Kyiv

“Everything Starts in Kyiv” is the Ukrainian capital’s official promotional motto and even if your exploration of Ukraine doesn’t start here it certainly is a “must see and experience” destination during your visit. Did you know that in the 11th century Kyiv was the largest city in Europe? Kyiv, of course, is known internationally as the “City of Golden Domes” for the glistening cupolas of such ancient Ukrainian Orthodox places of worship as St. Sophia’s, St. Michael’s and the Monastery of the Caves.

But Kyiv is not just a city of beautiful historic churches and other architectural treasures that dot the horizon along the banks of the mighty Dnipro River. It is the center of the country’s bustling modern-day business activity and tumultuous politics as well as its biggest metropolis, with a vibrant classical and contemporary cultural scene. Kyiv is considered one of the greenest cities in Europe with more than 100 parks and nearly 500 public gardens.