10-Day Eastern Europe Cultural & Historical Journey: Ukraine and Moldova Highlights

Day 1: Kyiv exploration

Kyiv, Ukraine on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Boulangerie

Enjoy classic French-style pastries and excellent coffee to start your Kyiv day in a cozy atmosphere.
UAH150, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

Explore the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning churches and underground caves.
UAH100, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Puzata Hata

Taste a variety of traditional Ukrainian dishes in this vibrant and affordable self-service restaurant, open daily 10:00am-10:00pm.
UAH120, 1h

1:30pm

Walk along Andriyivskyy Descent

Stroll the historic street filled with artists, unique shops, and quaint architecture culminating at St. Andrew's Church.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Visit the National Museum of the History of Ukraine

Discover rich exhibits tracing Ukraine’s history, including treasures from Scythian times to modern day.
UAH60, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Spotykach

Dine on traditional Ukrainian cuisine in a restaurant inspired by folk tales and legends, offering a charming atmosphere.
UAH300, 1.5h
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Day 2: Northern heritage

Chernihiv, Ukraine on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Local Café

Fuel up with fresh pastries and Ukrainian tea before heading out to explore Chernihiv.
UAH100, 1h

9:00am

Travel Kyiv to Chernihiv

Take a 2-hour train or car ride north to Chernihiv, famous for its ancient northern architecture.
UAH200, 2h

11:30am

Visit Transfiguration Cathedral

Tour the 11th-century cathedral, one of the oldest in Ukraine, showcasing stunning Byzantine architecture.
UAH50, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Shynok Chernihivskyi

Enjoy hearty Ukrainian fare with a modern twist in this cozy and traditional tavern.
UAH150, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Chernihiv Historical Reserve

Walk through the historical park visiting landmarks like Cathedral of Boris and Gleb and ancient fortifications.
UAH80, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Rusanivska Restaurant

Sample authentic Ukrainian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients in a warm ambiance.
UAH250, 1.5h
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Day 3: Eastern City charm

Kharkiv, Ukraine on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Coffee in Action

Indulge in quality coffee and fresh baked goods at this popular local café before departure.
UAH120, 1h

8:00am

Travel Chernihiv to Kharkiv

Take a direct train or flight to Kharkiv; by train journey takes about 6-7 hours, so flying preferred.
UAH600+, 1h flight or 6-7h train

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Zerno Gastrobar

Enjoy a contemporary and relaxed ambiance serving Ukrainian-European fusion dishes.
UAH280, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Freedom Square and Mirror Stream

Discover Europe’s largest city square and the iconic Fountain of Mirror Stream, a beloved Kharkiv landmark.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Tour Kharkiv Historical Museum

Explore exhibits on Kharkiv’s rich cultural and historical background, including art and ethnography.
UAH50, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Vilka

Relax with a mix of traditional and modern Ukrainian dishes in a stylish setting near the city center.
UAH350, 1.5h
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Day 4: Spa and Nature

Uman, Ukraine on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Bakery

Early breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee before traveling to Uman.
UAH100, 1h

8:00am

Travel Kharkiv to Uman

Take a train or bus to Uman, approximately 7-8 hours by train so an early morning start recommended.
UAH300, 7-8h

4:00pm

Visit Sofiyivka Park

Relax in the romantic and beautiful Sofiyivka Arboretum, a picturesque park with lakes, waterfalls, and sculptures, open until 8pm.
UAH80, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Park Hotel Restaurant

Dine in comfort inside the park’s hotel with a menu featuring Ukrainian and European dishes.
UAH250, 1.5h
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Day 5: Vinnytsia highlights

Vinnytsia, Ukraine on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Central Café

Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and light Ukrainian breakfast dishes near the city center.
UAH120, 1h

9:00am

Travel Uman to Vinnytsia

Board a train to Vinnytsia, a 2.5-hour journey going westward.
UAH150, 2.5h

11:30am

Visit Roshen Fountain

See Europe’s largest floating fountain on the Southern Bug River, spectacular with music and light shows in the evening as well.
Free, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Retro Café

Savor authentic Ukrainian comfort foods in a cozy, nostalgic cafe atmosphere.
UAH150, 1h

2:00pm

Tour Vinnytsia Museum of Local Lore

Explore rich exhibitions on regional history, art, and culture of Vinnytsia and its surroundings.
UAH50, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Chashka

