Tripollye - ancient Aratta civilization

What is special? Just there more than 100 years ago Kiev researcher of local history and archeologist Vicenty Khvoika uncovered the most ancient in the world Aratty state (today more famous under the name Tripolie archeological culture), which emerged one and a half years earlier than Egyptian one and existed more than 3500 years, spreading from Black sea to the Danube on the modern territories of Ukraine, Moldova and Romania. Description Private museum of Tripolie culture «Ancient Aratta-Ukraine» is located on the Dnieper bank in Trpolie village. Museum possesses a collection of more than 2 thousand unique exhibits: routine and ritual ceramics with original ornament (in particular famous binocular vessels), work tools (stone fighting hammers, copper spearheads, bone needles). You may watch there a short movie about Tripolie civilization showing reconstructed 3D model of Tripolie settlement. In the yard of the museum you may also see the reconstruction of wooden two-floored huts and augmented copies of the women figurines, sculptured by Tripolians. Location: Kiev region, village Trypillia, Rybolovetska str., 1

Kiev - Odessa Tour (5 days/4 nights)

What is special?  During this tour you will feel heart beating of two big cities, discover picturesque sceneries and impressing historical past of Kiev and feel the unique atmosphere of southern city of Odessa on the Black sea.

Program Days Desription DAY 1 - KIEV Arrival transfer to the hotel, check in and dinner at the hotel. DAY 2 - KIEV Breakfast at the hotel. During panoramic city tour we will show you Kiev the capital of Ukraine and the cradle of Eastern Slavonic states of Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. The tour includes visit to Vladimir’s Cathedral the most prominent sacral painting complex of the late XIX c.  You will examine magnificent mosaics and frescoes of St. Sophia Cathedral the oldest temple in the Eastern Slavonic states. The tour continues to St. Andrew’s Church a striking piece of baroque architecture of XVIII c. built on the top of Vladimir’s Hill.Andriivskyi Uzviz (Descent) that starts from St.Andrew’s Church will impress you with its unique atmosphere.Numerous art galleries and shops of folk and applied art make this romantic street the cultural center of Kiev. Visit to the National Museum of World War II. The major exposition is located in 14 rooms covering the area of 5,000 square meters and includes more than 12,000 exhibits. The documents of military commanders and rank-and-file participants of the war; valuable collections of orders, medals and arms; unique things and documents of Nazi-occupation and liberation period attract the attention of numerous visitors of the Memorial. On the territory of the museum there is a large exposition of military equipment of Soviet epoch. Dinner at a local restaurant. DAY 3 - KIEV Breakfast at the hotel. Tour to the National Kiev-Pechersk Caves’ Monastery Historical and Cultural Reserve. The monastery was set up in the mid XI century A.D. It is one of the most ancient monasteries on the territory of Eastern Slavonic states. During this tour you will visit underground labyrinths of caves with mummies of monks, Museum of Treasures displaying the rich Scythian Gold collection and collection of the Judaic ritual silver objects XVIII - XX centuries, Museum of Microminiature. The reserve is situated on the picturesque hills and from the sightseeing place of Bell Tower you will have opportunity to delight the view over the gold-domed monastery complex and marvelous banks of Dnipro river. After lunch visit to the Museum of Folk Architecture and Lifesituated in the picturesque suburb of Kiev Pirogovo. It is one of the largest museums under open air in the world that covers about 159 hectares and contains more than 300 unique buildings of folk architecture XVI – XX c. churches, houses, household constructions and workshops filled with household utensils, working instruments, clothes, works of folk art. The collection of the reserve amounts to 80,000 objects. The real atmosphere of Ukrainian village with the customs and traditions of different regions of the country and the beauty and verity of Ukrainian nature will give you a short escape from urban tension. Farewell dinner at the Ukrainian restaurant in Pirogovo. Transfer to the railway station. Departure from Kiev.  DAY 4 -ODESSA Meeting at the railway station followed by transfer to the hotel. Check in & breakfast at the hotel. Panoramic city tour of Odessa. Beautiful buildings, mild climate and soft sea made the city the real pearl of Black Sea coast of Ukraine. The tour will take you to the world-known 142-m long Potemkin's Stairs that was build 1837. You will be impressed by the genius of the designer who could create the great optical illusion. While standing at the top of the stairs you won't see the steps only smooth sloping surface. And stairwells are invisible when looking from below just only steps. The magnificent Opera House in Odessa is one of the most beautiful theatres in Europe. Luxurious and elegant building constructed in the fantastical Venetian Baroque style with the elements of Italian Renaissance and French Rococo never made anyone indifferent. In the main street of the Humour Capital Deribasovskaya you will feel the atmosphere of fun and joy. After lunch you will visit the Odessa Fine Arts Museum. It was inaugurated in 1899 on the initiative of the Odessa Fine Arts Association in the palace, designed by architect Franz Boffo. The collection constituted in XVIII - XIX centuries features the history of painting from the old Russian icons and development of the realistic and avant-garde trends. Dinner at a local restaurant. Transfer to the hotel. DAY 5 -ODESSA Breakfast at the hotel.Check out of the hotel. Transfer to the airport.

