Ukrainian Explorer From £999 per person // 14 days

Head East on this fascinating holiday, crossing Germany and Poland en route to the fascinating Ukrainian cities of Kiev, Lviv and Odessa on the Black Sea.

The Essentials What's included

London to Ukraine via Hannover and Warsaw Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations

Ukrainian capital Kiev with its eclectic architecture 12 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast

Odessa on the Black Sea, founded by Catherine the Great Two overnight sleeper journeys with a private 2-berth compartment European Lviv with winding cobbled streets and cafés Comprehensive directions to your hotels

Tailor make your holiday Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation Decide when you would like to travel Adapt the route to suit your plans Upgrade your hotels All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours your travel documents - Suggested Itinerary -

Day 1 - London To Hannover

Your Ukrainian adventure starts this morning at London St Pancras where you board a Eurostar across to Brussels. Here, you make the easy transfer onto the German InterCity Express (ICE) service that takes you through eastern Belgium. When you reach Cologne, you transfer onto another sleek German train across the industrial Ruhr region and into the city of Hannover in time to check in at the Crowne Plaza Schweizerhof Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay.

Day 2 - Hannover To Warsaw

This morning you rejoin the rail network at Hannover and travel east on the high-speed line to the capital city, Berlin. At the modern Hauptbahnhof (main station) you have a short time before your onward train, the Berlin- Warsaw Express. Moving at a gentler pace through the former East Germany, you cross the river Oder at Frankfurt-an-der-Oder and enter Poland. Just after 7pm you arrive into Warsaw’s communist-era Centralna railway station and check into the Polonia Palace Hotel (or similar), which is close to the station.

Day 3 - Warsaw And Overnight To Kiev

You have a day to relax in the hotel or head out and explore all that Warsaw has to offer. Perhaps take a hop- on hop-off sightseeing tour and spend some time in the old town, or at the fascinating Warsaw Uprising Museum. In the late afternoon it’s time to board your overnight sleeper, the Kiev Express, which takes you due south-east and across the border into Ukraine.

Days 4, 5 & 6 - Kiev

Arrive into Kiev Pass, the main station serving the Ukrainian capital, and make your way through to your centrally-located hotel for your 3-night stay. A European capital that is often overlooked, Kiev is an enticing mix of architectural masterpieces, gastronomy, vibrant nightlife and dynamic art. Having experienced two revolutions in modern times, the Ukrainian capital unconventionally combines the best of east and west. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring St Sophia’s Cathedral, the Khanenko Museum of Arts and the 335-ft Motherland Monument.

Days 7, 8 & 9 - Odessa

Take the once daily service from Kiev to Odessa and check-in at the Premier Geneva Hotel (or similar) for a 3- night stay. ?Often dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Black Sea”, Odessa may well be one of the most fascinating destinations in the Ukraine. Founded only as recently as 1794, this lively port-city has its own distinct character and a vibrant atmosphere that isn’t found elsewhere in the country. Highlights include the famous Odessa Opera House as well as the majestic Potemkin Steps leading down to the Black sea.

Day 10 - Odessa And Overnight To Lviv

Leave your bags at your hotel and spend another day exploring Odessa today. This evening, return to the station for an overnight journey by comfortable Ukrainian sleeper to Lviv. Settle into your comfortable double compartment as the train makes it way northwest through the vast open plains of southern Ukraine, with the rocking of the carriage sending you to sleep. Next morning, you arrive in Lviv where you transfer to the Hotel Leopolis (or similar) for a 3-night stay. Days 11, 12 & 13 - Lviv

The largest city in western Ukraine, Lviv enjoys an easy-going, almost playful air, embellished by its wonderful mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture. Step out onto the main boulevard, Svobody Avenue, and enjoy a coffee in one of the many Viennese Coffee houses. A visit to the Opera House is a must, as is a wander through the old city around Rynok Square.

Day 14 - Lviv To London

After breakfast this morning, make your way to Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport for your flight back to the UK (not included). ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: Return by rail instead of air, taking an overnight sleeper to Vienna then daytime trains through Germany and Belgium. Contact us for details.

Pricing From £999 per person

These prices are based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Single supplements will apply for sole occupancy. It is based on Standard Class rail travel and includes seat reservations as necessary. It is based on the best fares on the trains. If you travel during a peak period, particularly at short notice, then supplements may apply.