BEST OF UKRAINE 2020

B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

[margin10] [fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]Day 1 Wednesday[/fancy_header3]

USA/Canada – Ukraine

Please be at your gateway AIRPORT at least 3 hrs prior to flight departure time. Your baggage must be checked to your final destination KYIV (code KBP). One piece of checked baggage at 50 lbs is pemitted.

[fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]Day 2 Thursday[/fancy_header3]

Kyiv

Upon arrival in Kyiv, you will be met and transferred to group hotel. In the evening, we proceed to the Memorials on MAIDAN to pay our respects and lay flowers in memory of the Nebesna Sotnia and other heroes of the MAIDAN. Welcome cocktail and dinner at hotel. [divider_padding] [fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]Day 3 Friday[/fancy_header3]

Kyiv

Morning panoramic city tour of Kyiv includes: Khreshchatyk Boulevard, Volodymyr’s Hill, Kyiv National University, the Opera House, St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral and the 11^th century Golden Gate.  The highlight of this tour is St. Sophia Cathedral constructed in the 11^th c. by Prince Yaroslav the Wise. Its construction reflects a strong Byzantine influence, and its interior is a unique harmonious union of mosaics and fresco paintings. Directly opposite St. Sofia (about 500 m.), you will visit the newly (1999) reconstructed St. Michael’s Sobor.  Afterwards we leave you in the Uzviz artisan section for an afternoon of shopping in an open air bazaar of more than 100 kiosks.  Afternoon free.  Dinner under own arrangements.

[fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]Day 4 Saturday[/fancy_header3]

Kyiv – Karpaty

We continue our sightseeing of Kyiv with a morning tour of Pecherska Lavra (Monastery of the Caves), an active monastery founded in the 11th c. and center of Christianity for Kyivan-Rus. Its complex of churches reflects a unique Ukrainian baroque style which is only surpassed by the beauty of the newly reconstructed Uspenskyj Cathedral (1998), destroyed by Soviet mines in 1941. The labyrinths of the “near” and “far” caves hold over 115 burial niches containing remains of St. Antoniy, Nestor the Chronicler, and many religious figures. World-renowned Scythian Gold treasures are exhibited within its walls. Lunch under own arrangements. Afternoon visit to Mezhyhiria, Viktor Yanukovych resided here while Prime Minister and later President of Ukraine. Deposed by the Revolution of Dignity, he fled Ukraine in Feb, 2014. Today it is a museum displaying his excessive opulence. The estate is situated on the banks of the Dnipro River and covers over 350 acres. We end our stay in Kyiv and board an evening flight to Ivano Frankivsk, the capital of this pre-Carpathian region. Dinner at Nadia Hotel and transfer to Tatariv. [divider_padding] [fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]Day 5 Sunday[/fancy_header3]

Karpaty – Tatariv

Today we begin our Carpathian adventure. We drive through some of the most enchanting Carpathian villages: Kosiv, Kryvorivnia, Verkhovyna, Vorokhta. A polonyna lunch with banosh, cheese tasting and shashlyky awaits you. It will be magical traveling by jeep. We will venture into the high mountains, where buses are inaccessible and where only sheep and goats roam the pastures. Afternoon drive to Bukovel for a ski lift ride to view Chornohora, Ukraine’s highest mountain peaks. A folkloric dinner will be served in Koruna Hotel.

[divider_padding] [fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]Day 6 Monday[/fancy_header3]

Tatariv – Lviv

We begin our day today with a visit to Yaremche and its famous bazaar/kiosks. You are in the capital of the most colorful ethno-cultural group of Ukrainians – the Hutsuls. This eventful day continues with a stop in Kolomyia, the heart and soul of this region. We visit the famous Pysanka Museum and the Museum of Wood Carving and Fine Arts. Lunch at a local restaurant. We continue by our touring coach to Lviv.