Hotels: Kiev: Premier Palace 5*, Dnepr 4*, Rus 3+*, Lybid 3* Odessa: Palace del Mar 4*, Frappoli 4*, Londonskaya 4*, Chernoe More 3*

Kiev-Pecherskaya Lavra

What is special?   On the high hills of the right bank of the Dnepr River magnificent Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra topped with gilded domes is situated. According to the legend, Apostle Andrew, while preaching the Word of God in the Scythian Land, blessed the hilly bank of the Dnepr River and said to his disciples: "On these hills great city and many churches in glorification of Holy God will be". Description   One of the most famous Kiev attractions, founded in 1051 by monks Antoniy and Feodosiy for enchanting and expansion of new religion - Christianity.    The complex of Kiev-Pecherskaya Lavra Monastery includes Nearby and Far-off caves , the Church of the Savior on Berestove, Holy Trinity Gate Church, St Nicholas' Church and the Great Lavra Belfry, the highest in Ukraine (96,6), fully reconstructed Assumption Cathedral. The majority of the structures is built in the Ukrainian Baroque style. The ensemble is organically linked to the relief and forms a beautiful and majestic silhouette of Kiev from the Dnipro river side.      Tour without museums includes panoramic tour in Kiev Pechersk Preserve and visit to the Caves.    Tour with museums besides of panoramic tour in Kiev Pechersk Preserve and Caves includes Museum of Treasures, Museum of Microminiature and Bell Tower.    In 1990 Kiev-Pecherskaya Lavra Monastery was enlisted into the UNESCO's World Heritage List .

Historical Treasures Museum

What is special? The exposition opens a collection of gold of VI-III century BC, found in Scythian burial mounds. These are gold women's jewelry, bowls and a masterpiece of world art - Scythian pectoral (king’s breast decoration) depicting scenes of life of nomads. Description Also it presents works of art of Kievan Rus - items decorated with stamped designs with the use of gilding, inlay and enamel testify about an unprecedented flourishing of artistic craftsmanship of ancient goldsmiths. The exhibition features collection of coins of ancient Greece, Rome, Kievan Rus, Byzantium, and an unique collection of coins issued in honor of the XXII Olympic Games held in Soviet Union in 1980. Working hours: Museum: 10:00 -17:45; admission until 16:45, day-off - Monday, last Friday of the month - cleanup day

