Ukraine travel information, short breaks.

Chernivtsi is a modern city filled with the thousands of faces of its citizens. In its beautiful natural setting are buildings of fine architecture, many sculpted monuments, green parks and inviting squares.

Chernivtsi in Ukraine continues to hold a prominent position among other Ukrainian and Eastern European cities. The city's ancient beginnings and significant history add to its charm and attraction for those interested in the Bukovynian Region.

If you wish to receive some info regarding accommodation offers, local tours in and nearby the Chernivtsi etc... just contact us directly and we are more then happy to help you with your holiday to Ukraine.

It's said that in the beginning it was built as a fort at the southern border of the Halych-Volyn Knighthood on the left bank of the Prut River and was called CHERN or "a black town." The use of the name was because of the black color of the fortress walls made of oak and for the dark rich, fertile surrounding soil.

The early fortress was completely destroyed by the Mongol conqueror Burundai and its citizens moved to the right bank of the river in autumn 1259. From 1359 the town became part of the Moldavian State.

The first written record about Chernivtsi was found in manuscripts of the Moldavian master Olexandr Dobryi (the Good), given to merchants from Lviv on October 8, 1408. Each year this date is officially celebrated as Chernivtsi's City Day. The town was situated on the crossroads of Northern-Western Europe, and the Balkans and Turkey. In 1457, it became a great marketplace and administrative center for the whole region. The town was destroyed several times, under the Osman Empire, and from 1774-1918 the Austrian Empire ruled it. From 1918-1940 the region was part of Romania. In 1774 there were about 290 families who lived in the town and suburbs and three wooden churches existed.

The city began to flourish in 1778 when Knight Karl Von Enzenberg was appointed as chief of the Military Administration of Chernivtsi. He invited many merchants, craftsmen and business people to help develop trade and other businesses. St.Peter's Fairs (July 1-15) had given a new vibrant impulse to the market development from 1786.

From the middle of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century many architectural monuments were built and brought honor to the city: the Ratusha (the City Hall) (1848); the Telegraph (1855); the Armenian Cathedral (1875); the Jewish Synagogue (1877); the Drama Theater (1905); the Palace of Justice (1906); and the Train Station (1908).

The most precious thing in the treasury of famous architectural monuments in Chernivtsi - are the buildings that currently house the Chernivtsi State University, a masterpiece made by the Czech architect Josef Hlavka in 1875. They were originally the former residence of the Bukovynian metropolitans. It's Romanesque and Byzantine architecture is embellished with motifs of Ukrainian folk art, for example, the tile roof patterns duplicate the geometric designs of Ukrainian weavings.

The city became self-governing in March of 1864 when the community elected its first members of the city council.

The Council elected Mayor Yakiv (Jacob) Von Petrovych, as its first independent mayor of Chernivtsi in 1864-1866.

Mayor Anton Kochanovskyi Von Stavchan was famous for his political deeds, which made Chernivtsi a recognized European city in 1866-1874 and 1887-1905. During that time a number of different industries increased and Chernivtsi became an international transport center. The grocery stock exchange was opened, the water and sewer systems installed, the electric power plant was opened and an electric public transportation system was completed.

A new period of city development began in 1964-1972; when Mayor Vasyl Tolmach devoted his efforts to start the electronic and instrument-making industries, change the public transportation system. He also made many other innovative changes.

Mayor Pavlo Kaspruk (1985-1991) was the first to try more democratic changes during the difficult times in the 1980's. The Chernobyl accident, the pollution of the Dnister River and other ecological and economic problems were very challenging to the people of the region during this time. Mayor Kaspruk started the Sister-Cities Partnership Programs and Salt Lake City, Utah, USA was chosen as the first sister city.

Ternopil in Ukraine is a cosy town with the green curly parks and blue eyes of the lake. It’s ancient and modern bright and blooming. Like almost all western-Ukrainian towns has a binding city-stuff : different temples castle mention of synagogue and a few more castles, clean streets and friendly citizens, not dear cafes with the vivid menu of delicious dishes and the absence of hot water almost throughout the town.

The first mention of the city is the permission given by King Sigismund I to Jan Tarnowski, the castellan of Krakow, in 1540 to construct a castle on Seret. This is how the city of Ternopil started, although it would be fair to mention that even from the times of old Halych a settlement called Sopilche (or Topilche) existed at the site of the city, and that archeological research in the city’s vicinity found evidence of settlements dating back to Mesolithic period and Trypillian culture. At any rate, the history of the ancient city is always connected to the history of its defence – the fortress. Defence ramparts surrounded the city in the south, while the west and the north were protected by a pond. The castle was built in eight years. The construction and fortifications were finished by Jan Tarnowski’s son, Krzysztof. The city’s defence fortifications were rectangular. On the corners of the ramparts there were two defence towers, one of which, Kushnirska, was situated not far from the Exaltation Church, which still towers over the lake, and the other, Shevska, is somewhere on the territory of Shevchenko Park.

If you wish to receive some info regarding accommodation offers, local tours in and nearby the Ternopil etc... just contact us directly and we are more then happy to help you with your holiday to Ukraine.

We can learn what the city looked like in the 1770-ies from the notes of a well-known traveller Ulrich von Werdum: “...an inheritance of Mr. Koniecpolski, the official of Dolyna. Lies by the slope of the said flat hill. On three sides it is surrounded by a large lake and wide swamps. The fourth side is protected from the field by a rather large moat and is circled by ramparts with two massive towers on the corners and one in the middle which also serves as a gate. The castle towers to the northwest of the city, right in the middle of the lake, it has large structures built of stone in the Italian style: walls and towers on the west and the south guard the castle even in those places where the lake lies. There is a dry moat with an earthen rampart and a palisade near the city".

The years which were terrible for the Ukrainian lands, 1575, 1589, 1672, did not pass Ternopil, but 1675, when the siege of the city by the Turks under pasha Ibrahim Shyshman’s command lasted for several weeks, proved to be the most fatal. Then after the unsuccessful assault on the Terebovlja castle, the frenzied enemy utterly destroyed the castle, blew up the towers, and drained the lake. After the Podillja lands returned to the Poles, the castle owner, Sobeski, made repairs, but the real second life was given to the castle by Franciszek Korytowski.

He removed all fortification elements of the structure, and the castle turned into a palace. It was surrounded by a simple stone wall with a gate on the pylons of which his and his wife’s coats of arms were displayed, and above the coats of arms there were lion masks. The palace-castle could be seen in this shape as late as the early 20th century.

When Ternopil was under the tsarist Russia rule (1810-1815) the palace was turned to... a casino, and here, in the spacious castle halls, balls were held. But the civil life of the castle was not destined to be long – in 1843 the military took over the building turning it into barracks and it remained barracks until 1939. The castle suffered a lot of damage during World War I, burned in 1917, but the greatest damage was done by the battles between the Soviets and the Nazis during World War II. It was the Old Castle which served as the Nazis’ base. For nine days the castle burned, had chemicals poured on it, was blown up, and bombarded. Naturally, only ruins were left of the castle, and only in 1957 it was decided to restore the castle and to station a sports school which still remains in it.

However, restoration ideas of local culture activists give hope that the ancient castle will come back to life.

In addition to the Old Castle there was also a “New Castle”. However, the fate decided against it, and we are left with nothing but a historical mystery because “Ternopil” Hotel was erected on the site of the “New castle”. The New Castle was built in early 19th century. It was a true cultural center of the city with theater productions with amateur and professional performances by Ukrainian and Polish companies. The “New Castle” was the site where “Friends of Music Society” musical evenings took place, piano schools were open, as well as the first in Ternopil movies were shown on a then very expensive Pathe Brothers apparatus. The building’s halls were also used for political activities: election campaigns and elections.

It is still unknown when the city was founded. Baltavar Kubrat's grave was found in its vicinity, and its name derives from the title he, his predecessors and his successors bore. Though the town was not attested before 1174, municipal authorities chose to celebrate the town's 1100th anniversary in 1999, for reasons unknown. The settlement is indeed an old one, as archaeologists unearthed a Palaeolithic dwelling as well as Scythian remains within the city limits.

Poltava region is one of the most interesting places of Ukraine.

It is known to the whole world owing to the historical events (battle of Poltava) and it is also a spiritual depository that gave the world and inspired to creative work the following writers: M. V. Gogol, V.G. Korolenko, G.S. Skovoroda, O. T. Gonchar, D. Guramishvily, painters: N. A. Yaroshenko, G.G. Myasoedov, M. Bashkirtseva, Levitsky, scientists: M.V.Sklifasovsky, M. L. Dukhov, M. V. Ostrogradsky, V.V. Dokuchaev, pedagogues: A.S. Makarenko, V. A. Sukhomlinsky; Decembrists: Muravyovi-Apostoli, composers I.I. Dunaevsky, M. V. Lysenko and many, many others.

