Yalta is an interesting place to visit. 11 of us toured Livadia palace, which was the summer home of Nicholas II and his family, as well as the place where the Yalta conference was held in 1945 with Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin.  The original table where the meetings took place was on display, as well as many photos.  We visited the private rooms of Nicholas II and his family, including the small schoolroom where original drawings of the Romanov children were on display. Outside in the gardens we saw a young bride and groom and wedding party having their photos taken.

We continued our tour to the Massandra Palace, which was surrounded by a large park and vineyards. This was the summer palace of Alexander III. Both palaces were filled with beautiful furniture, paintings, and other artifacts. 

Back in town we toured the city, including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.  The bride and groom we saw at Livadia palace was walking in town.  After our tour, Cathy, Ed and I visited the outdoor market (fabulous with $2 jars of black caviar) and had lunch at a small restaurant along the water.

After our ship departed I caught another ship in the moonlight.

Monica