Ukraine Travel Specialists
Our Ukraine specialists are experienced and passionate about the country - between them they have spent many weeks a year researching new experiences and ensuring everything is of the highest standard. They know Ukraine inside out.
ChrisUkraine Specialist01993 838 213
For a frank and fascinating background into Ukraine's history visit the Chernobyl Museum in Kiev - this is a sobering experience.
Ukraine travel specialist - Chris
Practical Information
With direct flights linking London and Kiev, and visa-free entry for EU citizens, travel to the Ukraine is now simplicity itself.
Once on the ground we recommend the use of the reliable train network and domestic flights to cover the bigger distances.
Ukraine now offers a range of hotels and tourist facilities, allowing tours of the highest standard that Audley travellers have come to expect.
Language
The official language is Ukrainian. Ukrainian is closely related to Russian. Russian is spoken as a second language by the vast majority of people. In the east of the country, and in some cities (notably Odessa), as well as the Crimean peninsula, Russian is the dominant language.
Food & Drink
Ukrainian food is hearty, if a little on the bland side. Staples include borshch (beetroot soup), varenyky (small filled crescent shaped dumplings with a variety of fillings) and salo (pig fat, flavoured with garlic and salt). Restaurants are getting better, and some of the 'traditional' Ukrainian restaurants in the major cities are very good. Ukrainian beer is not bad at all - Obolon is a decent brand. Vodka is widely drunk and is very cheap. A variety Ukraine specialises in is vodka flavoured with honey and/or chilli - though it has quite a kick. Wines tend to be sweet, though there are one or two some good local sparkling wines.
Tipping
Ukrainians are slowly awakening to the idea of tipping, though it is still not widely expected except in western style hotels and more upmarket restaurants. 10% should suffice.
Money
The currency of Ukraine is the Hryvnia (uah). Most towns and cities now have cash machines which can be used to withdraw money from. Currency exchanges are also common place, where you will need your passport to exchange money. Travellers Cheques are not widely accepted in Ukraine, and can be difficult to exchange.
Social Issues
Photography is not allowed in airports, or on the metro in Kiev. Do not take photos of military installations either. You should ask permission before taking photos of people - older people in particular retain a suspicion of having their photograph taken. Museums often charge extra if you want to take photographs. In working orthodox churches and religious places, men should take off their hats, women may be expected to cover their heads.
Under The Skin
Read
'The White Guard', by Mikhail Bulgakov is set in the writers home city of Kiev. An account of the trials and tribulations of one family at the time of the Russian civil war, the house where Bulgakov lived (and used as a basis for the book) can be visited.
Eat
Russians and Ukrainians will argue endlessly about whether borshch is originally Russian or Ukrainian; in any case its tasty and served across the country. Varenyky are a little like dumplings - with a variety of fillings, often served with sour cream to dip them in.
Drink
Vodka! Honey flavoured vodka is a particular speciality and can be dangerously tasty.
Word
'Bud' laska' (please). 'Dyakuyu' (thank you).
Trademarks
Monasteries, Orange revolution, Crimea.
Vodka.
