Just around the corner loomed a cable car! This certainly gave us something exciting to do and the view from the top was magic.... The Marco Polo looked fantastic from up here and this certainly was a highlight. Next it was down to the shore where various forms of entertainment was going on. There was a booth where you could pay some money and then get dressed in colourful robes to have your photo taken. Next door there was a motorbike setup that had bikes and all variety of accessories to get dressed in. The nearby beach was incredible as it was all small pebbles and the lovely young lady sunbaking didn't even seem to mind.

In the afternoon we joined a ship tour to visit the famous Livadia Palace which was the last Tsar's vacation residence. In 1945 Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill met here to plan the division of Europe once the war ended. There are many photos and reminders of that event in this building and to us it was a fascinating reminder of history. A personal note was the many images of the Imperial family and the lovely furniture that has withstood times of long ago. The gardens outside the Palace were beautiful and well maintained and a popular place for brides to come and have photos done. Such pretty brides and very happy families. Next stop was to a tourist souvenir shop area that had views of The Swallows Nest albeit somewhere in the distance. This castle is amazing as it has lots of turrets and is built into the side of a cliff apparently just perching there above the ocean. All too soon it was time to return to the ship. What a surprise to see such festivities on the dock! People dancing to the music of the band that met us and very obviously having a great time. It was lovely to see them and by the looks of it dancing is one of their favourite pastimes. The park here was quite spectacular with statues and manicured gardens but after being entertained for a while we had to take leave and board for another sailout..... Marco Polo Cruise 2007