Possibly one of the most intriguing countries in Europe, Ukraine makes a truly compelling case for those who seek the path less travelled.
One day you’re hiking the impressive expanses of the Carpathian Mountains, stopping to rest in the comforts of Hutsul hospitality, the next you’re exploring the medieval epicentre of Lviv or marvelling at the architecture of a monastery along the Dnieper River in Kiev. From the quirky cities studded with murals to the traditional towns of the highlands, be encapsulated by a culture privy to a love for the arts and driven by deep rooted folklore beliefs. Claimed by the locals to be of Ukrainian origin, the big bowl of beets (better known as borscht) is shared throughout the country as a warming gesture to guests.
Ukraine travel highlights
Carpathian Mountains
Filled with majestic scenes of green valleys, snaking rivers and villages tucked away in the southwest corner of Ukraine.
Lviv
Discover the World Heritage-listed historic area in the old town of Lviv where the medieval foundations remain virtually intact.
Hutsul culture
Stay with a Hutsul family and learn about traditional life from within mountain communities who have resided in the region for centuries.
Medieval ruins
Ukraine is scattered with well-preserved castles, fortresses and remnants of medieval towns that are fascinating to explore.
Kiev
Ukraine’s ancient capital is the epicentre of a Slavic culture that once stretched as far as Alaska.
Ukraine tour reviews
Ukraine holiday information
Ukraine facts
Local culture and customs of Ukraine
Geography and environment
Shopping guide to Ukraine
Ukraine festival calendar
Food and drink in Ukraine
Further reading
Accommodation in Ukraine
Travelling with Peregrine we endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to incorporate accommodation that is traditional as well as being as comfortable as possible.
On a trip to Ukraine you might find yourself staying overnight or for a few nights in a:
Homestay
Why stay in a sterile hotel when you can bunk down in a cosy, traditional Hutsul style cabin in the Carpathian Mountains? Get acquainted with the Ukrainian way of life and be exposed to new languages, cuisine and customs while in the company of your local hosts and neighbours.
Ukraine travel FAQs
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.
Many hotels and restaurants add a service charge so it’s best to check your bill before tipping. While it's not necessary to tip, 10–15% is becoming customary in most restaurants across Ukraine. On Peregrine trips gratuities for essential services that you receive are included during the trip.
This amount does not include a tip for your tour leader, so you may wish to set aside some funds for this. It is customary to tip your tour leader for outstanding service at the end of your trip. Tips are greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for their professionalism and leadership during your holiday. We are often asked what a reasonable amount might be. The amount is at your discretion, but a sum of €2–4 per person/per day is a general tipping standard.
Internet cafes are available in cities and towns, and some larger hotels now offer Wi-Fi connectivity. Remote and rural areas will have less internet availability, so be prepared for this when travelling out of the city.
Roaming agreements exist with major mobile phone companies, check with your service provider for more information.
Western-style, flushable toilets are normally available in the larger cities. In rural areas, simple squat toilets are more common.
Cup of coffee in a cafe = 20 UAH
Beer in a bar or restaurant = 25 UAH
Basic takeaway lunch = 80 UAH
Dinner in an inexpensive restaurant = 120–200 UAH
Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Ukraine. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Ask your leader or hotel where filtered water can be found and don't forget to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating.
Major credit cards are accepted by most large shops and hotels. Smaller vendors may not accept credit cards, so carry enough cash to cover small purchases.
ATMs are commonly found in Ukraine's cities and urban areas. Remote regions will have less ATM availability, so prepare accordingly before travelling away from cities.
Yes. All peregrine passengers are required to purchase travel insurance prior to their trip. Your insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day.
For a current list of public holidays in the Ukraine go to: www.worldtravelguide.net/ukraine/public-holidays
Discretion is advised for LGBTQI-travellers in Ukraine. While a small gay community exists in Kiev, homophobia is quite widespread. As long as travellers use discretion and avoid public displays of affection, travel in Ukraine should not be a problem.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or Smartraveller before you travel.
Responsible Travel
Top responsible travel tips for Ukraine:
- Be considerate of Ukraine’s customs, traditions, religion and culture.
- For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with tap or filtered water.
- Always dispose of litter thoughtfully, including cigarette butts.
- Learn some local language and don't be afraid to use it - simple greetings will help break the ice. People will appreciate if you learn basic phrases in either Ukrainian or Russian. You will find that in western Ukraine, people predominantly use Ukrainian and in Kiev both languages are interchanged.
- Shop for locally made products. Supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive.
- Refrain from supporting businesses that exploit or abuse endangered animals.
- Please ask and receive permission before taking photos of people, including children.