Redesigned Itinerary 2020 Great Ukraine

Tour TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites

throughout Ukraine in Lviv, Kyiv and

Chernivtsi

Enjoy a tour and wine tasting at

Ukraine’s best Winery in Shabo, near

Odesa

Enjoy the Mystic Carpathian Mountains

– attend a Cobblestone Freeway

exclusive – traditional Hutsul Wedding

Visit the village of Tulova – another

Cobblestone Freeway exclusive

Step inside the ornate and world-

renowned Lviv Opera House

Attend private concerts and cultural

events exclusively for Cobblestone

Freeway travelers

Great Ukraine is a Cobblestone Freeway favorite! We will make sure you get the very

best of sightseeing, accommodations and restaurants!

Treat yourself to our most extensive tour that offers our travelers the opportunity

to visit the most popular regions in Ukraine.

See the best of Ukraine at a comfortable pace; enjoy character-rich accommodations

in great locations, a mix of private and public transportation and the best service!

See all the highlights of Ukraine - from east to west, ranging from the golden domes of

Kyiv, the maritime charm of Odesa, to the quaint mountain villages of the Carpathian

Mountains, the multicultural Chernivtsi and the ‘Paris of Ukraine’ – the beautiful Lviv.

Not only will you be exposed to the fantastic history that Ukraine has to offer, but

you’ll get up-close and personal with the people and culture of this wonderful land.

This will be an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime!

The Journey Kyiv

Day 1

Arrive in Kyiv – the capital of Ukraine!

After a transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city, take a walk around this town, and have a

meal in one of the many local restaurants.

Day 2

Explore the old city district, see the new city centre, and wander down Andriivsky Uzviz, where

Ukraine’s artists live and work, see the Golden Gates, the many beautiful Cathedrals, take a walk

down Khreshchatyk Str. and Independence Square. In the afternoon we have a special treat – a

traditional Ukrainian zabava, where everyone will have a chance to learn some traditional central

Ukrainian songs and dances from our special guests! Intrigued? Good!

Day 3

Today you’ll have a chance to visit a real spiritual Mecca – the Kyiv Lavra Cave Monastery. After

a tour of the place, we will visit the Holodomor museum devoted to one of the most terrible

crimes against Ukrainian nation – famine.

In the evening we will hop on an overnight train a travel to beautiful Odesa!

HOTEL:

‘Khreshchatyk’ Hotel

http://www.hotel-khreschatyk.kiev.ua/en

2 Nights

1 Overnight sleeper train ride Kyiv - Odesa

The Journey Odesa

Day 4

Welcome to the beautiful city of Odesa. Once we get checked in to our hotel, situated in the very

heart of the city, you will have a chance to enjoy a leisurely walk through the city, learning its

history and visiting the main tourist sites, including the Potiomkin steps, Derybasivska Street, and

the local quay. In the afternoon we suggest a visit to the Opera and Ballet Theatre, considered one

of the most beautiful ones in Europe!

Day 5

Free day for individual exploration, shopping or just relax at the beach.

OPTIONAL: SUGGESTIONS WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN ODESA ON YOUR FREE DAY:

#1 Discover mysterious Odesa Catacombs on a tour

The catacombs are a large, winding labyrinth filled with hidden caves, located right under Odesa. Its length

is about 2500 km and it’s the largest underground labyrinth in the world!

#2 Hit the beach (seasonal)

Take an advantage of a lazy day, doing nothing, just relaxing and sunbathing at the Black Sea. Make sure

you don’t forget your swimsuits!

#3 Enjoy different kinds of shopping

If you want to do authentic shopping – you should definitely pay a visit Pryvoz market, a visit card of Odesa.

Alternatively, visit the Passage - a covered street of chic shops with impressive facades!

Day 6

There probably isn’t anyone who wouldn’t enjoy what we have planned for today!

We will take you to a small town called Shabo! You will get a private tour of the premises,

participate in a wine tasting with tips from a professional sommelier and then visit a gift shop to

buy the products you enjoyed the most!

Day 7

In the morning, while we still have some time in the city, we will take you on excursion where you

will learn and literally experience how multinational Odesa is! Afterwards, we will transfer you to

the airport where you will take the plane to Chernivtsi. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and

enjoy a free evening.

HOTEL:

‘Bristol’ Hotel

http://bristol-hotel.com.ua/en 3 Nights

The Journey Chernivtsi

Day 8

On this day enjoy a guided leisurely walk around this beautiful city and learn its long history.

Also enjoy a visit to the stunning Chernivtsi National University, which is jokingly called ‘Ukrainian

Hogwarts’ and absolutely seriously is in the list of UNESCO world heritage. You will wander around

university buildings and evaluate their uniqueness and monumentality.

Take the rest of the day to do some shopping, sit in a quaint coffee shop or simply relax at the hotel!

