Well, it so happens that Ukraine is host to some of the oldest and legendary cities, including Kiev, Odessa, and Lviv, which have a unique history. But it also has been at the center-stage of tough times, including the disaster at Chernobyl. It is through such situations that sheer determination for restoration has come about, clearly inspiring and creating interest beyond its borders.

Let’s investigate the main reasons why so many tourists are coming to Ukraine.

1. The Rich History of Ukraine

I have long maintained that Ukraine’s vibrant history, is a crucial reason that attracts many tourists. Fortunately, I’m not very far from the truth. Although tragic at times, the history of Ukraine is also quite inspiring. Examples are the Holocaust-related world war II, the Chernobyl disaster, and other happenings that mark the catastrophic history of Ukraine. But there are also so many punctuations of triumph, making the country one of great success.

Let’s reflect. Chernobyl is home to various ghost towns such as Pripyat. This, of course, garners much interest from so many visitors from all over the world. But then again, typical Chernobyl tours always factor in a visit to the exclusion zone. This tourist circuit is quite popular, and still part of the itinerary for my clients.

2. Home to Seven Wonders of Ukraine

According to world heritage, Ukraine consists of some of the most marvelous landmarks. These include St. Sophia Cathedral, built in the 11th century. The Carpathian Mountains and forests remain a wonder to behold.

Another sensation is the Struve Geodetic Arc, which links Norway’s Hammerfest to Ukraine’s Black sea. Let’s not forget the monastery of caves founded by St. Antony and St. Theodosia in Kiev. The country also has the most astounding monastery and ancient cathedrals that ever existed, including St. Michaels.

3. Historic Towns

From Kiev, Odessa, Lviv to Crimea, visitors consider these locations as still primeval and virtually undiscovered by the outside world. And this is partially true. Some of the villages still maintain their original way of life. A perfect example is the Carpathian forest, where locals wear traditional clothes and stick to their ancient farming practice; it’s quite interesting to see.

Also, tourists coming here have a chance to buy woven crafts and sculptures, some made from the rare local wood.

Lviv is the cultural city of Ukraine and features some of the western architectural designs. Most tourists throng here to have a feel of the quaint old town with narrow streets and magnificent towering churches.

Kiev, on the other hand, is famed for some of the largest dome churches and architecture. This comes with a mix of never-ending nightlife, which is a magnet for the most significant number of travelers coming into the country.

4. Recreational Facilities

Tourism is such an essential aspect of human development in Ukraine. It’s for that reason that most of its services are moving from the government to the private sector. As such, companies and even private citizens are coming up with impressive infrastructure in terms of recreational
facilities.

As we speak, thousands of hotels, campsites, motels, and other types of tourism facilities are in existence. This, in effect, attracts more and more foreign guests because of the imminent possibilities that await them. Talk of the spas, health resorts, and mud therapy facilities within these tourism centers, then, you have both the seasoned and curious tourist making a line-up to visit.

5. Medical Tourism

I know it comes as a stagger, but great things are happening in Ukraine’s medical sector. The country has been gradually but surely dusting itself from the sorry state of its health systems of the Soviet era. Structures are now up and running so smoothly, thus attracting people from
other countries.

According to verified statistics, a sizable number of tourists are coming here for a wide range of medical services. Various health restorative services, such as dental, ophthalmology, and plastic surgery, among others, are entirely on-demand. Besides the high quality, most people think that these services are more affordable if you compare with other countries in Europe. Medicine in Ukraine is probably one of the first and most best services in this field, make sure to check them out!

6. Low Cost of Services

Ukraine is known for a wide range of advantages. This includes available and affordable
services. From transportation, food, medical care, and accommodation, costs for these services seem much lower than the rest of Europe and America. For example, eating out for most foreigners seems quite affordable. It’s a respite in a world punctuated by high inflation and high prices.

7. Best Locations

Did you also know that Ukraine has some of the mindboggling scenic views and magnificent landscape? That’s so true, and in the real sense, people have a knack for calm, greenery and beauty, which is in plenty here.

Whether you are visiting the countryside, or right within the cities, you are bombarded with spectacular backdrops and sites. Other aspects such as traditional Ukrainian village lifestyles, food, housing, and farming practices are always of great interest to the outsider.

Conclusion

There are so many advantages that tourists find in visiting Ukraine. The country is mostly safe, and concerns about radiation and political instability are unfounded. Then, Ukraine is host to some of the most magnificent backdrops and climates ideal for tourism-related activities.

