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What to see in Kiev (Kyiv) Kiev, the commercial and political hub of Ukraine, is full of gusto and exuberance. Olyanna offers a memorable citybreak to Kiev and extended tours around Kiev. We can arrange day trips from here to Chernihiv - a stunningly beautiful old Orthodox city, and to Chernobyl the awesome site of the world's worst nuclear accident. Kiev's history spans over 1000 years - Vikings came down the river to trade here, Mongol Tatars invaded and pillaged, Polish Catholics held dominion over the Orthodox, the Soviets called it the Mother of their cities. 
Andriyivsky a cobble stone lane leads us from ancient Kiev past the splendid St Andrew’s church - designed by Rastrelli - down a twisting hill to Podil the more modern city. A market runs down its entire length. Here you can buy great value traditional art and craft objects from carpets to Soviet bric-a-brac.
The glorious 11th century Cathedral of St. Sophia which Stalin left untouched because of international pressure. It is enclosed by a walled garden that offers a tranquil spot to sit and relax.
Kiev is set on the banks of the broad and slow moving river Dnieper. This is Prince Vladimir who brought Christianity to the pagan Kievans. The pedestrian bridge leads to Trukhaniv island where you can walk for hours in the woods without seeing a soul.
The 11th century Pecherska Lavra Monastery offers a spectacular feast of lovingly restored Kievan Rus and Baroque architecture. Famous for its subterranean labyrinth of caves it is more rewarding above ground!
Independence Square is where the world saw the 2004 Orange Revolution take place. It's a natural gathering place to listen to techno music, or hear Ben Elton live - he played here in 2006. Here the Kievans celebrate New Year and national holidays.
Kreshchatik is a long broad boulevard shaded by chestnut trees and lined with fancy fashion shops. At weekends it is traffic free and full of Kievans enjoying themselves.
The nightlife in Kiev is legendary and classy. The better clubs have cabaret shows, topless dancers, food and music so tastefully done that it is not uncommon for blokes to sit with girl friends till the small hours.
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 Kiev City Break3 night stay to enjoy the buzzy beautiful green capital of Ukraine set by the majestic Dnieper river Find out more Lvov & Kiev City BreakSee the best of Kiev together with the magical centre of old Galicia - Lvov - Prague's self-effacing rival! Find out more
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