Day 9

We’re taking you on a time travel today! Not literally, of course, but you’ll get to see how the local

princes and rulers lived – visit the fortress of Khotyn or Kamianets-Podislky. In the afternoon we

have a special treat – a private performance of a local vocal folk ensemble called ‘Holos’! You

don’t want to miss this! And to complete this perfect day – a bukovynian style Zabava, when back

to the city!

If you have relatives in this part of Ukraine, you can take a day off from touring and visit family or

visit the village of your ancestors. We can help you with all the arrangements. Ask us about this

optional add on.

Day 10

Join us for a tour of the local ethnographic open air museum to see examples of the region’s folk

architecture. Later on, visit Bukovynian Diaspora Museum, which is very touching for people from

Ukrainian diaspora from all over the world. It shows the life of their grand great parents, how their

left Ukraine, where they lived and what they did.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy! Your guide will point to the places worth visiting.

HOTEL:

‘Allure Inn’ Hotel

http://allureinn.com/en/

3 Nights

The Journey Carpathian Mountains

Day 11

After a few hours of free time in the morning, we are off to the land of Hutsuls and our trip begins

in style – with an authentic village experience! We’ll travel to the village of Tulova, feel like part of

a big family; walk around the village of Tulova, enjoy a joyful celebration with traditions, music and

more! Experience the famous ‘Ukrainian hospitality’ at its best!

Later on, we will get back on the road and travel to the Carpathian Mountains.

Day 12

Today we will take our time and enjoy the beauty around us. You’ll visit the local crafts bazaar

where craftsmen from around the area bring in their works to sell.

Later on we will visit a master class at woodcarver’s family, we’ll see their works, try to carve a

traditional Hutsul Style cross for your necklace and have an opportunity to buy some souvenirs.

Have the home-made lunch together with the host family!

Day 13

Set your mood on getting inspired by the beauty of the Carpathians – we’re going to take you to the

picturesque Verkhovyna where you’ll visit a House-museum famous from the film ‘Shadows of

Forgotten Ancestors’ by cinema guru Sergiy Paradzhanov. Feel the true Hutsul atmosphere and

observe how the household of our ancestors looked like.

Next stop that will definitely impress you is a Museum of Hutsul Magic, here you’ll get to know

about the mountain magicians called molphars. It is said that they could cleanse the dark clouds,

stop raining, and even heal the cancer with tincture from vipers.

You’ll have the afternoon off to relax at the hotel.

Day 14

In the morning, we’ll travel to the village of Yavoriv, where we will see how traditional local wool

blankets, “lizhnyky”, are made.

Afterwards, another Cobblestone exclusive awaits! You are cordially invited to a Hutsul family

house! You will learn traditional songs and customs, sample some local delicacies and experience

real Carpathian hospitality!

HOTEL:

'Sokilske' Hotel http://www.karpaty.info/en/uk/if/ks/tyudiv/hotels/sokilske/ 4 Nights

The Journey Lviv

Day 15

On our way to Lviv we’ll stop in a quaint little town called Kolomyia to see the world’s only Pysanka

Museum as well as the Hutsul Ethnography Museum – the collection of costumes, tools and art will

help you to imagine how our ancestors lived.

After Lunch we drive to Lviv, we’ll get you checked in, and take you out for a walk around this

beautiful medieval city. To finish the day – enjoy dinner in one of the many local restaurants on your

own. Your guide will recommend a variety of choices of nice restaurants with delicious food.

Day 16

To claim that Lviv is a tourist capital of Ukraine is not an overstatement. Mysterious and

architecturally lovely, this UNESCO–listed city will definitely make you fall in love with its beauty!

Enjoy a walking city tour taking you to worthy sights and discover rich history of this magnificent

place!

Then, after tasting some fragrant coffee in one of many coffee shops, visit Lviv Opera House and

admire its stunning interiors. You may also take advantage of shopping in the city: numerous

souvenir stores, art galleries and an open-air craft markets offer a variety of artwork, embroidery,

woodcarving and more!

Day 17

In the morning, we’ll take you on a tour around the famous Lychakiv cemetery, a place where

famous Ukrainian writers, politicians and public figures are buried.

Also take advantage of the many suggestions we have for you today! Trust us, you won’t struggle

looking for things to do – from the numerous themed restaurants and coffee shops to countless

sightseeing and shopping opportunities, you will keep yourselves busy! Spend the rest of this day

on your own discretion.

In the evening, enjoy one last zabava! And its going to be a good one!

Day 18

After a free morning to stock up on souvenirs we will transfer you to the airport where, sadly, we

will have to say our goodbyes! Thank you for travelling with Cobblestone Freeway!

HOTEL:

‘Vintage Boutique’ Hotel

http://vintagehotel.com.ua/en/

3 Nights

NOTE: Unforeseen events and new discoveries may result in changes to this itinerary, but only for the better! We take care of all the details so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your very special travel journey!

