Kiev was the first capital of the Slavic people.  At the height of its power it had 400 churches and the town was famed for art, mosaics, silver objects and other manufactures.  The most important of the many surviving historic buildings is the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra Monastery, founded a thousand years ago.  The buildings are spred across wooded slopes above the Dnieper River, with an array of gold-domed churches, underground labyrinths and elegant monastic buildings turned museums, one of which has a hoard of Scythian gold to rival that of the Hermitage in St Petersburg.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Fly to Kiev where we transfer to our hotel.  Our Kiev cultural tour begins with a brief orientation tour. This evening we have a welcome dinner at the Hotel.

Day 2 – After breakfast we visit the Old Town. We see the University, the Opera and Ballet Theatres, the Golden Gate, the main gateway into the old city.  We then visit the Ukraine History museum, which has exhibits about the Scythians and the Greek Black Sea colonies. We then walk to St Andrews church, an inspired Baroque interpretation of the traditional five domed cross shaped church by Rastrelli.

Day 3 – This morning we visit Kiev Perchersk Lavra Monastry.  Founded three kilometres south of where Kiev stood in 1051, the Caves Monastery was Kievan Rus first, and for a long time, its most famous monastery. 

Day 4 - This morning we visit the Ukrainian Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life in Pirogovo.  Spread out over rolling hills dotted with groves of trees are old wooden cottages, churches, farmsteads and windmills, many of them with flower and vegetable gardens and interiors furnished with fascinating old textiles, traditional furniture and tools.  Enjoy some free time this afternoon before our farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 5 – Transfer to the airport for the return flight to London.

Kiev Cultural Tour
Price: £525 per person
Single Supplement: £130
Deposit: £200 per person

Price Includes:  4 nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 4-star Hotel President Kievsky, two dinners and a full itinerary of visits accompanied by an expert local guide.

Travel: Travel to Kiev is not included.  We can book your flights for you and will search for the best price available at that time. All flights booked by us must be paid for at the time of booking.

Suggested British Airways scheduled flight timings.