Ukraine Hotels

Here are three suggestions for places to base your visit to Ukraine

Kiev (Kyiv)

Kiev is the Ukrainian capital and one of Eastern Europes oldest cities, thought to date back to the 5th century. Museums, theatres, historical buildings and gardens line the attractive Dnieper River. The older part of the city is on the western bank and used to be covered in forested hills, steep ravines and rivers, which become ice rinks in winter. Modern Kiev is a blend of the old and the new, old buildings next to cultural treasures. Admire the 11th century Golden Gate of Kiev or take a funicular ride up the steep western bank - Kiev does have something for all kinds of tastes. Visit the World Heritage Pecherska Lavra, a monastery with a complex of baroque churches that was founded in the 11th century. Also try to see St Andrews Church, designed by the Italian Bartolomeo Rastrelli, and its blue, white gold and green façade perches up from the skyline at the Podil district in the historic Upper Town.

Odessa

Whether a city break or longer, Odessas climate, history and culture make an excellent holiday. Odessa is a busy port, but the city life revolves around the main street Devbasovskaya and its café bars and shops. Visitors are always enjoy strolling the tree-lined boulevards and a major attraction are the Potemkin Steps - that featured in the famous Eisenstein film. Walk further along the seafront and see the Vorontsov Palace. If you have more time do explore Odessas beaches - try Acadia Beach for chilling out, or Otrada Beach where you can take the cable car down to the sand.

Yalta and the Crimea

It you travel to Yalta by road across the mountains you will see Yalta nestling at the foot of the mountains next to the very blue sea. The mountains surround this stylish town on three sides, and there is a scenic seafront, beaches, palms trees, shops and restaurants - delightful. See the city and dont miss the Livadia Palace, Tsar Nicholas IIs summer residence - with Arabic and Florentine style courtyards - and also the site of the 1945 Yalta Conference. Walk on the Solnechnaya Tropa (the Sunlit Path) along the south coast from Yalta - and take your camera to catch those views from the cliffs? Or visit Anton Chekhovs House, and, of course, enjoy the nightlife.

Things to do in Ukraine

5 Ideas for places to visit

1. The Carpathian Mountains - A mix of beautiful natural areas for nature lovers
2. Vylkovo - See the "Ukrainian Venice2 in the Danube Delta Nature Reserve
3. Kara-Dag Nature Reserve - Wonderful volcanic landscapes
4. Nikita in Crimea - World Famous Botanical Gardens
5. Chernobyl - Weird but interesting: worth a day trip