Eastern Horizon: From Krakow to Kyiv via Lviv

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Krakow

   Krakow may not be the largest city in Poland, but it is by far the most popular with travelers. Less industrial than Warsaw, Krakow was once Poland’s royal capital, and unlike the rest of the country, came out of World War II with its gorgeous architecture mostly unscathed. One glance at the city’s perfectly preserved and restored Old Town and it will be abundantly clear why Krakow is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This compact historical district houses the largest square in Europe, where you can stroll, shop from the market, and sample some tasty Polish delicacies. Krakow’s cultural life is rich and there are more than enough classical and jazz concerts to attend during your stay. Just walk through Old Town any evening and you’ll find warmly lit cafes, restaurants and bars. Some of the most prominent sites in and around the city are linked with the grim, albeit highly important historical facts, as evidenced by the memorials in the Jewish Kazimierz district and the Auschwitz concentration camp located nearby - chilling and vivid reminders of World War II. You can also explore Poland’s natural wonders from Krakow, with visits to the atmospheric Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Tatra Mountains all comfortable day trips.

   Upon your arrival to Kraków Airport, our driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals and will take you to your accommodation in Krakow. The journey should take about 30 minutes.

   Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

   

   Settle in and Enjoy

   If you've just arrived, before starting on tours, head out and get a feel for this unique city. If you're staying near the main square ("Rynek,") take a leisurely stroll, visit the Cloth Hall, and have a coffee with a view at Cafe Szal. If you start near the Kazimierz district, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Starka restaurant. Either way, let yourself get charmed by Krakow.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Krakow

   

   Exploring Krakow

   Today you’ll be getting a feel for the story of the city with a private tour with a local expert.There's much to discover as you walk the famed Royal Route through the city's heart, on this tour filled to the brim with historical facts and anecdotes. You'll wander from the Barbican and St. Florian's Gate to the spectacular hilltop royal Wawel Castle, visiting the Main Square with its Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica along the way.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Wieliczka Salt Mine Group Tour

   This Salt Mine is one of the oldest in the world and was established in the 13th century. Today salt is no longer mined in Wieliczka, but this original underground complex is preserved in a great condition, making it a world-class monument. This astonishing place was recognised in the UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage List due to its breathtaking underground chambers carved entirely in salt. Wieliczka Salt Mine tours rank among the most popular day trips from Krakow and draws attention of over one million visitors each year.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   Watch the video

   

   Classical Krakow: Chopin Concert

   Music is one of the most important elements of Polish culture. Tonight you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate the genius of the Polish composer Chopin in a unique atmosphere. You’ll listen to Chopin’s most famous piano pieces performed by talented and award-winning young pianists. The concert will be held in the old town's Chopin Concert Hall. Located in the former home of the Royal Hunter, you'll take a richly ornamented 19th century staircase to the concert hall.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Krakow

   

   Auschwitz-Birkenau Group Tour with a Private Driver

   We invite you to visit one of the most expressive and symbolic locations in Poland. You'll explore the Auschwitz Museum and Birkenau Camp, a place that should be experienced and seen at least once in your lifetime. You'll have a private tour to the museum, where you'll join a group of about 30 people.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 7 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Krakow During the Holocaust

   While far less Yiddish and Hebrew are heard in Krakow today, the city's Jewish past remains clear, even outside of Kazimierz, the main Jewish district. Head south to the Podgorze district, home to the city's WWII ghetto, and the factory where Oskar Schindler saved many lives. While you can explore this area on your own, we recommend taking part in a private tour of this neighborhood, its ghetto, and Schindler's factory-turned-museum.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

4. Day 4 Traveling to Lviv by Airplane / Arrival in Lviv

   Today you are off to Lviv. We recommend to take a direct flight as private transfer usually means long wait at the border crossing. We will arrange for a driver to take you to the airport in Krakow and will include flight as listed below in your package.

   
   

   Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. In case you would prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flights is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

   Lviv is a picture-perfect Central European city. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is by no means the only place where you can get in touch with traditional Ukraine while you visit. Lviv’s unique atmosphere emanates from all of its elegant houses and cobblestone streets. You’ll have a wonderful time exploring this atmospheric destination, the heart of Ukrainian culture. The most popular tourist destination in Ukraine, Lviv is a cosmopolitan city with a long history of Jewish, Polish, Austrian and Hungarian influences. European history buffs, or anyone who likes to experience Old World elegance and sophistication will love it here.

   A driver will be at the airport to greet you and transfer you to your centrally located Lviv accommodation. The transfer takes about 30 minutes.

