Kamianets-Podilsky – Ternopil - Lviv

Photography Tour with Karen Pidskalny | 2020

September 22 – October 4 | 13 days , 2020 | 14 Days Ukraine is a photographer’s dream destination. If you got an artistic eye and love capturing moments, both big and small, then this tour is for you! This is truly a cultural journey throughout the picturesque scenery of Western Ukraine… Travelling Cobblestone style, you will experience the traditions and the Ukrainian lifestyle first hand through local people, while exploring and appreciating the vibrant colour and variety Ukraine has to offer. Whether it’s the bustling city of Lviv, or the tiny village of Tulova, you’ll be taking home not just amazing photos, but some amazing memories too!

Lviv – Carpathian Mountains – Chernivtsi – Kamianets-Podilsky – Ternopil - Lviv

Sightseeing | Cultural Experiences | Photoshoots | Village Visits

Day 1 TOUR START DATE |Tuesday, September 22: Lviv (/-/-)

Lviv is an ancient, historic city in Western Ukraine that is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ukraine, and for a good reason! With its quaint charm, cobblestone streets and classical architecture, you won’t fail to be charmed by this city of love and UNESCO heritage site. Famous for its beer, coffee and chocolate, but also for being a place where time stands still – Lviv truly is a city of a laid- back, café culture where you can pick a spot, relax, and watch the world go by…

Welcome to Lviv, the cultural capital of Ukraine! Upon arrival, your Cobblestone Freeway Tour Leader will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the city. After some time to freshen up, we will take you for a brief city orientation around this medieval town with a modern vibe. You’ll be pointed to the nearest ATMs, exchange booths, convenience stores and unique restaurants with delicious food. Evening at your leisure.

Day 2 |Wednesday, September 23: Lviv (B/-/-) In the morning, we’ll take show you around this picturesque city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See some of Lviv’s most famous attractions and photograph them, on a guided walking city tour. Visit one of the main symbols of Lviv – its grand Opera House. Take in the beauty of the city and capture it with your camera!

After some free time for lunch, experience an avant-garde fashion shoot in a stunning location – the House of Scientists! This is the site of the former aristocratic casino, and one of Lviv’s most amazing architectural structures and a valuable neo-baroque monument. Enjoy working with professional models and take some amazing snaps in this fabulous interior.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, looking for more photo opportunities - Lviv has plenty of them! You could visit the local souvenir market “Vernissage”, or climb the High Castle hill, which presents a bird’s eye view of the city. The sunset from this hill is particularly great! We will give you suggestions for several Lviv restaurants with roof terraces, for some panoramic shots of the city at night.

Accommodation: Number of Nights: Highlights: Tours & Museums: ‘Rudolfo’ Hotel or similar 2 Nights House of Scientists City Tour https://rudolfo.com.ua/?lang=en Photoshoot Opera House Tour

Day 3|Thursday, September 24: Lviv - Carpathian Mountains (B/-/-)

Visit a traditional village deep in the Carpathian Mountains, and experience a lifestyle that has remained the same for centuries. home to sweeping green forests, flowing rivers and breath-taking waterfalls –it’s hard not to feel at-one with nature when you breathe in the fresh mountain air...This is the land of the Hutsuls, Boykos, and Lemkos – meet the local villagers, dance the Arkan and eat traditional food sat around one table. Experience how simple, open and

hospitable these mountain people are.

In the morning after breakfast we’ll set off to the Carpathian Mountains, the land of “Hutsul” people, known as the highlanders of Ukraine! On the way, we will have plenty of opportunities for some more awesome photos – we ‘ll have a leisurely drive, observing village life and stopping in ancient towns, discovering old wooden churches and castles along the way.

