Explore one of Eastern Europe's oldest cities on this three-day self-guided tour of Kiev. Visit the capital's highlights, including ornate churches and monasteries, historic districts, and cultural landmarks. You'll see grand baroque and Byzantine architecture, remnants of Ukraine's Soviet past, and get a sense of its modern, cosmopolitan present.

Highlights

  • Visit Kiev's landmark churches and monuments
  • Roam around the artsy, historic neighborhood of Podil
  • Go on a river cruise and see the city from another perspective

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Kiev Kiev
Day 2 Explore the City Kiev
Day 3 Departure  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kiev

Kiev
Kiev Pechersk Lavra, also known as the Monastery of the Caves

Upon arrival in the Ukrainian capital, a representative will meet you and escort you to your accommodations in the city center. You'll be provided with a city guide with carefully chosen recommendations. Once you've settled in, take the rest of the day to explore on your own. 

Walk down Khreshchatyk Street, the capital's main drag, which closes to traffic on the weekends and fills with street performers and markets. In addition to Ukrainian cuisine, Kiev is an excellent place to try Georgian food, and you'll find plenty of both as you explore.  Try dumplings, Georgian cheesy khachapuri bread, and of course chicken Kiev.

Plan your trip to Ukraine
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Day 2: Exploring Kiev 

Kiev
Andriyivskyy Descent in autumn

Today is an excellent opportunity to see the major sites of the city. Visit the golden-domed Kiev Pechersk Lavra, a historic Orthodox Christian monastery that is also known as the Monastery of the Caves. Don't miss the catacombs lined with 100 mummified monks underneath the church. 

Browse the art galleries, museums, shops, cafes, and crafts stalls along Andriyivskyy Descent in the hilltop neighborhood of Podil. This bohemian enclave is brimming with history and color, and the cobblestoned, serpentine downhill is one of the most picturesque spots in Kiev. It's also home to St. Andrew's Church, an incredibly ornate baroque design by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who also built the imperial Winter Palace in St. Petersburg.

Perhaps spend your evening enjoying a concert or performance at the National Opera of Ukraine. Or maybe you're itching to explore Kiev's buzzing nightlife.

Day 3: Departure

View from the Podil neighborhood
View from the Podil neighborhood

Cruise down the beautiful Dnieper River on your last morning of the trip. Take in excellent views of the skyline as well as the Soviet-era Motherland Monument. Back on land, stroll through the parks to reach Independence Square, the political center of Ukraine. This is where parades, festivals, concerts, and even the occasional protest take place. 

If you have enough time, relax in one of the many cafes or bars in the city before making your way to the train station or airport to get to your onward destination.

Map

Map of Discover Kiev - 3 Days
Map of Discover Kiev - 3 Days