Kiev & Lviv Tour (CB-35)

Welcome to Ukraine. We’ll be waiting at the airport to greet you and take you to your hotel. After check in, the rest of the evening is free for you to do as you wish.

It’s time to get acquainted with Kiev. The Ukrainian capital is easy to navigate thanks to the walkable centre and the Dnepr River which bisects the city. One of the great joys of visiting Kiev is to visit its beautiful churches. The UNESCO-listed St Sophia Cathedral boasts some incredible mosaics, frescoes and no fewer than 13 domes. The St Archangel Michael’s Golden Domes Monastery, which dates from the 12th century and the 19th century Vladimir Cathedral with its colourful murals are also must-sees. While you’re exploring downtown, don’t miss the Golden Gate, an impressive arch that was originally constructed on this site in 1037 and extensively rebuilt in 1982 into the landmark you see today. Finally, we’ll take you for a stroll along Kreshatik Street, Kiev’s main thoroughfare.

We begin today’s sightseeing programme with a visit to Pechersk Lavra, known in English as the Monastery of the Caves. Located within the city, this Orthodox Christian monastery dates back to 1051 and is also on the UNESCO World Heritage site list. It’s still a working monastery, with about 100 monks in residence. But what draws curious tourists to the caves is the sight of glass topped coffins, the final resting place of the mummified remains of former monks. In complete contrast, we return to the city centre and set our sights on Andriyivsky Uzviz. This steep, cobbled street is one of Kiev’s most famous and is a magnet for travellers thanks to its many cafés, art galleries and souvenir stalls. At the top, visit the gold and blue St Andrew’s Church.

Today we’ll cross Ukraine to the city that many describe as the jewel of the west, Lviv. We’ll transfer to the railway station to board a comfortable, high-speed train. After a relaxing journey through the Ukrainian countryside, you’ll be met at Lviv railway station for the transfer to the hotel. Tonight, why not try one of the city’s most unusual restaurants? To enter Kryivka, a restaurant themed around the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, you’ll need a password. If you knock on the unmarked wooden door, an ‘armed’ guard will shout “Slava Ukraina!” To get in, reply “Heroyam Slava!” meaning “hail to our heroes” and then you’ll be allowed down to its red brick vaulted cellars.

Lviv is Ukraine’s least Soviet city. In fact, you’ll notice that the architecture has more in common with that which you’d find over the border in Poland and across what was once the Habsburg Empire. That’s no surprise as both have ruled Lviv. It was lucky enough to escape being bombed in World War Two, so the churches, towers and grand houses of its historic core are largely preserved in their original state. During today’s city tour you’ll see the major sights such as the High Castle, National Museum, Gunpowder Tower and numerous churches. With its trams, cobbled streets and coffee houses, it’s easy to fall in love with the place.

Today your Ukraine tour comes to an end and we will accompany you to the airport in good time to catch your flight home.