OUR DESTINATIONS
Let us help you find your perfect holiday by phoning us on
We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
Alternatively, check out some of our holiday offers below.
- Destinations
- Europe
- Ukraine
- Kiev
Kiev
The striking Ukrainian capital of Kiev (or Kyiv) is one of
Eastern Europe's oldest cities and its fortunes have risen and
fallen with the tides of history. The city, once capital of Old
Rus, is believed to date back to the 5th century and was a key
player in the expansion of the medieval East Slavic nation, as well
as serving as a major centre for trade between the Mediterranean
and the Baltic.
By the 1200s, Kiev was one of the world's largest cities, but
fell foul to invading Mongols in 1240, really only recovering in
the 19th century during the Russian Revolution. Much of the city
and its treasures were again damaged during World War II, but Kiev
still boasts a rich cultural heritage and a range of spectacular
attractions.
A plethora of museums, theatres, opera houses, historical
buildings and gardens are to be found, laid out on either side of
the picturesque Dnieper River. The western bank is home to the
older part of the city and was, pre-urbanisation, characterised by
its forested hills, as well as steep ravines and winding rivers,
which serve as ice-rinks in winter. Watched over by a statue of the
historic protector of Kiev, Michael Archangel, the city also boasts
a successful blend of the old and the new. Modern buildings nestle
against historical gems and cultural wonders rub shoulders with
trendy, buzzing nightclubs, bars and restaurants.
Any visit to the Ukraine is bound to start with an exploration
of its capital, and visitors will need to ensure they give
themselves ample time to explore all it has to offer. From the
Golden Gate of Kiev, built in 1037, to a funicular ride up the
steep western bank, Kiev has something for all tastes and certainly
will not disappoint.
Information & Facts
Climate
Kiev's climate is continental, with hot summers and cold
winters. July to August is the hottest period, with temperatures
ranging from about 57°F to 77°F (14°C to 25°C), whereas December to
February is the coldest period, with temperatures averaging between
24°F and 30°F (-5°C to -1°C). In winter, the city's rivers tend to
freeze over, creating a winter wonderland and allowing for
ice-skating and ice fishing. Snow cover is common from November to
March.
Getting Around
Kiev has an extensive public transport system, including buses,
trams, trolleys and a metro (the fare is the same for all).
Although the metro does not cover the entire city, it is still the
fastest way to get around, particularly as the bus service can be
unreliable and crowded at peak hours. Privately owned minibuses
(known as
marshrutkas) are also available; they can be flagged down
anywhere along their routes and will usually have stops listed on
their windows. Official taxis can be pre-booked by phone or hailed
on the street. "Gypsy" cabs, or unmarked cars, may also stop; be
sure to negotiate a price up front when choosing this option.
Parking can be a problem in the city centre. Exploring the city on
foot is perhaps the best way to explore its many cultural
attractions, though keep in mind all signage is in Cyrillic. It is
well worth taking the funicular on the steep western bank for
fantastic views.
Language
Ukrainian is the official language, but Russian is also
widely spoken.
Money
The official currency is the Hryvnia (UAH), which is divided
into 100 kopecks. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday until
3pm, and readily exchange Hryvnia for hard currency (banknotes
only). US dollars and Euros are exchanged easily at banks and
currency offices, and while other currencies can also be exchanged,
they are not as widely accepted. ATMs are widely available in all
major cities. Travellers cheques are not widely accepted and
attract high commission rates and lengthy paperwork. Major
restaurants, shops and hotels accept Visa, MasterCard and EuroCard;
however credit cards are not widely accepted, particularly in
remote areas and smaller establishments. Outside the main cities it
is advisable to carry a supply of local currency.
Time
Local time in Ukraine is GMT +2 (GMT +3 between March and
October).