This trip will let you experience a variety of emotions, delightful views, vanishing traditions and modern changes in both urban and rural Ukraine.

The journey includes visiting Ukrainian capital – Kyiv. The city is a kaleidoscope of ancient domes, historical buildings, picturesque nature, and contemporary spots.

Next stop will be in the west of Ukraine – Lviv city. It is considered to be a cultural capital of Ukraine. Its historical part is included in the UNESCO heritage list.

After Lviv you will enter an authentic mountainous area – Hutsulia. A cultural expedition will lead you to the indigenous folk – Hutsul highlanders who have preserved their prehistoric traditions, crafts and customs in their modern lifestyle. Visiting them will be a symbolic touch to a few centuries history of this people.

Chernivtsi town, Khotyn and Kamyanets-Podilskyi castles will complete your impressions and add to your experience of Ukraine.

Day 1 – Arrival

Arrive to Kyiv Boryspil International Airport. Our meet and greet guide will be there to welcome and show you to your hotel in the city. The rest of the day relax or explore the city on your own.

Overnight in a 3-star hotel.

Day 2 – Explore Kyiv

Take a guided 3-hour city tour during which you will visit the most significant sights of the capital’s life of all historical periods (Golden Gate, St Sophia Cathedral, St. Michael’s Cathedral, Andriyivsky descent, Maidan of Independence). For lunch come to a Veterano Pizzeria which is actually a social business project fulfilled and developed by and in the sake of veterans of nowadays military actions in the East of Ukraine. In the afternoon visit Velotrek community leaders, an example of social initiative that kicked off after Maidan 2014. Afterwards, you can choose any of the following active tours in Kyiv – kayaking in Dnipro River, or cycling in Golosiyevo park.

Overnight in a 3-star hotel.

Day 3 – Active tour in Kyiv

In the morning visit Pechersky hills, with Holodomor Memorial, Lavra Complex, and World War II Museum. For lunch visit Musafir, a restaurant opened by Crimean Tatar refugees, where you can meet with the guest lecturer and learn about the refugees fate after Crimea annexation.

In the afternoon transfer to Lviv by Intercity train first-class carriage.

Day 4 – Experience Lviv

Take a three hour guided Lviv city tour, visiting UNESCO-listed Rynok Square, and other well-known downtown landmarks. After lunch visit one of the country’s largest NGOs for children with disabilities, and find out how volunteers take care of the school and its special students. Free time in the afternoon.

Overnight in a 3-star hotel.

Day 5 – On the way to the Carpathians

Take a morning walk to the High Castle Hill to take a view of the city from above and visit an Open Air Traditional Architecture Museum ‘Shevchenkivskyi Hai’ where you will find all types of traditional rural houses from all areas of Ukraine. Afterwards, say farewell to Lviv and leave for the Carpathians. On your way stop in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk and come for lunch to Urban Space 100, a special restaurant, funded by local community leaders, with profits going to community-driven projects.

Transfer to Kolomyia town.

Day 6 – Meeting Hutsuls

In the morning get introduced to Hutsuls and their culture. Visit Easter egg and Hutsul Arts and Crafts Museums. In the afternoon transfer to an off the beaten track village in the Carpathians. Meet and join a local family in their everyday chores in the field, garden or about the house.

Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 7 – Shepherds and the highlands

In the morning hike to a nearby highland meadow where shepherds look after sheep and cows during all summer and produce special kinds of cheese – budz, voorda and brynza. Explore their way of life and the way they produce cheese. Enjoy lunch with the shepherds. Free time in the afternoon. Relax and enjoy Carpathian sceneries.

Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 8 – Yavoriv village

After breakfast transfer to the village of Yavoriv which is known for keeping a tradition of woollen blanket weaving. Meet your hostess and join her in the blanket production process. Visit a restored traditional Hutsul house and discover social activities that are held at the venue. After lunch transfer to Chernivtsi. Enjoy a guided tour of the city and UNESCO-listed former Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans.

Overnight in a 3-star hotel.

Day 9 – Sightseeing

You will spend this day exploring the two best preserved and the most picturesque Medieval castles. Khotyn and Kamyanets-Podilskyi once being scenes for cruel battles and Ottoman’s border forts are nowadays attracting travellers and explorers from all over the world.

In the afternoon return to Chernivtsi for a train to Kyiv.

Day 10 – Farewell and departure

After arriving to Kyiv railway station you will make a transfer to Boryspil International airport and check-in for your back trip.

Pricing per person

1187 Euro per person for a group of 2; 908 Euro per person for a group of 4; 784 Euro per person for a group of 6

Price includes:

Accommodation: 3 nights in three-star hotels, 4 nights in a rural guesthouse, 2 nights on train
Meals: day 1 – none, day 2 – breakfast, day 3 –breakfast, day 4 – breakfast, day 5 –breakfast, day 6 – full board, day 7 – full board, day 8 – full board, day 9 – breakfast, day 10 – none
Point-to-point transfers and airport transfers  (train transfers are in 2nd class compartments)
Guides: English-speaking guide
Entrance tickets
Equipment rent
Masterclass

Price does not include:

Air ticket to Ukraine
Tips and personal expenses

Where you will stay
You will stay in 3* hotels Kyiv and Lviv, as well as family guesthouses in Carpathian mountains.

Pick up and Drop Off

Kyiv

Route

Kyiv-Lviv-Kosmach -Yavoriv-Yaremche-Kolomyya-Ivano-Frankivsk-Kyiv

Transportation

All long-distance travels will be covered by train connection. It is a comfortable and environmentally friendly option, which is commonly used by locals. For short distances we will travel by a comfortable, air-conditioned van or car.