Follow in the footsteps of the JayWayUkraine Bloggers

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival 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.

   A driver will be at the airport to greet you and transfer you to your centrally located Kyiv accommodation. The transfer takes about 40 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.

   

   OK, Now What?

   If you're wondering what to do now that you've arrived, we recommend seeking out a rooftop bar with stunning views. Since you're in the heart of the city, finding a good place shouldn't be difficult. We recommend seeking out the "11 Mirrors" Rooftop Restaurant. Many bars open past dawn, so you can continue the night with a glass of local cider.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 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

   

   Private Sailing Tour along the River Dnipro

   This is a fun cruise that will give you a new point of view on Kyiv. Take your camera, because you'll have some amazing views of the city you can't get anywhere else. Just sit back and enjoy all the major sights as you float along on the water, while your friendly local guide tells you interesting facts about Kyiv.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Kyiv

   

   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

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

4. Day 4 Your Third Full Day in Kyiv

   

   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

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

   

   Ukrainian Cuisine Private Cooking Class

   This exclusive three-hour cooking class at the local kitchen will give you the skills and knowledge you need to cook some of the tastiest Ukrainian dishes - borshch and varenyky. Your local host will provide ingredients and instruction while you get hands-on. Afterwards, you'll get to sit down and enjoy the tasty meal you've created! There's no better way to immerse yourself in the local culinary culture.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

5. Day 5 Traveling to Lviv by Train / Arrival in Lviv

   

   It's time to leave Kyiv behind and head to Ukraine's cultural heart, Lviv. 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 in just over 5 hours later. We'll have you picked up from your accommodation in Kyiv 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

   Lviv by Private Transfer with Stops

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   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.

   When you arrive at Lviv's train station, we will have a driver there to meet you and take you to your accommodation. The transfer takes about 25 minutes.

6. Day 6 Your First Full Day in Lviv

   

   Lviv Private Walking Tour

   Lviv was lucky enough to escape the destruction in the World War Two, 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. The Old Town of Lviv is included to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

   • 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

7. Day 7 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

   

   Liqueur Degustation Private Tour

   Lviv is famous for its liqueurs! If you're a fan of homemade spirits, this is the excursion for you. In an excellent restaurant in the city center, you'll enjoy a guided degustation of local spirits with natural ingredients like honey, fruit and nuts. It's the perfect way to taste the city's rich tradition!

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Your Third Full Day in Lviv

   

   Zhovkva and Krehiv Monastery Private Tour

   On this fun trip you'll come to a better understanding of the region's history and culture. Zhovkva is a real pearl of local architecture, and the nearby village of Krekhiv is also an epicenter of important buildings, in this case churches and monasteries. You'll have a guide with you for the day, so you'll learn all about the interesting history that shaped the region.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 6 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

   

   Private Cooking Master Class (Lviv Syrnyk)

   In this fun, two-hour cooking class, you'll learn to make lviv syrnyk, one of the most famous desserts in Ukrainian cuisine. This light and fluffy dessert is just amazing. You'll have fun learning to make it, then get to sit down and feast on your creation!

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 3 hours

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

9. Day 9 Departure Day

   A driver will pick you up at your accommodation based on your flight time and transfer you to Lviv airport for your departure. The transfer takes about 30 minutes.