For winter 2021/22, we suggest a short trip (a 5-day break) to discover Kyiv and Chernobyl.
In April 1986, reactor IV at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded, causing the greatest nuclear accident in history. Thirty-five years later, nature has reclaimed what humans abandoned.
An exciting excursion close to Kyiv’s magnificent monuments
A break in Kyiv, a sophisticated city of grand monuments, with an excursion to Chernobyl to see the consequences of nuclear disaster and nature reclaiming what people abandoned
Reflections of the journey
Kyiv’s monuments alone justify the trip, but we also discover a sophisticated city with varied architecture and epic historical events, including the winter 2014 Maidan revolution. Chernobyl’s moving excursion reveals the consequences of nuclear disaster and nature reclaiming abandoned places.
A getaway to Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, in a distinctive setting beside the Dnipro River.
Visit to Chernobyl
On the night of 26 April 1986, reactor IV at Chernobyl exploded in the worst nuclear accident to date. Before the Soviet population understood what had happened, the authorities attempted a response through heroic actions of questionable effectiveness. Firefighters arrived first; the ‘liquidators’ traded probable military service in Afghanistan for a few minutes clearing explosion debris. Helicopter pilots flew over the reactor — almost all later died — and miners dug containment tunnels.
The Chernobyl nuclear power station excursion leaves at approximately 07.30. After about two hours travelling north, we reach the first checkpoint, receive individual radiation meters and complete the required forms.
During the day, we learn about the tragedy and discover its settings: the nuclear reactors and concrete sarcophagus over destroyed reactor IV; the Red Forest, heavily affected by radiation; and the ghost town of Pripyat, abandoned two days after the explosion and unchanged for 35 years.
In Pripiat you will find the facilities of the amusement park that we have seen so many times on television.
And the surprise awaits us as we discover the gigantic structure of the DUGA-1, the secret radar station that has been maintained to this day.
Kyiv, the capital
In this trip to Ukraine We can explore Kyiv, where metro stations marked in Latin characters make getting around much easier.
Maidan Square recalls the winter 2014 revolution, an epic chapter led by the city’s people. The Monastery of the Caves, open until 16:00, is essential. For Orthodox religious art, visit Saint Sophia’s Cathedral and Saint Andrew’s Church, then descend to Podil, a good neighbourhood for strolling and evening beers.
Kiev Notebook
Kyiv’s Montmartre
From St Andrew’s Church, you can reach old Podil, a neighbourhood full of local character and good beer.
The Maidan Revolution
Winter 1984; protests and repression changed the country. Epic in its purest form.
Churches and monasteries
Golden domes shine in the sun amid the Orthodox Church’s distinctive spirituality.
Colourful architecture
Turquoise blue, pale yellow… Kyiv’s colours are unusual to Mediterranean eyes
Podil district
Kyiv’s old district on the Dnieper’s banks. Culturally vibrant and popular
The Journey: Kiev and Chernobyl
✔️ Travel to Ukraine
✔️ Kyiv and Chernobyl: 5 days
✔️ Departures 4 DEC and 1 JAN
✔️ Price from 550€
Some see Chernobyl as “dark tourism”; others see a reminder of what we must prevent from happening. Either way, the excursion is compelling and rarely disappoints.