30 days in Russian Black Sea Coast Itinerary

Called the "Summer Capital of Russia," the busy resort town of Sochi is best known as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympics.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Agura Waterfalls and Marine Passenger Terminal. And it doesn't end there: take in the dramatic scenery at Orekhovsky waterfall, take an in-depth tour of Sochi Auto Sport Museum, take a memorable tour with Lift Complex Roza Khutor, and explore the stunning scenery at Mamedovo Canyon.

To find maps, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Sochi online driving holiday planner .

Verona, Italy to Sochi is an approximately 10.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or drive. Traveling from Verona to Sochi, you'll lose 2 hours due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Verona in July, plan for a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Sochi: temperatures range from 33°C by day to 23°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Thu) so you can go by car to Gelendzhik.

Situated along a Black Sea bay, the town of Gelendzhik is one of Russia's most popular summer destinations.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at The Old Park Cultural Center and Abrau-Dyurso Zavod Shampanskikh Vin. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Gelendzhik: Abrau-Durso (Fountain Tsar Butylka Shampanskogo, Slavy Vinodelov Alley, & more), Sail Rock (in Praskoveyevka) and Novorossiysk (The Gallery of Artists Association of Russia, Aleksino Beach, & more). There's lots more to do: make a trip to White Bride Sculpture, take an in-depth tour of The Town of Kuban Craftsman, see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, and observe the fascinating underwater world at Gelendzhik Dolphinarium.

To see maps, reviews, photos, and tourist information, go to the Gelendzhik tour planner.

Traveling by car from Sochi to Gelendzhik takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry; or do a combination of train and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in July, and nighttime lows around 21°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.