Ecological tour to Chernobyl

What is special?   Full day visit to the town of the worst environmental disaster in the world history. Ecological tour to Chernobyl nuclear power station zone is organized with aim to receive additional financing for removing consequences of the explosion. Route within the zone provides visiting Chernobyl, seeing of Chernobyl power station and construction known as "Cower" ("Sarcophagus"), dead town of Prypyat and other cities connected with removing consequences of the explosion. Level of the radioactivity security during the tour corresponds to international standards. Program 09:00-11:30  Transfer to Chernobyl Zone. 11:30-17:00 1.Meeting with the guide at the Dityatki block post.  Documents, transport and luggage control. 2. Instruction course of behavior in the zone, how to use protection frame. 3. A photo-stop near the monument to courageous firemen of Chernobyl – people who saved the world. 4. Visit to the office of the Chernobylinterinform State Agency.  Full and last information about the liquidation of the catastrophic consequences in the 30 km. zone, the most contagious places, machines cemeteries. Prognosis for the future.  5. Visit to 30 kilometers zone through Leliv block post. You will be impressed by the tidy revetment on the edges of the road, studded with yellow signs. These ramparts are places of conservation of radio-active garbage and of remainders from whole villages. 6. Photo-stop near the 4th reactor of the station. You will be 100 m. from the main closed object of the zone! You can greet the employees of the station. 7. A visit to the press centre (except weekends!)and a documentary film demonstrating the liquidation and liquidators of the man-caused catastrophe on the 4th reactor. Photo-gallery, model of the Station, little known first-hand information about the sarcophagus conditions nowadays.  8. You will be driven nearby a "red forest", which was left for scientific researches 9. Extreme! A "ghost city" Prypyat. You will visit the flats, left in 1986 where private things still can be found: kitchen utensils, furniture, curtains, books, musical instruments, toys!! You will see the town that was left by its 50 thousand inhabitants within 24 hours.  The spirit of Soviet times darkness reign here. You can make pictures of National Emblem of the Soviet Union and of Soviet Ukraine, slogans ‘Piece, Labor and May”, red-yellow public call-box and other objects that are symbols of the 80-s in the Soviet Union. Also you will visit the Central Park with big dipper. They planned to open this big dipper up to 1 May 1986 (public  holiday). This big dipper has never seen its visitors. Pripyat is similar to mummy. It has a body but it doesn’t have a soul. 10. Ecologically clean dinner: You'll participate in the cooking and checking the products with a dosimeter. 11. Visiting the town of Chernobyl: the Park of Glory, Second World War Memorial, the Board of Memory to liquidators, examples of machinery, which took part in liquidating the results of the accident.   12. Within the limits of the possible, You will interview people who live in the Exclusive Zone. 13. Radiation control on the block post 17:00-19:30 Return to Kiev. !!! NOTE: ONLY ADULTS (People over 18 years old) ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE PART IN THE TRIP Number of persons in group 7-17 18-6

Askania-Nova

What is special?   Biosphere reserve "Askania-Nova" – a green oasis in the dry Tavriya steppe, well-known all over the world. It was founded by a well-known landowner Friedrich Eduardovych Falz-Fein more then 100 years ago."Askania-Nova" Zoo has a territory for about 30 sq. km., were Przhevalsky horses peacefully graze together with droves of black bison, Grevy's zebras, blue antelopes and Turkmenian koulans. The Askania steppe is the only place in Europe, where American buffaloes are kept. One of the most precious parts of the natural reserve is the largest in Europe area of the virgin Festuca Stipa steppe. About 600 higher plants (both perennial and annual), 16 species of which were entered to the Red Data Book of Ukraine, have been preserved in their primary natural form. Description   Askania-Nova, which covers 33,307.6 hectares, is a biosphere reserve located in the fescue-and-feather grass steppe, the only area of its kind in Europe. The reserve was established by Falz-Fein, who used over 1,665 hectares of his grassland for this purpose in 1889. This date marks the founding of the first nature preserve in the Russian Empire. Tsar Nicholas II called Askania “a picture from the Bible.”   The operation of biosphere reserves is coordinated by UNESCO. By the decisions contained in the “Man and Biosphere” program, this organization included Ukraine’s reserves in the worldwide network of biosphere reserves.     From above, Askania-Nova resembles a science-fiction spaceship hovering over Ukraine’s steppes. In reality, the steppe reserve is made up of three relatively distinct parts: the Northern part, the Southern part (including two areas: the Old area and Uspenivka), and the Great Chapelsky Lowland. The Northern and Southern parts are divided by a highway connecting Askania and Chkalove. Uspenivka has been part of the reserve system since 1927, while the other areas have been used as pastures for cattle and haymaking.   Nearly 500 species of higher plants grow in the wild steppe, creating a unique bouquet of scents and visual images. Perennials predominate (51 percent), while 13 species have been placed on the Red List of Ukraine.   Red-listed tulips blossom in the Askania steppe in springtime: Tulipa schrencii with its red, or less common yellow or whitish, flowers and Tulipa scythica with its modestly colored yellow flowers (it does not grow anywhere else in Ukraine except Askania). There is also the checkered lily (Fritillaria meleagris) whose brown-purple flowers with their whitish, checkered pattern hang down like little bells.   In July and August the salty areas of the steppe are dotted with the purple blossoms of Allium regelianum. It is preceded, in June and July, by the no less bright blossoms of Allium scythicum whose perianth has beige or lilac-tinted leaves.   The reserve has a rich avifauna represented by 272 species. The buffer zone of the reserve is home to over 1,000 bustards. The autumn passage of birds that stop and even winter in the Great Chapelsky Lowland is an amazing sight: the phantasmagoric honking of many thousands of birds that hover above the ground forming a dark, menacing cloud and then come down like an ear-splitting avalanche.   The reserve’s state protection service combats poaching primarily in the buffer zone, where hunting is prohibited. On one of my trips to the reserve I was shown an information sign with the marks left by a round of bullets from a submachine gun.

