Itinerary
Day
1
Welcome to the beautiful capital city, and the soul of Ukraine – Kyiv! You will be met and transferred to your hotel at the very city centre. Take some time to refresh and unpack your suitcases, then we will head out into the city for a city orientation: wander with our guide down the wide boulevards of the city's historic core, marvel at the historic sites on every corner, and the sweeping greenery of its many parks and gardens. To introduce you to Kyiv, and it's fascinating history, architecture and traditions, we'll take you to see it's main, iconic sights - visit Independence Square, better now known as Maidan, which has been the site of much turmoil and revolution over the last decade, but now is a symbol of freedom and resistance from oppression. We will wander down Khreshchatyk Street – the main artery of Kyiv, and the widest, yet shortest main street in the world!
Day
2
After breakfast, we will take you on a City Tour of Kyiv's most prominent historic sites. Admire the beautiful St. Volodymyr's Cathedral, step back in time through the Golden Gates (or Zoloti Vorota), back into the 11th century when these gates once protected the Capital of the ancient Kyivan Rus...Marvel at the Golden domes of the iconic St. Sophia's and St. Michael's Cathedrals. Grab some lunch, and enjoy some free time to shop on Andrijvesky Uzviz, or Andrew's Descent, named after the church at the top of the street. This winding street is home to the city's artisans, craftsmen and vendors – explore all kinds of items on their stalls, from souvenir trinkets, to authentic costumes, and antique Soviet memorabilia, or visit one of the several museums on this historic street with many stories to tell.
Day
3
Today you have the chance to visit one of the largest Christian holy places in the country - the Kyiv Pecherska Lavra – a world famous historical and architectural landmark. In the 11th century, an orthodox monk Anthony founded the monastery upon a search for solitude in the Ukrainian wilderness. He excavated a cave within the hillside where he lived a modest life. One by one monks began to join him and a community evolved. The monastery's gold-domed churches are a real feast for the eyes: the Scythian gold could rival that of the Hermitage! Wander down into the underground labyrinths filled with ancient mummified monks - intriguing to say the least...Following that, we will visit the Museum of Folk Culture and Ethnography of Ivan Honchar, which consists of approximately 15 thousand ethnographic and artistic items... Learn some more about Ukrainian history, culture and heritage. Take the rest of the day to wander and explore. Maybe learn more about Ukraine's complicated past at the WW2 Memorial and Museum. (Optional) The giant soviet Rodina Mat Motherland monument, which is part of the complex, is one of Kyiv's most distinctive features (and taller than the Statue of Liberty!).
Day
4
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. We will help you check out, and help you on your way- whatever your next destination may be! Consider joining our 4-day Carpathian Mountain Tour, or 4-day Trip to Lviv! OPTIONAL ADD ON – Take a Day Trip to Chernobyl Have you heard about Ghost City of Chornobyl? Take a moving journey back in time to the days of the Soviet Union - time has stood still in this place since the World's worst nuclear accident... You can visit the abandoned town of Prypiat, with its derelict and crumbling buildings, and rusting fairground. Take a day trip, and see the Nuclear Power Station itself from a distance, and experience for yourself how this place has been touched by this disaster, and how nature has taken over...