Tourists have the opportune moments to savor the vibrant cities, grand monuments that have withstood time, breathtaking landscapes, and the attractive countryside. And not to forget, the country has the warmest, friendly and welcoming people. Finally, as your tour guide, I have a long list of the very best, and must-see places in Ukraine. Come and let’s see what awaits.

Make sure to contact best tour guide in Kiev for your city and nightlife tour!

See you in Kiev

The post What Draws Many Tourists to Ukraine? appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.

Well, worry not, luckily for you there are methods, schedules, and itineraries being created by the day for most countries around the world. I have decided to make one for my varied, beautiful, and fun-filled country of Ukraine.

With 7 UNESCO world heritage sites and a plethora of tourist sights and destinations to see (not to mention a wonderfully welcoming and rich culture to witness,) it wasn’t an easy task.

However, we’ve succeeded in creating what we believe to be a short yet enjoyable trip to Ukraine so you can get the most out of every minute.

So, let’s begin in one of the most western situated cities of Ukraine – Lviv.

Lviv

A greatly underrated city, Lviv is a match for many of Europe’s more well-known cities.

Having escaped largely unscathed from WWII, the city has maintained its classic and nostalgic architecture, with every building telling its own history.

Lviv has also kept the relatively cozy and small feeling of a pre-war city, making our job of traversing it in one day that bit easier.

To really get the most out of your trip, why not join the famous walking tour that departs from the Market/Rynok square. It’s completely free and no-strings-attached.

You’ll get your bearings on the city from this tour that finishes at the Lviv Opera House, a wonder of architecture and considered to be the main point of the city.

From here, it becomes much easier to branch out into other parts of the city. After taking in the beauty of the opera house, it is a one road journey to another masterpiece – the Armenian Cathedral.

Luckily for us, we can find the pharmacy museum nearby!

In fact, this popular and must-see museum is simply one street away from the Armenian Cathedral.

After a gander around the fascinating museum, the beautiful, Baroque Dominican Cathedral.

Only a hop, skip and a jump away is Town Hall’s observation deck that can truly give you the opportunity to see the most of Lviv from its great heights!

From here, access by foot to many of Lviv’s most spectacular tourist destinations such as the City Arsenal and the Latin Cathedral is possible.

So, take a walk through the winding streets and be sure to pop into one of Lviv’s famous coffee shops to give yourself an energy boost for your action-packed day!

Chernivtsi

Maybe you’ve decided to take a trip to the breath-taking Carpathian mountains and after basking in nature and awe-inspiring sights, you’re ready to enter back into the hustle and bustle of city life.

To get yourself eased back in, Chernivtsi is the perfect cozy and homely city just for you! Located just north-east of the Carpathians, the journey can be easily made by bus.

Upon arriving in Chernivtsi, you’ll find a laid-back and calming atmosphere that’s perfect for taking a breather.

I recommend that you hire a personal tour guide to get the most out of this city in the least time.

You’ll be led through the amazingly colourful streets from the Opera Square to the Holy Spirit Orthodox Cathedral, locally known as the pink church.

You’ll even get to see one of Ukraine’s many UNESCO world heritage sites at Chernivtsi University.

Bes sure to then climb to the top of the Chernivtsi city hall which offers a spectacular panorama of the entire city.

To truly unwind and get the most out of your trip to Chernivtsi, it’s highly recommended that you simply take a leisurely stroll through its streets coming into the evening.

Chernivtsi’s streets are a highly unique mixture of Slavic and Austro-Hungarian influences – not to be missed!

Odessa

Where to next? To Odessa of course!

You really can’t miss this seaside city when exploring Ukraine. And what’s more, getting there from Chernivtsi won’t be a problem.

Hop on the last bus from Chernivtsi to Khmelnytsky, leaving at 21:00 Chernivtsi and arriving in Khmelnytsky at 00:30.

Get yourself on the 01:20 train from  Khmelnytsky that arrives in Odessa at 08:50 and you’ll be ready to go exploring again! (If you’ve availed of your train time for sleeping that is.) You’ll find yourself welcomed into a calm yet vibrant city, composed of both historical and modern aspects – they don’t call it the pearl of the black sea for nothing.

 So, where to get started?

Consider using The Odessa Opera House, known as the second-largest opera house in the world, as your starting line.