Ancient Kiev

What is special?   Kiev was founded in 5 century AD. It was the capital of great Medieval State - Kievan Rus - since 9th till 13th century. A lot of monuments survived which depicts the glory of Rus. Golden Gate was the main entrance to the city built in 1037 during the reign of grand prince Yaroslav the Wise. It was the part of strong fortification system. You will visit St. Sophia Cathedral, which was the main Cathedral of the city; it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as the largest collection of 11-th century mosaics and frescoes are preserved there. Description Kiev is considered to be one of the oldest cities in Europe, what is proved by the great quantity of invaluable historical monuments (more than 2000), dating back to 10th 11th centuries and preserved for the descendants.   Together with a professional guide \ interpreter you will start your excursion from Old Kiev Hill (Volodimir's Hill), the place, where the first settlements were established (482 A. D.). You will see the duplicate of the basement of Desyatinnaya Church (the 10th century), the oldest Christian Church, founded by Prince Volodimir. From the epoch of Prince Volodimir you will immerse into the atmosphere of the 11th century, the time of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Volodimir's son. A splendid specimen of the architecture of the 11th century, which has survived during the tatar-mongol invasion and all following wars, is considered to be St. Sophia's Cathedral. One can really be impressed by the interior of the Cathedral, decorated with mosaics and frescos of the 11th century.   You will be able to contemplate the famous Golden Gates not far from St. Sophia's Cathedral. They were demolished in 1240 and later rebuilt. This beautiful and mighty construction inspired a famous composer Musorgsky for writing a musical composition "Pictures from the exhibition"

For many foreigners Ukraine is «Terra Incognita»

General information

For many foreigners Ukraine is «Terra Incognita». Only a few remember from basic course of geography, that it is "the state near Russia, part of the former Soviet Union." More informed can say, that there is Chernobyl, that Ukraine is a motherland to the Klitschko brothers and Shevchenko (not the poet), there lives mysterious people, who wears wide red trousers, eats “salo” and “Chicken Kiev” and drinks “horilka”. And, unfortunately, this information doesn’t change from year to year. Despite the fact thatnumber of foreign tourists has almost doubled over the past 10 years it is still too little for the country, which ranks second in area and the fifth in population in Europe and has a huge untapped potential.

But we have much to show and to be proud of. Travel to Ukraine, and then dry geographical facts reveal their deeper meaning. You will see and-discover the majestic Carpathian Mountains, scenic canyons of Southern Crimea, gentle waters of the Azov and the Black seas, dense forests and endless steppes.

Today Ukraine is an ancient and young country. In every region, every city you will find evidence of its turbulent past. Here you will see fusion of many traditions of different peoples and nations, forming its own unique cultural identity. Walking through the narrow streets of Lviv and Odessa, ancient parks of Kiev you will find hidden mysteries of generations and secrets of history.

The charm of antiquity and charm of modernity are harmoniously combined in Ukraine. After enjoying the beauties of the past you can rest in a comfortable hotel room, arrange a romantic dinner in one of the many restaurants and cafes or spend time in a nightclub.

The traditional Ukrainian hospitality, the beauty and uniqueness of nature and people, many historical and cultural sites will make your staying in Ukraine unforgettable.

Everyone will find a place in this country. Place in the theatre or concert hall, on the Dnepr’s observation area or inside of Lavra’s caves, near the memorials to unknown Sarmatia or Skiffs kings. Place in the club or on the stadium during European football forum.

We will find this places for you!

