Cultural Landscapes of Western Ukraine

Arrive Lviv, transfer to the hotel and check in for 2 nights. This is the largest city in Western Ukraine and has far less visible Soviet influence than many of Ukraine's large cities. In fact, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts pretty Central European-style architecture with cobbled streets and tram lines.

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Awake in Lviv, the largest city in Western Ukraine and embark on a morning sightseeing tour that takes you though the city's historical Rynok Square. The afternoon is free for you to explore. Perhaps take a walk to Vysoky Zamok (High Castle Hill), which boasts breathtaking views of Lviv unfurling beneath. In the evening, relax at your hotel or perhaps opt to enjoy a ballet at the Opera House. Speak to a Regent Ukraine Specialist about booking tickets in advance. (B)

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Today set off for Yaremche with your local guide/driver to enjoy a walking tour of one of the most popular ski resorts of Ukraine. Take a short walk to the Probiy waterfall, one of the most powerful and picturesque waterfalls in the Ukrainian Carpathians and spend time shopping for traditional Hutsul crafts in the souvenir market. Continue to the village of Bukovel for the afternoon and take a lift to the top of a hill for the best view of the surrounding mountain ranges. In the evening, return to Yaremche. (B)

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Morning drive to Chernivtsi via Kolomyia. In Kolomyia visit Pysanka Museum - a fanciful egg-shaped building, that includes the world’s largest collection of hand-painted Easter eggs. The city of Chernivtsi is located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, on the banks of the Prut River. The town is an old outpost of the Habsburg Empire and once had a large Armenian, Jewish and German population. Sightseeing here must include its impressive Byzantine-style red-bricked university and the twisted cupolas of St Nicholas. (B)

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After breakfast, head towards Hotyn and for a sightseeing tour which includes the city's picturesque medieval castle, looking out over the Dnister river. Continue to the town of Kamyanets-Podilsky, one of the oldest cities in Ukraine, which is situated on the territory of the national park Podillia. Here explore its dramatic old castle, the Armenian quarter and the Cathedral of Peter and Paul. In the afternoon, continue to Ternopil. (B)

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The impressive Pochaiv Monastery (Orthodox) tops today's itinerary. This gleaming white, gold dome-topped monastery has been the foremost spiritual centre for Orthodox denominations in Western Ukraine for centuries. Continue to Olesko Castle, a monument from the 14th -17th century, and see its rich collection of paintings and sculpture. In the afternoon return to Lviv for the last two nights. (B)

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Spend the day at leisure. Perhaps take advantage of Lviv's European influences and wander the cobblestone streets in search of a coffee house, or set off to explore the pretty architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)

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