Nearby, you will find the majestic and ceremonious Potemkin stairs. With 192 steps in total, you might break a sweat but the terrific view is worth it in the end.

Just a short walk away you’ll then find yourself on Deribasivska Street. Considered the beating heart of Odessa, it’s not to be missed and it won’t eat into your time too much!

Take this opportunity to sit down for a nice meal out on the many terraces and then pop into the Odessa passage just off the main street.

To end your long day of sightseeing, only a short walk away is the beautiful monument to the founders of Odessa.

Kiev

And last but not least Kiev, the capital city of Ukraine and your grand finale.

Leaving Kiev for last is highly recommended as you may wish to extend your stay upon arrival to explore the ancient city in-depth and also due to the ease at which a flight can be caught to all corners of the world from this beautiful city.

After your delicious morning coffee, it’s best to head over to the Saint Sophia’s Cathedral.

One of the city’s finest landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s best to get here early before the hordes of tourists show up and slow you down.

A short walk away down Proyizd Volodymyrsky will lead you to the beautiful St Michael’s gold-domed monastery.

From here, the Zhytniy market, where you can soak up the true local culture of Kiev while testing the local cuisine, isn’t far.

After lunch, you can take a stroll down to the Chernobyl museum and if museums aren’t your thing, why not explore Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra?

This pilgrimage site for people of the Orthodox faith is glorious in its uniqueness and beauty.

To follow up, get a true taste of Ukraine’s history by visiting the Motherland monument. And if your feet weren’t hurting enough after all that walking, finish your day off with a bang and dance your way into the cities famous nightlife.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your flights and explore all that Ukraine has to offer.

You’re never too busy to explore and as we’ve seen – you can get a taste of Ukraine within days!

I hope this guide has given you some ideas for your trip to Ukraine! I can’t wait to welcome you!

Make sure to contact best tour guide in Kiev for your city and nightlife tour!

See you in Kiev

The post How To Get The Most Out Of Your Short Trip To Ukraine appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.

Ukraine is a hidden gem, tucked away in Eastern Europe and with so much to offer any tourist that sets foot on its beautiful land.

However, with its varied weather seeing Ukraine witness all four seasons in equal fervor – it can often be difficult to know exactly where to go and when to go. Of course, with its spectacular variety of cities, nearby landscapes, and beaches.

You’ll never be at a loss for the perfect place to travel to! Just in case, here are a few guidelines to help you along the way!

When is the best time to visit Ukraine in general?

To be quite frank, it’s swelteringly hot in Ukraine during the summer months. Therefore, unlike some other European countries, it’s recommended that you plan your visit for the months just before or after Summer.

Of course, Summer is still a perfectly wonderful and viable time to visit Ukraine but make sure you’re prepared!

Conversely, Spring is considered the optimal time to explore Ukraine and experience all it has to offer.

With a lower influx of tourists to you’ll even get to witness the breathtaking spring blossom in the Carpathians. But what about each city?

Being the second largest country in Europe, it’s no surprise that Ukraine’s cities are so diverse.

Let’s take a look at the best time of the year to visit a few of the main cities of Ukraine.

When is the best time to visit Kiev?

To simply put it, May is the best time to visit Kiev.

You’ll get to experience the blossoming of all that’s new in this ancient city, not to mention a chance to see the famous lilac collection in the botanical gardens of Kiev.

The average temperature in Kiev is bearable with a range from 10^oC – 21^oC (50°F – 70°F).

Don’t be afraid to aim for the Autumn months either.

You’ll find that you’re surrounded by a colorful array of festivals and more locals than tourists – making this the perfect time to soak up the culture of the beautiful city.

Not to mention that prices will be lower!

When is the best time to visit Lviv?

Once again Lviv is a city that will be packed to the brim of tourists during the Summer months, but you’ll find that many people still prefer the summer months in Lviv.

Surely that’s a testament to its beauty during this time. Many tourists comment on the airy and light feeling of the city during this season.

You can imagine that the city’s relatively cool average summer temperature range of 11^oC – 24^oC (52°F – 75°F) also helps to make this the perfect season to visit Lviv in.

When is the best time to visit Odessa?

Odessa is the perfect city to hide away in during those Scorchingly hot Summer months. Average temperature range in Odessa during this time would be 21°C – 35°C (70°F – 95°F). With humidity reaching 80%!

However, if you’re not a big fan of packed beaches – you may prefer this city during the months on either end of Summer.