General information:

Geography: 

Ukraine is situated in East-Central Europe. The country is divided into 24 regions and the autonomous republic Crimea. It is bordered by Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova to the West, by Belarus to the North and by the Russian Federation to the North-East and East. To the South lie the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Having the total area of 603,700 sq.km Ukraine is one of the biggest countries of Europe (it is 5,7% from Europe area and 0,44% from the world area).  Ukraine is bigger  than France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany and Poland.

The highest areas are in the South -Crimean Mountains (mt. Ramantkosh, 1,545 meters) and in the West - Carpathian Mountains (mt. Hoverla, 2,061 meters).The biggest rivers are Dnipro, Dnister, Danube, Desna, Pivdenyj (Southern) Booh.

Minural resources: iron ore, coal, manganese, natural gas, oil, salt and arable land.

Population:

The population of Ukraine is 46 million people, which represents about 18% of the population of the former Soviet Union.Ukrainians make up about 73% of the total; ethnic Russians number about 22%.Ukrainian and Russian are the principal languages, but about 88% of the population consider Ukrainian their native language.

Economy:

Ukraine is an industrial and agricultural country. It is rich in natural resources such as coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel and uranium. Highly developed industries include metallurgy, mining, power and fuel, machine-building, food production and textile.

Ukraine is important to world energy markets as it is a critical transit center for exports of Russian oil and natural gas to Eastern and Western Europe. It is a major energy producer (including nuclear power) and consumer.

The national economy includes heavy machine building, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, shipbuilding, automotive industry, manufacturing of agriculture machinery, production of power plants, oil extraction and equipment. Ukraine produces planes and ships, trucks and buses, motorcars and trains, computer and electronic equipment, precision instruments and agricultural machines, TVs and radios, and chemicals. Odessa, Sebastopol, Nikolaev, Kherson and Kerch are the main Ukrainian sea ports.

Governmental system:

Ukraine is a republic with a constitutional democracy form of government, headed by the President. The power is divided among executive, legislative and judicial branches.

Executive branch: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the President and approved by the Supreme Council.

Legislative branch: unicameral Supreme Council (Verkhovna Rada) of 450 seats.

National holidays:

January 1 - New Year

January 7 - Orthodox Christmas

March 8 - Women's Day

May 1, 2 - Labor Day

May 5 - Easter

May 9 - Victory Day

June 28 - Constitution Day

August 24 - Independence Day

Religion:

The dominant religions are the Orthodox  - 76%, Catholics of  much of which retains its links to the Russian Orthodox Church, and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Религия: Большинство верующих православные - 76%, Catholics of east ceremony (uniats) - 14 %, Protestants, Jews, Moslems.

