One of the largest countries in
Eastern Europe, the
Ukraine is situated between
Russia,
Belarus,
Poland,
Slovakia,
Hungary,
Romania and
Moldova. It is a popular destination for tourists from surrounding countries, and is becoming increasingly attractive to citizens of
Western Europe and
North America.
One of the main attractions for visitors is the country's rich history, with more than 500 cities dating back over 900 years and a fascinating assortment of architecture influenced by its neighbors. Most travelers begin in the historical capital city of
Kiev, arguably one of the most beautiful
cities in
Europe, where the ancient streets, striking architecture, stunning scenery, and wealth of cultural and religious sights make it one of the most fascinating places to explore. The early capital of Old Rus is also enriched with monuments such as the grandiose St Sophia's Cathedral, famous for its 11th-century mosaics and frescoes, and the Cave Monastery, the holy center of the early Orthodox Church.
The other attraction for tourists is the natural beauty of the country, with areas like the Carpathian and Crimean mountain ranges, the
Black Sea and Sea of Asov, and the Crimean peninsula, a popular tourist haven with its warm climate, famous resorts, history, and old cities such as
Sevastopol and Yalta. The
Carpathian Mountains draw skiers and hikers year-round, and the region is also popular for its restorative spas and historic sites. Gateway to the mountains is the city of Lviv, one of the main cultural centers of the country and a delight to explore with its medieval old town and distinctive architecture. The harbor town of
Odessa, known as the 'Pearl of the Black Sea', is an established tourist destination that also serves as the gateway to many of the famous Black Sea resorts, and is a fascinating city with a wonderful mixture of cultures and historical architecture.
With things looking up for a country that is beginning to loosen its ties with Russia and forge new ones with the
EU and
NATO, Ukraine is a destination worth considering for its history and culture alone. Cruises on Europe's longest river, the
Dnieper River, from Kiev to the Black Sea coast is one of the most popular ways to tour the Ukraine, providing a discovery of Ukraine's history, and its architecturally rich cities, while cruising the 1,370 mile-long stretch of river (2,205km) on board ship.