If you wish to receive some info regarding accommodation offers, local tours in and nearby the Poltava region etc... just contact us directly and we are more then happy to help you with your holiday to Ukraine.

Cultural and historical heritage is popularized in 24 state museums and in 100 public museums, they are included in the itineraries of the national system “Necklace of Slavutich”, in tourist and excursion itineraries of the excursion offices and travel agencies of the region.

It is impossible to imagine Poltava region without M. V. Gogol, his famous village Dykanka, The Trinity church, St Nicholas church with family burial vault of princes Kochubey, village Gogolevo where the patrimony of Gogol-Yanovsky is situated, the city of Mirhorod, and, especially, Velyki Sorochintsi village. If you come to Poltava region at the end of august, you will have a unique opportunity to participate in the famous Sorochinski trade fair. Since 1999 it bears the status of the National trade fair. There you can purchase traditional handicrafts made by skilled craftsmen: Reshetilivka embroidery and rugs, Opishnya ceramics, you can watch the fascinating theatrical performance with characters from works by M. B. Gogol.

The great number of orthodox churches, monasteries, nunneries, cathedrals are the monuments of architecture and culture of ХVII - ХIХ centuries; they represent spiritual patrimony and historical value. The most interesting are Mghar monastery (Lubni) and Poltava nunnery (Poltava).

There are many mineral springs, which contain biologically active substances in Poltava region. Many operating health centers and holiday homes are situated at such springs. The most known are: spa ”Mirhorod”, health center “Forest glades” (Poltava district), “Psyol” (V.Bahachka),”Pine forest” (Zinkiv), “Vassylyok” (Golovach),health center of the Ministry of Defence (N. Sanjary),tourist center “Sonyachna” (Globino district),holiday home “Vorskla”, holiday hotel “Krotenkivsky” (Krotenki) and many others.

A system of hotels and holiday homes contributes to the development of the tourist business. Many of them are under renewal. The great numbers of them are situated in Poltava, Mirhorod and Kremenchuk. Small motels and camping-sites, comfortable cosy cafes with national cuisine are at the disposal of travellers along the motor-way Kyiv-Kharkiv.

In the region there are 151 nature reserves, 117 nature monuments, 18 landscape monuments, 3 regional landscape gardens, arboretum and many others. There are many hunting areas in the region. Controlled wolf-hunting, hare-hunting, wild duck hunting, elk-hunting, deer-hunting, wild boar-hunting, roe-hunting and fox-hunting are permitted.

Non-traditional tourist itineraries are worked out: canoe and rafting on the rivers Vorskla, Psyol, Sula; horse-riding (trained sport saddle-horses of Ukrainian and Traken races from Chutovo horse and sport complex); Sailing (Dnipro river, Komsomolsk); mountain-skiing route with artificial surface, winter recreation center “Korchak”, Olympic mountain-skiing training base (Stassi,Dikanka district).They successfully supplement the agro-touring and the green, rural touring.

What to visit in Odessa - the main attractions of the city - sighsteeing options..

and excursions outside Odessa..

If you are from Europe, USA or Canada feel free and use the CURRENCY CONVERTER located on your right to calculate the costs of the tour accordingly. Thank you.

Odessa is barely two centuries old, yet it has a wealth of history. An exclusive necklace of the Black Sea Northern Seashore was decorated with its precious pearl – Odessa (after the ancient Greek colony Odessos, which was believed to be in the vicinity). The city today is a large sea port, a major commercial, cultural, scientific centre of Ukraine. Your city tour starts from the hotel, the guide with an air-conditioned car takes you to the historical centre of the city to start an easy stroll, beginning with the Odessa Opera & Ballet House along Primorsky Boulevard towards Potemkin stairway. The theatre building is considered to be the second best after the Vienna Opera Theater. Completed in 1887, in baroque style, the theatre was designed by the architects, responsible for the Vienna House and the Dresden Court Theatre, both of which it resembles. Further on there are: the Classical building of the Archaeological Museum., the white marble Laocoon Statue, the colonnaded City Hall, which has served many purposes in its history, a cannon, which was salvaged after the British Frigate “Tiger” sank in 1854 during the Crimean War; and Pushkin Monument. We continue strolling along Primorsky Boulevard, lined with majestic 100 – year old horse chestnuts and plane trees towards the impressive Potemkinskaya staircase and Duke Richelieu Monument.

In Ekaterininskaya Square (named after the Russian Empress who founded Odessa) you will take your car to drive you across the historical centre of the city towards estate of Count Tolstoy, which now houses the Scientists’ Club of Odessa for visit. Among the Palace’s exhibits is a collection of photographs and furniture which once belonged to Count Mikhail Tolstoy, a cousin of Leo Tolstoy, an outstanding Russian writer. You will go along Richilieuvskaya street, one of the major thoroughfares, connecting the old historical centre with the Railway Terminal.

You will pass by Odessa Synagogue, A Muslim Cultural Centre and St. Panteleimon the Healer Cathedral, which proves the fact, that Odessa is a cosmopolitan city, a city of many religions.

The car will go further along Taras Shevchenko Avenue through the city district, which was built after the World War II, pass by the Victory Monument and drive along the French Boulevard then to have a glance upon Odessa resorts, towards Shevchenko park. Named after Ukrainian poet and patriot, a park offers a pleasant view on the Black Sea nearby the Unknown Sailors' Obelisk (World War II); has its own bathing beach and an open-air theatre.

Duration: 3 hours.

Cost: from £ 50.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person (depending on number of pax in a group)

If you wish to receive some info regarding accommodation offers, local tours in and nearby the Odessa etc... just contact us directly and we are more then happy to help you with your holiday to Ukraine.

2nd Catacombs/Museum of Partisan Glory - TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

Threading some six hundred miles under the city of Odessa and its environs (5-12 m from the surface), the catacombs were used as a hiding plаce for revolutionaries and criminals. During World War II they were used as command post for the resistance and were never occupied by the Nazies. Departing from the quayside, this excursion begins with the brief drive through the port city and will take you to small Ukrainian villages, farms, orchards and vineyards. A photostop could be made to make photos of the countryside, formerly known as the USSR wheat basket.

You will soon make a stop at the village of Nerubaiskoe , originally built as the Cossak’s settlement at the end of the 18th century.

In the Catacombs you would be able to indulge in the atmosphere of the guerilla movement participant camp in the years of Hitler invasion. Odessa’s 73-day defense against the Nazi invaders remains an example of great fortitude and courage. The title of the Hero City was conferred upon Odessa for this heroic deed. You will be guided through the catacombs by a knowledgeable catacomb guide.
You will come to know, that World War II was extremely destructive and traumatic experience for the former Soviet Union, part of which Ukraine was. A great deal of the prestige of the Communist regime over several decades stemmed from its successful leadership of what was called
the “Great Patriotic War” against the Nazi invaders, and from its attempt to mix Communist ideology with patriotic sentiments. You will learn about the World War II more, about its influence upon the Soviet security concerns, and about its more general ideological impact.

NOTE: Please, note: this tour involves a moderate amount of walking on flat underground walkways and some stairs in the catacombs.

We recommend you to dress comfortably and carry a jacket or pullover for your underground visit. Then you will be taken back to the city centre to have lunch on own or to your hotel.

Duration: 4 hours
Cost: from £ 70.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person (depending on number of pax in a group)

3rd Criminal Odessa - TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

On this excursion you'll find out about mysteries and legends involving first smugglers and gangsters of the city. From the first days of its foundation Odessa had been accepting all kinds of shady people because of its need of manpower for town-planning and construction works. So in the guise of such "builders" and "workers" thieves like Emmanuel Bernanstelli, Mishka Yaponchik, Sonya "Golden Hand" and others come and lived here. We will tell you how city authorities tried to fight a crime.

Duration: 2.5 hours.
Cost: from £ 40.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person (depending on number of pax in a group)

4th Temples of Odessa - TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

The tour leads through the picturesque historical center of Odessa and gives an idea of the history of the Orthodox Church, its traditions and rites. You will visit famous churches and cathedrals such as the Cathedral of the Assumption, which was built in 1869.

This is an impressive blue-and-white ensemble of five swooping domes and a very tall bell tower rising over the entrance. There are two fine churches on the southeast side of the city center, near the railway station. Five very bulbous silver domes and a pointed bell tower rise from the now Byzantine Panteleymonovsky Church. Just down the Pushkin Avenue is the blue Illinsky Cathedral (1886), very richly adorned beneath a large central dome. Many years have passed by since one of the most interesting Odessa architecture monuments - St.Paul Lutheran church -
was built.

