History and Hope in Ukraine

Lviv is a city poised right on the edge of exploding on the global stage, but you can visit on your world travel while it’s still mostly unknown. Lviv is famous for its inventive and eclectic beer culture, as well as the variety of different cafes that you can find here. Your first day will be spent soaking in all that Lviv has to offer. 

You’ll have some time to wander the city yourself before embarking on a group tour to the famous Lviv Opera House. This historic entertainment icon is the centerpiece of Lviv. After the tour, you’ll spend some time in High Castle Park before being treated to a traditional Ukranian dinner.

It’s time to spend a little time in the great outdoors and explore Carpathian National Park. This fantastic natural retreat features some of the most amazing landscapes in Ukraine. You will spend several hours hiking through the various trails of this park, so make sure that you bring your sturdy boots.

You will enjoy an al fresco lunch at one of Carpathian National Park’s most picturesque waterfalls and learn about the history of the region from a seasoned local guide.

It’s time to step back in time with the Lviv Castle Tour. Your exclusive expedition starts in Lviv, where your seasoned guide will pick you up for a tour of three of Lviv’s most prized castles, Oleskyi, Pidgoretskyi, and Zolochivskyi. All of these castles were very important during the middle ages, and have been lovingly restored to their original splendor.

You’ll learn about the impressive history of Ukraine and why it is so prized on the international stage. There is no doubt that you will walk away from this tour with a greater appreciation of the region and its history.

This morning, you’ll leave the picturesque city of Lviv, but don’t worry because you’re heading for another gorgeous part of Ukraine. Odessa is perched right on the Black Sea and has some of the most amazing beaches in the country. Soak in some sun before visiting historic Teatralnaya Square to do people watching in one of the local cafes.

You’re in for a special surprise in Odessa: your hosts have prepared an authentic meal for you along with a vodka tasting. Enjoy cabbage rolls, borscht and pierogi. For dessert, you’ll indulge yourself with specialty chocolates and piping hot tea.

It’s time to travel to Kiev. You’ll fly into the city just in time to enjoy a private tour of the Pechersk Lavra, also known as the Monastery of the Caves. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its natural beauty and gilded glory. You will also have a chance to take a tour of Kiev and learn about the history of the city.

Your fifth day will be capped off with an evening bicycle ride through the winding streets of this iconic town. You’ll see old town squares, rows of restaurants and plenty of pretty foliage. Kiev is truly a mixture of older architecture and modern touches.

Only recently have visitors been able to see Chernobyl and Pripyat because radiation levels have subsided to the point where it is safe to visit the region for a short time. In 1986, Chernobyl was the site of the worst nuclear accident that the world has ever seen. Your guide will provide you with all of the information that you need to understand the scope of the tragedy, as well as how the citizens of Ukraine are attempting to repair the area from an ecological standpoint.

Chernobyl is a tourist attraction, but it is also the site of a massive tragedy, so it’s important to show reverence and respect for those who have perished. Selfies and silly pictures are discouraged.

Today, you’ll head back to Lviv for a two-hour city and culinary journey, where you will be treated to foods from all over Ukraine. Your knowledgeable guide will let you know where each type of food comes from and its significance in Ukranian culture. It will be a memorable way to spend the final day of your trip.