Perched on the southern coast of Crimea, Yalta passed through many hands over the centuries before Russia took control in the late 18th century. The city center stretches from the eastern end of Yalta Bay, straddling the Bystra River. Explore Naberezhna Lenia, a waterfront promenade with palms, pebble beaches and art markets. Or visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a beautifully composed piece of neo-Byzantine architecture built at the turn of the 20th century. Fans of Anton Chekhov will want to visit the Chekhov House Museum, where the great Russian playwright spent the last years of his life. The house features numerous editions of Chekhov’s works, and memorabilia like his pens, medical kit, and his garden.