Warmed by the sun, lapped by the gentle waves of the Black Sea and sheltered from northern winds by the Crimean Mountains, Yalta has long been full of charms and attractions. Picturesque landscapes, unique natural, historical and architectural monuments and more are what give Yalta an undeniable character all its own. Explore the beautiful summer palaces of Russia’s last royal family and their surrounding gardens, or tour one of the area’s renowned wineries where world-class dessert wines are produced. Yalta’s mild climate, lush green landscape and dramatic beaches make it a location worth visiting time and again.

Day 1. Imperial Palaces

Enjoy a sightseeing tour to Crimea’s most marvellous palaces surviving since Tsarist times. Vorontsov’s Palace, situated in a 10-hectare park, is a remarkable piece of architecture not to be missed. Each wing of the palace is executed in a particular style as its creator, Edward Blore of Buckingham Palace fame, looked to design what he called an "English country house". Not far off, Livadia Palace is now the city’s most famous landmark, the place where Winston Churchill, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Joseph Stalin convened the Yalta conference in 1945 to decide the fate of post-war Europe.

Day 2. For True Wine Connoisseurs

Learn all about the fine art of wine making at the Massandra Winery. In addition to history and the wine-making process, join in a wine tasting in the Massandra Winery where guests can sample the wineries world-famous wines before purchasing some after the tour is over.
The gorgeous chateau of Tsar Alexander III - the Massandra Palace - invites visitors with its beautiful interior, painting and woodwork, not to mention its lovely surrounding garden, which represents a masterpiece of landscape architecture.

Hot Tip!

Hit the fairytale Swallow’s Nest for lunch and enjoy spectacular views from the rocky precipice upon which this private little castle sits.

Sights