The tower vertical line of its western front crowned with tiled roof is seen from distant approaches of the city and determines the originality of the silhouette of the church.

Duration: 4 hours .

Cost : from £ 40.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person (depending on number of pax in a group)

5th Private Concert incl. champagne and snacks in Count Tolstoy’s Palace

- TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

A bus brings you to the entrance of the palace where a local guide – a research assistance of the museum – meets you.
Then you will have an excursion through the palace where lived one of the most famous family of Odessa history. You will visit the main White hall where the Tolstoys organized concerts with participation of well-known violinists, pianists, singers; see the most interesting exhibit – legendary grand piano of Ferenc List who had concerts in Odessa and left his grand piano in our city; hear the stories about the family members and their contribution on evolution of Odessa.
After that you will go to one of three concert halls (depends on the amount of the group: Grand Hall – a picture-gallery of the Tolstoys, White Hall, Walnut Reception-Room) and enjoy a wonderful music of the string quartet “Harmonies of the World”. The quartet, which members are soloists of the Odessa National Symphony Orchestra, is famous and very popular all around the world (Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, USA, Spain etc.).

The music they play is from classic till popular and known for everyone. One of the best musicians not only of Odessa, but also of Ukraine, Honored artist Vladimir Tomaschuck (clarinet) soloist of the National Symphony Orchestra, takes part in the concert.

You will have a magic time of music, in the pause having some champagne and a unique possibility to talk with such great and famous people as the musicians of the quartet “Harmonies of the World”.

18:00 Arrival Tolstoy Palace. Excursion
18:30 1st Part of the Private Concert
19:15 Pause, champagne
19:30 2nd Part of the Private Concert
20:15 Departure Tolstoy Palace

Note: tour is considered expedient only for the group 20-30 pax. Minimum 15 pax in a group.

Cost: from £ 50.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person - on request.

6th. The Heroic Defense of Odessa" - visiting the memorial Glory complex "The 411 Battery" - TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

The history of the Second World War, the defense of Odessa, visiting the weapons and was machines storage Battery 411 is a battlefield from WW II just outside of Odessa. Odessa was an important scene during WW II and is known for the “Siege of Odessa“. At the time of this battle in 1941, the Soviet Russian forces were battling the German Fascist forces. The Romanians, German allies, invaded Ukraine and a battle was fought for 73 days until Odessa was sieged by the Germans. This is when the partisans went into hiding, trying to break Odessa free of the Fascists. Eventually, the siege ended in 1944 and was once again Soviet territory. Battery 411 displays planes, boats, cannons, and tanks used in WWII.

Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours.

Cost: from £ 50.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person (depending on number of pax in a group)

7th. Museums of Odessa - TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

Odessa has an excellent collection of museums, mostly of an agreeably moderate size, and all housed in sumptuous former palaces, worth a visit for their architecture alone. Inside of the Regional History Museum is a fascinating assortment of displays covering all aspects of the city's history, including old maps, photos, furniture, and household objects.

Fine Arts Museum

The Museum has an amazing collection of icons from the 14th -15th century and 18th-19th century paintings - Aivazovsky, Repin, Vrubel, Serov, Savrasov and Kramskoy. Early 20th century paintings are represented as well, including works of Rorich, Benz, Somov, Serebriakova, Kandinski.
The building of the museum used to be the palace of Count Pototsky and was built in 1805.

Exquisitely ornamented halls with painted ceilings, beautiful parquet floors, made of rare kinds of wood and fine marble mantelpieces lend an elegant atmosphere to high class painting collections.

Approx. Cost: £ 45.00 GBP ( British Pounds )/person

Archeological museum

Odessa Archeological Museum was the first museum founded in the city and is one of the oldest in CIS.
There are more then 160,000 exhibits providing excellent illustration of North Black Sea coast - from the first appearance of man up to the emergence of the ancient Russian state, Kiev Russ. Museum displays ancient artifacts - collection of priceless ornaments and jewelry from the 5th to the 1st centuries B.C. and coins dating from the 6th century B.C. The excavation of Olbia, Khersonesus, Panticapea, Tyras and other ancient Greek colonies on the Black Sea has mainly contributed these outstanding collections. You can read about this museum at the following link: http://www.arhaeology.farlep.odessa.ua

Approx. Cost: £ 45.00 GBP ( British Pounds )/person

Museum of Literature

This building used to be the residence of Count Gagarin. The building has been completely restored. The museum collection amounts to 40,000 exhibits. It represents the works of Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, Jewish, Bulgarian, etc. writers and illustrates their links to Odessa. The list includes about 300 names. If you study literature this museum will be of a great interest. You can read about this museum at the following link:
http://museum.odessa.net/litmuseum/english

Approx. Cost: £ 45.00 GBP ( British Pounds )/person

Western and Oriental Arts Museum

The museum was founded in 1924 on the basis of private collections in the premises of a wealthy Odessa merchant. The museum has an extensive collection of European masterpieces and antiquities from Italy, Holland, France and Flounders. This collection includes antique sculptures, Ancient Greek ceramics and Roman glassware. The oriental art is represented by the works from China, Japan, India, Mongolia and Tibet. The interior is richly decorated: molded ceilings and parquet floors made of valuable species of wood.

Approx. Cost: £ 45.00 GBP ( British Pounds )/person

EXCURSIONS OUTSIDE ODESSA

8th. Vilkovo town (The Venice of Ukraine" ) & Danube biosphere reserve -

TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

A wonderful way to see what rural village life is like is to visit the picturesque town of Vilkovo. A considerable part of Vilkovo has picturesque
water canals along which scuttle narrow and sharp-bowled boats - the main means of transportation in Vilkovo. The city has many recently built Greek orthodox churches. The Vilkovo villagers are incredible warm and friendly. The town was founded in 1746. The settlers were not so much attracted to the location because of its beautiful scenery but rather by the fact that the location could easily be made into an impregnable fortress.
Many natural canals bug and small, crisscrossing the area, enhanced the scenic beauty and the natural defenses. Today, a considerable part of
the town is taken by picturesque water canals along which scuttle narrow and sharp-bowed boats (in shape they resemble much larger "chaykas"
"seagulls" --Cossack boats used in the 17th and 18th centuries for naval operations against the Turks with devastating success).

There is a popular joke told in Vilkovo, a Vilkovite who had to much of novak (young red wine, very popular with the locals) sways when he walks, but only backwards and forwards, but never to the sides. This is because the walkways that pass for "sidewalks" are so narrow that one- half step to the side and you find yourself in the waters of the Danube. In the eighteenth century the town sat on the border between the Russian and Ottoman Empires. Later Vilkovo was incorporated into the Russian empire (one of the Romanian kings was said to like the place and go there
to fish and have talks with the local wise men). After the Second World War, the town was returned to Ukraine.
There is a frontier post in Vilkovo because the border with Romania Passes almost through the town, but there is not much for a handful of border guards to do there. In summer time, the provincial quiet is somewhat disturbed by droves of painters who come from all over Ukraine to paint in the open air Because of the very active delta-forming processes, the Kilia delta supports a flora and fauna of worldwide importance. For example, the delta is home to over 950 plant species and nearly 260 bird species, many of which are listed in Red Data books.
Any visitor to the delta in spring or summer will quickly appreciate the natural wealth of the Danube Biosphere Reserve: vast reedbeds stretching to the horizon, lily-coated lakes, and islands of willows and poplars. There are flocks of pelicans, cormorants, ducks, geese and spoonbills while an occasional sea-eagle soars overhead. In the water there is a myriad of aquatic plants, with millions of frogs and toads jumping and splashing. And the angler can have a rewarding day trying his luck to catch a giant carp or catfish.

Duration: whole day.

Cost: ordinary tour – appr. £ 100.00 GBP ( British Pounds )/person, VIP-tour for max, 3 pax – £ 290.00 GBP ( Britsh Pounds )/person

9th. Belgorod-Dnestrovskiy, Akkerman Fortress (80 km from Odessa)

- TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

Belgorod-Dnestrovsky is one of the oldest cities of the Ukraine. The Greek settlement of Tyras was founded here in 5th century B.C.
Archaeologists still carry on excavation here. The Romans renamed the city Alba-Julia. Slavonic tribes conquered it in 9th century and named it Bely gorod (the White city). The Genovese ruled it for a short time, building a fortress here that was later considerably enlarged by the Turks. Today this fortress is one of the main local sights.