Once you arrive in your hotel, surrounded by the mountains and offering stunning views, you’ll have time to unwind – wander around, relax in the sauna, visit the local crafts bazaar, spend some time with the locals, or just enjoy the view of the mountains. Rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 4|Friday, September 25: Carpathian Mountains (B/L/-) Today we will have a trip to a unique place called ‘Pysanyi Kamin’ (which means Painted or Written Stone). Here, huge sandstone blocks have grown into massive monoliths up to 20 meters tall. It’s an interesting historical and geological monument, but also has a magnificent panorama of ridges and peaks, and views out over the Carpathian Mountains. You’ll be able to get some stunning photos of these beautiful vistas! On the way up and down, enjoy the views of small wooden houses, old Hutsul churches and never-ending hills – endless opportunities for more shots.

Next, in the small mountain village of Bukovets we will visit a local Hutsul family, who live high up in the mountains. Enjoy a traditional Hutsul-style lunch together, wander around the ancient households and village. This is another incredible opportunity to capture traditional village life amongst ancient wooden houses, and meet and photograph the local people, for some brilliant character-rich photos.

After we’ll return to hotel, where you can enjoy an evening at your leisure.

Day 5 |Saturday, September 26: Carpathian Mountains (B/-/-) Today we have prepared something absolutely unique – early in the morning we will travel to the town of Kosiv to visit its famous Kosiv Crafts Market. Kosiv is famous for its outstanding artists who not only create beautiful artefacts, but also keep century’s old traditions in folk crafts. Once a week vendors and artisans from the area get together to buy and sell art supplies, embroidery, antique items, food stuff, car parts and even live animals! There will be a chance for some incredibly unique photographs. Even if you don’t buy something – it’s a real experience!

After, we will visit a local woodcarvers’ house. See and capture the magic of this ancient process, admire his artwork, and maybe even try your hand at some woodcarving!

Transfer back to the hotel after for a free afternoon.

Acommodations: Number of Nights: Highlights: Tours & Museums: ‘‘Maetok Sokilske’’ Hotel 3 Nights Kosiv Crafts Bazaar Pysanyi Kamin’ trip or similar Hutsul family visit http://www.sokilske.com.ua/ Woodcarvers’ house visit

Day 6 |Sunday, September 27: Carpathian Mountains - Tulova (B/L/D) After breakfast and check-out, we’ll move on to the small village of Tulova for an authentic village experience. Here you’ll get the unique chance to live a local’s life for a day in the village. Start by exploring the countryside; attend a church liturgy; help work the fields or look after the animals, and of course capture some village life and character-rich shots while you do!

After, we’ll have a party with the locals, and it’s going to be one to remember! Eat and drink Ukrainian style – there may be some “samohonka” or Ukrainian home-made vodka involved! We’ll stay overnight in the village in some of the homes. Lunch and dinner included.

Day 7 |Monday, September 28: Tulova - Chernivtsi (B/-/-)

Chernivtsi – the Capital of Bukovyna” is a cosmopolitan and multicultural city is currently twinned with seven other cities around the world, and is also considered one of Ukraine’s most important educational and architectural sites. Its stunning University is an ancient, magical collection of buildings, marked a UNESCO world heritage site, and will take you back in time as you step through its doors.

In the morning, we move on to the capital of the region of Bukovyna and a photographers’ dream – the beautiful multicultural Chernivtsi! After checking-in to your hotel, we’ll take a walk through the city, often called “Little Vienna” for its architectural reminiscence of Austria's capital. Learn the city’s fascinating multicultural history, visit the most beautiful and notable sights of its elegant past – numerous city squares, unique cathedrals, museums, stylish coffee shops and restaurants. In the evening, don’t miss the opportunity to capture some night photography of the city – Chernivtsi old town is lit beautifully!

Day 8 |Tuesday, September 29: Chernivtsi (B/-/-) Today we will visit an architectural gem, and a place you won’t want to leave – the Chernivtsi National University, also known as the Ukrainian “Hogwarts”. Part of the architectural ensemble of the main campus of the university, the Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans are included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We guarantee you will be impressed by both exterior and interior of this site!

