Ukraine tours

'Then, in the mighty family Of all men that are free, Maybe sometimes, very softly, You will speak of me?'
Taras Shevchenko, 1861

The colour orange has acquired a new meaning in the Ukraine since political changes in 2004. But the Ukraine has had a colourful history long before then. Kiev is now the capital of an independent Ukraine, but it is also the birthplace of Kievan Rus, founded in the eighth and ninth centuries, and the city from which the Orthodox faith spread throughout Eastern Europe.

The skyline of Kiev is dominated by the thirteen cupolas of St Sophia's Cathedral. The foundations were laid in 1037 under the orders of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, who was also responsible for the Golden Gate Entrance to the city.

The Dnieper Hills are dominated by the Pecherska Lavra, built almost nine centuries ago. This complex of churches, masterpieces of architecture by themselves, is famous for its catacombs and saints' relics, hence its other name, the Monastery of Caves.

The era of the Romanovs is best seen when we take you for a private VIP visit to the Mariinsky presidential Palace, designed by Bartholomew Rastrelli, and formerly the principal Romanov family palace in Kiev. This palace is not open to the public and will be opened for you alone. Another memory of the Romanovs will be in the evening when you take a seat for a performance of opera, ballet or a symphony at the Kiev Opera House.

If you know your film history, then Odessa will bring to mind the famous scene in Sergei Eisenstein's film Battleship Potemkin - the panic and flight of the crowd running down the 192 Potemkin Steps. The steps are still there, but you can take them more slowly.

Odessa is of course famous for being an ancient sea port, and it is this history which has given it its character. We take you on a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Odessa, with its collection of items that were excavated in the Black Sea coast. We also show you Odessa's various temples of worship; as a cross-roads of cultures and an important gateway to the Black Sea, Odessa has embraced many different faiths over the centuries.

No visit to a port city can be complete without a boat ride around the harbour front. Weather permitting, this will give you an insight into Odessa as it looked to many previous civilizations.

Ukraine Tour Basics

We suggest two nights in Kiev and Two nights in Odessa. Kiev may of course also be partnered with the Crimea.

Highlights

Private tour of the Mariinsky Palace in Kiev. A private recital in the Grotto of the Fine Arts museum.

For more details, call 020 8956 2756 or email enquiries@exeterinternational.co.uk.