Kyiv & Chernobyl DEPA RTU R E
G RO U P S I Z E
P R IC E FROM
S IN GLE S U PP
2 Jun, 25 Aug & 29 Sep
Min 8 - Max 16
£960 per person*
No single supplement
Despite its time in the headlines, Ukraine remains one of Regent’s favourite destinations. This unique tour offers a fascinating insight into the country’s past and present. Compare the opulence of Kyiv’s goldendomed cathedrals with the stark remains of Chernobyl, touring inside the Exclusion Zone including one night in Chernobyl itself, staying in a small hotel built for scientific advisors. DAY 1 Fly to Kyiv | Arrive in Ukraine’s capital, check in to the hotel for two nights and spend the evening at leisure. DAY 2 Kyiv | Enjoy a full day city tour of Kyiv including Kreschatyk – the capital’s main street — the Golden Gates, St. Sophia’s Cathedral, St. Michael’s GoldenDomed Monastery and the Chernobyl Museum. After lunch explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra (Cave Monastery) with its cluster of golden domes overlooking the Dnipro River. Visit the Great Patriotic War Museum, established in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of liberation from the Nazi invaders, it is now the country’s leading research and educational centre of military history, home to over 300,000 exhibits. Spend the evening at leisure. (B,L) DAY 3 Kyiv to Chernobyl | Depart Kyiv and travel around 70 miles to Chernobyl, a place ever synonymous with the massive nuclear disaster that rocked the Soviet Union in 1986, for an unparalleled insight into one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters. Once through the control checkpoint at the outer boundary of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Exclusion Zone, an introductory presentation gives an informative history of the area. In the afternoon, head further into the zone to visit the exterior of Reactor No. 4, only recently declared safe and opened to curious visitors, and take an extended tour of the ghost city of Pripyat. Once home to 50,000 residents, Pripyat now lies abandoned and overgrown. The plant workers and their families were evacuated the day after the catastrophe. Visit sites such as the
school, sports centre, swimming pool and iconic ferris wheel – a haunting symbol of the tragedy. Return to Chernobyl for dinner and an overnight stay in the small hotel built for scientific advisors – a truly unique experience. (B,L,D) DAY 4 Chernobyl to Kyiv | Continue the indepth tour of Chernobyl today, visiting further sites in and around Pripyat, including the Cooling Reservoir. Meet the locals who have, despite government warnings, decided to resettle inside the zone. 80% of the self-settlers remaining are women, now mostly in their 70s and 80s, creating a unique community of babushkas who refuse to leave the motherland. Depart Chernobyl for Kyiv and check in to the hotel for two nights on arrival. (B,L) DAY 5 Kyiv | Make use of a free day in Kyiv to discover the capital’s mix of Soviet-inspired architecture and grand Kyivan Rus complexes at leisure. Perhaps opt to stroll down Andrew’s Descent, (Andriyivsky Uzviz) where souvenir stalls, art galleries and restaurants line the quirky cobblestone streets. Stop to admire the baroque beauty of St Andrew’s Church, built in 1754 by the Italian architect who designed St Petersburg’s Winter Palace. At the foot of the Uzviz, the histories of the Descent’s buildings are told in the Museum of One Street. We recommend making time to stop for a bowl of borscht topped with sour cream for an authentic taste of Ukraine. Speak to a Regent Holidays Travel Specialist about booking tickets for an evening performance at the State Operetta Theatre or National Philharmonic Hall. (B) DAY 6 Kyiv to UK | Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B) *Price includes flights, accommodation, meals as specified, transfers and sightseeing tours.
www.regent-holidays.co.uk | Talk to a Ukraine Specialist on 0117 280 0121 | 21