TOP PLACES

TOP PLACES: Kyiv-Cave Monastery Pecherska LavraKyiv’s oldest and most revered holy site—and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world for Orthodox Christians—the Kyiv-Cave Monastery spans a huge labyrinth of churches, museums, souvenir shops, gardens, and functioning monastery buildings. First mentioned in chronicles in 1051, the  monastery can be viewed in two parts: the churches, bell tower, and museums are all on top of a hill, while the caves are below. Admission to the monastery includes access to the grounds and churches, but the museums and caves cost extra. Upper Grounds. Most of the monastery’s sights are located on the top of the hill and accessed from the main entrance. The 12th-century Holy Trinity Gate contains some beautiful frescoes, a 600kg censer, and the ruins of an ancient church. Step into the operating Refectory Church, home to one of the largest and most decorated domes in the complex. The 18th-century Great Lavra Bell Tower, currently undergoing renovations, offers fantastic views of the river and the golden domes. The Museum of Historical Treasures of Ukraine displays precious stones and metals. The incongruous Micro-Miniature Exhibit contains amazingly small books, chess sets, and other oddities. Caves . Monks once lived here in isolation, receiving nothing but food from the outside world. When they died, they were wrapped in cloth, and left in the caves, where the cool air caused their bodies to mummify. Without a guided tour you may view only a 15m section of the caves. All visitors must buy a candle (1hv) and carry it with them. Monks lead the tours, which have a religious tone. Women must wear headscarves and long skirts (both available at the monastery); men must wear long pants and remove their hats.   St. Sofia Monastery Complex.The monastery, established in the 11th century, served as the religious and cultural center of Kyivan Rus. The site became a national reserve in 1934, and includes history and architecture museums. The oldest church in the city, St. Sophia’s Cathedral, is a magnificent 11 th century structure of brilliant aesthetic virtue. The Virgin Orans mosaic is also housed on this site. The St. Sofia Cathedral still retains impressive golden domes and has a magnificent 260 sq. m of mosaics; some additional mosaics, along with drawings and design plans, are on display in the architecture museum. The St. Sofia bell tower, 76m above the entrance gate, has an impressive view over central Kyiv. A statue of Bohdan Khmelnytsky (Ukrainian national hero, who was responsible for Kiev’s liberation in the late 17 th century)  stands near the entrance.    Myhaylivskyy Zolotoverkhyy Monastyr. This 11th-century monastery was destroyed in 1934 to make way for a government square, the plans for which never materialized. After 60 years as a sports center, the current blue-and-gold-domed monastery was reconstructed in the 1990s. Monks wander the grounds, and visitors are free to stop and talk to them, if their language skills are up to it. (At the top of Mykhaylivska pl. Open daily 7am-8pm. Free.) A museum in the bell tower leads to the chamber of the bells. The bells ring every 15min., and the carillon plays every hour during the day.   Andrew’S Rise And and St. Andrew’s ChurchAndrew’S Rise (Andriyivskyy Uzviz). Andrew’s Rise is Kyiv’s most touristed area. Though vendors hawking jewelry, clothing, and other trinkets crowd the sidewalks, the area retains its old, authentic feel thanks to the steep, winding cobblestone streets, historical buildings, and outdoor cafes. From Mykhaylivska Sq., walk down Desyatynna to get to the top of Andriyivskyy Uzviz. There you’ll see St. Andrew’s Church, conceived by Empress Elizabeth Petrovna in the 18th century and designed by her favorite architect, Italian Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Renovated in the 1970s according to Rastrelli’s original plans, the church overlooks the center of Kyiv and the Dniper River. Down Andriyivskyy Uzviz 100m, steep wooden stairs lead to a great view of Podil, Kyiv’s oldest district. Farther down are writer Mikhail Bulgakov’s house (Andriyivskyy uzviz 13) and the  Museum of One Street.   Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) is the central square of Kiev. One of the main city squares, it is located on the Khreschatyk Street. The square was known under many different names but it became prominent as simply the Maidan due to the political events of great significance that took place there in the recent years after the Ukrainian accession to independence. Khreshchatyk Street.The people-watching capital of the nation, Kyiv centers on this broad commercial avenue. The houses along Khreshchatyk were destroyed during the Nazi occupation in 1941 and rebuilt during the Soviet era, for better or worse, in distinctive Soviet style. Khreshchatyk is now a place to see and be seen, where amateur fashionistas promenade past students playing guitar on the sidewalks. Beer-drinking Kievans crowd these sidewalks in the evenings, or take to the streets when they’re closed to traffic on weekends and holidays. An archway leads to the Passage, one of Kyiv’s most fashionable areas, home to high-priced cafes and bars.   The House with Chimeras is the most famous and ridiculous mansion in Kiev. And it is almost impossible to visit it.  The address of House with Chimeras is 10, Bankova Street. The Reception Hall of President of Ukraine is located there. The summits are held in the stylish cabinet of the former owner of the building. The great Kievan architect Vladislav Gorodetsky lived there. But you have a wonderful opportunity to visit one of the main attractions of Kiev!   Mariinsky Park and Palace. Walk through Mariinsky Park towards the Mariinsky Palace, a creature by architect B. Rastrelli (today a residence of President of Ukraine), and you will be taken for a while to Baroque epoch to be brought back by buildings of Parliament and Cabinet of Ministers.    The River Dnipro has been the symbol of Kiev from the moment of its foundation. Long ago here used to be wild woods, where animals lived. Here landed Oleg’s boat when returning from far journeys. From the hills above the river pagan idols were thrown during the Baptism of the Kiev inhabitants. At the high tops temples were being built.   Nowadays, there are many parks from Volodymyr Hill up to Lysa (Bald) Hill - Merchants’, Khreschatyj, City, Mariinsky, Askold Tomb etc. The youngest is Lysogirsky (Bald Hill) park – founded to commemorate the 1500-years anniversary of Kiev. It has become the 67th park of Kiev.   You have a wonderful opportunity to stroll along the Dnipro river on the ship.   Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural   Ukraine is dotted with 'open-air' museums like this, full of life-size models of different rustic buildings. However, the Pyrohovo Museum of Folk Architecture, 12km south of Kyiv, is one of the most fun and best maintained. It is one of the biggest museums in Europe. Two things make it stand out. Firstly, the quaint 17th- to 20th-century wooden churches, cottages, farmsteads and windmills are divided into seven 'villages' representing regional areas of Ukraine. So in just one long afternoon you can journey from the architecture of eastern to western to southern Ukraine. Secondly, in summer, workers enact different village roles, carving wood, pottering, doing embroidery and driving horses and carts. There are restaurants, pubs and stalls selling barbecued shashlyk . The place is perfect for kids. Arsonists claimed three of the old dwellings in 2006, but the character of the museum remains intact. Throughout the year Pyrohovo hosts various festivals - the biggest is during the countrywide Ivana Kupala festival. Ukrainian musicians play at weekends.   The best places to eat! Of course we recommend you to start with Ukrainian restaurants. Puzata Khata Best Ukrainian fast food, very tasty and very cheap. Also offering delivering lunches to your office. Avoid going around one o'clock on weekdays, it's packed. Definitely try either the Solyanka or Borsch soup. Sinoval Varenychna  Pancakes, vareniky and other Ukrainian specials. And they have a little pig living there! Shchekavytsya Ukrainian cuisine in a genuinely Ukrainian interior. Home-made vodka (samogon) on demand and paid separately with the tips. Very nice service. Expect high prices. Visit also the Belvedere restaurant (International cuisine), restaurants on the Dnepre river and out-of-town restaurants on Obuhovskaya route.   Kiev nightlife   Some come to Kiev to visit the ancient domes of St. Sophia's Cathedral, others to pay their homage at the sacred Caves Monastery. Still more come to visit Independence Square and the heart of the Orange Revolution or to enjoy the pedestrian bustle of Kreshatyk Street. However, of all the many fine reasons to visit Kiev, there can't be many finer than to sample the legendary Kiev nightlife!   The best and most popular nightclubs in Kiev are Arena, Shooters, Decadence and Buddha Bar.   Kiev Metro (Underground)   Location: three metro lines are located under the whole city, on both banks of the river Dnipro.The Kiev Metro is everything you would want a metro to be. The Kiev Metro is convenient, cheap, fast and reliable. It is open from 6:00 am to 12:00 Midnight. It is very noisy, dirty and very smelly with body odor in the summer but is an experience you should not miss.

