Just finished an outstanding Prime Rib dinner.

Two full days left - Finally I get to rest.
This is not a restful vacation, we have been in a new port everyday with 6 hour tours. I picked up a pedometer before leaving home and I am averaging 4.5 to 5 miles of walking per day.

We had 3 outstanding private tours in Ukraine (Odessa, Sevastopol, & Yalta) and a great tour in Sochi from a guide Naire had recommended whan she took this trip last year.

Today, I believe I almost did in my entire group in the hike to the Sumela Monastery. We took the Regent tour and the guide was describing a gentle slopping path, hand rails, only 60 steps up and 60 down. Four of my group are in their mid to late 70's, knee replacements and other heath problems. The hike is about 1.25 miles each way, first a rock path, then slippery downhill, a large area of tree roots you have to tip toe through, very few hand railings, and a couple of hundred steps.
Everyone made it, but they also have retired to bed very early this evening. The Monastery was nice to see, but if you have any breathing, walking or fear of height problems, think twice before attempting.

Regent's Trabzon highlights tour was a little bit of a disappointment. Other than the Monastery, Trabzon doesn't offer too much. A mosque, which was one of only 3 stops in the morning tour was closed, so you only saw the outside.

Liz - Will be glad to answer any questions or refer you to the tour operators we used.

- David