In the evening, enjoy a private concert of the brilliant ‘Gerdan’ ensemble. Dressed in authentic costumes of the region, they will blow you away with their voices and raw talent! You’ll get a true taste of the rich cultural heritage of this region.

Acommodations: Number of Nights: Highlights: Tours & Museums: Tulova village 1 Night Gerdan concert Chernivtsi city tour Chernivtsi University Tour ‘‘Central Magnat’’ Hotel or 2 Nights similar https://central-magnat- cinema- chernivtsi.hotelmix.com.ua/

Day 9 |Wednesday, September 30: Chernivtsi – Khotyn - Kamianets-Podilsky (B/-/-) Today we will travel back in time! Not literally, of course, but you’ll get to see how the local princes and rulers lived as we visit the fortresses of Khotyn and Kamianets Podislky!

Our first stop is the medieval Khotyn fortress. Listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine, its history is traced back to the 13th century. The fortress stands on rocky territory, near a passage across the river Dnister. As you approach the fortress, you will experience its magnificence, with its five impressive towers, up to 40 metres in height! The Khotyn fortress has been chosen as a setting for many movies due to its beautiful surroundings and stunning fortress.

After the tour of Khotyn, we will travel to Kamianets-Podilsky. The different peoples and cultures that have lived in Kamianets-Podilsky have each brought their own culture and architecture. After check-in and some time to rest, we’ll learn the city’s history on a night walking city tour through the most famous tourist attractions, ancient fortress, the cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the City Hall building and numerous fortifications – great opportunities for brilliant night shooting!

Day 10 |Thursday, October 1: Kamyanets-Podilskyi - Ternopil (B/-/-) Ternopil is one of the largest cities of Western Ukraine, located in its heart and has the status of an important trade center. It is a quiet, incredibly green city with a unique atmosphere, bright history and a plethora of interesting natural, historical and architectural sights.

After breakfast and check out from the hotel, we will travel to Ternopil. On the way, we will stop to discover the picturesque village of Borschiv, the history of which goes back to the 14th century.

This village is famous for its Borshchiv embroidery technique – a very dark colored floral pattern. The story behind this dark embroidery is quite morbid. Legend has it, that several centuries ago, when Tatars were carrying out raids across Europe, they slaughtered many men in the small village around Borshchiv. As a form of mourning, the remaining widows embroidered black blouses, and swore to wear blouses of black thread for seven centuries after to commemorate the tragedy. Learn more about it and photograph these beautiful, unique blouses!

We will then have an excursion to Optymistychna (‘Optimistic’) cave – the longest cave network in Europe! Getready for fascinating cave formations, and an underground sculpture gallery!

Afterwards, we will discover Ternopil – the incredibly green city with a unique atmosphere, bright history and many interesting natural, historical and architectural sights during a city tour. We will walk around the old city centre, visit some stunning waterworks, the local castle that used to be a residence of Polish nobles, the beautiful Dominican Cathedral and many more.

Rest of the day at your leisure.

Accommodation: Number of Nights: Highlights: Tours & Museums: ‘Reikartz’ Hotel or similar 1 Night Night shoot in Khotyn Fortress https://reikartz.com/en/hotels Kamianets-Podilsky Kamianets-Podilsky /kamianets-podolsky/ 1 Night Fortress and city tour

Ternopil City Tour ‘Ternopil’ Hotel or similar http://www.hotelternopil.com/

Day 11 |Friday, October 2: Ternopil - Lviv (B/-/-) After breakfast and checkout, we’ll head back to the beautiful city of Lviv. On the way, we will admire beautiful architecture, mystical history and scenic landscapes of the castle legacy of this region, while visiting the marvelous Olesko and Pidhirtsi castles.

Arriving back in Lviv, check-in to your hotel and enjoy a free evening in the city.