Suggestions to extend your trip (Number of Days is dependent on flight arrival time in Ukraine)

Three Days Prior to Tour Start Date | Depart for Ukraine

Two Days Prior to Tour Start | Arrive in Kyiv

Upon arrival in Kyiv, enjoy the Dnipro River Cruise by a comfortable

boat and discover the major waterfront sights of Kyiv in a relaxing

atmosphere. Contemplate breathtaking views on both sides of the

river while your friendly local guide tells you interesting facts about

the capital of Ukraine!

One Day Prior to Tour Start | Day trip to Chornobyl

Take a moving journey to Chorbyl Exclusion Zone, where it seems

like the time has frozen here after the world’s worst nuclear accident.

You will see the most attractive tourist places such as the town of

Prypiat, the hospital receiving the firefighters and NPP workers, the

secret soviet object Chernobyl-2 (radar "DUGA-1"), the Sarcophagus

and the New Safe Confinement ("Arch").

Tour Day 1 | Day to Mezhyhiria

After a leisure breakfast, head out to Visit the Museum of Corruption

– the Mezhyhirya Residence of the ex-president of Ukraine, Viktor

Yanukovych. Return to Kyiv and meet the members of your tour

group at the hosted Welcome Dinner!

EXAMPLE: 3 Day Kyiv Pre-tour Extension EXAMPLE: 3 Day Lviv Post-tour Extension Day 18 | Lviv Castles Tour: Olesko + Pidhirtsi

Enjoy a day trip to visit some of the stunning castles in Lviv’s

surrounding areas. We will visit the Olesko and Pidhirtsi castles.

These castles are great examples of the fortification architecture and

you will uncover many secrets of the past, exploring their territory.

Upon returning to Lviv, take some free time to shop, walk around the

city or simply have rest after the long day.

Day 19 | Lviv: Brewery tour and explore Lviv

Take a Brewery tour - you will be impressed with the wide range and

variety of beer in Lviv, and the enigmatic atmosphere of the city and

tunes of Lviv music has transformed the process of beer drinking into

a ritual that hasn’t changed for centuries!

Panoramic places - To look at Lviv stunning panoramic view you can

climb the High Castle mountain, which presents a bird’s eye view of the

city. Another spot to see beautiful city from above are the City Hall

Tower and St. Elizabeth Cathedral Tower.

Arsenal museum - Visit weapon museum located in former City

Arsenal - an outstanding architectural monument of the 16th century.

The exhibition represents the examples of ancient weapons from more

than 30 countries.

Day 20 | Lviv: Museum time, art and traditions

Shevchenkivsky Hai – an open-air Museum, which not only recreates

traditional atmosphere and household of villages from different regions

around Western Ukraine!

Art museums - admire antique sacral artworks in The Andrey

Sheptytsky National Museum or enjoy unique and remarkable

collection of traditional objects of national culture and folk arts and

crafts of Ukrainian people in Ethnographical Museum.

Day 21 | Lviv departure

After a free morning to stock up on souvenirs we will transfer you to

the airport where, sadly, we will have to say our goodbyes!

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

Escorted tour from beginning to the end with full time

Tour Leader

All Events included in the Itinerary

2 big meals a day

Airport Transfers

All land transportation in air-conditioned quality bus

with professional driver

15 nights in comfortable character rich 4 & 5 star

hotels and quality villas and 1 overnight train ride

Flight from Odesa-Chernivtsi

Flight prices subject to change until ticketed

Special events exclusively for Cobblestone travellers

Cobblestone Freeway t-shirt

NOT INCLUDED:

Extra days before/after the tour

Events and Services not included in the itinerary or

marked as Optional

Alcoholic beverages and some meals

Laundry & Telephone Services

Travel Insurance

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:

Extend your trip

Upgrade your room / Get a single room

Do a side trip – visit Family

Ukrainian Family History researched with our Genealogy service

Tour Details

On our Cobblestone Freeway Tour, enjoy:

Delicious, hand chosen local food, and more

inclusions than most other tour operator

Enjoy exclusive Folk dance/

music performances

You will be escorted by a full-time

Cobblestone Freeway Tour Leader

GREAT UKRAINE TOUR 18 Days / 17 Nights

2020 TOUR DATES & PRICES:

May 5 – 22, 2020* $4747 USD*

June 2 – 19, 2020 $4989 USD

July 7 – 24, 2020 $4989 USD

September 8 – 25, 2020 $4989 USD

October 6 – 23, 2020* $4747 USD*

* Value Season

TOUR LAND PRICE:

Per Person, Based on Double Occupancy

Single Supplement $ 950 USD

Early Bird Discount: Save $200 USD if you

book at least 6 months prior to tour date.

Does not include Airfare or Travel Insurance