Route: Kyiv - Pyrohiv - Uman - Kyivan Rus Park - Kyiv Sea - Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Bodbe - Sighnaghi - Tsinandali - Kvareli
DAY 1 KYIV
- Arrival to Boryspil airport
- Meeting by the representative of our company
- Transfer to Kyiv
This ancient city is the capital of Ukraine and one of the biggest cities in Europe, which is located in the north-central region of the country and is also the largest city in Ukraine with a population of 2.6 million. For centuries it is famous for its beauty and cultural heritage.
It has been standing on steep hills overlooking the Dnipro River for more than 1,500 years. According to the ancient legend, Kyiv was founded by the three brothers Kyi, Schek and Khoryv and their sister Lybid, and it was named after the eldest brother Kyi.
In 2005, Kyiv was the site of the 50th Eurovision Music Festival. In 2012 Kyiv was one of four Ukrainian host city of UEFA European Football Championship 2012.
- Check-in at a hotel
- Welcome dinner at Ukrainian restaurant “Tsarske Selo” (with folklore show)
- Night at hotel
DAY 2 KYIV
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Full day Kyiv city tour
This excursion will make you get acquainted with the most interesting and marvelous sights of Kyiv.
The Golden Gate. It was erected by Yaroslav the Wise to be the gala entrance to the city. Nearby there is the monument dedicating to Yaroslav the Wise with model of Sophia Kyivska on his hand.
Sophyivska square is the main square at the time of Yaroslav the Wise's ruling. The erection of Sophia Kyivska was the action to show the power of Kyivan Rus. The graves of Yaroslav the Wise and his wife Irina are located here. Sofiya Kyivska used to be a library. In 1990 St. Sophia Cathedral was included into UNESCO's list of international heritage.
Myhailovsky Cathedral was founded by Prince Svyatopolk (Myhayl). There had been the remains of holy Varvara, which were transferred to Vladymyrsky cloister after the destruction. During 1997-2000 Myhailovsky cathedral was rebuilt.
Khreschatyk Street is the main street of Kyiv. Independent square is situated nearby and is the place for repose and entertainment. Every weekend it converts into the pedestrian area. There is the underground trade mall "Globus" with lots of cozy cafes.
The monument to Volodymyr who had baptized Kyiv Rus is situated on Volodymyrskyi hill. Rushing through the old park you stumble across the funicular-tram (3 carriages) which can lift you down and up to Volodymyrskyi hill.
Going down you meet the charms of Podil, the historical district, where merchants and craftsmen used to live during the time of Kyivan Rus. Loads of exquisite churches, Florovsky convent, the river moorage, market and variety of fascinating buildings can be observed wandering along narrow streets of this district.
- Lunch at ukrainian restaurant “Shynok” with master-class in cooking “Varenyky”
- Excursion to Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is the most famous sight-seeing object in Kyiv, which has been included in UNESCO World Heritage Register. Monastery Complex has been wonderful ornamentation and fame of Pechersk for ages. It is the object of worship of all Orthodox world. Monastery Monks Antony and Feodosiy founded it in 1051.
The primary goal of the monastery was to spread the newly adopted Christian religion. A cave is "pechera" in Ukrainian, hence the name of monastery. Monks worshipped and lived in the caves, which still can be visited. The monks were also buried in these caves. The mixture of the cool temperatures and humid atmosphere of the caves allowed the bodies of the dead to mummify. This twenty-eight hector functioning monastery contains numerous churches, towers, a printing works, miles of maze like underground tunnels containing numerous churches and some of Kyiv's riches museums.
Nowadays the territory of sanctuary includes:
- Great Lavra belfry. Coming up to the top the marvelous view of all Kyiv spread beneath. The height is 96,5 meters (paid entrance).
- Loads of temples: Uspenskyi cathedral, Troyskaya church, Trapeznaya church, Krestovozdvygshenskaya church, Annozachatyevskaya church, the church of Virgin's Christmas, Voskresenskaya church.
- The restoration workshops.
- Museums: of Historical Treasures of Ukraine, of micro miniature, of book printing.
- The Near and Far caves with holy remains and underground churches are particular sights for pilgrims.
- Excursion to Museum of micro miniature
- Museum of Historical Treasures of Ukraine
- Dinner at the restaurant
- Night at the hotel
DAY 3 KYIV
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Tour to Museum of Folk Architecture and Folkways of Ukraine (Pyrohiv) - duration 4 hours
- Master class in hand-made Ukrainian Dolls “Motanka”
This museum was founded in 1969 as the reserve of the national culture. Spread out over scenic rolling hills dotted with groves of trees are a large number of quitnt 17th to 20th century wooden cottages, churches, farmsteads and windmills, many of them with manufactured flower and vegetable gardens and interiors furnished with fascinated old textiles, traditional furniture and tools. There are more then 300 buildings: churches, mills, huts, the objects of life, country clothes (about 80 thousands items).
The exposition includes the department in accordance with historical and ethnographical regions of Ukraine. The museum is divided into seven small villages representing the regional areas of "The Middle Naddnipryaschina", "The south", "Poltavschina and Slobozhanschyna", "Polesie", "Podolie", " the Carpathians", "The South of Ukraine".
