Olyanna Travel - Tailor made holidays in Ukraine, city break in Kiev (Kyiv)

Kiev, the commercial and political hub of Ukraine, is full of gusto and exuberance. Olyanna Travel can arrange a memorable mini-break or city-break in and around Kiev.

Since Ukrainian independence in 1991 the city and its energetic people have turned a rather dowdy old Soviet city into the modern flourishing centre of the re-emergent Ukrainian nation. Given the tragic history of the 20th century you can forgive the glitz and ostentation of the newly wealthy.

Kiev's history spans over 1000 years - Vikings came down the river to trade here, Mongol Tatars invaded and pillaged, Polish Catholics held dominion over the Orthodox, the Soviets called it the Mother of their cities.

The city was ravaged in the 2nd World War then rebuilt in Stalin's first post war 5 year plan. Perhaps this was to compensate for what he had destroyed in his anti-religious purges. Many of churches you see now are stunningly beautiful reconstructions completed since independence.

Monument to Bogdan Khmelnytskyi with Hyatt Hotel in background

Bogdan Khmelnytskyi, a disaffected noble, led the Cossacks in a ruthless revolt against the Polish Lithuanian dominance on the Right Bank of the Dneiper. He is credited with establishing a Ukrainian Cossack state in 1648. A painting by Ivasiuk in the Kiev Art Gallery depicts his victorious entry to Kiev.

Andriyivsky a cobble stone lane leads us from ancient Kiev past the splendid St Andrew’s church - designed by Rastrelli - down a twisting hill to Podil the more modern city. A market runs down its entire length. Here you can buy great value traditional art and craft objects from carpets to Soviet bric-a-brac.

The glorious 11th century Cathedral of St. Sophia which Stalin left untouched because of international pressure. It is enclosed by a walled garden that offers a tranquil spot to sit and relax.

Statue of Prince Vladimir and bridge to Trukhaniv

Kiev is set on the banks of the broad and slow moving river Dnieper. This is Prince Vladimir who brought Christianity to the pagan Kievans. The pedestrian bridge leads to Trukhaniv island where you can walk for hours in the woods without seeing a soul.

The 11th century Pecherska Lavra Monastery offers a spectacular feast of lovingly restored Kievan Rus and Baroque architecture. Famous for its subterranean labyrinth of caves it is more rewarding above ground!

Independence Square is where the world saw the 2004 Orange Revolution take place. It's a natural gathering place to listen to techno music, or hear Ben Elton live - he played here in 2006. Here the Kievans celebrate New Year and national holidays.

Kreshchatik is a long broad boulevard shaded by chestnut trees and lined with fancy fashion shops. At weekends it is traffic free and full of Kievans enjoying themselves.

The nightlife in Kiev is legendary and classy. The better clubs have cabaret shows, topless dancers, food and music so tastefully done that it is not uncommon for blokes to sit with girl friends till the small hours.

Kiev (Kyiv)

Kiev City Break

Lvov & Kiev City Break