Viking River Cruises

In the Footsteps of the Cossacks

Itinerary Overview

Discover the rich history of Ukraine as you cruise along the great Dnieper River from Kiev to the Black Sea. You’ll explore the ancient cities and grand monuments of this proud nation, which dates back to the days when the Vikings, locally known as the Rus, arrived and conquered local Slavic tribes. You’ll see how the powerful Kievan state spread its influence north into Russia and reigned supreme until Genghis Khan’s Golden Horde poured out of Asia, conquering all in its path. And you’ll learn how the legendary Cossacks once again established the beautiful and powerful Ukrainian state that you’re exploring today.

What's Included

• 14-night cruise with river-view, outside cabin onboard deluxe Viking Lavrinenkov
• 12 tours with private, English-speaking guides: Kiev city tour/ Monastery of the Caves; Dnepropetrovsk; Nova Kachovka; Odessa; Sevastopol/Bachtischisarai; Yalta; Kherson/Fishermen’s Island; Zaporozhye; Pirogovo Village
• All meals: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners
• Private motorcoach for all coach excursions
• Welcome Cocktail & Farewell Dinner
• Old World Highlights: Port lectures by your knowledgeable Cruise Manager, Cossack horsemanship show and demonstration, lecture on cultural history of the Ukrainian people and Tatar-Muslim architecture
• Individual port guides for on-your-own exploring
• Onboard currency exchange services
• All port charges included

Ship

Detailed Itinerary

Ukraine's capital, Kiev, is called the "Mother of Cities" as it is considered one of Europe's oldest cities. Its history is traced back to 882 when the Kievan Rus Dynasty sprang from the infiltrations of Vikings. From the ninth century onwards, it was the trade center on the Dnieper River route from Scandinavia to the Black Sea and on to Constantinople.The old section of Kiev retains many of its most historic buildings and monuments including the lovely domed St. Sophia Cathedral. Completed in 1037, it contains fascinating frescoes and mosaics and the marble tomb of Yaroslav the Wise.

At 2285 km, the Dnieper River is Europe's third longest. The Dnieper flows from Kiev to through Russia, Belarus and Ukraine to the Black Sea. Throughout history the river has served as an important commercial route for the Vikings, Slavs and Byzantines. Landscapes along the Dnieper River consist of gently rolling hills dotted with forest groves, ancient villages, wide lakes and reservoirs.

The old fortress settlement of Dnepropetrovsk is one of Ukraine's most important commercial cities and many parts have remained untouched for 150 years. Its Museum, housed in a beautiful old building, showcases the fascinating country's history. The area is known for its green hills, beautiful embankments, historic boulevards and lush parks. Nearby Monastryskiy Island is home to the monastery built by Byzantine monks. During free time, relax the river in one of the many cafés and take in some fresh air.

Home to the 18th century Korsun Monastery, the small town of Nova Kachovka offers a wonderful riverside promenade and folkloric performance in the Palace of Culture.

A historically important Black Sea port, "The Pearl of the Black Sea" was built on the site of an ancient Greek colony, Odessos. It draws its rich history from the many different cultures that settled here including the Crimean Tartars, Turks, Russians and Germans among others. Odessa is particularly known for its beautiful architecture and popular beach resorts. A walk through the city reveals panoramic views and graceful historic buildings, including the beautiful Opera House. Another interesting attraction is the ornate Pasazh, a late 19th century shopping mall with rows of baroque structures. Enjoy one of the city's many museums such as the Archaeology Museum and the Museum of Maritime History.

The terminus of the Moscow-Crimea rail line, the harbor city of Sevastopol is a treasure trove of architectural gems including the beautiful Byzantine St. Vladimir Cathedral set high on a hill above the city. Sevastopol Bay is a lovely natural harbor and the principal base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet since the early 19th century. Perhaps you'll visit Grafskaja Quay, a wonderful marble and columned wharf on the bay. Or, discover the city's maritime history in the Museum of the Black Sea Fleet.

Perched on the southern coast of Crimea, Yalta passed through many hands over the centuries until Russia took control in the late 18th century. The city centre stretches back from the eastern end of Yalta Bay, straddling the Bystra River. Everyone gravitates to the naberezhna Lenia, a vehicle-free waterfront promenade with jetties, palms, pebble beaches, snack bars and art markets. Some of Yalta's best beaches lie along Yalta Bay west of the mouth of the Bystra. Half way down the bay and just back from the naberezhna is a chair lift that deposits riders at Darsan, a temple-like lookout on the hill above the bay. Just north-west of the lift is the Alexandr Nevsky Cathedral, a beautifully composed piece of neo-Byzantine architecture built at the turn of the century. Fans of Anton Chekov will want to visit the Chekov House-Museum, where the great Russian playwright spent the last five years of his life. The house features numerous editions of Chekov's works, memorabilia like his pens and medical kit, and a garden.

Founded on the site of Fort Alexander-Schanz in 1778, Kherson is today an important industrial center specializing in shipbuilding. Visit the Kherson steppes, part of the ancient Scythian state in the eighth and seventh centuries B.C. This area has a rich and diverse history that is evident in its many archaeological excavation sites.

Zaporozhye is more than 200 years old and stretches across both sides of the Dnieper River. The city encompasses the environmentally protected Khortitsa Island whose beauty, intrigue and charm have mesmerized artists, authors and poets for centuries. The impenetrable Khortitsa Island was an important defense for the Cossacks to protect themselves against invaders and was integral in the fight to reunite Ukraine with Russia.

At 2285 km, the Dnieper River is Europe's third longest. The Dnieper flows from Kiev to through Russia, Belarus and Ukraine to the Black Sea. Throughout history the river has served as an important commercial route for the Vikings, Slavs and Byzantines. Landscapes along the Dnieper River consist of gently rolling hills dotted with forest groves, ancient villages, wide lakes and reservoirs.

A NOTE FROM VIKING REGARDING OUR UKRAINE CRUISE

In 2003 and 2004, we offered a limited number of Ukraine cruises to our American passengers. The reception for those was so overwhelmingly positive that we have now added even more dates for 2005 so you can experience this great country. This cruise is traditionally only available to European passengers and is a product offered by our European sister office of Viking River Cruises. We are pleased to offer this trip to all our loyal American passengers as a way to expand their river cruise destination options. Since this cruise is offered to both American and European passengers, there will be some differences from our standard onboard product. In addition to English, European languages are spoken onboard, passengers are given assigned tables in the onboard dining room, and smoking is permitted in some public areas of the ship. Viking Lavrinenkov, her crew and onboard services meet the same high standards that we demand on all our American products.

Cost of This Itinerary

The least expensive cabin costs:
$257 per person per night in low season and
$271 pp pn in high season

The most expensive stateroom costs:
$364 per person per night in low season and
$378 pp pn in high season