Kyiv (also Kiev)

  

Situated on the Dnipro River, Kyiv (also Kiev) is the capital city of Ukraine. The ancient capital of the Slavonic world the city was founded in c.482 and gained popularity as an attractive destination by visitors and travellers. After a rough and turbulent history, the town has become an interesting array of old and new buildings. More and more of the culture is being influenced by the characteristics of both Western and European customs, yet the Ukrainians who live here still cling proudly to tradition. 

The modern city of Kiev is home to roughly five million people. Some of these people are foreign diplomats while others are students from other parts of the world. Thus, Kyiv has a somewhat cosmopolitan feel. Kyiv has a distinct European atmosphere. Although the city was nearly completely destroyed by advancing German and then Soviet forces during World War II it was rebuilt with none of the charm lost. Aside from spectacular architectural delights there are many cultural things to do: good museums, good ballets, music and a lively night scene.

There is really so much to see and do in Kyiv, you will be kept busy for days. Known as the ‘Green City’ for its many botanical gardens, parks and beautiful trees, the city is a wonder to behold in summer and spring. The nearby river provides hours of leisure activity in the form of swimming and boat rides, while many enjoy leisurely strolls and cycling trails along its banks. The many theatres and opera houses provide indoor entertainment, and craft markets selling an abundance of traditional Ukrainian goods can be found in various city squares. There are art galleries, beautiful old buildings and even catacombs to see. Kyiv is a charming and majestic city that should not be missed.

The defining feature of Kyiv's skyline are the numerous gold-domed churches and monasteries. The main sight is the golden-domed St. Sophia Cathedral. Over 950 years old, this site includes a cathedral, a bell tower and the Metropolitan’s residence. 
Along the right bank of the Dnipro you find the Pecherska Lavra Monastery. Other sights include the Cathedral of St. Volodymyr Vydubich Monastery and St. Andrew’s Church.