Situated in the western part of Ukraine, Lviv, the “City of Lions,” is its heart and soul. Founded in the 13^th c. by King Danylo Halytckyj, it was named in honor of his son Lev (Leo). Through centuries of Polish, Austrian and Soviet occupation, Lviv was the gateway to “the East,” but with independence in 1991, Lviv is finally free to develop its own Ukrainian identity. Estimated arrival, 8PM. Dinner and evening under own arrangements. [fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]Day 7 Tuesday[/fancy_header3]

Lviv

Highlights of today’s morning city center walking tour are Rynok, the 15-16^th c. city square, the Dominican Church, Armenian Church Complex, the Chapel of the Bojim Family, the Armenian Quarters and the Opera House. Remainder of the day free. Dinner under own arrangements. Optional: Philharmonic Hall or Opera Theater performance (pending availability)

[divider_top] [fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]Day 8 Wednesday[/fancy_header3]

Lviv

Today we proceed on a bus tour of Lviv and will visit Vysokyj Zamok, Lviv University, St. George’s Cathedral, the stronghold of Western Ukraine’s Catholic Church and Lychakiv Cemetery. We stop at the memorial museum “Prison on Lontskoho Street” – the first museum prison in Ukraine dedicated to the memory of those who suffered at the hands of Ukraine’s occupiers. From 1939-1941, thousands of political prisoners were brutally tortured and executed by Soviet authorities. The prison was in use till 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed. Many well-known Ukrainians were imprisoned here for their anti-Soviet activities. Our final stop is the Ukrainian Catholic University campus (UKU), where we will see the newly constructed church and the most modern library in Ukraine – memorium to Andrij Sheptyckyj. Lunch in University cafeteria. Afternoon and evening free. [divider_padding] [fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]Day 9 Thursday[/fancy_header3]

Lviv – Budapest

Breakfast at hotel. Free day. Do some last minute shopping at the Vernisazh (open air bazaar near the Lviv Opera). We say farewell to Ukraine and depart at 11PM by first-class sleeper train to Budapest. Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is bisected by the River Danube. Its 19th-century Chain Bridge connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest. A funicular runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum traces city life from Roman times onward. Trinity Square is home to 13th-century Matthias Church and the turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion, which offer sweeping views. Its sites are one of the most beautiful in the world and its city center along the Danube is a UNESCO heritage site. Budapest has about 80 geothermal springs and the largest thermal cave system and the third largest Parliament building in the world. With 5 million tourist visiting it annually – Budapest is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

[divider_padding] [fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]Day 10 Friday[/fancy_header3]

Budapest

You will be met at Keleti rail station by your local guide and touring coach and immediately proceed to the hills of the PEST side for a tour. This morning you will see BUDA and PEST. From the hills of the PEST side, you will see St. Mathieu’s Church, Hungary’s Gothic Coronation Church and the fairytale-like Fisherman’s Bastion, including the Parliament and the Historical Square on the Buda side. A wonderful brunch awaits you before you check into your hotel on the Buda side. Afternoon is free. After dinner, you will enjoy a Champagne Danube Cruise. [divider_padding] [fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]Day 11 Saturday[/fancy_header3]

Budapest

Morning free. Early afternoon transfer to the artisan village of Szentendre – town on the Danube River, north of the capital, Budapest. It’s known for its baroque architecture, churches, colorful houses and narrow, cobbled streets. The main square and the alleyways around it are lined with art galleries, museums and shops. Near the square, the 18th-century Greek Orthodox Blagovestenska Church has elaborate decor and an ornate partition screen. A folkloric gem for shopping and later a Gala Farewell Dinner with gypsy revelry.

[divider_padding] [fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]Day 12 Sunday[/fancy_header3]

Budapest / USA or Canada

After breakfast – transfer to airport for your flights home. [divider_padding] [titled_box title=”LVIV OPTIONAL TOURS:”] [squeeze_list style=”info_list”]

• Skansen- open air museum Shevchenko Haj + Lychakiv Cemetery (3 hours)

  [fancy_header]Price: $45 (4 hrs – minimum 6 persons)[/fancy_header] The open air Museum of Folk Architecture deserves special attention. The exhibit includes wooden structures from the 18^th –20^th cent., grouped into villages surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. The Lychakiv Cemetery is known for its beautiful and unique tombstone sculptures. Ivan Franko, Solomia Krushelnytska, Filaret and Mykola Kolessa, Volodymyr Ivasiuk, Volodymyr Tysovsky and other notables are buried there.