Either way, situated so close to the black sea, Odessa experiences colder temperatures during the Summer months making it a perfect place to cool down.

And not to forget springtime here where a trip to the magnificent Carpathians would be in order!

But if all this just isn’t tickling your fancy – try September. Here’s where you will witness Odessa at its calmest. There won’t be the hustle and bustle of tourists, the kids will have returned to school, and the temperatures are delightfully cool.

Advantages of visiting Ukraine during low season

The prospect of visiting Ukraine during the low season of Nov-April can seem a daunting one for most people.

With temperatures often dropping well below 0°C, it’s recommended that you choose your destination wisely.

The Carpathians are highly recommended during this time due to skiing season but if you’re looking for fun elsewhere Kiev is your best bet.

You’ll find that despite the plummeting temperatures outdoors, the nightlife scene is only warming up!

What’s more, is the lower prices on anything from cuisine to accommodation. The snowfall also accentuates the beauty of the domes and various landmarks of the city.

Don’t worry about the cold, as long as you dress proper! Just read What to Wear in Kiev During Winter, and you will stay warm.

So, if you’re looking for an economical yet fun-filled trip, low-season is the time for you!

There you have it!

Ukraine has something for everything, all that’s left for you is to decide what’s more your style and book your flights!

And of course, a reliable friendly tour guide to show you around Kiev!

So make sure to book your private tour.

See you in Kiev

The post These Are The Best Times To Visit Ukraine (And I Will Tell You Why!) appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.

A Bit of  Its History

Lviv is a magical city of tourist attraction in Ukraine. How did it come to be called Lviv?

Quite interestingly it was named to show honour and respect to Leo. He was the eldest son of Daniel, the king of Ruthenia.

Historically, Lviv enjoys an outstanding place as it was the capital of the kingdom of Galicia – Volhynia. Ukrainian known as The WINDOW to the Europe.

Its Location

It is situated on the edges of the Roztocza Upland. It is nearly 70 kilometres from the Polish border. It also has an altitude of 296 metres above the sea level.

Its Climate

To attract many a tourist to this city its mild summers has a great say. Though its winters are cold its attractions bring many tourists to it.

In reality Lviv makes you chat about it if you ever happen to visit it once in your lifetime. To call it a city of legends is really becoming.

Some call it yet another small Paris. Also it is called a warm, comfortable burgher province. To call it an amazing cultural capital with a mixture of diverse cultures would be really suited to it.

Its architecture displaying unmatchable monuments speaks resonantly of it. Dear traveller, in Lviv you find nothing but an open-air museum.

Obviously and interestingly it represents cultural diversity. It resoundly speaks of cultural heritage of many nations. Poles, Ukrainians, Germans, Italians, Jews, Armenians etc.

This unique character in Lviv’s culture keeps you spellbound to it owing to no other reason than to the simple reality that there is unification of cultures and styles in Lviv.

What Takes The Visitor’s Heart

Any visitor who happens to walk in central park will be attracted by so many attractions.

Your eyes will definitely not escape the Old Town and the Market Square which is 18,300 square-metres in extent.

It has been the heart of political, public, cultural and commercial life of Lviv for 500 years. The historical beginning of Ukraine becoming highly influenced by European culture started here.

Lviv Opera Theater

If you seek to amuse yourself in going to the theatre you may do so at Lviv Opera Theatre.

This theatre is really in the style of neo – Renaissance(1901).

Also it is renowned as being one of the most charming theatres in Europe. This is a theatre of Opera and Ballet.

Music in Lviv

You could go for orchestral music for Lviv is adorned with a philharmonic orchestra. Go to a concert once you are there for it could be a breathtaking experience to have in your lifetime.

In Lviv, the Armenian communities lived their homely life bringing with their lifestyle numerous architectural additions to the city.

These additions of architecture are unique in its spirit and colour and makes the city ever so inviting.

The Potocki Counts Palace

The Potocki Count’s Palace is a building belonging to the French Renaissance of the late 19th century with all its majestic appearance for you to feast your eyes on.

The Boim Chapel

The Boim Chapel is there with its magnificent landmark relationship to the late Renaissance and there is no other similar piece of such architecture in Ukraine or in Europe.

The Dominican Cathedral

The Dominican Cathedral could be yet another monument of architecture displaying its majesty.

This cathedral is a storehouse of original decorations of sculpture and it could rightly be called an architectural monument of the late Baroque.

