Take a step into the medieval era where Orthodox churches, Black Sea coastline and forested mountains await to be explored in the numerous colourful cities of Ukraine.
Lviv City
Recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Lviv’s historical centre consists of the Market Square City Hall and the Opera House. Along its narrow medieval streets, visitors can admire the organ ensemble of the Assumption Cathedral and Dominican Church. Climb 400 steps up the Market Square City Hall tower to have a vantage view of the old town. At ground level, the Market / Rynok Square consist of 44 Galician architectural buildings and four fountains decorated by 18th Century statues of ancient Greek deities - Diana, Neptune, Amphitrite and Adonis.
Lviv’s Theatre of Opera and ballet is one of Europe's most beautiful theatres, on par with Vienna and Odesa Opera Houses. Locals often describe its opulent theatre as Lviv’s main symbol and gem, which brightly adorns the town’s main district/avenue. The Assumption Cathedral was built in Gothic style with beautiful stained glass. It is the most prominent building in Lviv and was ordained as a minor basilica in 1910 by Pope Pius X. The Dominican Church is considered one of the best monuments to late baroque architecture and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, the church lit up in luminous colours, emanating an aura of opulence yet mysterious.
Chernivtsi City
Chernivtsi is spread out at the foot of Carpathian Mountains, on the picturesque hills of the Prut River. It is the unofficial capital of the Bukovina region, and along with Lviv, it is one of the most important cultural centres in Western Ukraine. It fascinates with its eclectic architecture, rich cultural heritage and the spider-web like labyrinth of ancient European streets and squares.
Visit Chernivtsi’s most important landmark - the National University which features Romanesque and Byzantine architecture. The Bukovinian Metropolitan’s Residence in the National University is the main treasure of the University’s ground, and the pride of local residents. The unique complex merges different architectural styles and serves as a real decorative and iconic landmark of the capital of Bukovina.
Take a walk down the main pedestrian street, Kobylyanska to admire the City Hall and Teatralnaya Square. Considered one of Europe’s best small squares, it is filled with an ensemble of buildings with charming architecture.
Kamianets-Podilskyi
Designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site, this ancient city was founded on an island, containing archaic monuments and landmarks that date from the middle ages.
With its massive walls and bastions that continue to exude might and grandeur, the Kamianets-Podilskyi Fortress stands as the most recognised landmark in the city. Among the fort towers, both the Black Tower, which contains a 40m wall and Karmeliukova Tower, the tallest tower, reinforces the fortress’s power. With the plethora of historical monuments, Kamianets-Podilskyi provides visitors the opportunity to dive into a truly feudal experience all year round.
Kyiv City
No visit to Ukraine can be complete without a visit to its capital city, Kyiv. It is one of Europe’s most majestic, beautiful and ancient cities, dating back to more than 1,500 years. Not every European capital can boast of such a long history or of so many rich cultural landmarks. Kyiv’s original appearance and traditions of yesteryears have successfully been melded in with modernity. Coupled with its distinct charm and hospitality, it is one of the most appealing cities in the world.
The Kyiv city tour will allow visitors to explore the historic city and all its treasures including the Golden Gates built at the same time as St Sophia Cathedral, which is filled with frescoes and mosaics. Walk along Khrehchatyk Street, the world’s shortest yet widest main street, to Maidan Square and European Square.
Kyiv’s premier attraction and holiest ground is the Kyevo Percherska Lavra (Monestary Caves). Its cluster of gold-domed churches is a feast for the eyes while the underground labyrinths lined with mummified monks adds an air of enigma and intrigue.
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