Specialised Drive Tour "On the traces of Balzac"
Lviv-Rivne-Zytomyr-Berdychiv-Verkhivnya-Kyiv (by coach)
(7 days, 6 nights)

Day 1, Arrive in L'VIV
Arrive L'viv, meet/greet with assistance of English speaking guide. Check in to hotel. The remainder of the day is free.

Day 2, L'VIV
Breakfast at hotel. City tour. Founded in 1256 by Galician Prince Danilo Galitskiy and named after his son Lev, L'viv was always a key regional city, be it as trading post or administrative centre for long forgotten empires. The city's blend of Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture offers a thousand picture postcards views. Excursion in Lychakivsky Cemetery, littered with the ornate tombs of Polish aristocrats, Napoleonic soldiers, Greek Orthodox bishops, Austrian mayors, American airmen and Russian generals, Ukraine's best-preserved and most remarkable last resting place. Lunch with Ukrainian cuisine at the local restaurant.
At group's choice visit to:
1) Historical Museum,
2) Museum of Furniture & China,
3) Art Gallery,
4) "Arsenal" - Museum of Arms
In the evening - excursion in Opera and Ballet Theatre - one of the best in Europe + theatre performance (in case the theatrical season is not closed). Dinner at hotel

Day 3, Full day coach trip L'VIV - RIVNE, (time en-route 10 hours)
Preparation for journey, breakfast at hotel, check out. This morning starts from the visit of the town of Olesko. Familiarisation with the Olesky Castle - one of the most prominent landmarks which is always visited by tourist who visit L'viv. A picturesque drive through the villages that refer to "Balzac traces" in Ukraine - Pidhirtsi, Brody, Radzyviliv -- leads to the town of Pochayiv which is on the way to the towns of Wishnyovets and Rivne. Lunch at the local restaurant in Pochayiv. Familiarisation with Pochayiv Lavra - the largest monastery in the west of Ukraine and ranked the second after Lavra Cave Monastery in Kyiv. On that very place the Cathedral of Assumption was built, inside of which is an imprint of the foot of the Mother of God on a slab. Up to this day it sheds water. This miraculous phenomenon has been observed for centuries. We motor north skirting the scenic landscapes of Ternopilsky and Rivnensky regions. Before reaching our destination - the city of Rivne to stay for one night - a stopover will be made in the towns Wishnyovets (to visit the castle - Mnishek's mansion, where Balzac stopped) and Dubno. Arrive Rivne. Check in to hotel***. Dinner at hotel + OPTIONAL: folklore performance at restaurant.

Day 4, Full day coach trip RIVNE - ZHYTOMYR - BERDYCHIV - VERKHIVNYA - KYIV (time en-route 13 hours)
Preparation for journey, breakfast at hotel, check out. Our day will start with the trip to Kyiv through the spectacular landscapes of Ukrainian nature as we head eastwards across Rivnensky, Zhytomyrsky and Kyivsky regions. Familiarisation with the places where Balzac stayed in Zhytomyr, Berdychiv and Verkhivnya village. Excursion in the Museum of Balzac in Verkhivnya - the estate of his mistress madam Helen Ganska and where Balzac wrote most of his best works. Lunch with Ukrainian cuisine at the local restaurant in the town of Berdychiv. We motor east skirting the scenic landscapes of Zhytomyrsky and Kyivsky regions. Arrival in Kyiv. Check in to hotel and dinner.

Day 5, KYIV
This day will start with City tour. The city displays both the tranquillity of its ancient past and the frenzy of a newly independent nation. Kyiv located on the picturesque banks of the Dnipro river is one of the greenest cities of the world, full of attractions.
Visit to St Sophia Cathedral - the oldest survived church that was built in 1037 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise. This majestic 13-domed church makes huge impression on visitors with its rich frescoes and mosaics many of which are still intact. It is a national shrine and is under the patronage of UNESCO. Free time at Mikhailivska square and Andryivsky Uzviz - "Greenwich Village" or "Montmartre of Kyiv" filled with art shops and exhibits, cafes, beauty and charm - for shopping and buying souvenirs. Lunch with Ukrainian cuisine at traditional restaurant "KOURENI". After lunch enjoy boat riding "Panorama of Kyiv from the Dnipro River". Evening is free for independent exploration of the city

Day 6, KYIV
Highlight of the day - visit to a "must-see item" - Lavra Cave Monastery. This functioning monastery founded in 1051 by monks is situated picturesquely on a highland overlooking the Dnipro River. It boasts numerous churches, bell tower and miles of underground tunnels (caves) with ancient crypts and ecclesiastical objects. Optional: visit to Museum of the Historical Treasures & Jewellery located on the grounds of Lavra. Lunch at restaurant "YARYVTSI" located on the territory of Museum of Folk Architecture & Habitat. Excursion in Museum of Folk Architecture, which offers an informative walk through the history of Ukrainian peasants' houses, churches, featuring information about traditions, habits and country life of Ukrainian folk. The remainder of the day is free for browsing through the shops & boutiques. OPTIONAL: "Farewell to Ukraine Party" - Gala Dinner with Ukrainian cuisine with folklore show at nationally stylised restaurant "Khata Karasya"

Day 7, KYIV
Breakfast at hotel. Time for last minute shopping and sad farewells, preparation for homeward journey, check out from the hotel. Transfer to the airport in time to check-in for the return flight