High Castle Park

High Castle Park has ruins of an ancient castle. This is a shady park on a hill. It towers above the city giving you a panoramic view for it acts as a platform of view taking.

Lychakiv Cemetery

Lychakiv Cemetery where notable people were buried is historical and revered. It is, indeed, a cultural museum-reserve and is 40 hectares in extent.

Lviv Museum

Lviv Museum of Brewing was opened on October 14th 2005 and is the first Museum of brewing in Ukraine.

Lviv Town Hall

This town hall is sixty-five metres in height and is the highest in the country. If you are a person who has a heart for seeing the ancient grandeur of old cities you can  climb this.

Added to all this are so many other masterpieces of architecture. You could visit Armenian Cathedral, the Main Orthodox Church, the St.Peter and Paul of Jesuit order.

How about visiting Korniakt Palace which is now a part of Lviv History Museum. There is also the Latin Cathedral of Assumption of Mary and St. George Cathedral of Greek-Catholic church.

All these things will register experiences in your memory so that you would be able to relive them forever more.

Tourism in Lviv

It is blessed with its tourism infrastructure. It has more than 800 hotel rooms and more than 700 cafés and restaurants.

The city centre has free Wi-Fi zones and its historical monuments coupled with all such facilities making Lviv a renowned tourist destination.

In the heart of Lviv and on the suburban part of it, you could find many hotels.

The guests are always surprised to see such architectural beauty mixed with styles specific to them with admirable service and outgoing friendly crew. They are ever so helpful and make your holiday more than a pleasing, pleasurable experience.

Festivals in Lviv, The City of Leo

Lviv has a number of festivals. That is to say, it is a city of feasts. Some are coffee and chocolate feasts, cheese and wine holidays, the feast of Pampukh, the Day of Batyar and annual Bread Day.

All these festivals are celebrated in great joy and jollity. Yes, all festivals take place under the sun.

You can enjoy your holiday in Lviv at any time of the year and you will enjoy because what you enjoy is of unique nature with so much of variety in it. Sightseeing?

Well, if it is what you love the city caters to your sightseeing tastes with many a sightseeing programme around the city and its environs.

Owing to its multifaceted aspects it could rightly be called a city of miracles and surprises.

Let the blanket of nightfall come over the city you see the city overwhelmed by its magical, romantic, fairy tale impact. You may blink, maybe dazzled by its sweet effect.

The cafés, restaurants and nightclubs have facilities to enthrall you. You find in them the best of bartenders, waiters, singers and DJs.

Pleasing Your Palate

There are many restaurants to satisfy your taste buds. The food you relish is a dream come true. Now it is time for such guidance.

Restaurant Kryivka

You may wanna try indigenous cuisine of Lviv. You could do so here in Lviv. The original names of dishes can be learnt with all its genuine quality.

Added to this is the staff that is head over heels hospitable and the enticing vibe and interior.

Lviv Chocolate Workshop

If you have a sweet tooth try delicious chocolate with nuts and dried fruits. Aromatic coffee with cream. Also caramel and ice cream could be enjoyed to your heart’s content.

Theater of Beer Pravda

They serve fresh cool beer made using a then technology owned by the best brewers of Ukraine and the world.

Lviv Coffee Mining Manufacture

Go to the ground floor only to find a coffee shop and a bookshop. Wear a helmet in this coffee house if you opt to on a trip to tunnels of the mine.

To say that you can taste more than thirty kinds of coffee is not a fib. Oh of course not. That is true. Yes, Lviv offers you the best for your coffee delight.

Restaurant-Brewery Kumpel

Are you a lover of under filtered beer with its lovely raw taste or are you a lover of fine wine along with beautiful dishes of international galician cuisine. Then you should not miss out on going to Kumpel restaurant.

There are many other restaurants to cater to your insatiable gastronomic delights with their uniqueness of taste with great originality in cuisine.

After you have visited this wonderful city which enjoys history with its magnificent presence in the heart of Western Ukraine you will always want to visit it again and again.

Its charm can never tire you but blind you to it forever more. With its continuous development it does nothing but take its guests by surprise with its ever interesting, ever breathtaking and ever carassing events and experiences.

So Lviv is the city for you. Come to Ukraine to visit this historical majestic tourists’ delight.

Ready to Explore Ukraine?

Contact Us now and let’s start planning for your Kiev/Ukraine holiday together 

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