Ukraine Untouched

10 Days
from AUD$ 6,927

Highlights

  • Assist in maintaining one of three eco-trails in Mizhrichynsky National Park before dining in a locals home for lunch
  • Explore the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and the abandoned town of Pripyat
  • Immerse yourself in village life in the Carpathian Mountains
  • Visit shepherds in remote hills and forage for wild mushrooms and berries
  • Try your hand at the traditional Hutsul craft of Easter Egg painting
  • Discover the UNESCO listed city of Lviv, Chernivtsi and Kiev

A jumble of traditions in a magical Slavic hinterland, the Ukraine is one of Europe’s last frontiers. Join us as we embrace off-the-map experiences and tangle ourselves in colourful time old traditions.

From discovering the local and lesser known side of Ukraine’s quaint cities still tying to wriggle free of its former Soviet legacy, to getting active and exploring the Carpathian Mountains, Europe’s Green Pearl, you will encounter unexpected travel experiences with local village clans as you are welcomed warmly into their homes as they share with you their raw history in such a spectacular setting of life under post war communism.

Journey map

Fitness level

Easy
Moderate
Challenging
Tough

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Kiev

Welcome to the Ukraine! Upon arrival in Kiev, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening, you will have a tour briefing by your guide.

3 nights Vozdvyzhenskyi Hotel or similar

Day 2 - Mizhrichynsky National Park

Today you will visit Mizhrichynsky National Park – one of the largest regional landscape reserves in the country. Part of the Polissya region (one of the largest swamp areas of Europe) the park is full of wildlife and covered by lush forests and swamps.

The park relies heavily on the work of volunteers to help keep it pristine. You will be introduced to some of the team members who work within the park and join them in helping to maintain one of the three eco-trails. Tasks may include helping build bird houses, clearing tree roots and keeping pathways clear. You will then visit a local home for a delicious homemade lunch. Return to Kiev later in the afternoon. (B,L)

Day 3 - Chernobyl

This morning after breakfast, you will make your way to the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster, Chernobyl.

On 26th April 1986 reactor number 4 at the nuclear power plant exploded. The initial explosion and the massive radioactive fallout (thirty to forty times the amount released at Hiroshima) that spread over a massive geographical area lead to many deaths and harmed thousands more in the following years.

Over three decades later, the levels of radioactivity have dropped to safe levels and we can now explore the site to learn about Europe’s largest technological disaster and discover the impact it has had on the local population and wildlife. (B,L)

Day 4 - Kiev

Enjoy a day tour of Kiev. You will visit the UNESCO listed St Sophia’s Cathedral, St Michael’s golden-dome monastery and taking in the views of the Dnipro river as you learn about the recent history of Maidan revolution, your expert local guide will lead you to discover the lesser known sights of this fascinating city known only by the locals.

Take a late afternoon train to Lviv (approx 5 hrs). On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Lviv today is a hidden gem of European elegance. With origins as the capitol of the Kingdom of Galicia in 1272 and surviving Soviet and German occupation in WW2, this is a truly fascinating city with a unique combination of eastern and western culture, architecture and food. (B)

2 nights Lions Castle or similar

Day 5 - Lviv

This morning after breakfast, you will set out to explore the UNESCO listed old town. Walk its cobblestone streets dotted with beautiful cathedrals, enjoy street music and sit back and relax with a coffee in a quaint courtyard. (B)

Day 6 - Kosmach

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some free time this morning to discover Lviv on your own.

Late morning you will take scenic back country roads to the historic city of Ivano-Frankivsk, stopping for lunch at Urban 100 Cafe, a community owned cafe where profits are used for social projects such as city parks and cycle-ways as part of a ‘warm city’ initiative.

Continue on towards the Carpathian Mountains. Considered to be the Green Pearl of Ukraine, it is rural Ukraine at its best, with tiered wooden churches dotting the hills and horse-drawn carts clip-clop along potholed roads. Arrive at the village of Kosmach. Spend the afternoon walking around the village. (B,D)

2 nights in family run hotel, Villa Maria or similar

Day 7 - Meeting the shepherds

Today you will immerse yourself into the daily life of a typical Hutsul village. Hutsuls are an ethnic group of highlanders in the Carpathians, who largely maintain their traditions and customs. Venture into the highlands via 4WD – this is an exciting off-road journey not for the faint hearted! Visit the shepherds who spend their summers tending to their flock. Venture into the forest where you will forage for mushrooms, along with some of the freshest and sweetest tasting berries you will have ever eaten. Spend your afternoon participating in your host family’s daily routine – working in the field, feeding the animals or stacking the hay (depends on the season, and weather, time of the day and household needs). After you return to the hotel, the mushrooms you’ve picked will be served to you for dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Meeting Hutsul artisans

Today you will learn about traditional Hutsul crafts, and visit some of the artisans who earn their living continuing their family traditions. Join a Hutsul elder as she teaches you how to make your own Easter egg with intricate local designs. Travel to Yavoriv, where you will meet a local woman who makes beautiful woollen rugs. On your way stop by 16th century wooden  church in a town of Kolomyya and also view a unique exhibition at the Easter Egg Museum there. Transfer to Chernivtsi, one of the most incredible cities in Central Europe, a true multicultural gem with stunning architecture. (B,L,D)

Overnight Allure Inn Hotel or similar

Day 9 - Chernivtsi

Spend your day exploring the charming town of Chernivtsi, considered one of Ukraine’s most important educational and architectural sites. Discover beautiful parks and squares and enjoy its cultural heritage as you are surrounded by Habsburg empire architecture, there is no guessing why this city is known as ‘Little Vienna’.

Visit the UNESCO listed Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans, which is currently occupied as the Chernivtsi National University. The beautiful complex boasts exquisite architecture with intricate ornamentation and a lovely park. Visit and explore two stunning medieval castles in Khotyn and Kamyanets-Podilskyi.

This evening, take the overnight train back to Kiev. (B)

Overnight First Class Sleeper (2 berth)

Day 10 - Departure

Upon arrival back into Kiev, you will be met and have time at leisure to explore the city or relax in one of the many parks. You will then be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

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What’s included

  • Return airport transfers
  • 9 nights accommodation
  • 9 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • Services of an English speaking guide
  • Entrance fees
  • Sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • 1st class train tickets
  • Transportation in a private vehicle
Exclusions
  • International and Domestic flights
  • Drinks unless otherwise mentioned
  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips
  • Inoculations
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.

* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.

* A minimum of 2 adults is required to guarantee this departure.

A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.

Gallery

Availability

Start Date
End Date
Duration
Availability
Price
Start Date
10th May 2024
End Date
19th May 2024
Duration
10 Days
Availability
Enquiry Only
Price
$6,927 AUD
Start Date
01st Jul 2024
End Date
10th Jul 2024
Duration
10 Days
Availability
Enquiry Only
Price
$6,927 AUD