Enjoy fine dining of Ukrainian and European cuisine in a modern stylish setting.
UAH350, 1.5h
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Day 6: Medieval charm

Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Local Bakery

Grab hearty pastries and coffee to energize you before exploring the medieval town.
UAH100, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Kamianets-Podilskyi

Take a 2-3 hour bus or train ride southwest to Kamianets-Podilskyi, famed for its fortress.
UAH180, 3h

11:30am

Visit Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle

Explore the iconic medieval fortress beautifully perched on a rocky bend, with stunning city views.
UAH80, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Fortetsya Restaurant

Enjoy local dishes inside a restaurant decorated with castle-style medieval motifs.
UAH220, 1h

3:30pm

Walk Old Town

Wander through charming streets featuring baroque architecture and historic churches in the town center.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Roksolana

Sample regional cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients in an inviting atmosphere.
UAH300, 1.5h
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Day 7: Lviv culture

Lviv, Ukraine on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Lviv Handmade Chocolate

Delight in artisanal chocolates and coffee in a flagship store known for its cozy ambiance.
UAH150, 1h

8:00am

Travel Kamianets-Podilskyi to Lviv

Take a 4-5 hour bus or train ride northwest to the cultural capital of Ukraine.
UAH300, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Kryivka

Experience traditional western Ukrainian dishes in a thematic underground pub with wartime motifs, open 12pm-12am.
UAH220, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Rynok Square

Discover Lviv’s historical heart with colorful buildings, street musicians, and cafes.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Visit Lviv Opera House

Admire the stunning architecture and, time permitting, catch a performance; tours usually from 10am to 4pm.
UAH100, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Baczewski Restaurant

Enjoy refined local Galician cuisine in an elegant setting; open until 11pm.
UAH350, 1.5h
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Day 8: Carpathian Mountains

Rakhiv, Ukraine on June 12, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Local Guesthouse

Quick breakfast with local dairy products and bread before departing for the mountains.
UAH80, 1h

7:30am

Travel Lviv to Rakhiv

Journey by bus or car around 7 hours southeast to the heart of the Carpathians, known for stunning natural scenery.
UAH350, 7h

3:00pm

Explore the Mountain Town and Local Museum

Visit Rakhiv’s ethnographic museum to learn about Hutsul culture and traditions, open until 5pm.
UAH40, 1h

4:15pm

Short hike around Verkhniy Vodyan area

Enjoy a gentle scenic hike offering panoramic views of the Carpathian landscapes.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Local Hutsul Guesthouse

Taste traditional mountain dishes like banosh and fresh trout with a warm Carpathian welcome.
UAH250, 1.5h
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Day 9: Coastal charm

Odesa, Ukraine on June 13, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Departure

Enjoy a light breakfast then take an early flight or overnight train from Lviv area to Odesa, flight preferred (~2h).
UAH700+, 2h flight

11:00am

Arrive and Check-in

Settle into accommodation near the city center close to the Black Sea coast.
Variable, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Dacha

Taste fresh seafood and Ukrainian coastal cuisine in a popular seaside restaurant.
UAH280, 1h

1:30pm

Walk Potemkin Stairs and Primorsky Boulevard

Visit the famous Potemkin Stairs leading to the waterfront and stroll the elegant boulevard with sea views.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Odesa Opera and Ballet Theater

Admire this architectural gem from outside or book tickets for an evening performance; tours open till 5pm.
UAH150, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kompot

Enjoy hearty Eastern European fare in this homey and popular restaurant on Deribasovskaya Street.
UAH320, 1.5h
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Day 10: Moldova day tour

Chisinau, Moldova and nearby towns on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café in Odesa

Light breakfast before border crossing and traveling to Moldova.
UAH150, 1h

8:00am

Travel Odesa to Chisinau

Enjoy a scenic 3-4 hour bus ride northeast into Moldova’s capital city.
UAH250, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Taifas

Sample Moldovan traditional dishes and wines in a charming restaurant with folk décor.
MDL150, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Stefan Cel Mare Park and National Museum of History

Relax in the park and tour the museum to explore Moldova’s rich past and culture.
MDL50, 2h

4:30pm

Drive to Bender and Tiraspol

Explore the historic fortress of Bender, then continue to Tiraspol, the capital of the breakaway Transnistria region.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Return to Chisinau; Dinner at Carpe Diem

End with a lively bistro serving contemporary Moldovan cuisine and live music, open until midnight.
MDL180, 1.5h
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