Turkey held the city from 1497 to 1812, but. after its defeat in the Russo- Turkish War, was obliged to give it back to the Russia Empire. After
World War I, the city was annexed by Romania, but then retaken by USSR.
Today it is a regional center in Ukraine's Odessa region. Its population is 68,900 people. Among the bigger industrial enterprises of the city are
the integrated silicate products plant, and the medical equipment factory. The city is situated on the coast of Dnestrovsky Estuary, which is 42 km long and 4.5 to 12 wide, and is connected to the Black Sea via a channel. Given Belgorod-Dnestrovsky's favorable position, in 1971 a merchant seaport was opened here in the aim of relieving the nearest big ports, Odessa and Illichevsk, from handling small tonnage vessels.
The port includes the port point Bugaz, located right in the mouth of the Dnister River before the railway.
The Akkerman fortress (12th-19th cc) is the only example of medieval military that has survived in southwestern Ukraine. Of the fortress proper there have remained this 12th-century citadel, 20 towers, 3 gates, some 70% of defensive walls and a minaret of the Turkish mosque. Inside the citadel there are remains of a ceramic water-pipe, a stone water pool, a heating furnace and underground galleries. The fortress and its structures have preserved authentic masonry made of locally quarried limestone blocks and mortar with a touch of sand and a small portion of pounded bricks. The walls have retained the original elements of Moldavian architecture of the 15th-16th cc such as alternating layers of bricks and limestone blocks.
Some of the walls and towers still have ancient reinforcing timbers and decorative details such as complex machicolations and engraved network and floral ornamentation.

Duration: whole day
Approx. Cost: from £ 100.00 GBP ( British Pounds )/person

THE END

If you wish to receive some info regarding accommodation offers, local tours in and nearby the Odessa etc... just contact us directly and we are more then happy to help you with your holiday to Ukraine.

Mukachiv or Mukachevo is a city (2001 pop 82,200) on the Liatorytsia River and a raion center in Transcarpathia oblast in Ukraine. The site has been settled since prehistoric times. Archeologists have discovered settlements in the vicinity from the Neolithic Period, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and the Slavic period (8th–9th century AD). In the 10th century Mukachiv belonged to Kyivan Rus’, and in the 11th century, to Hungary. The fortress, rising high above the town, was destroyed by the Cumans in 1086 and by the Tatars in 1241. It was rebuilt by Fedir Koriiatovych, who also built Mukachiv Saint Nicholas's Monastery. By the end of the 14th century Mukachiv was an important manufacturing and trading center on a trade route between Hungary and Galicia. In 1445 it was granted the rights of Magdeburg law. Because of the monastery the town became a cultural and religious center in the 15th century, and until the end of the 18th century it was the seat of the Mukachiv eparchy. Owing to its strategic location Mukachiv was contested frequently by the Habsburg dynasty and Transylvanian dynasty in the 16th and 17th centuries. At the end of the 17th century the town was annexed by Austria. It flourished in the 18th century and became the chief trade center in Transcarpathia. A gymnasium was established in 1746. Mukachiv played an important role in the revolutionary movement of 1848–9. After the First World War the city belonged to Czechoslovakia. Its importance diminished whereas that of Uzhhorod grew. In 1938 Mukachiv came under Hungarian rule. By a Soviet-Czechoslovak treaty of June 1945 Transcarpathia became part of Soviet Ukraine.

In 1921 Mukachiv had a population of 21,000, consisting mostly of Jews (48 percent), who began to settle there in the late 17th century, Ukrainians (24 percent), and Hungarians (22 percent). In 1925 the first Hebrew gymnasium on Ukrainian territory was established in Mukachiv. By 1966 the city's population had risen to 50,500. It consisted mostly of Ukrainians (60 percent), followed by Hungarians (18 percent), Russians (10 percent), and Jews (6 percent).

Mukachiv has several machine-building plants, a large branch of the Fischer Ski factory, a furniture factory, and a food industry. A branch of the Ukrainian Scientific Research Institute of Forest Management and Agroforest Amelioration is located in the city. Its chief architectural monuments are the castle (built in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 18th century), a chapel in Gothic style (14th century), the White Building (a baroque monument of the 17th century rebuilt in 1746), the arsenal (now the regional museum, built in 1624), and Saint Nicholas's Church (Cathedral from 1806).

If you wish to receive some info regarding accommodation offers, local tours in and nearby the Mukachevo etc... just contact us directly and we are more then happy to help you with your holiday to Ukraine.

What to visit in Lviv - sightseeing options - city tours.. and EXCURSIONS OUTSIDE LVIV

If you are from Europe, USA or Canada feel free and use the CURRENCY CONVERTER located on your right to calculate the costs of the tour accordingly. Thank you.

1st. CITY TOUR  - TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

The city of Lions" is the heart and soul of the Western Ukraine with a population of over 1 million. Prince Danylo built this city in 1256 and named it after his son Lev ("lion"). One can notice the prevalent lion adornments throughout the Renaissance architecture of city of 15th - 16th c.c. The tourists visit Vysokyi Zamok (High Castle) hill with an unforgettable panorama of the entire city. En route from the hill the tourists pass the Porokhova Bashta (Gunpowder tower, now the Arsenal Museum). The old part of the city is preserved as a living museum.
Rynok (Market) or Central Square, in particular is architecturally exciting with its famous Ratusha (city hall). While touring the Old Town the tourist can see the St.Nicholas Church, the Dominican Church and the Church of Onufriy - at present the Museum of Ivan Fedorov (the first book-printer). This city boasts of Italian Renaissance, German Baroque and Polish influences in its architectural sites. One will be delighted by the visit to the newly renovated Opera House and the Ukrainian Drama Theatre named after Maria Zankovetskaya. St.George Cathedral is a fine example of the Rococo style. Enjoy yourself by a stroll through the lovely Stryjskyi Park and do not miss the Lychakivskyi and Yanivskyi Cemeteries. During its 600 years history it was many times that the power in the city changed, also its names changed: Leopolis, Lemberg, Lwow, and Lviv.

Duration: 4 hours.
Cost: 2 pax  -  £ 45.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person

If you wish to receive some info regarding accommodation offers, local tours in and nearby the Lviv/ Lwow etc... just contact us directly and we are more then happy to help you with your holiday to Ukraine.

2nd . THE RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES - TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

You will see the splendid Baroque Ukrainian-Catholic St. George (St. Yury) Cathedral, the Renaissance ensemble of the Orthodox Church of the
Virgin Mary Assumption, the magnificent Roman Catholic Latin Cathedral, the unique ensemble of the Armenian Street and the sights of the medieval Jewish block.

Duration: 3 hours.
Cost: 2 pax - £ 40.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person.

3rd . The memorial LYCHAKIV CEMETERY - TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

A trip to Lviv somehow wouldn't be complete without a wander around the Lychakiv graveyard. Initially opened in 1787 in compliance with an Austrian law to move burials from the centre of town, the cemetery soon became one of Europe's finest. Generations of Lvovians were laid to rest here: intelligentsia, bourgeoisie and nobility especially. Originally the majority of plots were taken up by Poles, and there are many grand names,
including Maria Konopnicka and Stefan Banach. However, Ukrainian seer Ivan Franko was also entombed here, and after the Second World War, an increasing number of Ukrainian tombs were squeezed in to the already packed necropolis. Beyond Lychakiv (Lyczakow in Polish) visitors will find the famed military cemetery of Orlat

Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours.
Cost: 2 pax – £ 35.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person.

4th . Shevchenkivskyi Hai (The museum of folk life and architecture - scansen) (2 hours) -

TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

This scansen represents an open-air museum of the Ukrainian wooden architecture and different utilities of the village life. It is situated in Shevchenkivskyi Hai (forest) - one of most picturesque sites of Lviv. More than 10 thousand of craft-items from various ethnographical regions of the Western Ukraine can be found in this museum. The visitors can feel the unique atmosphere of picturesque Ukrainian villages. The gems of this museum are the wooden churches from the Carpathian region - the most exquisite examples of Ukrainian wooden architecture.

Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours.
Cost: 2 pax – £ 40.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person.

5th LVIV FORTIFICATIONS: LOST AND RETURNED - TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

An unforgettable acquaintance with one of the most powerful medieval fortresses of the Eastern Europe: in the 14th-16th Lviv had been fenced by
a triple fortified wall with towers, bastions and dishes. The fortifications partly reached our time in spite of fires and sieges, they keep the impress
of the bygone ages. You will pass round the line of the ancient fortifications and see the stern Town, Royal and Senyavsky Armouries, High and Low Walls with the Gunpowder Tower and Towers of Tailors, Turners and Tradesmen, fortified abbeys and cathedrals and the old Austrian Citadel of the 19th century remarkable for it`s eventful history.

Duration: 3 hours.
Cost: 2 pax - £ 45.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person.