Day 12 |Saturday, October 3: Lviv (B/-/D) On our last day in Lviv we will take you to some of the beautiful sights outside of the city centre. Visit the famous Lychakiv Cemetery - a place where famous Ukrainian writers, artists and other public figures have been buried, and their gravestones are a sight to behold! These stones are truly works of art, from intricate carvings to impressive mausoleums, this cemetery is an open air museum. Speaking of which - after exploring the cemetery, we will head to the Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life Shevchenkivsky Hai - another famous open-air museum, of Ukrainian village life, and a living reproduction of Western Ukraine from centuries past... Explore the reconstructed wooden houses, authentic artefacts and get a feel for Ukrainian village life.

In the afternoon, you will have time for sightseeing, photographing, and last-minute shopping. Take the chance to shop in the city – the numerous souvenir stores, art galleries and the Vernissage open-air craft market all offer a variety of artwork, embroidery and more!

In the evening, enjoy a performance at the Lviv Opera theatre, followed by a Farewell Dinner in one of our favorite restaurants. We’ll get together one last time for a delicious meal, and a chance to look back at our favorite moments on tour!

Day 13 |Sunday, October 4: Lviv Departure (B/-/-) After some free time to stock up on souvenirs we will transfer you to the airport where, sadly, it’s time to go back home or continue on to new exciting destinations.

Accommodation: Number of Nights: Highlights: Tours & Museums: ‘Rudolfo’ Hotel or similar 2 Nights Performance at Lviv Opera Olesko and Pidhirtsi https://rudolfo.com.ua/?lan Theatre Castles g=en Lychakiv Cemetery tour Shevchenkivsky Hai

Thank you for travelling with Cobblestone Freeway!

There is so much included:

SERVICES: NOT INCLUDED:  Airport Transfers  Extra days before/after the tour  Escorted tour with full time Tour Leader  Events and Services not included in the  Tour in English itinerary or marked as Optional  All Events included in the Itinerary  Alcoholic beverages  Internet in hotels when possible  Meals not listed in Itinerary  Interaction with local artists, craftsmen,  Flights not listed in Itinerary and performers  Tips for guides / drivers/ maids  Special events exclusively for  Travel Insurance Cobblestone travellers  Laundry & Telephone Services  Cobblestone Freeway t-shirt

MEALS: TOURS, TRANSPORTATION & GUIDES:  Breakfasts daily / Lunches x 2  Tours and Events included in the  Dinners x 2 itinerary  All land transportation  Experienced local guides throughout the tour

ACCOMMODATIONS:  11 Nights in Hand-Selected hotels  1 overnight village stay

ACCOMODATIONS:

City Hotel Check in Check out Nights Lviv ‘Rudolfo’ Hotel or similar September 22 September 24 2 https://rudolfo.com.ua/?lang=en October 2 October 4 2

Kosiv ‘Maetok Sokilske’ Hotel or similar September 24 September 27 3 http://www.sokilske.com.ua

Tulova Village home-stay September 27 September 28 1

Chernivtsi ‘Central Magnat’ Hotel or similar September 28 September 30 2 https://central-magnat-cinema- chernivtsi.hotelmix.com.ua/ Kamianets- ‘Reikarz’ Hotel or similar September 30 October 1 1 Podilsky https://reikartz.com/en/hotels/kamianet s-podolsky/

Ternopil ‘Ternopil’ Hotel or similar October 1 October 2 1 http://www.hotelternopil.com/

On our Cobblestone Freeway Tour, enjoy:

Enjoy exclusive Folk dance/ Delicious, hand chosen local food, and more music performances inclusions than most other tour operators do

You will be escorted by a full-time

Meet the locals at authentic village visits Cobblestone Freeway Tour leader

Plus!

Every time you go on a tour with us you get a stamp

in your very own Cobblestone Freeway passport.

Once your passport is full – only 12 stamps - you are entitled to a free Cobblestone trip anywhere in the world that we go!

