I love the energy of this young and fast-developing country when I visit. Kiev is a vibrant and exciting city that has a wonderful balance of modern and old.
Chris Moore, North & Central Asia Specialist, 01993 838213
A borderland between East and West, Ukraine offers a fascinating combination of old and new, of a place steeped in history coming out from the shadow of Soviet domination to turn towards the commercial economies of the western world.
Ukraine’s bustling capital, Kiev, has a wealth of history far greater than its current importance would suggest. It is from here that the neighbouring countries of Russia and Belarus descended, and the significance of Kiev in the history of art, architecture and religion of these areas is clear in its beautiful old town and stunning churches. Lviv, hidden in the west far from the influence of Russia, offers a more Central European flavour in its gracious old town.
The southern city of Odessa on the Black Sea is also well worth a visit, offering museums, architecture and the grand spectacle of the Potemkin Steps, made famous in Eisenstein’s classic film ‘Battleship Potemkin’. Head to the beaches of the Crimean peninsula for some relaxation and to see the atmospheric Livadia Palace - site of the famous Yalta conference between Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt.
It is also possible to visit one or all of these destinations in combination with the fantastic cities of St Petersburg or Moscow, to explore the cultural and historic links of Russia with this area.
Browse places of interest and view details of our selected accommodation.
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Selected Highlights
Our specialists have travelled the length and breadth of the country to research the best places to stay and things to do. Here they list a few of their favourite “unmissables”.
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Explore the caves at the Lavra Monastery in Kiev
Founded in the early 11th century by the Greek Orthodox monk Antony, this historic Orthodox Christian monastery in Kiev is the place of pilgrimage for...
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See the city of Lvov
Lvov, or Lviv as it is known in Ukrainian is an exceedingly well preserved city with a stunning architectural heritage. At various times ruled by the...
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Soak up the atmosphere of the Livadia Palace
The Livadia Palace was built for Tsar Nicholas II (the last Tsar of Russia) as a summer retreat. Upstairs the rooms have been kept as they were when...
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