During holidays different ethnographical collectives perform and the folk parties take place on a territory of the museum.
- Lunch at local ukrainian restaurant “Yarivtsi”
- Drive back to Kyiv
- Excursion to National Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945
The museum was found in 1973. The complex combines the Museum building and the Motherland statue (62 meters high), gallery of sculpture expositions, commemorating the heroes of the battlefields and rear front, the Glory Cup (16 m diameter), and the exhibition of the arms from the World War II time. The main display is located in the area of 5.000 m and counts more than 12.000 relics.
Numerous exhibits of documents of military commanders, participants of the war, collection of orders, medals and letters, documentary evidences of the war witnesses, unique things of the occupation and the liberation attract visitors' attention.
- Dinner at the restaurant
- Night at the hotel
DAY 4 KYIV - UMAN
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Day Tour to Uman
Day tour to the cozy town of Uman (200 km from Kyiv) where dendrological park “Sofyivka” is situated.
This is without exaggeration one of the most beautiful parks of Europe, created by the leading architects of the West Europe for the rich Polish magnate Pototskiy and his wife Sofia. But later, it was reconstructed by new owners - Russian royal family. The park is well-known both in Ukraine and outside the country.
This is one of an outstanding creation of world landscape gardening art. There are only some similar to “Sofiyvka” in the world and this picturesque place is called as fairy land everything is so unusually, romantically and beautifully there! Here you can discover the English Park, where is gathered together the rich collection of plants from over the world, cascades of lakes and waterfalls. You will be impressed with unique scenery, countless fountains, artificial grottoes, and refined, full of grace sculptures of antique gods and goddess.
- Lunch at the local restaurant “Sofyivka”
- Free time for photos
- Drive back to Kyiv
- Visiting popular market “Bessarabskiy Rynok”
- Dinner at the restaurant
- Night at the hotel
Day 5 KYIV - KYIVAN RUS PARK
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Excursion to “The Kyivan Rus Park” – the historical and cultural center of Kyivan Rus (5 hours)
- Master-class “Horse-riding”
You are welcome to visit the unique place where V-XIII centuries Kyiv’s Detinets-Kremlin architectural image is being reconstructed and reconstituted to full scale. The revival of Ancient Kyiv – “the mother of Russian cities”, the capital of Kyivan Rus, the historic core of the Slavic civilization, one of the most important parts of the cultural heritage of mankind. In the park you can dive into the atmosphere of the ancient times - get to know culture, architecture and way of living of Kyivan Rus.
On the territory of the Detinets-Kremlin and ancient Kyiv’s Predgradie you can see:
- Defensive constructions of Vladimir’s town and Kiy’s town (dirt walls and moats)
- A defensive wall – “Stolpie”
- Entrance gate with two three-level towers
- Stadium (medieval tournaments and games carrying out place)
- Prince’s chamber (a tribune for VIP guests)
- Watch towers
- Vikings’ and nomads’ camps
- ХІ-ХІІ centuries Kyiv resident’s homestead etc.
- Lunch at the local ethno-restaurant
- Free time for photos
- Drive back to Kyiv
- Free time
- Dinner at the restaurant
- Night at the hotel
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Check-out
- Boat trip “Dnipro River – Kyiv Sea” on private boat (3 hours)
- Arrival back to Kyiv
- Excursion “Around old street of Podil” (2 hours)
The excursion is intended to acquaint people with one of the most beautiful and oldest districts of Kyiv, with Podil, its history and charms.
The monuments of the XVII-XIX centuries have been saved and restored in Podil:
- Kyiv-Mohyla Academy
- the fountain "Samson"
- Guest's yard
- Petro's house
- There are also variety of temples
- the church of The Virgin Pyrogoscha
- Florovskyi convent
- Ylynskaya church
- Free time for buying souvenirs
- Late lunch at the restaurant “Stare Zaporizhya”
- Transfer to the airport
- 19:35 – flight to Tbilisi with UIA
- 20:45 – arrival to Tbilisi airport
- Transfer to the hotel, check-in
- Dinner at the restaurant “Mravaljamieri”
- Night at the hotel
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Tbilisi city tour
After breakfast a moderate combination of sightseeing and walking tour of Tbilisi (12:00), a charming town built in the 5th century along the twisting valley of the Mtkvari River. All the places of interest are very close to each other, within a few minutes’ walk. Start the tour in Old Town at the 13th century Metekhi church. The viewing platform in front of the church offers, probably, the most scenic views of the Old Tbilisi. - Lunch in “Maspindzelo”
Walk along the Shardeni street. Its restoration was begun several years ago and the street was supposed to be the town of masters like Montmartre (Paris), but now it is rather the Champs Elysees with numerous restaurants and cafes, boutiques and a few salons. - Tour of Sioni
Walk over the Bridge of Peace – it is a foot-bridge over the river Mtkvari. The bridge is beautiful during both the day and night hours, because it has a very special interactive display system. The Bridge of Peace of Tbilisi is in the list of the great bridges in the world. Continue to visit Sameba Cathedral. This majestic building is located on the top of St. Ilia hill, at the very heart of the city. Tsminda Sameba (Holy Trinity Cathedral) is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church and the largest temple in the Transcaucasia. - Dinner in the restaurant "Mravaljamieri"
Which is a great opportunity to have a good time, get acquainted with the traditional Georgian feast, watch the professional performance of colorful Georgian folk dances, listen to the Georgian traditional polyphonic singing and feel the hospitality of Georgian people. - Back to hotel
- Night at the hotel
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Excursion to Mtskheta
We will drive to visit the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia – Mtskheta (3000 years old) and see its historical places: Jvari church (6th cen.) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) where the Robe of Christ is buried.
Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites. - Lunch in Mtskheta
- Drive back to Tbilisi
- Dinner in the restaurant followed with show program “Samikintno”
- Night at the hotel
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Drive to Kakheti’s wine growing region and explore the rural life of Georgia. Enjoy the view of plains
covered with gardens, wine yards and vast fields. - Visit a Bodbe monastery (4th century), that holds the tomb of St. Nino, the Cappadocian maiden who
converted Georgian people to Christianity as early as 337 AD. - Proceed to Sighnaghi
It’s a rare example of historic city which kept its style during the centuries with open traditional balconies, unique fortress with churches and towers built in it and narrow beautiful streets to walk along. Sighnaghi, also known as “a city of love”, overlooks the Alazani valley and opens to visitors the magnificent views of the Great Caucasus Range. A house –museum of well-known Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani is located in this city. - Afterwards drive to Tsinandali
This village noted for the estate and its historic winery which once belonged to the 19th-century aristocratic poet Alexander Chavchavadze. An excursion in the family museum and a walk in the park beautifully laid out in an English style with fine views will leave unforgettable memories to the visitors.
Continue to visit tourist complex “Tunnel” in Kvareli, taste the best sorts of Georgian wines and learn about traditional and modern ways of wine making. - Lunch at “Saperavi” restaurant
- Drive back to Tbilisi
- Dinner
- Night at the hotel
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Visit the Culinary Academy
We will take part in the cooking lessons and learn how to cook delicious dishes of Georgian cuisine. Culinary Academy is considered to be the best culinary school in Georgia. The Academy has developed a certification program for culinary schools, chefs and cuisine teachers from all over the world. Even celebrity chefs, cookery books authors, TV cooking shows broadcasters and restaurant owners come here to achieve certification. - During culinary master classes we’re going to cook the following dishes:
- Chakapuli - is a Georgian stew. It is made from lamb, herbs, tarragon leaves, garlic and onion.
- Khinkali - is a national Georgian dish and as pelmeni is made from dough (flour, salt, water) and meat. Khinkali
is filled with various fillings, mostly with spiced meat (usually beef and pork in and sometimes lamb), herbs and
onions. - Khachapuri - is a traditional Georgian dish of cheese-filled bread.
- Eggplant with walnuts - is a traditional Georgian dish. Eggplant can be cooked with dried condiments or fresh
herbs. - Visiting market (bazaar)
Bazaars in Tbilisi are absolutely amazing. Here you can find a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, condiments and spices… - Free time
- Dinner
- Night at the hotel
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Check-out
- Visit the bazaar of national Georgian jewelry “Pokany”
- Transfer to Tbilisi international airport
- Departure
The Park’s constructions are reconstituted with the maximum historical authenticity on basis of archaeological research and scientific data. Leading historians and archaeologists of Ukraine, CIS and Europe work for the project realization.
Day 6 KYIV – TBILISI
The tourists would wander along the streets where the heroes of Gogol and Stariskyi used to live, where Vovchok used to create and the Decembrists used to gather.
Day 7 TBILISI
Next you will have an opportunity to visit the ancient fortress Narikala.
Proceed to visit an important historic part of the city – Abanot-ubani, the place, where according to a legend the King Vakhtang Gorgasali’s pheasant fell, leading to a discovery of the hot springs and, subsequently, to founding of a new capital.
Day 8 TBILISI – MTSKHETA – UPLISTSIKHE – GORI - TBILISI
After lunch we drive further the Cave Town of Uplistsikhe - one of the main points along the Silk Road. It’s contains various structures dating the Early Iron Age.
On the way visit Gori – the heart of Kartli region. Gori is the birthplace of the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. In the center of the city there is a house where Stalin was born, his personal railway carriage and the Museum of Stalin.
Day 9 TBILISI – BODBE – SIGHNAGHI – TSINANDALI – KVARELI - TBILISI
Day 10 TBILISI (Culinary master classes)
You will come across long rows of different cheeses - gouda and sulguni, corn flour for gomi (a mush made from corn flour), churchkhelas of different colours and tastes…
Day 11 TBILISI
Guest can enjoy shopping and get acquainted with Georgian cloisonné enamel, which is enthralling with its authenticity, depth of palette and diversity. It features splendid lined contours, simple and emotional feeling of the shape, rhythm of septa, that underlines the slim figure capacity, wine-coloured sincere faces with peculiar expressions, simplicity and different range of ivory and glass-green colors.