*Conditions may apply

Optional Add-ons while in Lviv

Visit the High Castle Hill to get a Visit the weapon museum located Take a Ukrainian cooking class! scenic panoramic view of the city! in the former City Arsenal

Taste the best varieties of local Make chocolate candies at a Join the mysterious Lviv Night beer and learn its long history workshop at Lviv Handmade Guard tour to hear the eerie legends of the city! in Lvivarnya Beer Museum Chocolate Factory

Moving Forward on the Cobblestone Freeway with your Custom Specialty Tour in 2 easy steps:

1. Review your Specialty Group Booking Agreement for your Terms & Conditions – proceeding with registrations and deposits is acceptance of Agreements for this tour

2. Share this Itinerary with your contacts so they can start registering today!

ONLINE REGISTRATION LINK for PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR with KAREN

https://cobblestonefreewaytours.wufoo.com/forms/photography-tour- registration-form/

Register Now! Reserve your space on this tour today. Click on the link above and complete your online registration form. Upon completion of the form, you will be prompted to enter your Visa or MasterCard for your $500 USD deposit.

LAND PACKAGE PRICE:

$3794 USD per person The price is based on tour minimum of 6 – 8 travellers, double occupancy*

$3774 USD per person The price is based on 9-10 travellers, double occupancy*

$3656 USD per person The price is based on 11 or more travellers, double occupancy*

Single Supplement $984 USD

NOTE: The more travellers that book, the more you save! The price will be adjusted to a lower price at time of final payment (90 days prior to travel date).

* Price is based on registered bookings received by Cobblestone Freeway Tours (CFT) by your Group Deposit Date of February 22, 2020**

** We welcome booking requests made after your Group Deposit Date. Price and availability will need to be verified for those booking after this date and price may increase.

PAYMENTS & PAYMENT POLICY: PAYMENT SCHEDULE Please make payments to Cobblestone Freeway Tours Ltd. according to the following dates: DEPOSIT prior to February 22, 2020 of $500 USD per person done online with registration link. FINAL PAYMENT due by June 22, 2020

NOTE: All payments must be made in USD or CAD equivalent (based on the currency exchange rate on day of payment). Please make payments out to COBBLESTONE FREEWAY TOURS LTD in the form of Cheque, Money Order, Bank Draft. Credit card payments can be called into our office or made online at www.cobblestonefreeway.ca/payment or call our Edmonton office during business hours. (Visa or MasterCard)

LATE PAYMENT A Late Payment Fee will apply if payment is made more than 7 days after final payment due date.  Payments received 7 -30 days after final due date – $500 USD administration fee will apply  Payments received more than 30 days after final due date - the tour may be considered cancelled and cancellation terms will apply

TOUR ITINERARY CHANGE POLICY Changes in your custom tour made after first deposited passenger will need to be repriced and may result in price increase.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation notice must be in writing to Cobblestone Freeway Tours Ltd.  Cancellation 90 days or more prior to departure date - $500 USD per person cancellation fee will apply.  Cancellation between 89 and 60 days prior to departure - cancellation fee of 50% of land tour cost will apply.  Cancellation between 59 and 30 days prior to departure - cancellation fee of 75% of land tour cost will apply.  Cancellation within 29 days of departure or no-show - 100% of the tour cost is non-refundable.

NOTE: While on tour, any unused services such as: transfers, sightseeing, meals, hotel accommodations, entrance fees, or any other services listed in the tour itinerary are non-refundable and non-transferable.

FLIGHTS: Flights are not included in our land prices. They may be purchased through a travel agency recommended by Cobblestone Freeway Tours, Ltd or a travel agency of your choice. You may decide to arrange for all passengers to travel together. Please contact us to receive more information.

TRAVEL INSURANCE NOTICE: Travel insurance is not included in the tour price. Cobblestone Freeway Tours Ltd. strongly recommends the purchase of a comprehensive travel insurance package, which covers health, luggage and trip cancellation. Please consult a licensed travel consultant to purchase your Travel Insurance. Please note that we cannot accept responsibility for any losses or expenses, which you or any member of your party may incur as a result of failing to secure adequate coverage.