Kyiv – Lviv ( Western Ukraine )
Almost in 882 Kyiv was seized by Novgorod (Rus) Prince Oleg. He united the northern and southern Rus in one state for the first time and proclaimed Kyiv its capital – “mother of Russian cities . From the beginning the population of Kyiv varied as in the ethnic composition, as in religion. Since X century the baptism of Rus by Prince Volodymyr in 988 has gained importance of epochal public and political act. Kyiv became the capital of one of the largest Christian countries of Europe, the center of Russian Metropolia.
In 1471 the Kyiv principality was abolished and transformed into the province. Damaging attacks of Tatar hordes in 1416 and in 1482 became an obstacle to normal development of the city.
Harassment of the Polish nobility led to several Cossack uprisings at the end of the XVI century. In 1654 due to Pereiaslav Agreement Kyiv was annexed to Muscovy. The city was occupied by troops of the Moscow Tsar. A period of peace began.
Since the end of the 18th century the west of Ukraine fell under Austrian control, while the rest was a part of the Russian Empire.
Due to the Ukrainian War of Independence (1917 – 1921) the West Ukrainian People’s Republic was announced and in 1918 the independence of Ukraine was proclaimed.
In 1922 the West Ukrainian People’s Republic and the Ukrainian People’s Republic (in eastern part of Ukraine) were merged into Ukrainian Socialist Soviet Republic and became a part of the USSR.
In 1934 Kyiv becomes the capital of the Ukrainian SSR again.
Post- second world war reconstruction of Kyiv required tremendous efforts and victory of labor. At the end of 40ies the capital of Soviet Ukraine returned to the pre-war level of industrial production. In the 50s the rebuilding of Khreshchatyk ended, in 1960 opened the first line of the Kyiv Metro, mass housing construction started, and again Kyiv got features of beautiful and elegant city.
Following independence of Ukraine on August 24, 1991 Kyiv gained a new status – capital of a great European country. Revitalization became the sign of improving economic conditions: the late 90th Kyiv was experiencing a construction boom, many expensive cars and shops of prestigious brands appeared in the streets.
Kyiv (Kiev) is considered to be one of the oldest cities in Europe, what is proved by the great quantity of invaluable historical monuments (more than 2000), dating back to 10th – 11th centuries and preserved for the descendants. Together with a professional guide/interpreter you will be able to visit the following sites:
Iconic sights of Kyiv
St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral
You will start your excursion from Old Kiev Hill (Volodymyr’s Hill), the place, where the first settlements were established (482 A. D.). You will see the duplicate of the basement of Desyatynna Church (the 10th century), the oldest Christian Church, founded by Prince Volodymyr. From the epoch of Prince Volodymyr you will immerse into the atmosphere of the 11th century, the time of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Volodymyr’s son.
St. Sophia’s Cathedral
A splendid specimen of the architecture of the 11th century, which has survived during the tatar-mongol invasion and all following wars, is considered to be St. Sophia’s Cathedral. One can really be impressed by the interior of the Cathedral, decorated with mosaics and frescos of the 11th century.
Golden Gates
You will be able to contemplate the famous Golden Gates not far from St. Sophia’s Cathedral. They were demolished in 1240 and later rebuilt. This beautiful and mighty construction inspired a famous composer Musorgsky for writing a musical composition “Pictures from the exhibition”.
Kievo-Pecherska Lavra
Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra is one of the most interesting architectural and historical monuments (1051), it was the centre of Christianity in the time of Kiev Rus and the complex possesses a number of active churches and unique caves with the remains of Saints.
Lviv
Lviv is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. For more than 17 centuries the city has been a part of Poland, Austria-Hungary empires and the USSR, it has become a scene for two World Wars but nothing has been able to destroy the city’s special spirit, its unique blend of Western and Eastern European culture. Some of the best architects and designers have contributed to Lviv’s development. Although it may be hard to believe, most ancient buildings have retained their original appearance.
Lviv is like a pearl that slowly opens its treasure to the world. And the world welcomes the city gladly. Every year thousands of Ukrainian and foreign tourists come to enjoy the city’s wonders that are listed as UNESCO “World Heritage”.
Visiting Lviv may be compared with traveling to a fairy tale. Narrow cobbled streets with small cozy stone buildings, gorgeous castles and cathedrals, the unforgettable dialect of the local western Ukrainian people, these all may make you feel like time has stopped in the city. You probably wouldn’t be surprised a lot if you happen to meet a knight wearing shining armor and riding a horse somewhere around a corner.
Sample Programme Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival – Guided tour Kyiv 1st Part
- Day 2: Guided tour Kyiv 2nd Part
- Day 3: Train to Lviv- old center walk tour
- Day 4: Guided tour Lviv
- Day 5: Train to Kiev – Free Shopping time
- Day 6: Departure
Total Programme cost starting from 515 euro/ student (excluding flight to Kyiv)
Above price is for a group of 15 students and 1 adult escort (FREE).
The above sample itinerary includes:
- Full board accommodation, 2-3 persons per room;
- Airport transfers both ways;
- 24/7 support of local coordinator from schools-trips.com
It is a requirement that all students and accompanying adults obtain an international travel insurance before departing from home country.