s also the most popular on account of the proximity of its sunny coastline to the snow-capped mountain peaks of Krasnaya Polyana, the highest of which is more than 2,000 metres above sea level. You can leave the coast, which is not unlike the Mediterranean, and an hour later be enjoying the cool air of the mountains. Overnight Sochi.

Our bus and experienced local guide will arrive at the hotel after breakfast to take you on a city tour of Sochi. You’ll see the historic city centre where the first fortifications and spas were constructed and notice that the climate is warm enough for exotic trees to flourish. Later, we’ll visit Stalin’s dacha. A dacha is a Russian holiday home and Stalin’s is located near the Green Grove sanatorium. You’ll enjoy a stroll around the sub-tropical park which surrounds the property and also pay a visit to the dacha, which is now a museum devoted to the former Russian leader’s life in Sochi and the tragic fate of his family. Overnight Sochi.

Due to this distinct climate zones, the venues used during the 2014 Winter Olympic Games are clustered in two groups, coastal and mountain. You’ll visit Imeretinskiy Valley, where the coastal cluster is situated. The Olympic Park has been modified since the Games finished and is now a popular theme park with numerous roller-coasters. The Formula 1 Grand Prix race has also been held here since October 2014. You’ll then be taken to the mountain cluster, at Krasnaya Polyana. Travelling via cable car, en route you’ll enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Caucasus Mountains. Finally today, we visit the Sochi Sky Park, home to the world’s longest hanging bridge - it’s 439 metres long and sits 207 metres above sea level. Those brave enough can walk to the observation platform located midway across its span, from where there are stunning views of the canyon with its snaking river down below. Overnight Sochi.

The world`s northernmost tea is grown in Sochi in the village of Uch-Dere, located in the hills above the settlements of Loo and Dagomys. It’s a beautiful spot, the perfect place to feast on the spread of honey, homemade cakes and of course tea that’s waiting for you. You’ll experience a Russian tea ceremony and learn about the samovar while watching a performance from the folk dance group Rus. Leaving the tea growing area, we’ll depart for Gelendzhik and check in to our hotel. Overnight Gelendzhik.

Old Park is the first architectural theme park on the Black Sea coast. Located at Kabardinka, it is crammed with reproductions of many ancient structures representing the cultures of Antique Greece, Ancient Egypt, the Middle Ages and Renaissance as well as Eastern, Orthodox and Caucasus cultures. Leaving the park, we’ll pay a visit to the dolmens which are found in this area, megalithic structures related to the Maykop culture. The dolmens were thought to be vaults and have a very narrow entrance, designed to hide the precious metals and jewels that were hidden inside before being sold. Some say that dolmens possess mystic powers but we’ll leave you to decide that for yourself. Overnight Gelendzhik.

Novorossiysk is a place where history sits side by side with modern structures. Our sightseeing tour includes a visit to the memorial complex of Malaya Zemlya. It’s dedicated to the heroic landing of marines at Sudzhuk spit and is the symbol of Soviet invincibility. We’ll also visit the historic ship Mikhail Kutuzov, once part of Stalin’s great fleet and now a museum. Your guide will take you up onto the bridge where you’ll learn about the ship’s days on the Black Sea. Later, we will go to the Russian Champagne House, Abrau-Durso. This winery dates back to the days of Emperor Alexander II. The development of the champagne industry commenced in the late 19th century and is attributed to Prince Galitzine`s appointment to the role of the Surveyor of Imperial Vineyards. You’ll have the chance to stroll along the shore of Lake Abrau and ponder the day’s events. Overnight Gelendzhik.

Today we embrace ancient Cossack tradition with a fun day of skilful riding, a folk music performance and even a traditional wedding. While we’re there, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional Kuban cuisine and later a wine tasting tour at nearby Fanagoria Winery. Overnight Krasnodar.

Today we try our hand at traditional farming techniques. At Sinegorie, we’ll meet a farmer and have a go at cutting grass with a scythe - you’ll never moan about having to mow the lawn with a lawnmower again. You’ll really have the chance to muck in with the day to day farming chores: preparing the haystacks for the goats, milking the goats, making goat cheese and learning how to make a house from an adobe material using natural ingredients like clay, straw and sand. You’ll have lunch made from homemade ingredients and learn how to cook some of the local dishes. This is a fantastic opportunity to embrace nature and experience country life, Russian style. After lunch we’ll make a trip to an organic fruit and vegetable garden where you’ll learn about growing food free from chemicals. Moving on, we transfer to Krasnodar for our overnight stay. Overnight Krasnodar.

One of the most popular attractions in Krasnodar is without doubt Krasnaya Street. A plethora of historic monuments and landmarks line this street, among them Ekaterina`s Cathedral, the Monument to Ekaterina II, Alexander Nevsky Military Cathedral, the Triumphal Arch in the former Cathedral Square and many more. In the afternoon you will have time to go souvenir shopping. The evening views over the Kuban River are really amazing and will be the perfect way to conclude your holiday. Overnight Krasnodar.

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