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Lviv

   

   Meet Lviv

   The best way to get to know a city is on foot with the help of an expert local guide, who will introduce you to the main historical and contemporary sites of the Old Town (UNESCO Heritage). Unlike many cities in Ukraine, Lviv was lucky enough to escape the destruction in World War II, and nowadays its fascinating streets and numerous museums make it one of the most exciting places in Ukraine to explore. You will uncover the stories behind the medieval atmosphere of Lviv, that will hark you back to days when Lviv was a wealthy trading center.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Coffee Degustation Private Tour

   Lviv is a city that truly loves coffee. Relaxing with a cup here is a tribute to local tradition. This private tour of the city's best coffee houses includes two tastings of the best coffee you'll find in the city. During the tour, you'll hear stories about the vibrant history of cafe culture in Lviv.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Lviv

   

   Castles around Lviv Private Tour

   This tour will allow you to experience some of the majestic history of the Lviv region by touring its most impressive palaces and castles. You'll start in the picturesque hills of Olesko, where a fortress still shows the marks of past battles. In this area there are several easily accessible sites. You'll also see a fairy tale palace with slender towers, shining mosaic tiles and playful decorations. The past will come alive for you as you tour these castles with an expert guide. You'll love learning more about the royal past of this region.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 7 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Private Cooking Class with Traditional Ukrainian Dinner

   This exclusive three-hour cooking class in a local kitchen will give you the skills and knowledge you need to cook some of the tastiest Ukrainian dishes: borscht (the famous Ukrainian national soup) and varenyky (dumplings, similar to pirogi) in a cozy atmosphere and comfortable environment with friendly conversation. You can also substitute the varenyky for deruny, potato pancakes akin to thicker latkes. You'll share the dinner you have cooked together and discuss what you think. There's no better way to immerse yourself in the local culinary culture.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

7. Day 7 Traveling to Kyiv by Train / Arrival in Kyiv

   

   It's time to leave Lviv behind and head to Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. There are several direct trains a day, but only two fast trains that leave either very early in the morning or in the later afternoon and get to Kyiv just over 5 hours later. We'll have you picked up from your accommodation in Lviv and taken to the train station. If you'd prefer to leave at a different time, a private transfer can be arranged at an additional fee. Please note that the private transfer takes about 8 hours and can include different stops along the way: Tunnel of Love, Tarakaniv Fort, or Dubno castle.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Kyiv By Private Transfer with Stops

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Kyiv is a modern city steeped in history, where high-end shops and colorful restaurants are surrounded with classical architecture. It is the source of Eastern Slavic culture and Kyiv still keeps a firm hold on history. The city’s famous buildings include Saint Sofia, a church that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in the hills, Kyiv feels spread out and can be a bit of a challenge to take in if you’re trying do so on foot but an excellent public transport system and very inexpensive taxis make getting around a breeze. There’s no shortage of unique things to do here, like touring the grounds of the opulent villa of former President Victor Yanukovych, complete with a huge collection of cars and private zoo. Another must-see, the Monastery of the Caves or Pechersk Lavra, is unlike anyplace else. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of a large complex of churches and chapels but most striking is a series of underground caves where you can see mummified monks from the 11th century. It’s just one more thing that makes Kyiv special.

   When you arrive at Kyiv's train station, we will have a driver there to meet you and take you to your accommodation. The transfer takes about 30 minutes.

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Kyiv

   

   Get to Know Central Kyiv

   Kyiv is a sprawling city, so we recommend getting to know it with a guide, whether on a three-hour tour that can be wrapped up in time for lunch, or an in-depth eight-hour tour (with lunch and a relaxed pace). You'll see the city's landmarks, understand their significance and stories, and familiarize yourself with the various districts, from the impressive upper town, to fun Podil.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Private Walking Tour

   This two-hour excursion will take you thousands of years back in time. With an expert local guide you'll explore one of the most interesting UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

9. Day 9 Your Second Full Day in Kyiv

   From Nuclear Catastrophe to Fleeing President

   Ukraine has a long, proud history, but in more recent times it's more famous for its catastrophes and revolutions, rather than its accomplishments. Visit two of its most unusual sights as day trips from Kiev. Chernobyl is surprisingly safe to visit, with a day trip to sanitized areas giving a radiation dose equal to an hour on a plane. With a full-day tour, you can come right up to the new concrete sarcophagus covering the reactor and tour the neighboring ghost town of Pripyat. For something a bit more upscale, visit the former home of Yanukovych, the president overthrown during the 2014 revolution. The Yanukovych mansion teems with gold and has enough luxuries and extravaganzas to make even the Pope jealous.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Chernobyl Private Day Tour

   The infamous disaster at Chernobyl had a profound effect on Europe, and continues to be felt, in terms of nuclear policy, and in the Zone of Alienation, the area surrounding Chernobyl where few people are allowed to live and work. A trip to Chernobyl might sound risky, but the typical exposure of a one-day tour is equivalent to a one-hour flight, 1/160th as much as a chest x-ray and 1/3600th as much as a whole body CT scan. Three of Chernobyl's reactors were kept running until 2000, and the power plant remains a worksite. A visit to Chernobyl is sobering, but memorable.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 12 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   Watch the video

   

   Mezhyhirya (Former Presidential Residence) Private Tour

   On this special tour you'll get to know everything you ever wanted to know about Ukrainian governmental corruption but were afraid to ask. You'll visit the former Presidential Palace with a local guide who will tell you all about the history of the place and how corrupt officials built and held on to it. This is a tour that will really give you another point of view on the past and present of this alluring destination.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   Watch the video

10. Day 10 Departure Day

    A driver will pick you up at your accommodation based on your flight time and transfer you to Kyiv airport for your departure flight. The transfer takes about 40 minutes.