Kyiv
You cannot help but love the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, with its interesting sites and bustling activity. The city sits next to the Dnieper River, below its confluence with the Desna waterway. The city, which boasts a proud history, was once the hub of the first eastern Slavic state, Kyivan, 1,000 years ago. At that time, it assumed the title of the Mother of Rus Cities. Severely damaged during the Second World War, Kyiv was restored by the middle of the 1950s. Gaining its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the city, once again, became an influential area in Europe.
Best Time To Visit
If you plan to visit a number of historic sites, the best time to go is during the shoulder travel seasons of spring and autumn. During this time, the temperatures are milder and you won't feel the crush of the crowds.
You Should Know
The Motherland Statue in Kyiv is one of the largest constructions worldwide the construction weights 450 tons overall. Vladimir Cathedral is the main cathedral in the capital city. More than 96 artists have contributed to the paintings inside the church. The Caves of Lava Monastery feature underground passageways that are, on average, 2,625 feet long. St. Sophia Cathedral is well-known in Kyiv. The mosaics inside the temple feature 177 varied hues. The religious structure is a prime example of Byzantine architectural design. Its 250-foot bell tower holds the country's largest bell, weighing in at 13 tons.
Zaporozhye, Ukraine
Zaporzhye is a Ukrainian city, sitting on the Dnieper River. It is located in the southeast part of Ukraine and is home to Khortytsia Island, a former Cossack stronghold. The Cossacks, who were mainly from the Ukraine and Russia, represented Tartar groups that were semi-independent who lived on the Dnieper River.
Best Time To Visit
Tour the city during the spring or fall so you can observe the sights without any distraction from crowds.
You Should Know
The city's Regional Lore Museum reviews Cossack, Scythian and medieval historic periods. The Scythians were ancient warriors who once lived in southern Siberia whose culture thrived from 900 BC to 200 BC. As an entertainment option, consider seeing one of the sensational Cossack horse performances on your Ukraine river cruise. The Boguslayev Museum of Technology features exhibits of motorbikes and jet engines.
Kherson, Ukraine
Lying where the Dnieper River Delta empties into the Black Sea, Kherson is located in southern Ukraine. Established in 1778 as a fortress, the city became the first shipyard and naval base operated by the Russians on the Black Sea. It was named a provincial capital in 1803 and steadily expanded because of its shipbuilding industry. Currently, Kherson is home to several training and research facilities.
Best Time To Visit
Visit Kherson in the spring or summer months to avoid the additional influx of summer tourists.
You Should Know
St. Catherine's Cathedral, which was built from 1782 to 1787, features a version of Balkan medieval architecture. It was named for Empress Catherine II who visited the city in 1786, a year before the building's completion. The founder of Kherson is G.A. Potemkin. He was buried in the crypt beneath St. Catherine's Cathedral in 1791.
Odesa, Ukraine
Odessa is a major city in Ukraine and sits about 275 miles south of the capital of Kyiv. It is culturally and historically significant and is a major port and industrial hub in Ukraine. The city features well-equipped ship docks, including yards for ship repairs. The city's rail system travels to all areas of Ukraine, including Romania and Moldova. While the industrial sector of the city features engineering facilities, its chemical plants produce dyes, paints, and agricultural fertilizers. Founded in 1794, Odessa is also known for its beaches and 19th-century buildings.
Best Time To Visit
A spring or fall trip to Odessa will be well worth your while.
You Should Know
One of the popular buildings in the city is the Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater. The Potemkin Stairs, which were immortalized in The Battleship Potemkin (a 1925 silent Soviet film), lead down to the city's waterfront. The Vorontsov Lighthouse overlooks the Black Sea. The red-and-white guardian stands almost 90 feet tall. Primorsky Boulevard, which stretches along the water, is a popular place to walk – a promenade featuring stately estates and impressive monuments.
Lviv, Ukraine
Founded in 1256, Lviv is a nice side excursion on a Ukraine river holiday. It is located in the western part of Ukraine and is near the border of Poland. Its Austrian-Hungarian heritage reveals itself in the buildings in the city. Central and European designs meld with the architectural styles of Germany and Italy.
Best Time To Visit
Take a day trip to Lviv during the spring or fall, when the temperatures are pleasant and the landscape is less crowded.
You Should Know
The ruins of a castle, built in the 1300s, are featured in the city's High Castle Park. The mountain on which the ruins stand provides a sweeping view of Lviv's surrounding hills and green-domed churches. Underground and panoramic tours are provided of the city.
Khortytsia Island - Isle of the Cossacks
Some river cruise excursions provide a guided tour of Khortytsia Island. The island, which is home to a historic Cossack fortress (now a museum), highlights the Cossack's brief reign. Your guide will provide insight into the former military camp, which displays artifacts from the Stone Age and the period when the Scythians ruled.
Best Time To Visit
Plan a trip in March through May or from September to November.
You Should Know
During your visit, witness an exciting Cossack horse show where riders show off daring moves and acrobaticLearn how goods were crafted in past generations, and take one of the crafts with you as a keepsake.
Constanta, Romania
This is a good city to visit once you land in Bucharest on your river cruise holiday. Located on the shore of the Black Sea in the southeast part of Romania, Constanta has a long and varied past that goes back 2,000+ years. Exhibits record the area's history at Constanta's National History and Archaeology Museum.
Best Time To Visit
Make spring or fall your travel time to visit Constanta. The crowds leave the area and the temperatures are pleasant.
You Should Know
The Roman Mosaics complex across from the National History and Archaeology Museum features a tiled floor that dates back to the 300s AD. Visit the Great Mahmudiye Mosque, furnished with a beautiful Persian rug. You can find it by its minaret, which towers above the city.
Bucharest, Romania
The largest city and capital of Romania, Bucharest is the ideal place to end a river cruise holiday. Full of interesting contrasts, the city is home to landmarks, such as the Palace of the Parliament, which was built during the 1980s, and established during Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu's rule.
Best Time To Visit
Plan to visit Bucharest during shoulder season, or from March to May or September to November.
You Should Know
The Triumphal Arch was modeled after Paris' Arch of Triumph, and was built in its current rendition in 1935. Calea Victoriei was the first road established in the capital. It was paved with planks and tree trunks. The city is home to a large number of recording studios, so musicians often make Bucharest their home.
If you wish to take your family, you will probably want to take a river cruise when the kids have a summer vacation. Therefore, taking a river cruise in June, July, and August may cost more money, but you will be rewarded with lots of sunny days and sporting activities. Plus, it is easier to swim at the beach when the ambient temperature is hotter.
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