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UKRAINE: Destination Guide

Kiev Pechersk Lavra (Kiev Monastery of the Caves)a historic Orthodox Christian monastery

Europe's second largest country, Ukraine is a land of wide, fertile agricultural plains, with large pockets of heavy industry in the east.

While Ukraine and Russia share common historical origins, the west of the country has close ties with its European neighbours, particularly Poland, and Ukrainian nationalist sentiment is strongest there.

A significant minority of the population of Ukraine are Russians or use Russian as their first language. Russian influence is particularly strong in the industrialised east, as well as in Crimea, an autonomous republic on the Black Sea which was part of Russia until 1954. The Russian Black Sea Fleet is based there.

Ukraine gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and has since veered between seeking closer integration with Western Europe and reconciliation with Russia, which supplies most of the country's energy.

In 1932-1933 Stalin's programme of enforced agricultural collectivisation brought famine and death to millions in Ukraine. In 1986, the country became famous for another terrible accident which still affects the lives of countless Ukranians - the 1986 accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station. About 8% of the Ukraine's territory was contaminated as were large areas in neighbouring Belarus.

Source and Background Research - BBC Website – Country overview of the Ukraine.

Must See & Do
Climate
Travel
Globe trekker Itinerary

Practical Info:
Sleep
Eat & Drink
Useful Websites
Useful Books

TV Shows:
Globe Trekker: Ukraine

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Battle of Alba re-enactment, Crimea, held in September


SHOPPING

In the Carpathians you can buy crafts from local artisans, either at markets or from their homes, these include wood work, woven sheep’s wool blankets and delicately painted ceramics, or painted (pysanky)eggs.

Another shopping centre is Andriyivsky Uzviz (Andrew’s Descent) in Kiev where more mass produced souvenirs can be bought; traditional blouses, Russian dolls and pork-fat fridge magnets.

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CLIMATE:

• When to go:
  December-March is Puerto Rico's peak season; beaches are crowded and prices higher. Summer can really broil, but prices fall and you can take in the Fiestas de Santiago. Autumn is the least expensive time to visit, but hurricanes pose a threat. The safest recommendation is the spring shoulder season (April and May). That said, the summer fiestas are worth catching.

• What to wear:
  Lightweight clothes are a must. Go for casual and comfortable. For a club or casino one fancier outfit is a good thing to pack. If you plan on going somewhere cooler, like El Yunque make sure to pack a pair of sneakers and a light jacket. As the weather can be unpredictable be prepared to use sunscreen, insect repellent, and an umbrella.

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TRAVEL:

• Getting there:
  During shoulder season, a return flight with American Airlines from London Heathrow to San Juan costs from £410 (Price correct 24/04/2012)
  

• Getting around:
  San Juan can easily be explored by trolley bus. They run daily from 8am to 10pm throughout the walled city, connecting all the major sights and best of all they’re free.
  

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GLOBE TREKKER ITINERARY:

• We start in the West of Ukraine in ‘cultural capital’ Lviv and explore the region’s history and culture through concept restaurants like Kryivka which honours Ukraine’s World War II Insurgent Army (UPA);

• From here we take a bus into the Carpathian mountains to stay in Ukraine’s most hospitable Bed and Breakfast; On the Corner and delve into traditional Hutsul culture.

• A drive into central Ukraine to see remnants of the Cold War at Pervomaisk’s Museum of the Strategic Rocket Troops.  We visit the control room, suspended in case of a direct hit and see the button which could fire a missile that could travel 11,000 miles in 25 minutes!

• We drive south towards Crimea and stay at the Black Sea port Kherson.  In Crimea we stay in a throw-back to the Soviet-era a fully functioning Sanatorium.  We visit Livadia Palace where the fate of post-war Europe was decided by Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt and witness the re-enactment of the first battle of the Crimean War, complete with firing canons.

• An overnight train takes us to the capital Kiev.  From here we take a daytrip to Chernobyl site of the unprecedented nuclear disaster on April 26, 1986, the effects were felt around the world and a 30km exclusion zone exists today to screen-off the most contaminated areas.

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PRACTICAL INFO:

• Population: 45.1 million (UN, 2011)

• Capital: Kiev

• Major languages: Ukrainian (official), Russian

• Major religion: Christianity

• Life expectancy: 64 years (men), 75 years (women) (UN)

• Monetary unit: 1 hryvnya = 100 kopiykas

• Main exports: Military equipment, metals, pipes, machinery, petroleum products, textiles, agricultural products

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SLEEP:

On the Corner, Bed and Breakfast, Kolomiya; (Budget)  www.onthecorner.info


Ukraine Hotel; Independence Square, Kiev (Top End) www.ukraine-hotel.kiev.ua 


Rossiya Sanatorium, Yalta (Mid-range) http://sanros.info/


George Hotel, Lviv (Budget to Mid-range) www.georgehotel.com.ua

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EAT & DRINK:

• As well as the heavier food associated with the region such as Potato pancakes, covered with mushrooms and sour cream or Varenyky (dumplings) which come in over 50 varieties. 

• There is also fresh, traditional salads available wherever you go and lots of 
  fresh herbs used in the cooking.

• Salted fish is a local delicacy as is pork fat which is also available in many variations. 

• Soup is another key staple and no self-respecting Ukrainian would start a meal without a bowl of Borshch or similar.  In each region you can taste a different  flavour of this king of soups, but there are two main kinds one based on beetroot and pork fat, another vegetarian ‘green’ variety based on sorrel. 

• All hot and tasty food should of course be washed down with Vodka, try the chilli or honey kind!

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