Kiev is the Hidden Jewel of Eastern Europe and is fast becoming the coolest Capital city in Europe. Geographically, Kiev (Kyiv – it’s pronounced kyee-if) sits almost at the centre of Europe, just over three hours flight time from Dublin. It feels like an entirely different world and is possibly the most beautiful city of all the post–soviet countries. It is a city of everything you least expect. The so called “Mother of all Slavic cities”, steeped in history and rich in culture. 

Kiev, the city, was here long before Ukraine or Russia existed. From here, Slavic tribes spread the whole way east to Alaska, creating new cities, republics and kingdoms on their way. Today, history is still unfolding. The new revolution is not a war; it is a cultural and economic one. Brand new glass- and mirror-fronted buildings vie for space with elaborate and spectacular edifices from centuries ago. Huge murals adorn many of the spacious facades and gables. Lovely parks offer respite from the summer heat and provide fun space during the winter snows.

Kiev is most definitely a “shoulder season” destination, as in June the temperatures are already soaring into the mid 30’s. May is likely to be a bit more pleasant around the mid 20’s. 

   

Our visit will include two walking tours, each lasting around two - three hours and taking in the sights of Kiev through the ages. We will also travel on the funicular to get to the River Dnieper below, where we can enjoy a short panorama cruise. On top of that, you will have a 24-hour hop-on hop-off ticket to further explore on your own.

Please note: This holiday only includes hand luggage. If you require extra luggage allowance, we can offer you one checked piece of up to 20kgs for £70 return. Please advise us of this at the time of booking. You can, of course, book one extra piece of luggage between two persons, if you wish!

The four-star «Ukraine» hotel is located in the heart of Kyiv - on the Independence Square, in a unique place where the cultural, political and entertainment life of the city intersects. Not far from the hotel there is the Secretariat of the President of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers, the National Philharmonic, the St. Sophia Cathedral, the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral, the Mariinsky Palace and the park, the most famous Kiev theatres, night clubs and large shopping centres.

The architecture of the hotel building is like the crown of the central square of Kyiv - Maidan Nezalezhnosti - a favourite meeting-place for Kyivans and visitors to the city, a place for parades and cultural events.

Your stay at the «Ukraine» hotel should be enjoyable, as it features 367 rooms refurbished in an elegant and spacious style to ensure your comfort; the rooms offer a spectacular panoramic view on the main street of the city – Khreshchatyk and the famous ancient memorial Old Kiev Hill (Starokievsky Holm). Saint Sophia Cathedral, an outstanding architectural pearl of the heritage of Ukrainians and St. Michael's Cathedral are also clearly visible.

The «Ukraine» hotel is the city`s most recognisable feature. Influential politicians, diplomats, famous actors, outstanding artists and athletes choose to stay here, as they have done for decades. All types of public transport are concentrated close to the hotel, in case you want to get to know the capital more closely or visit any of the multitude of restaurants.

We will be eating at a different restaurant each evening, most of which are within walking distance, or a very short taxi ride from the hotel. This will enable you to experience different aspects of the cuisine, from soviet style to western, from exotic soups and stews to modernist menus. The meals will either be two or three courses with table water and coffee included. All other drinks are extra.

Standard double or twin rooms. £655 per person

Suites for double use. £745 per person. 

(These suites are almost double the size of standard rooms)

Business Suites for double use. £795 per person. 

(These business suites are massive at 625 sq ft.)

Sunday 10 May 2020 - Ryanair - Flight FR 9229

Depart Dublin 07.20am. Arrive Kiev 1.10pm

Thursday 14 May 2020 - Ryanair - Flight FR 9230

Depart Kiev 9.25pm. Arrive Dublin 11.25pm

If you wish to take checked luggage as well the charge is £70 return for one piece up to 20kgs. You can add this up to 4 days before departure.

Book seats with extra leg-room. £25 per journey

If you feel you need more luggage, 

add a 20kg bag for £70 return. 

You can book one between two, if you wish.

Take a trip to ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych's countryside mansion and find out exactly what corruption will buy. A museum since Yanukovych's untimely departure in 2014, the extravagant interior is overflowing with famous works of art and opulent chandeliers. Easy pick up and drop off from your hotel gives you extra time to explore the elaborate gardens and take a look at Yanukovych’s ostrich farm, yacht pier, and impressive zoo. Explore the interior of this over-the-top mansion and see famous masterpieces Walk among the decedent gardens and see Yanukovych’s ostrich farm and zoo See the mansion’s recreation center, including an underground shooting range Learn all the gritty details of Yanukovych’s long history of corruption in Ukraine.

Located just 10km from our hotel is the Cossack Village of Mamajeva Sloboda, featuring beildings and farmsteads from a bygone era. Tour will be by minibus or taxi and includes entrance and a guided tour.

We didn’t offer this tour in 2019, as we were unsure how the locals would react to western tourists visiting the site of one of their deadliest accidents. Now we know that we are actually quite welcome and that the tour is well presented, we are quite happy to offer it again.

The world’s worst nuclear accident was unfortunately caused as a result of a safety test! A string of errors led to nuclear contamination spreading to places as distant as Sweden, Russia, Belarus and Scotland. Come and see the £1.5bn Safe Contamination shelter, designed to be leak-pproof for over 100 years. As you wave a Geiger-counter over yourself on departure, you will wonder at the nonchalance of the Soviet authorities, the tragedy that befell the local population and the sheer cost and size of the repairs.