6th TRAVEL TO THE LVIV ABBEYS - TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

The fascinating tour to the bewitching world of the inimitable in beauty medieval Monasteries of Bernardines (17th c.), Dominicans (18th c.),
Barefooted Carmelites (17th c.) and Convents of Benedictines (16th c.), Poor Claris (17th c.) and Franciscans (18 c.), where legend and reality were interlaced.

Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours.
Cost: 2 pax – £ 45.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person.

7th THE HISTORY OF JEWISH COMMUNITY - TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

Lviv historically had a large and active Jewish community, as witnessed today by its synagogues. Until 1941 at least 45 synagogues and prayer
houses existed. Even in the 16th century, two separate communities existed. One lived in today's old town, the other one in the Krakowskie
Przedmieście. In the 19th century a more differentiated community started to spread out. Liberal Jews sought more cultural assimilation and
spoke German and Polish. On the other hand, Orthodox and Hasidic Jews tried to retain the old traditions. Between 1941 and 1944 the Nazis
in effect completely destroyed the centuries-old Jewish tradition of Lviv. Most synagogues were destroyed and the Jewish population forced into a
ghetto from which they were later transported into concentration camps where they were murdered. Under the Soviet Union synagogues remained closed and were used as storage facilities or movie houses. Only since the fall of the Iron Curtain has the remainder of the Jewish community
experienced a faint revival. You will see the unique ensemble with it’s heart - the Medieval Golden Rose Synagogue (16th c.), the beautiful streets of the Krakow Suburb area, the Monument to the tragic victims of Holocaust perished in Lviv ghetto during the WW II.

Jewish places worth visiting in Lviv:

Former “Golden Rose” Synagogue
Former Hasidic Synagogue (the functioning Jewish community Centre)
Former Jewish hospital founded by Rappaport
Old Jewish quarters
Jewish Cemetery
The monument to the victims of the Jewish Ghetto (1992)
The Holocaust memorial (1993)
Sholom Alejchem house with Memorial Plaque
Department of Judaism at the Lviv Museum of History and Religion

Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours.
Cost: 2 pax – £ 49.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person.

8th . AUSTRIAN LVIV - TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

The tour attempts to restore the spirit of the “Old Austria” concealed in the beautiful buildings of the theatres, museums, banks, casino, restaurants and hotels presenting the inimitable concord of the Western Art and Local Traditions The Museum of Ethnography and Arts and Crafts in 15 Svobody Avenue was built in 1891 and designed by Julian Zachariewicz for the Halytska Savings Bank. The façade of the grand romantic building is decorated with rusticated stone, polychrome brick, and forged metal. The top of the building is adorned with a dome and the sculptural group of Savings by Leonardo Marconi; its central figure resembles the American Statue of Liberty. It was this Lviv sculpture that in 1884
inspired the creation of the sculpture later given by France to the citizens of New York. The most impressive building in Kopernika Street (No. 15) is the former Palace of the Counts Pototscki. The magnificent and exquisite building is regally situated beyond its decorative iron gate. Designed in 1890 by Lviv architect Julian Cybulski in the style of French Renaissance, this imposing palace is adorned with reliefs, stucco mouldings, wall-paintings, and stained glass.

Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours.
Cost: 2 pax – £ 45.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person.

9th . GERMANS IN LVIV-LEOPOLIS-LEMBERG (2 hours) - TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

Since the 14th century Lviv has been the international center of trade and cultures. According to historical records, Germans formed the larger part of Lviv population in the beginning of the 15th century. Afterwards, Armenians, Ukrainians, Poles, Hungarians, Italians, Greeks, Frances and Scotties flooded the region. By the middle of the 16th century, Poles, Ukrainians, Germans, Jews and Armenians presented the majority of the population of the city. The modern Lviv is still a multinational city, where Ukrainians, Russians, Poles, Armenians, Germans, Czechs, Jews and Hungarians and many other nations live. You will see the unique ensemble with its heart - the Medieval Golden Rose Synagogue (16th c.), the beautiful streets of the Krakow Suburb area, the Monument to the tragic victims of Holokost perished in Lviv ghetto during the WW II.

Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours.
Cost: 2 pax – £ 45.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person.

EXCURSIONS OUTSIDE LVIV

10th . OLESSKY CASTLE - TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

The Castle is a real object to note and it is located in the village of Olessk, 75 km from Lvov along the highway to Kiev. It is a monument of the 14th -17th cc. architecture and contains a rich collection of paintings, sculpture and furniture from the 16th - 19th cc. that attracts tourists. The first mention of the castle in the historical sources dates back to 1327. At that time the Castle-fortress towered over the surrounding swamps. The walls were 10 meters high and 2,5 meters thick. The research workers are of the opinion that the castle was built by an offspring of Danylo Galytsky - one of his sons Andryi or Lev. For centuries the Olesskyi castle played an important role in the people's fight against the enslavers.
From hall to hall the exposition unfolds like the rolls of chronicles. Every hall is a museum exhibit in itself. The museum numbers about 500 works of painting, sculpture and applied arts.

Duration: 7 – 8 hours.
Cost: 2 pax – £ 100.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person.

In addition it is possible to organize a special dinner (for a group)

Dinner at the territory of the castle in at the local restaurant “Grydnytsa” with a performance called “Awaiting for the King”. It is a dynamic show-dinner of the times of Kyiv-Rus. You’ll watch a knights’ tournament, laugh with a funny jester, taste food and drinks together with the Queen, get enchanted by the old ritual dances and sample 7 kinds of delicious liqueurs produced in accordance with ancient recipes. You’ll be transferred into the other time and dimension. (Duration of the program – 2,5 hours.) Transfer back to Lviv.

Cost: from £ 45.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person.

Zolochivsky Castle is a construction reflecting typical European military architecture and has not had significantreconstruction for centuries.
Built in 1630 like a citadel with bastions, it's surrounded by barrages. In the castle's courtyard there is the Great Palace built in late Renaissance style and the Chinese Palace built by Jan III, the King of Poland, for his wife Maria Kasimira de Arcunion.

Duration: 6 – 7 hours.
Cost: 2 pax – £ 100.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person.

12th . EXCURSION TO ZHOVKVA - TO BOOK/ ENQUIRE

Zhovkva is a little town just 25 km to the north of Lviv with population around 13,000. it's hard to believe that this city once had been the center of the cultural and political life. nevertheless, Zhovkva happened to preserve around 40 architectural monuments, witnesses of city's once glorious past. The city has very rich and interesting history, related to life and activity of famous historical persons. There were private residencies of the
crown hetman Stanislaw Zolkiewski and the King Jan the Third Sobieski, the military headquarter of Russian Tsar Peter the First, place of born and childhood of the Ukrainian Hetman Bohdan Khmelnitsky – establisher of Ukrainian State in XVII century. Zhovkva is the only example in
Ukraine saved Renaissance “Ideal” city-citadel, the real pearl of national architecture heritage. Today on the small territory of the city, there are present two monuments of city house building, 55 architecture’s monuments on world, national and regional level, two monuments of landscape architecture, 15 historical monuments.

Duration: 6 – 7 hours.
Cost: 2 pax – £ 70.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person.

THE END

If you wish to receive some info regarding accommodation offers, local tours in and nearby the Lviv/ Lwow etc... just contact us directly and we are more then happy to help you with your holiday to Ukraine.

We're glad you have found us and hope you will be able to enjoy our site and find that special place in Ukraine you would like to visit. We arrange holidays, city breaks and private escorted tours across Ukraine since 2005. If you wish to receive more info about our travel packages just contact us directly and e-mail us your ideas etc.. We can offer you different packages combining Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia and the countries of Eastern Europe as well.

Ukraine is in the very center of Europe, just nearby your home country. Easy to get in, easy to travel, plenty to discover…Start your Ukraine discovery from the capital Kiev - a cradle of ancient Kiev Rus, former capital of one of fifteen Soviet republics and magnificent city outlined with Orthodox churches and chestnuts.

During your stay in Kiev we can arrange the following services :

- A party for a group on board of steamer cruising along Dnipro River or in one of the interesting Kiev Museums:

- See beautiful panorama from top of highest Kiev monument – Rodina-Mother in museum of the World War II. In summer time it’s possible to arrange buffet cocktail on the territory of the World War II museum with exposition of war land tanks and other military machines.

- Enjoy private ballet performance and buffet-dinner at the exceptionally beautiful Opera House

- Enjoy buffet-dinner and private exclusive visit of Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko Museum (former Museum of Western and Oriental Art) with good collection including Velasces and Bosch.

- Try Ukrainian traditional cuisine in Ukrainian traditional restaurant “Pervak”, “Kozachok”, “Khutorok”, “Khata, Karasya”, “Tsarske selo” and many others...- we can book a table for you and your friends..

