Ukraine:
Ukraine, the ‘country on the edge’, is extraordinarily rich in natural beauty and history, which is why it deserves to be amongst the most popular Eastern European holiday destinations.With improved roads and new infrastructure, alongside renovated city centres, this country is waiting to be discovered on your Ukraine holiday. This destination offers a range of activities, from relaxing beach holidays in Crimea, hiking or cycling in the Carpathian mountains, to city stays from Kiev to Odessa. The country has a population of nearly 50 million and is a bit larger than France.
It is easy to get to Ukraine, as most airlines fly into Kiev, located in the centre of the country. Kiev is simply beautiful and represents all things Russian, from its Soviet monuments, statues, churches and golden domes to the parks and tree lined banks of the river Dnipro. Visitors can stroll or cycle along the river banks before swimming or taking a leisurely boat trip through the city. There are art galleries, opera houses, markets and the catacombs of the Lavra, housing mummified monks. Kiev is a lively, welcoming city with great restaurants, bars and clubs.
From Kiev you can travel by train or plane to explore this diverse country.
One of the most popular regions of Ukraine is Crimea. This peninsula, that juts out in to the Black Sea, has some remarkable scenery, with mountains rising up to 1,200 meters from the sea, providing wonderful backdrops to beaches and sea side towns. If you’re looking for adventure or history Crimea is the destination for you. The adventurous can try horsing riding, rock-climbing or windsurfing. For the curious, there is something round every bend from the Swallow’s Nest, a medieval castle extending over a rocky cliff, to the Meadow of Fairy Tales, near Yalta. The region is rich in history, having been influenced by the Greeks, Turks, Jews, Venetians, Russians and, of course, Ukrainians.
The Carpathian Mountains are located in the Western part of Ukraine. Their highest peaks, in the Ukraine, reach over 2,000 meters. Although Ukraine is not known for skiing, there are plenty of ski areas and the industry is growing. There are also plenty of hiking and trekking opportunities in the summer.
Odessa, known as the pearl of the Black Sea and heavily influenced by French and Italian architecture, is both charming and stunning. Situated beneath green, rolling hills with peaceful white beaches, Odessa is a port, in a picturesque harbour, and a centre of culture. Whether you stroll down the Potemkin Steps, visit the Odessa Privoz market or seek exciting nightlife in Arkadia, Odessa will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Take a look at one of our suggested itineraries that incorporates Kiev and the Crimea with the Russian cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow, or contact one of our specialists about a tailor-made tour.