• Metropolytan Andrej Sheptytsky National Museum + Ethnographic Museum (2 hours)

  [fancy_header]Price: $20 (entrance fees included, minimum 3 persons)[/fancy_header] The National Museum has the largest icon-paintings collection in Ukraine. The Ethnographic Museum displays the rich folk heritage of Western Ukraine.

• Zhovkva City Tour and Krekhiv Monastery + incl lunch (6 hs minimum 6 persons)

  [fancy_header]Price: $70[/fancy_header] After Lviv, Zhovkva has the largest number of architectural monuments in the region. Highlights include the ancient Castle of the 17^th –18^th cent., the Market Square, the Roman Catholic Parish Church of 17th c. (Renaissance), Basilian Monastery, Church of the Nativity and the 17th century Synagogue. Krekhiv, village in the Zhovkva district, 40 km from Lviv, was first mentioned in historical sources dating to 1456. It is best known for the 17^th -18^th cent. Basilian Monastery. Many structures have been preserved: St. Nicholas Church, Holy Trinity Church, bell tower, walls and gates. Restored in 1991, the monastery has a beautiful linden tree alley from the 17^th century.

• Pochaiv Monastery + Olesko Castle + incl lunch (10 hours)

  [fancy_header]Price: $95 (entrance fees included, minimum 6 persons)[/fancy_header] After Kyiv’s Cave Monastery (Pecherska Lavra), Pochaiv is the second largest Orthodox shrine in our country. It is located in the Ternopil region, 140km northeast of Lviv. According to legend, it was founded by Kyiv monks fleeing the Tatar invasion of 1240. The Monastery itself was first mentioned in the chronicles of 1527. The central church of the Monastery complex is the Dormition Cathedral (1771-1783). The Pochaivska Lavra is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage sites in Ukraine. Among its many relics are the footprint of the Mother of God in a rock, spring with healing water and the miraculous icon of the Blessed Virgin. The Olesko Castle, located 70km west of Lviv, is a historical architectural structure dating from the 13^th -18^th cent. Bohdan Khmelnytsky spent his youngest years at the castle. After the 1975 restoration, a museum was established and the Castle now serves as an exhibition site for the Lviv Gallery of Arts. It features five hundred paintings, sculptures and works of applied art from the 10^th -18^th cent.

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• Prices are subject to change, pending number of participants on tour and US $ fluctuation.

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EASTER IN LVIV

B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

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[fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]April 12 Sunday[/fancy_header3]

USA – Ukraine

Please be at your gateway AIRPORT at least 3 hrs prior to flight departure time. Your baggage must be checked to your final destination. One piece off checked baggage is permitted in economy class at 20kg/ 44lbs.

[fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]April 13 Monday[/fancy_header3]

Lviv

Upon arrival in Lviv, you will be met by your local tour director and transferred by bus or van to Astoria Hotel. Remainder of afternoon free. Welcome cocktail and dinner at hotel. A special
briefing will be held after dinner to advise you of all Easter services, festivities and concerts in Lviv during this final Lenten week and the post Easter celebrations.

Situated in the western part of Ukraine, Lviv, the “City of Lions”, is its heart and soul. Founded in
the 13^th c. by King Danylo Halytckyj, it was named in honor of his son Lev (Leo). Through
centuries of Polish, Austrian and Soviet occupation, Lviv was the gateway to “the East”, but with
independence in 1991, Lviv is finally free to develop its own Ukrainian identity.

[fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]April 14 Tuesday[/fancy_header3]

Lviv

Today we proceed on a bus tour of Lviv and will visit Vysokyj Zamok, Lviv University, St. George’s Cathedral, the stronghold of Western Ukraine’s Catholic Church, and the new Sheptytskyj monument. We visit Lychakiv Cemetery to view graves of Ivan Franko, Solomija Krushelnytcka, Volodymyr Ivasiuk, Oleksander Tysovsky and many others.
Our final stop is the Ukrainian Catholic University campus (UKU), where we will see the newly constructed church and the most modern library in Ukraine – memorium to Andrij Sheptyckyj.
Remainder of the day under own arrangements.

[fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]April 15 Wednesday[/fancy_header3]

Lviv Free Day

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[fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]April 16 Thursday [/fancy_header3]

Lviv Free Day

Or

KARPATY OPTIONAL Excursion April 15 – 16 – travel through Rohatyn, Ivano Frankivsk, (lunch) Yaremche Bazaar, Bukovel Ski lift ride and dinner in Hutsulshchyna Restaurant.. Overnight in Yaremche Edeweiss Hotel ***. We return via Kosiv and Kolomyja, where you will visit the Pysanka and Woodcarving Fine Arts Museums. Lunch in a local restaurant.
Arrival in Lviv by 7-8PM.

[fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]April 17 Friday[/fancy_header3]

Lviv

Highlights of today’s morning city center walking tour are Rynok, the 15-16th c. city square, the Dominican Church, Armenian Church Complex, the Chapel of the Bojim Family, the Armenian Quarters and the Opera House. Remainder of the day under own arrangements.

Easter Week festivities details will be distributed to you upon arrival.
[fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]April 17 Fri[/fancy_header3]

Lviv Good Friday

[fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]April 18 Sat[/fancy_header3]

Lviv Blessing of Easter Baskets

[fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]April 19 Sun[/fancy_header3]

Lviv Easter (Sviachene)

[fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]April 20 Mon[/fancy_header3]

Lviv Обливаний Понеділок!

[fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]April 21 Tues[/fancy_header3]

Lviv/USA

Easter is a family holiday in Ukraine,and Lviv is the best place to witness this atmosphere. It is here that the family spirit is present on every square and street where traditional Easter folklore celebrations, fairs, concerts and theater performances take place. Famous Ukrainian Easter eggs, embroidery, ceramics, decorations, woodcarvings attract guests to the Easter Markets.
Pysanka (Easter eggs) Festival in Lviv will fill the city with the spirit of Easter. This event will glorify the millennia-old tradition of observing the holiest holiday in the Christian world.

The main purpose of the festival is to promote Easter traditions and to decorate Lviv with the inherent symbol of Easter – eggs. During this period, Lviv will turn into an “Open Air Museum of Eggs,” where Easter eggs will be created and decorated with different materials.

“Easter in a Grove” Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life annually hosts the ethnographic festival “Easter in a Grove.” Lviv citizens and visitors can learn about the spring time traditions of this region and participate in the Easter celebrations.

Festival visitors will observe master classes in pysanka making. Both children and adults will engage in traditional Easter games. Among them – ‘Kryvyi Tanets’ (continuous dance), takes place on the central lawn of the museum. Throughout the day, on the main stage, you will hear spring songs and hayivky (special songs, which people sing only during Easter). Guests will enjoy performances of singers and folk and dance groups.

The ‘Easter Fair’ takes place on Svoboda Avenue (central avenue) and has become a tradition during the holidays in Lviv – over 80 kiosks! Residents and visitors to the city will be able to buy various items – handmade souvenirs, embroidered shirts, Easter gifts, honey and wax products, household decorative items. Organizers serve traditional Easter delicacies that will satisfy all!

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[fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]April 20 Monday[/fancy_header3]

Lviv

Free Day Evening Gala Farewell Dinner at a specialty restaurant.

[fancy_header3 textcolor=”#000000″]April 21 Tuesday[/fancy_header3]

Lviv/USA

Morning transfer to airport for flights home.

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• Rates are subject to minor changes, pending number of participants on tour and US $ fluctuation.

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