- Relax during folk party and barbeque with Cossacks on one of small Dnipro islands

- See Ukrainian Folk in open-air folk Museum Pirogovo
- And many more…

As pre or post tour discover the Orthodox treasure or visit Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, the site of ecological disaster, which is now open for tourists and safe for visits.

We are happy to assist you with detailed information about each regions of Ukraine as well by posting to you an info pack before your travel.

Be aware, Ukraine is a massive country, so if you wish to see all the best places you need to spend at least two weeks here..

We would suggest to begin your visit from Kiev, then travel by train or fly to Odessa ( famous for its Tolstoy's Count Palace,Catacombs or Odessa Synagogue ) then travel down to the Palace of Crimean Tatars -Bakhtchisaray and naval fortess in Sevastopol and finish it off in Yalta to discover the beauty of the Black Sea - the Crimea..

Of course you cannot forget about the Western Ukraine with its lovely city of Lviv/ Lvov, the Olessky Castle, the military headquarters of Russian Tsar Peter the First -Zhovkva town or a visit to see the breath taking landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains as well.

If you wish to see and hear some more history....then travel to Chernivtsi-''Little Vienna'' and Kamyanets-Podolskiy and visit nearby the Khotyn Fortess. As you can see Ukraine has got so much to offer...

Some of our clients have already been traveling in Ukraine by train, car and used our local services at the same time...

To book the tours just follow the SELECTED TOURS links below and see if the suggested itineraries sound good enough to book a holiday with us.

If you have not found what you are after yet just feel free to contact our small team and we will do our best to offer you the best option for your vacation in Ukraine.

Our selected tours of Ukraine :

The best of Ukraine tour - 9 nights/10 days

Kiev, Lviv tour of Ukraine - 5 nights/6 days

Kiev is the Capital of Ukraine and is situated on the Dnipro River; allowing for swimming, boat rides, leisurely strolls and bike rides along its banks. The city is commonly known as the ‘Green City' due the expanse of botanical gardens, parks and beautiful trees, making it enchanting during the spring and summer months. Kiev has an absorbing cosmopolitan feel, with the disorderly history of the past now a world away, it has a selection of approximately three million residents with foreign diplomats and international students in the mix allowing this city to be strongly influenced by the Western and European customs whilst still maintaining the grand traditions of the past.

Making the city so picturesque are the restored architecture and art treasures which were left after a number had been destroyed during the Second World War, art galleries, beautiful old buildings and catacombs (network of subterranean chambers and galleries used for burial purposes by people of the ancient Mediterranean world) also adorn the city. During the winter months the lake freezes allowing for ice fishing and ice-skating plus with the many theatres, opera houses, and craft markets Kiev is a city to be enjoyed all year round.

Our suggested itinerary for 3 nights/ 4 days break in a city of Kiev :

Time period available: All year - TO BOOK/ENQUIRE

- £ 390.00 GBP ( British Pounds ) per person sharing a twin/double room

If you are from Europe, USA or Canada feel free and use the CURRENCY CONVERTER located on your right to calculate the costs of the tour accordingly. Thank you.

Please note: Travel for one person can be organised on request.

1 DAY - Arrival. Check-in.

Our Travel representative meets you at the airport and assists you to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time and hotel check-in policy, you may not be able to check into your hotel room immediately upon arrival. We will advise you of your check-in status and activity schedule for the day when you arrive.

Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure to relax after your flight.

Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, is a fascinating ancient city with some remarkable buildings that date to the 11th century. Built along the Dnieper River, Kiev is both a modern gateway city to Ukraine and a historic town that blends commercial streets with narrow byways in its Old Town.
Kiev also supports some fine urban parks and gardens, which are great for walking. Among these, Shevchenko Park in the middle of the downtown area is worth a visit. You may want to visit the famous Maidan Square, where the recent Orange Revolution took place, or wander along Kreschatik, the city's main street.

You could also consider a visit to the Bessarabsky Market, located at the southern end of Khreschatik Street, one of the busiest shopping streets in Kiev. Here you will find the locals shopping for fruits, meats, and caviar, and stocking up on kvas, a fermented bread-based beverage that is a favorite on picnics. You can ask us for suggestions on where to dine on your own tonight.

2 DAY - Panoramic City Tour/Leisure Time at a Local Market/Dinner with live folk music (optional)

Breakfast. Set off to tour the ancient and magnificent city of Kiev, often called the city of golden domes because of the great number of Orthodox churches with that striking feature. You`ll see the St. Sophia Cathedral, one of the city's great and historic landmarks. Built in the 11th century, this majestic 13-domed church is considered one of the most remarkable structures from the Kievan-Rus period. The Cathedral was built in 1037 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise (he's buried inside) to commemorate the victory over the Pechenegs (Asian nomadic tribes) and to glorify Christianity. The church is actually a small complex with two churches, a bell tower, a school, and monks' cells. The church was renovated and expanded right up to the 19th century, mostly in the Renaissance and Ukrainian baroque style. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site..

You conclude your tour with a visit to the bustling Andreyevsky descent. You'll have some free time to browse and have lunch on your own, before returning to the hotel. This is also the best opportunity to buy souvenirs from Ukraine.
In mid-afternoon, you have leisure time to continue your explorations independently.

This evening a dinner at a local restaurant could be organized, during which you'll enjoy live folk music.

3 DAY - Visit to the Monastery of the Caves/Optional Chernobyl Museum & Babiy Yar Memorial Tour

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, and then enjoy an included tour of the Cave Monastery. Spread over two rolling hills southeast of the center of Kiev, and located along the banks of the Dnieper River, the Monastery of the Caves (Kiev Percherska Lavra) is an active, functioning monastery compound containing restored churches and towers, as well as a printing works and miles of maze-like underground
tunnels where ancient crypts hold ecclesiastical treasures. This was for many centuries the most famous monastery in historical Kievan-Rus and the former Russian Empire. Here, Orthodox Christians from throughout Europe traveled on pilgrimages that led many to compare Kiev to Rome as a religious destination. The monks Antony and Feodosiy founded the monastery in 1051 with the goal of spreading the Christian
religion. Monks worshipped and lived in the caves and were buried there. The mixture of the cool cave temperatures and humid atmosphere left many of the dead monks mummified. Today, visitors to the caves and museums can view several of the mummified monks.

After an included lunch, you will be taken to the Podol District. This is Old Kiev with narrow streets and small shops-the heart of the city many years past where merchants and craftsmen worked and lived and often spent a lifetime in the same small area. While you are strolling the Podil, be sure to explore Kontraktova Ploshchad' (Contractor's Square). The Gostinniy Dvir shopping arcade, built in 1809, is nearby. At the northwest corner of that building, stop to see the Fountain of Samson, dating back to 1749 and with many legends connected to the fountain. One legend has it that a person who drinks the fountain's water will never live anywhere else but in Kiev.

Kiev's main business district, Khreschatik, is a popular spot for people watching. The main boulevard is quite striking-lined with large old trees and grand monumental buildings interspersed with small shops. There are many restaurants and stores nearby.

Or, an optional tour to the Chernobyl Museum, which depicts the catastrophe that occurred at the Chernobyl atomic station in 1986, and get a firsthand account from some of the survivors. You'll also visit the Babiy Yar Memorial, which honors the victims of World War II.

Return to the hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight.

4 DAY - Fly back home.

This morning, after breakfast you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.

THE END OF THE HOLIDAY.

The cost of the holiday for the BASIC ITINERARY starts from ( British Pounds) £ 390.00 GBP per person based on min 2 pax sharing a twin/double room.

If you wish to add any of the suggested local tours, contact us directly and we will e-mail you the adjusted itinerary with the correct calculation of the holiday. Thank you.

INCLUDED :  3* central located hotel, accommodation in a twin/double room on B&B basis for 3 nights, airport transfers from and to Kiev airport.

EXCLUDED : flights from the UK, USA, CANADA, local ( suggested in the itinerary above ) guided tours.

Please note : Travel for one person can be organised on request.

PLEASE use our CURRENCY CONVERTER located on your right to calculate the costs of the tour accordingly.

Chernivtsi in Ukraine is a modern city filled with the thousands of faces of its citizens. In its beautiful natural setting are buildings of fine architecture, many sculpted monuments, green parks and inviting squares.

Chernivtsi continues to hold a prominent position among other Ukrainian and Eastern European cities. The city's ancient beginnings and significant history add to its charm and attraction for those interested in the Bukovynian Region.

It's said that in the beginning it was built as a fort at the southern border of the Halych-Volyn Knighthood on the left bank of the Prut River and was called CHERN or "a black town." The use of the name was because of the black color of the fortress walls made of oak and for the dark rich, fertile surrounding soil.

The early fortress was completely destroyed by the Mongol conqueror Burundai and its citizens moved to the right bank of the river in autumn 1259. From 1359 the town became part of the Moldavian State.

