Each one of our Ukrainian cruises is a sail through magical Slavic hinterlands!
Ukraine is one of the largest and the most vibrant European countries. Cruising downstream the Dnieper, from Ukrainian capital, Kyiv to the Black Sea gives great opportunities for exploring ancient and legendary trade routes of this fine country. The Dnieper is the fourth largest river in Europe and the main waterway of Ukraine. Ports of call are large cities and small traditional villages, all rich in culture and history. Ukrainian Black Sea Port, the fabulous city of Odessa is often called the Black Sea Pearl. The fighting and riding skills of the Cossacks on Khortitsa Island, the magnificent Monastery of the Caves in Kyiv, and ballet in Odessa are just a few highlights of these voyages. The Danube Delta is one of the most incredible highlights of our Ukrainian cruises because of its unique wildlife and stunning nature. Our experience and horizons will be also widened when visiting the village of Vilkovo that really is the ‘Ukrainian Venice’ at the Danube Delta. Learn about the great history and great people, whose wisdom, goodness, and hospitality have already become a legend!
Cruises 2020
Kyiv—Vilkovo—Odessa—Kyiv
Kyiv—Vilkovo—Odessa
Sightseeing
Dnipro City
Dnipro City. This is the fourth largest city of Ukraine; it is smaller than Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odessa. Legends say that the Island of Monastyrskiy (Monastery Island) that today is a part of the Dnipro City was visited by Andrew the Apostle during his pilgrimage from the Crimea Peninsula to Rome. Also there are stories that this island was a sacral place for Zoroastr, who has secured some of his precious artifacts in the onsite rocks. In any case Dnipro City has deep and versatile historical background: these lands were once under control of many former states and ancient tribes. In 1776 Russian Empress Catherine the Great ordered to build a city named Ekaterinoslav there. Originally it was supposed to be the third capital of the Russian Empire: after Moscow and St. Petersburg. Modern Dnipro is a large city with a complex industrial heritage of the Soviet Era and a rapid pace of life. The city is home to “Yuzhmash” - a state-owned aerospace manufacturer. The Rocket Park is one of local attractions: it features Soviet-era rockets that were built at “Yuzhmash”. The city of Dnipro is rightfully called the cosmic capital of Ukraine. The Menorah Center that is said to be the largest multifunctional Jewish community center in Europe or even in the world is located in Dnipro City.
Vilkovo
Vilkovo. This unique small village on the Ukrainian-Romanian border really is a pearl of the pre-Danube lows. Located where the Danube meets the Black Sea, it is often called the ‘Ukrainian Venice’: nearly half of it stands on water. The land that holds houses and gardens appears to be numerous man-made islands. Instead of the ordinary street roads the blocks are separated by the water channels. The most common transport here is the local “gondola” built by skilled craftsmen. Not far from the settlement, on the coastline at the confluence of the Danube and the Black Sea there is “0 km” sign symbolizing the end of the mighty Danube and the beginning of the vast Black Sea. Vilkovo is known to be the town of fishermen and winemakers. The latter produce delicious house wine out of unique local grapes named ‘Novak’. Village of Vilkovo is famous all over Ukraine for its incredibly tasty strawberry: local gardens are normally fenced with two-meter (six and a half feet) cane on the three sides, with the fourth side covered by the Danube - thus ideal conditions for the accumulation of sunlight and heat are created, providing for best sweetness and aroma. Foods cultivated in Vilkovo are organic and ecological: only the sludge from the Danube is used for fertilizing.