The main Romanov`s sights in Greater Yalta are Palaces "Livadia", "Massandra", "Dulber", "Ai-Theodor", "Charax" (Kharaks), "Kichkine", Yusupov Palace, the places of two destroyed palaces "Chair" and in Oreanda.
Delve deep into the history of the Romanov's family and admire the wonderful architecture while visiting the tsar's famous summer residences on this tour. Heading eastward, will travel through the labyrinth of roads of this celebrated resort town and soon arrive at the picturesque settlement of Massandra, the home of the famous Crimean wines. Will take you up a narrow road to the Palace, one of the architectural miracles of the Southern Crimean Coast surrounded by a lovely pine-covered park with its century-old trees. In 1881 Tsar Alexander III commissioned master builders from France and Germany to construct his summer mansion in Massandra, which was completed almost twenty years afterwards. Originally built as an estate for the Tsars, it subsequently became the summer dacha of the upper echelon Soviet leaders including Stalin, Khrustchev, Mikhoyan, Gorbachev and until very recently remained strictly prohibited for tourists. Enjoy the beauty of the interior decoration of the palace. The well-preserved original furniture and a rich collection of arts enhance the homely atmosphere.
Further along the picturesque coast, in its landscaped garden setting is Livadia Palace, formerly the summer residence of Tsar Nicholas II. Designed by the Russian architect Krasnov in the early Italian Renaissance style and completed in 1910-11, the White Palace will strike you with its arresting beauty. You will see the restored White Hall where the historic meeting between Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill was held, the Tsar's Study and Roosevelt's headquarters. Take a moment to look at the Palace's attractive interior courtyards. Next you will visit the tsar's family private apartments on the first floor of the palace including the study of Nicholas II, the room of Alexandra Fyodorovna, the dining room and the children's classroom. The exposition includes numerous photos of the imperial family, documents and original furniture. You will learn more about the Romanov family, who used to enjoy immensely their staying in Yalta. Before proceeding with the tour you will have an opportunity to make a short visit to a shopping arcade where you might purchase a souvenir of your visit.
After visiting the Palace take a scenic drive along the spectacular coastline to the Cape Ai-Todor. You will pass by the elegant palace Kichkine, the former property of the royal family, built in the original Moorish style in 1912. Pause at the Swallow's Nest that looks like a medieval castle with bastions and battlements, perching courageously at the very edge of the 40-meters high Aurora cliff. It is definitely one of the most striking sights attracting numerous visitors. Built to the design of architect Sherwood in 1912 it has become a true symbol of the Crimea. West of the Swallow's Nest another former estate of Romanovs, the "Kharaks", is located. It was the last refuge of the Romanov's family before they left the Russia.
Southern Crimean Coast surrounded by a lovely pine-covered park with its century-old trees. In 1881 Tsar Alexander III commissioned master builders from France and Germany to construct his summer mansion in Massandra, which was completed almost twenty years afterwards. Originally built as an estate for the Tsars, it subsequently became the summer dacha of the upper echelon Soviet leaders including Stalin, Khrustchev, Mikhoyan, Gorbachev and until very recently remained strictly prohibited for tourists. Enjoy the beauty of the interior decoration of the palace. The well-preserved original furniture and a rich collection of arts enhance the homely atmosphere.
After visiting the Palace take a scenic drive along the spectacular coastline to the Cape Ai-Todor. You will pass by the elegant palace Kichkine, the former property of the royal family, built in the original Moorish style in 1912. Pause at the Swallow's Nest that looks like a medieval castle with bastions and battlements, perching courageously at the very edge of the 40-meters high Aurora cliff. It is definitely one of the most striking sights attracting numerous visitors. Built to the design of architect Sherwood in 1912 it has become a true symbol of the Crimea. West of the Swallow's Nest another former estate of Romanovs, the "Kharaks", is located. It was the last refuge of the Romanov's family before they left the Russia.