Destination:
Ukraine

The striking Ukrainian capital of Kiev (or Kyiv) is one of Eastern Europe's oldest cities and its fortunes have risen and fallen with the tides of history. The city, once capital of Old Rus, is believed to date back to the 5th century and was a key player in the expansion of the medieval East Slavic nation, as well as serving as a major centre for trade between the Mediterranean and the Baltic.

By the 1200s, Kiev was one of the world's largest cities, but fell foul to invading Mongols in 1240, really only recovering in the 19th century during the Russian Revolution. Much of the city and its treasures were again damaged during World War II, but Kiev still boasts a rich cultural heritage and a range of spectacular attractions.

A plethora of museums, theatres, opera houses, historical buildings and gardens are to be found, laid out on either side of the picturesque Dnieper River. The western bank is home to the older part of the city and was, pre-urbanisation, characterised by its forested hills, as well as steep ravines and winding rivers, which serve as ice-rinks in winter. Watched over by a statue of the historic protector of Kiev, Michael Archangel, the city also boasts a successful blend of the old and the new. Modern buildings nestle against historical gems and cultural wonders rub shoulders with trendy, buzzing nightclubs, bars and restaurants.

Any visit to the Ukraine is bound to start with an exploration of its capital, and visitors will need to ensure they give themselves ample time to explore all it has to offer. From the Golden Gate of Kiev, built in 1037, to a funicular ride up the steep western bank, Kiev has something for all tastes and certainly will not disappoint.

Located in the south of the country, the Crimean Peninsula contains the most popular holiday resorts in the Ukraine. The peninsula is flanked by the Black Sea and the Azov Sea, and is the traditional holiday destination of Russian royalty. Though a small connection with the Ukrainian mainland in the western end makes it officially a landbridge, the region is sometimes referred to as a 'microcontinent' because of the diverse array of landscapes and ecosystems it contains.

The coastal beach cities are packed in the summer months with tourists from Russia and other Eastern European countries, and is largely overlooked by Western tourists, meaning that there are real bargains to be had in accommodation and entertainment. Yalta is the most popular resort in the Ukraine, containing the former palace of the Russian Czars and other fascinating monuments; and Koktebel has good beaches and a carnival-like atmosphere.

Inland, the coastal mountains of the Crimea are made up of rugged and untamed landscapes with a number of secluded caves and lakes to explore, containing rewarding hikes for adventurous travellers who don't mind roughing it. The plains region has pretty farms and landscapes that are enjoyable to pass through by train.

A holiday in the Crimea is an undiscovered pleasure for most of the western world, but as the Ukraine increasingly interacts with the rest of Europe, more tourists will discover its charms.

The slopes of the Carpathian Mountains in the Ukraine are both gentle and rugged, concealing forests, meadows, lakes, rivers, caves and picturesque mountain towns that are popular holiday destinations for tourists with an adventurous spirit.

Benefitting from a mild climate, outdoor sports are a way of life in the Carpathian Mountains, including hiking, cycling, and river rafting in summer, and skiing in winter. The countryside is pristine and unspoiled, and there is no end of spectacular vistas lying in wait for intrepid travellers. There is an abundance of wildlife like brown bears, wolves, lynxes and chamois, and numerous indigenous plant species to enjoy as well.

The small towns and villages in the Carpathian Mountains are treasures in themselves. Lviv, a UNESCO World Heritage City, makes a great base for exploring the region, and larger resorts like Dragobrat, Slavsko, Tysovets and Bukovel have all the modern amenities you could want.

The Carpathian Mountains are rich in history and tradition, as well as natural beauty. Discovering the attractions of a mountain holiday in the Ukraine is an increasingly popular vacation idea, and thousands make the trip every year to see it for themselves.

With a cultural history ranging from the Ottomans to the USSR, Odessa has held a place as an important warm-water port on the Eastern Mediterranean. Odessa was founded by Catherine the Great in the late 18th century, as immigrants from all over Europe came to make their fortune.

Today Odessa is a popular tourist destination in the Ukraine, due to its sunny climate, sandy beaches and attractive city centre. The old town is clean and safe, though a bit run-down and neglected since the Soviet era. The wide tree-lined streets, like Primoskiy Boulevard and Deribasovskaya Street, are home to beautiful buildings like the Odessa Opera House and Panteleymonivsky Church. Some of the most elaborate and photogenic buildings in Odessa are located on Gogolya Street.

With the exception of the port territory, most of Odessa's waterfront is made up of beaches. The most popular beach in Odessa is Arcadia, which boasts a number of restaurants, nightclubs and other tourist-oriented establishments; Malibu is another popular beach. Located near Arcadia is Chkalovski, two nudist beaches.

One of the most interesting attractions in Odessa lies beneath the city. The world's largest network of catacombs was used by the resistance during the Nazi occupation, and today can be explored by tourists with a private guide.

A holiday in Odessa is a must on any trip to the Ukraine. The city centre is full of interesting museums and plenty of cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs for tourists to explore. It has been written that Odessa has 'more charm than any city in the Russian Empire', and that includes the friendly and cultured inhabitants.