The first written record about Chernivtsi was found in manuscripts of the Moldavian master Olexandr Dobryi (the Good), given to merchants from Lviv on October 8, 1408. Each year this date is officially celebrated as Chernivtsi's City Day. The town was situated on the crossroads of Northern-Western Europe, and the Balkans and Turkey. In 1457, it became a great marketplace and administrative center for the whole region. The town was destroyed several times, under the Osman Empire, and from 1774-1918 the Austrian Empire ruled it. From 1918-1940 the region was part of Romania. In 1774 there were about 290 families who lived in the town and suburbs and three wooden churches existed.

The city began to flourish in 1778 when Knight Karl Von Enzenberg was appointed as chief of the Military Administration of Chernivtsi. He invited many merchants, craftsmen and business people to help develop trade and other businesses. St.Peter's Fairs (July 1-15) had given a new vibrant impulse to the market development from 1786.

From the middle of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century many architectural monuments were built and brought honor to the city: the Ratusha (the City Hall) (1848); the Telegraph (1855); the Armenian Cathedral (1875); the Jewish Synagogue (1877); the Drama Theater (1905); the Palace of Justice (1906); and the Train Station (1908).

The most precious thing in the treasury of famous architectural monuments in Chernivtsi - are the buildings that currently house the Chernivtsi State University, a masterpiece made by the Czech architect Josef Hlavka in 1875. They were originally the former residence of the Bukovynian metropolitans. It's Romanesque and Byzantine architecture is embellished with motifs of Ukrainian folk art, for example, the tile roof patterns duplicate the geometric designs of Ukrainian weavings.

The city became self-governing in March of 1864 when the community elected its first members of the city council.

The Council elected Mayor Yakiv (Jacob) Von Petrovych, as its first independent mayor of Chernivtsi in 1864-1866.

Mayor Anton Kochanovskyi Von Stavchan was famous for his political deeds, which made Chernivtsi a recognized European city in 1866-1874 and 1887-1905. During that time a number of different industries increased and Chernivtsi became an international transport center. The grocery stock exchange was opened, the water and sewer systems installed, the electric power plant was opened and an electric public transportation system was completed.

A new period of city development began in 1964-1972; when Mayor Vasyl Tolmach devoted his efforts to start the electronic and instrument-making industries, change the public transportation system. He also made many other innovative changes.

Mayor Pavlo Kaspruk (1985-1991) was the first to try more democratic changes during the difficult times in the 1980's. The Chernobyl accident, the pollution of the Dnister River and other ecological and economic problems were very challenging to the people of the region during this time. Mayor Kaspruk started the Sister-Cities Partnership Programs and Salt Lake City, Utah, USA was chosen as the first sister city.

If you wish to receive some info regarding accommodation offers, local tours in and nearby the Chernivtsi etc... just contact us directly and we are more then happy to help you with your holiday to Ukraine.

Mykola Fedoruk was the first mayor in the history of Chernivtsi elected by its citizens in 1994. In 2002 he was reelected for the third time.

Contemporary Chernivtsi is a regional center, which is situated on the picturesque banks of Prut River and occupies an area of about 150 square km (85 square miles). The distance from Kiev is about 650 km (490 miles). The city of Chernivtsi borders on Moldova and Romania, the cities of Ivano-Frankivsk and Ternopil and the Khmelnytskyi region (oblast) of Ukraine.

According to the data of the All- Ukrainian population census of 2001 the population of Chernivtsi is approximately 240,600 people of 65 nationalities. Among these numbers are Ukrainians, 189,000 (79,8%); Russians, 26,700 (11,3%); Romanians, 10,600 (4,5%); Moldavians, 3,800 (1,6%); Polish 1,400 (0,6%); Jews, 1,300 (0,6%); and others, 2,900 (1,2%)

Hotyn
The highlight of the Hotyn region is an ancient majestic city - the fortress of Hotyn.
National memory has kept many beautiful legends about a history of this land. One of them tells that during old times malicious conquerors surrounded a powerful fortress. Defenders repeatedly beat off attacks, but forces were unequal and enemies finally taken a fortress. They grasped the daughter of the commandant. However the girl did not want to obey aggressors and those after inhuman mockeries have immured her in a wall of a fortress. Till now on this place it is possible to see images of a Turkish jug for water and a wet stain from tears of the girl. And almost every spring night she leaves a wall and calls the father and the groom who were lost in fight, and waters with tears the native ground which gives generous crops, the rivers and lakes with water. This sad and lyrical legend became a basis for a plot of symbols of area.

If you wish to receive some info regarding accommodation offers, local tours in and nearby the Khotyn etc... just contact us directly and we are more then happy to help you with your holiday to Ukraine.

Kamyanets-Podilsky is about 25km north of the point where Moldova and Romania meet at the Ukrainian border. This old town has stood since at least the 11th century on a sheer-walled rock island carved out of the steppe by a sharp loop in the Smotrych River.

While questions remain as to when the city was first founded, evidence of local indigenous Ukrainian settlement traces back at least to the 6th century. Situated on important trade routes, both overland (east-west) and by water (north-south), the settlement experienced growth. Having survived the 13th century Mongol invasions, the community continued to prosper under a variety of different foreign rulers.

With the establishment of the Podillian Roman Catholic bishopric in Kamianets-Podilsky in 1375, the city became one of Rome's primary bastions in the East, competing with the influence of Orthodoxy and checking the spread of Islam (Tartars and later Ottomans). In time, the more prestigious Catholic religious Orders established monasteries within the city - including the Dominicans (c. 1370), Franciscans (1400), and the Discalce Carmelites (1623); the Jesuits established both a mission (1608) and a college (1610). Yet unlike Western Europe, where Catholic prominence often brought about religious repressions, both the Ukrainian and the Armenian Orthodox churches continued to grow and prosper within the city walls. While religious tolerance would begin to decline by the 17th century, for three hundred years a spirit of religious toleration was maintained for the city's three dominant communities (Ukrainian, Polish and Armenian).

The south-western bridge, for centuries the only link between the town and the mainland, is guarded by a nine-towered stone castle that dates from the 16th century. Most of the towers are open to visitors, and many offer great views of the town and the surrounding countryside.
These massive fortifications impressed not only travelers and merchants who came to visit the city. According to local legend, the Turkish Khan Osman allegedly asked "who built this mighty city?" An underling is said to have replied "God Himself". Upon being unable to take the city by storm, the Khan was to have said upon leaving "Then let God Himself take the city". Throughout its long and violent history, the city twice surrendered to those who captured the castle, but the city itself was never taken by storm.

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Ivano-Frankivsk lies in the Precarpathian plain where fast waters of the Nadvirnianska Bystrytsia and Solotvynska Bystrytsia join together. Ivano-Frankivsk is the regional center and one of the largest economic and cultural centers in the west of Ukraine.

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The first mention of the city named Stanyslaviv refers to 1662 when the city received a Magdeburg right. The city was founded as a fortress to protect people from Crimean Tatars’ raids and a stronghold of the Pototskyis  Polish landlords on Halych lands. Many times the fortress was besieged by Turkish and Russian troops.
Stanyslaviv was originated from the Market square and City Hall, which can be seen today having been modified. The Reneissanse architectural ideas of "the ideal city" were reflected in the construction that followed. These ideas were used for planning a middle part of the city, its streets and churches. Because of the originality the of architecture sometimes our city is called "small Lviv".

In 18-19 centuries the city was a big trading and manufacturing center of Poland and from 1772 √ of Austria (since 1867 √ of Austro-Hungarian Empire). Except Ukrainians, a certain contribution in development of crafts and culture was made by Polish, Jews and Armenians whose national communities were quite numerous.
In 1848 the revolution woke public life. In Stanislav there was created "Rus Rada" (alongside with Polish). They organized a squadron of National Guards and started printing the first newspaper. Ukrainian deputies were elected to the newly established Parliament.
The second half of the 19^th century is marked by fast development of industrial relations and creating enterprises. The railway built in 1866 made some impact, too. At that time the locomotive repair factory, distillery, leather plant "Plai" were established.
In 1884 a prominent public character and writer N. Kobrynska conducted constituent assembly of the "Rus Woman Society" (later called "Ukrainian Woman Society"). This initiated the organized woman movement in Ukraine. During the World War in 1915-1916 there were cruel battles over the city. Part of historic buildings was destroyed and then restored in new architectural forms.
In 1918 after break-up of Austro-Hungarian Empire there was created the West Ukrainian People’s Republic.
Stanyslaviv was the capital of the Republic in January-May 1919. Such prominent public figures as M. Hrushevskyi, V. Vynnychenko, S. Petliura, Y. Konovalets used to come here at that time. During the World War II the city was occupied by fascist troops for three years (1941-1944).

