Travel in Ukraine – Hotels, Ukraine Vacations, Lodging, Trips, Attractions and Travel Guide



Ukraine: Visiting a Hidden Jewel

Vacation and Travel to Ukraine
Pine forest at Lake Synevyr - located in the Carpathians, Ukraine.

The Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. The country borders Russia, Moldova, Belarus, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Sea of Azov, and the black Sea. The capital and largest city in Ukraine is Kiev. The landscape of the country is mainly fertile plains and plateaus. Hora Hoverla is the highest point in the country and is located in the Carpathian Mountains. The climate of Ukraine is mostly a temperate continental climate. The official language is Ukrainian even though Russian is widely spoken.

Saint Sophia Cathedral is located in the capital city of Kiev. Construction on the cathedral was started in 1037 and took two decades to complete. The cathedral was first built as a burial place for Kievan the rulers Vladimir Monomakh, Vsevolod Yarsolavich, and Yaroslav I the Wise. Yaroslav I commissioned the cathedral and the grave is located on the site. The frescos in the cathedral are some of the best preserved in all of the country. The cathedral has now been turned into a museum and is a World Heritage Site.

The Kiev Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Ukraine. The zoo was first built in 1908 by the Nature Lover's Society in Kiev. The zoo is located in the center of the city with over 3,500 animals on exhibit. The selection of animals range from all over the world. The zoo has everything from elephants to tropical birds. The research center within the zoo, works with endangered species as the Amur tiger, Przhevalsky horse and many others. The bird pavilion was built in 1970 and was measured to be the largest in Europe. In 1982 the zoo opened and exhibit called “Island of Animals”. The exhibit houses lions and tigers on the property. The Kiev Zoo was given national status in 1983 and was included on the list for natural reserve funds. The zoo was then inducted into the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 1996. The Kiev Zoo is now receiving more benefits from different organizations and is now expanding their collection of animals.

The Nikitsky Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in the world. The garden was founded by Christian Stevens in 1812. The gardens are broken down into 12 scientific departments. The botanical garden also has one of the largest herbariums in Europe. The scientific museum on the grounds has over 50,000 plants and plant hybrids on display. The Cati Greenhouse in the gardens houses a collection of over 600 species of cactus from around the world. In 2000 the park was given the status of National Center of Science of Ukraine by the government. The variety of medicinal plants in the collection alone is one of the best in Europe. The Nikitsky Botanical Garden is the jewel of the Ukraine and gives naturalists a better understanding in plant life of the world.

Charax is a Roman city that was discovered in 1837 by Peter Keppen. The ancient city was excavated for fifteen years and yielded bronze artifacts and many Roman coins. A museum was opened on the site in 1907 putting the finds on display. Vladimir Blavatsky continued excavations on the site in 1931. Two public water basins, thermae, and an aqueduct were then found. Charax is the only Roman city found in Ukraine thus far.

The Premier Palace Hotel is in the city of Kiev. The five star accommodations surround the guests in luxury. The hotel boasts an indoor swimming pool, vitamin bar, spa, gym, and a Japanese restaurant. The Premier Palace Hotel is close to shopping and local attractions. The first class service keeps guests coming back. The Hotel Dnister is located in Lviv. The four star hotel is in the historic district of Lviv. The modern hotel offers two restaurants and a world class bar. The Hotel Dnister is the premier place to stay when visiting Lviv.

The country of Ukraine is like taking a step back in time. The ancient churches are just waiting to be discovered and museums abound throughout the cities. Ukraine is the hidden treasure of Europe.

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