An inlet of the Black Sea, Sevastopol is a major naval base and a seaport.
Some quick facts about the port we were in, Sevastopol: Catherine II established this city after Russia gained control of the region in 1783. The harbor was fortified and the Russian Black Sea Naval fleet came to the port in 1804. Leo Tolstoy wrote about the siege when the French forces came in his Tales of Sevastopol.400,000 population; founded in 1783; name comes from Greek meaning “town of glory;” it was destroyed twice – during Crimean War and during WWII; in destruction only 4 houses had roofs left on them; both Russians and Ukrainians have naval fleets here; climate normally dry (but it was pouring rain when we were there!)
When we arrived, it was overcast and rainy – and it was a tender port, so getting into the tenders took time. As we crossed to the city, we saw a small submarine heading out.
We drove out of Sevastopol to take our tour of “the best of the Crimean Riviera.” We drove along the coastline which was beautiful. We could look on one side of the road and see the Black Sea and the homes and resorts along it, while on the other side were the mountains. Our first stop was the Swallow’s Nest Castle.
It sits out by itself on this rock ledge.It was built in 1912, but looks like a medieval castle. Our guide told us it was a gift to a gypsy girl and is called the “love nest.” It is very small, and today is a very expensive restaurant. I want to Google it when I get home to really know the background of it.
As we continued our drive, we learned that many people from Ukraine and Russia come to this coastline for climate therapy. From some of these “sanitariums” (which we call spa resorts) there are cable cars that take guests right down to the sea.
Also, the Black Sea was named not because of its color. It was named because of how inhospitable it was to sailors.
Another tidbit: the Matrushkas (Russian stacking dolls with smaller ones within each other) were made to symbolize big families.
Our next stop was the Livadia Palace, the famous summer residence of the last Russian Tsar, Nicholas II. 
[I think you can enlarge the above pictures if you click on them.]
There were pictures and newspaper stories in all the rooms, and it was interesting to actually be in the rooms where all this took place. The palace was very ornate and beautiful. Besides Nicolas II, Alexander II and III lived here as well.
We had time to walk around the palace grounds, and it was beautiful as well. We stumbled upon a beautiful little chapel that was as ornate as any that we have seen in some of the larger ones.
After leaving Livadia, we took the bus to the nearby actual town of Yalta (which means coastal or seashore.) We had lunch at a huge hotel, the Yalta Hotel, which had little ship on its roof. (Have forgotten the story behind why!) We were in this huge room (the Crystal Room) with lots of crystal chandeliers – thus named! Our meal (Ukrainian style) started with fresh vegetables and cold salmon, followed by pork rolls with apples cooked inside, a small glass of Vodka (very strong!) and a local wine that was quite good!
Lunch was followed by a folkloric performance. The best were the children all dancing in costumes representing Ukraine, Crimeria as a whole, and Russia. They were very cute!
As we made our way back to Sevastopol, it began to rain again. We were so glad we had not stayed in the town area for a tour.
Tonight was formal night, and we enjoyed dinner with Craig and Makena again. We talk so much, dinners last several hours. However, Doug and I went to our first show on the ship – the 10 p.m. one – with the Westerdam Singers and Dancers. While the performers were like others we have seen on other Holland American ships, the actual staging was better than any we have seen on another ship. It was very elaborate! We enjoyed the whole show.
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