Eastern Horizon: From Krakow to Kyiv via Lviv
10 Days / 9 Nights
Krakow, Lviv, Kyiv
Please note: this itinerary is not currently available. We are not facilitating travel to Ukraine at this time due to Russia's war against Ukraine.
This sample 10-day (9 nights) itinerary begins in beautiful Krakow, Poland before whisking you eastwards to Lviv in Western Ukraine. From there you'll continue to the Ukrainian capital. Along the way you'll gain knowledge of the intertwined histories of neighbors Poland and Ukraine and an insight into just what makes each of these cities so special.
The services we provide as part of our comprehensive packages include accommodations, transfers, transport between destinations, and city tours. In addition to the walking tours included we can arrange a number of excursions based on your own interests. There is also an option to travel between cities by private car or van transfers for an extra fee. You could also reverse the direction and go Kyiv - Lviv - Krakow, or extend the tour with other cities in either country such as Warsaw, Wroclaw, or Odessa or even add on neighboring countries. All of our tours are custom, and this is just a sample meant to give an idea of what our trips are like, and the opportunities our destinations provide.
One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (who you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and spacious apartments. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.
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What's Included
Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.
Krakow
Lviv
Kyiv
package excludes:
- Flights from and to your home country.
- Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
- Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
- Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
- Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.
A Travel Advisor who speaks your language
We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation
Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions
We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day
Your destination-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road
Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out
Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.3 Nights in Krakow
3 Nights in Krakow
3 Nights 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.
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.
Day 1
Day 1 - Arrival in Krakow
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.
Day 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.
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.
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.
Day 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.
Krakow During the Holocaust
Day 4
Day 4 - Traveling to Lviv by Airplane
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.
3 Nights in Lviv
3 Nights in Lviv
3 Nights in Lviv
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.
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.
Day 4
Day 4 - Arrival in Lviv
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.
Day 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.
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.
Day 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.
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.
Day 7
Day 7 - Traveling to Kyiv by Train
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
3 Nights in Kyiv
3 Nights in Kyiv
3 Nights in Kyiv
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.
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.
Day 7
Day 7 - Arrival in Kyiv
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.
Day 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.
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.
Day 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.
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.
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.
Day 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.
Glowing Reviews from Our Guests
Average of our Guest's Ratings of tour packages including these destinations
Great time & can't wait for next tour with Jayway Travel! I loved visiting my grandfather's origins and Lviv.
– John K., Illinois
Visited : Ukraine
Itinerary : Kyiv, Lviv, Kyiv
Rating :