Ukraine Easter (Velykden) 14 Day Tour April 2020
Latin Easter in Kyiv on Independence Square, City tour of Kyiv, 1st class train trip to Western Ukraine for a city tour of Ivano-Frankivsk. From here we travel to the Carpathians and stay at the Alpine resort of Bukovel. We explore the town and take a chairlift to the top of the mountain for photo opportunities. We then travel through the regional villages as we cross the mountains to the Hutsul National Park. Along the way we stop at local folk museums before staying overnight in Kosiv. We visit the famous Kosiv Hutsul markets on Ukrainian Velykden (1 week following Latin Easter) and visit the Pysanka (Easter Egg) museum in Kolomyya. We return to Ivano-Frankivsk to visit Cathedral Square and experience the Velykden services with the traditional Blessing of Easter baskets. Our final days are spent in the UNESCO listed Lviv old town centre with it's many attractions. The 3 Castles Day tour to Olesko, Pidhirtsi & Zoholiv from Lviv with entry to the castles & museums is included here. Some days are left free for your chance to rest, solo explore, or have special excursions that grab your interest booked for you on the spot at local cost prices by our local tour directors. Our staff is available to you day or evening to assist you with: additional bookings, translations, finding your relatives or to recommend nearby eateries. Solo travellers can be as free as they please while enjoying the added security of having assistants close-by if needed. At the end of the tour you are transferred to the airport or railway where we farewell you, for your onward journey after assisting you to check-in, or, when you are comfortably seated for your onward direct train travel to Budapest, Vienna, Krakow or Moscow.
Small group tour starting in Kyiv to the historic cities Ivano-Frankivsk, Kolomyya & the UNESCO listed city of Lviv which is often called 'The Florence Of The East'. Included is a road trip through the Carpathian mountains to the alpine resort towns of Bukovel & Verhovyna and we get to experience traditional Pascha services with the colourful festivals that surround the most important event of the year on the orthodox Christian calendar.
Kyiv - 3 nights / 1st Class Intercity Express train / Ivano-Frankivsk 2 nights / Road trip / Bukovel 2 nights / Kosiv 2 nights / Lviv 4 nights. (Actual final itinerary may vary slighty depending on the local situation or weather conditions during your visit.) We remain flexible and discuss our journey with you each day to ensure we include as many of your chosen attractions while keeping your comfort & safety as our main priorty.
We meet you on arrival at Kyiv Boryspil airport, Kyiv Zhulianny airport, or Pasagerskiy railway in Kyiv for transfer to your first hotel. You are free to meet us at the hotel if arriving earlier or later by car from other points in Ukraine.
Lviv Danylo Airport or Lviv railway for your onward travel or return to Kyiv. (Tickets back to Kyiv & airport transfers there, if needed, can be arranged for you at cost price by our local tour director without additional fees.)
Spending money, camera, and comfortable shoes for walking tours of the cities. Mid Spring days are pleasant but warmer clothing may be required on cooler nights & in the mountains. We recommend you pack lightly and do not overdo the warm clothing. Clothing is inexpensive in Ukraine and you may want to visit the Second Hand stores where designer labels can often be found at bargain prices.
Your transport from pick-up to drop-off apart from solo exploring at your cost. Entry fee to included attractions. 3 & 4 star hotels & renovated apartment in Lviv heritage area. Breakfast each day. 1st class or best available train seating where available.
Lunches & Dinners are not included to allow for your individual tastes & choice. Onward travel from Lviv, or return to Kyiv, is an additional cost to you but can be arranged for you without additional fees by us. Solo exploring & your optional attractions are at your cost but any booking required will also be arranged for you for no additional fee.
On your arrival in Kyiv we pick you up for transfer to your 1st check-in. Passport required for foreigners checking-in at hotels. After meeting your fellow travellers you will be taken on an orientation tour of the surounding area to give you the confidence to go out and get the most value from your solo exploring & limited holiday time.
Small group tour starting in Kyiv includes the historic cities of Lviv & Ivano-Frankivsk. Includes a road trip through the Carpathian mountains.
Without prejudice to local consumer laws we can offer a full refund, less taxes paid (if any), 30 days prior to departure.