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Overview:
From Kyiv’s stirring monuments
to its gleaming church cupolas, the immediate impression is of a culture caught
between East and West, Russia and Europe. There are wide boulevards and imposing
baroque buildings, Soviet-style blocks of architecture and Orthodox cave
churches. Set on a defensible and picturesque course of the Dnieper River, this
city dates from the mid 5th century, and has been at the crossroads of many
warring powers and political changes. With the disintegration of Soviet power
and the subsequent “Orange Revolution”, Kyiv remains at the center of change and
stagnation in this young, 20 year old republic. Cynicism has replaced oppression
and there’s a tolerance of public debate, a freer press with more open
attitudes, and an improved economy. Though old ways hang on, the modern tide is
changing: Kyiv placed in the top 30 of the European Green City Index in 2009.
This Slavic country has one official language – Ukrainian – although Russian is
spoken by the majority of its population. It is overwhelmingly Christian, with
Orthodox and Catholic faiths being in the majority and others of Protestant,
Jewish Orthodox and Greek Orthodox denominations. A new national identity is
attempting to emerge from the patchwork of historical domination by Russian,
Lithuanian, Polish, German, Mongul and Turk invaders and forefathers. Ongoing
constitutional and administrative reforms are building this young country and
changes are ever-present. Kyiv is the capital, with a population of over 3
million residents. Independence Day is celebrated on 24 August.
About the size of Texas (or France), Ukraine ties with Poland as one of the most
popular European tourism destinations. Even so, there are challenges as the
country comes into a new era of unification with Western culture and the
nation’s industrial and economic output grows. Ukraine is poorer than most
countries in Europe and this is reflected in its struggle to find a level of
comfort for its populace this many years after national independence and the
resulting collapse of industrial production. There are some rich people, but
most of the country remains poor, with a slowly growing modest middle class.
There remains a (Soviet ingrained) distrust of those with money and/or position,
including Westerners. Gender roles in Ukraine are still years or decades behind
the rest of Europe and the traditional ones still prevail. Women tend to dress
and groom carefully while men appear indifferent.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Depart Frankfurt on a morning flight for a rewarding experience in Ukraine. Land
in Kyiv’s Boryspil International Airport in the early afternoon and enjoy first
impressions of the city and its people. After checking into the hotel, join
fellow travelers for dinner and folklore entertainment, a fitting welcome to the
city and its historic culture. Most of Kyiv is accessible on foot, so take the
time to appreciate the evening and the location!
Day 2:
After the hotel breakfast (included), fasten your walking
shoes and join a combined bus and walking tour to many of the city’s sights.
Today takes in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Saint Sophia’s Cathedral and
the marvelous interior of St. Michael’s Monastery, as well as the Golden Gate,
the Vladimir Monument, the House of Chimeras by Vladislav Horodetsky and many
other noteworthy destinations. After an energizing Ukrainian lunch, enjoy a
cruise excursion on the Dnieper River to appreciate this city from another
viewpoint. Be ready to see Kyiv from the river - with its colorful churches,
golden domes and monumental figures lining the riverbanks and hills of the city.
Late afternoon and evening time is free for personal pursuits. Maybe take a walk
down Andrew’s Descent to stop at the souvenir markets and folk art shops or have
coffee amidst the bohemian charm while people watching? Or a stop at the Museum
of One Street or look at the archeological digs of the Desyatynna Church ruins?
How about dining al fresco at one of the cafes or restaurants on Khreschatyk
Street or around Independence Square?
Day 3:
After breakfast at the hotel (included), depart for the Kyiv
Caves Monastery with the Historical Treasures Museum and Museum of
Microminiatures, Lunch awaits again in a typical Ukrainian restaurant to provide
fortification for afternoon and evening adventures. Follow the meal with a visit
to the renowned Outdoor Museum at Pyrogovo; where entire practicing churches,
farm buildings, mills and houses display traditional Ukrainian architecture and
lifestyle in authentic surroundings and with detailed interiors. One of the
largest of its kind in the world, this museum showcases Ukrainian life since the
16th century and as it still exists in much of the country. Late afternoon &
evening hours are again free time to enjoy this vibrant city! Maybe it will be
hot enough to enjoy the Hydropark, Kyiv’s city beach. This city enjoyed its
beach long before sand along the Seine in Paris was even a grain of an idea.
Sunbathe and enjoy great views of the Kyiv Monastery Cave complex at the same
time!
Day 4:
Relax and enjoy breakfast at the hotel (included) before
check out and a late morning transfer to the international airport for the
return flight to Frankfurt. Be sure to pack souvenirs well and don’t take any
chances at losing those wonderful memories of a destination that many travelers
have yet to discover!
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