A few highlights of your journey A Monastery of Caves
Founded by Greek Orthodox monks in the 11th century, Kiev’s Monastery of Caves is an extensive complex of churches and museums encompassing bell towers, cathedrals connected by a network of underground passages and fortification walls. Together with the iconic domed St. Sophia Cathedral, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a major center of the Eastern Orthodox faith. Explore the Cave Monastery — one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine — and St. Sophia on your Kiev tour.
Cossack Culture
Spend a morning in Zaporozhye, ancestral home of the Cossacks. Learn about the history of this proud people at the Cossack Museum of Khortitsa, then enjoy a special show
x St. Sophia Church, Kiev
of Cossack horsemanship, music and dance. Back on board, sample Ukrainian tea and local treats.
Khan Palace
Disembark in Sevastopol and proceed to the nearby Crimean city of Bakhchisarai. There you will tour the Khan Palace, one of three Muslim palaces in Europe built by Tatar khans early in the 16th century; within its walls are sumptuous living quarters, beautiful gardens, a harem, a mosque and a cemetery.
Yalta Conference at the White Palace, 1945 Potemkin Steps
Made in 1925, Sergei M. Eisenstein’s film “Battleship Potemkin” remains a cinematic classic. You may have seen a clip of its most famous scene, which takes place on Odessa’s Potemkin Steps — which you will see for yourself on your tour.
EXPLORE MORE P RE & P O ST P A CK A G ES
Kiev 2 NIGHTS—$399 PER PERSON
Experience Kiev’s gracious architecture, public squares and landmarks, and explore the glorious, sprawling St. Sophia Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Leisure time allows for visiting one of the city’s historical or art museums, relaxing in a café or taking a riverside stroll. An optional tour to Babi Yar is available. Two nights at the Radisson Blu (or similar), daily breakfasts, a guided walking tour and hotel/ship transfers are included along with the services of a Viking host.
Istanbul 3 NIGHTS—$999 PER PERSON
Former imperial capital (Constantinople) of the Romans and Ottomans, Istanbul portrays a colorful and varied cultural lifestyle. Tour the city’s highlights and landmark structures including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Visit wonderful museums or encounter local culture in the Grand Bazaar. Three nights at the Conrad Istanbul (or similar), daily breakfasts, two half-day tours, flight to/from Ukraine (if air is purchased from Viking) and hotel/airport transfers are included along with the services of a Viking host.