The underground representatives of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists √ Ukrainian Insurgent Army were in charge of the struggle with occupants. The hearts of people are still aching when they recall the public execution of 27 patriots in the center of the city in November 1943. In Stanyslaviv and its suburbs fascists killed more than 100 thousand peaceful people in total.
In 1962 the city celebrated its 300-anniversary. It was renamed after a famous writer and public figure Ivan Franko who would come here more than once, made good friends, wrote and recited his works.

The inhabitants of Ivano-Frankivsk and Halychyna gladly accepted democratic changes in 90s and became a driving force of all the events. The blue and yellow national flags were already raised over the city in 1990 and during the referendum in 1991, people voted for independence of Ukraine.
Every year in August they celebrate a City Day with concerts of folklore and art ensembles. The Christmas parade of verteps (Christmas plays) from January 1 to January 14 on the streets and squares of the city is a spectacular sight. Also Ivano-Frankivsk is famous for its all-Ukrainian festival of art ensembles "Precarpathian Spring" (in May every year), festival of a national and patriotic song and poetry "Volia" (Freedom) (in October odd years).
Ivano-Frankivsk is a large center of mechanical engineering, wood-processing, chemical and light industry. The Precarpathian University named after V. Stefanyk, the Ivano-Frankivsk State Technical University of Oil and Gas, the Medical Academy, the Spiritual Institute of the Greek-Catholic Church train their students to become skilled specialists. There is bus and railway communication with Bulgaria, Moldova, Poland, Russia, Romania and Baltic countries. Planes come and go to Manchester (Great Britain), Moscow (Russia). Ivano-Frankivsk has a population of 240 thousand people.

Crimea is a destination that boasts adventure, history and excitement, with each sight having its own story to tell. It is one of the most preferred destinations in the Ukraine for its extensive collection of outdoor activities; offering rock climbing, hiking; mountain biking, windsurfing, and horseback riding all of which have breathtaking sightseeing opportunities thrown in. The area won independence to have its own government whilst remaining apart of Ukraine and has a population of 1.9million residents. It is divided into fourteen districts that fall in to twenty-five regions.

Many if the cities within the regions play a fundamental role in the running of the Crimea Peninsula, which offers many produce as well as extensive tourism. Eupatoria takes on a highly varied function of resort, railway connection and a major city port whilst Dzhankov is the significant railway city.

Bakhchisaray is immersed in historical importance whilst Yalta is one of the busiest tourist destinations for its Mediterranean climate and the choice to wander beautiful woody mountains, picturesque beaches, vineyards and orchards. Near to Yalta there boasts a popular attraction named The Meadow of Fairy Tales, this is a place filled with around 200 sculptures formed by local artists, on completion of this wonderful sight relax amongst the number of appealing restaurants or kick up your heels and enjoy the exceedingly active nightlife.

This is definitely an area of Ukraine that has a pleasant surprise awaiting you with every corner turned.

Those who scout for film directors know that they can find just about any kind of landscape or background in Crimea, the country is so diverse. It is sometimes called the world in a nutshell or an open air museum. Travellers who visit can pick and choose from a unique selection of landscapes, spectacular waterfalls and even a mud volcano or two. Steppe plains, forested mountains, brush and ancient parks are also just part of what Crimea offers.

The Black Sea and the Sea of Azov surround Crimea almost totally, as the Crimean peninsula is connected to the mainland by the 5 - 7 kilometre wide isthmuses. More than 2,400 kinds of plants grow on this peninsula and 200 of them are indigenous.

The most well-known part of Crimea - the Southern Coast - is located between the Black Sea and the Main Mountain Ridge. The crowning jewel of Crimea, it has a sub-Mediterranean climate, luxuriant greenery and numerous natural features that make you want to stay forever. Other beautiful places where you can enjoy nature in all its splendour including the rocky Tarkhankut coast, the mysterious Dale of Phantoms on Demerdzhi Mountain and the extinct volcano Karadag.

Since ancient times, and perhaps because of its natural beauty, Crimea has also been what you might call - a people place. Once the hub of ancient routes, there are reminders of many empires and civilizations throughout the country. The wormwood steppes and fertile valleys, mountains with grottos and cosy bays on the coast remember stooping Neanderthal and tall Cro-Magnon men, a truculent Taur and a freedom-loving Scythian, an enterprising Greek colonist and a ruthless Roman legionnaire. Lonely barrows in the steppe, stone idols and sanctuaries, ruins of towns and fortresses whisper of days long gone and lives well lived.

Tourists are well aware of the fact that Crimea's resorts with health features including an excellent climate, the mud and waters of salt lakes and mineral waters from underground springs offer restful, stress free down time. Hotels and vacation houses are being built and/or renovated both on the seacoast and in the countryside to accommodate the influx of visitors wanting to partake in the curative resources of which the area is so wealthy. Eco or rural green tourism is also becoming part of what attracts people to Crimea. Our vast natural resources are so beautiful; they are becoming a tourism destination for the photographer and artist, bird watcher and nature lover, on their own.

For a unique experience in one of the most beautiful places on earth, but one not necessarily on the beaten path, you can't go wrong with a visit to Crimea. It could be said that its many diverse parts make up one tremendous whole and that whole is worth every penny of your travel budget and every minute of your time spent here. We know you'll love it.

Yalta, Hurzuf, Alushta , Alupka, Belaklava, Sevastopol...- great destinations yet to be discovered...

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We're glad you have found us and hope you will be able to enjoy our site and find that special place in Ukraine you would like to visit. We arrange holidays, city breaks and private escorted tours across Ukraine since 2005. If you wish to receive more info about our travel packages just contact us directly and e-mail us your ideas etc.. We can offer you different packages combining Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia and the countries of Eastern Europe as well.

Ukraine is in the very center of Europe, just nearby your home country. Easy to get in, easy to travel, plenty to discover…Start your Ukraine discovery from the capital Kiev - a cradle of ancient Kiev Rus, former capital of one of fifteen Soviet republics and magnificent city outlined with Orthodox churches and chestnuts.

During your stay in Kiev we can arrange the following services :

- A party for a group on board of steamer cruising along Dnipro River or in one of the interesting Kiev Museums:

- See beautiful panorama from top of highest Kiev monument – Rodina-Mother in museum of the World War II. In summer time it’s possible to arrange buffet cocktail on the territory of the World War II museum with exposition of war land tanks and other military machines.

- Enjoy private ballet performance and buffet-dinner at the exceptionally beautiful Opera House

- Enjoy buffet-dinner and private exclusive visit of Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko Museum (former Museum of Western and Oriental Art) with good collection including Velasces and Bosch.

- Try Ukrainian traditional cuisine in Ukrainian traditional restaurant “Pervak”, “Kozachok”, “Khutorok”, “Khata, Karasya”, “Tsarske selo” and many others...- we can book a table for you and your friends..

- Relax during folk party and barbeque with Cossacks on one of small Dnipro islands

- See Ukrainian Folk in open-air folk Museum Pirogovo
- And many more…

As pre or post tour discover the Orthodox treasure or visit Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, the site of ecological disaster, which is now open for tourists and safe for visits.

We are happy to assist you with detailed information about each regions of Ukraine as well by posting to you an info pack before your travel.

Be aware, Ukraine is a massive country, so if you wish to see all the best places you need to spend at least two weeks here..

We would suggest to begin your visit from Kiev, then travel by train or fly to Odessa ( famous for its Tolstoy's Count Palace,Catacombs or Odessa Synagogue ) then travel down to the Palace of Crimean Tatars -Bakhtchisaray and naval fortess in Sevastopol and finish it off in Yalta to discover the beauty of the Black Sea - the Crimea..

Of course you cannot forget about the Western Ukraine with its lovely city of Lviv/ Lvov, the Olessky Castle, the military headquarters of Russian Tsar Peter the First - Zhovkva town or a visit to see the breath taking landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains as well.

If you wish to see and hear some more history....then travel to Chernivtsi-''Little Vienna'' and Kamyanets-Podolskiy and visit nearby the Khotyn Fortess. As you can see Ukraine has got so much to offer...

Some of our clients have already been traveling in Ukraine by train, car and used our local services at the same time...

To book the tours just follow the SELECTED TOURS links below and see if the suggested itineraries sound good enough to book a holiday with us.

If you have not found what you are after yet just feel free to contact our small team and we will do our best to offer you the best option for your vacation in Ukraine.

Our selected tours of Ukraine :

The best of Ukraine tour - 9 nights/10 days

Kiev, Lviv tour of Ukraine - 5 nights/6 days

Odessa, Crimea tour of Ukraine - 4 nights/5 days