7 Highlights of Ukraine

Set on the banks of the Dnieper River, Ukraine's capital city, Kyiv, is a mix of centuries-old architecture, leafy boulevards and gilded domes. It is also one of the best places to try a variety of traditional Ukraine food. Delve into the city's underground shopping mall to pick up some hot corn on the cob (a local delicacy), or head to a Soviet-style canteen to try perepichka, a deep-fried hot dog. For a more substantial meal, choose varenyky dumplings stuffed with gooey cheese, juicy meats and fresh vegetables. And wash it all down with a chaser of nastoyanka liqueur - a sweet concoction of honey and herbs.

Set upon the shores of the Black Sea, the port of Odesa boasts tree-lined avenues, pastel-coloured buildings and Mediterranean style architecture. Take a guided tour on our Ukraine in Depth Trip to discover the elegant facade of an Italian Baroque Opera House and the towering stone columns of the Vorontsov Palace. Soak up the friendly vibe of this vibrant city, wander down the iconic Potemkin Stairs and grab a bite to eat in a lively waterfront restaurant.

Get under the skin of rural Ukraine life with a trip to the small town of Verkhovyna in the Carpathian Mountains on our Private Ukraine and Moldova Tour. Meet a local family to learn how they make traditional Carpathian cheeses such as brynza, vurda and budz and sample their delicious produce. A hike further into the countryside will lead you to a museum dedicated to the indigenous Hutsul people. Discover colourful clothing, intricate metalwork and ornate wooden furniture, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner in a traditional kolyba restaurant in the evening.

Descend underground to a decommissioned military base on a Strategic Missile Force Museum tour on our Ukraine Discovery Trip. Once home to the most powerful Cold War Soviet missile, the R-36M2 'Governor' bomb, the base is part of a 150-metre subterranean tunnel network. Stand in the original control room, take a seat in the commander's chair and dare to push the big red button that would have once launched fatal missiles from their underground silos.