DISCOVER LVIV with Panorama Tours! City Breaks from just 3 nights USD 435 (ex Kiev) 3 nights GBP 340 (ex London) 4 nights EUR 465 (ex Frankfurt) 3 nights EUR 495 (ex Zurich)

Rynok Square….Opera Theatre….St George's Cathedral….Lviv Historic Museum ….Latin Cathedral….Armenian Cathedral….Castle Hill Park ….Lychakivskiy Cemetary are just some of the 'must see' sights of Lviv!

Lviv with a population of 830,000 people is an important political and cultural centre in the Western Ukraine. Lviv, the city of Lions, is the perhaps the most picturesque and European of all Ukrainian cities. The city has long been the seat of Ukrainian nationalism, and the locals pride themselves as being the drivers of Ukraine's European aspirations.

The central city of Lviv has long been admired for its architectural beauty and in 1998, its historical town centre was included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. The city celebrated its 750th Anniversary in 2006.

History

Recent archaeological excavations show that the area of Lviv has been populated since at least the 5th century. The city itself was founded in the 13th century by King Danylo of the Ruthenian duchy of Halych-Volynia, and named in honour of his son, Lev and in October 2006 celebrated its 750th birthday. Over the centuries the city's population grew rapidly and Lviv became a multi-ethnic and multi-religious city and an important centre of culture, science and trade.

Lviv was fortunate enough to avoid any serious damage during the Second World War, and as such the city abounds in architectural delights reflecting its history from the Ornate Opera House, Churches and Civic Buildings built in the baroque style reflecting the taste of the Austrian Hungarian Empire, the amazing opulence of the Art Nouveau buildings surrounding Rynok Square and the mediaeval remnants of the old city walls.

At the end of the First World War, Lviv was proclaimed capital of the independent republic of West Ukraine, but with the advent of the Second World War, Western Ukraine was incorporated into the Soviet Union. Due to its late inclusion into the Communist Empire, Lviv remained the centre of Ukrainian revolutionary thought against Russian dictatorship. It was in Lviv that the people's 'Ruch' movement took form and spearheaded Ukraine's drive of independence from the Soviet Union.

Gateway to the Mountains

Lviv is a convenient gateway to the Carpathian Mountains where you'll be able to breathe clean air and to feel the beneficial qualities of mineral waters while enjoying a stay at one of the world-renowned spas or medical centres. In winter the Carpathians become a focus for ski lovers, with their unforgettable landscapes and challenging ski runs. Combined with the fresh and invigorating mountain climate, the atmosphere and ambience are hard to match anywhere in the world. Local customs and traditions retain an ancient feel, with amazing wooden churches and mountainous homesteads complimenting the natural beauty of the region.

Here is a brief description of some of our Top-10 attractions in Lviv and its environs.

1 - Rynok Square

The Old City is centered on the Old Market Square called Rynok Square, established in the 14th century. The narrow cobbled streets around Rynok Square once housed the workshops of Lviv shoemakers, printers, chemists and numerous other tradesmen. Some of today's street names, for instance Virmen'ska (Armenian), Yevreyska (Jewish) or Serbska (Serbian) still remind visitors of the multicultural history of the city.

2 - The Opera Theatre

The former Grand Opera House was erected between 1897 and 1900 and can seat over 1,000 patrons. The theatre was built in classical style following the traditional lines of what was then known in Europe as the Viennese Pseudo-Renaissance of the 19th century. Both the exterior and the interior, enhanced with many original works of art, project magnificence and splendour.

3 - The Maria Zankovetska Drama Theatre

It is the oldest national theatre in Ukraine with a purely national repertoire. It's a theatre with a high reputation and is renowned for its own traditions, forming part of Ukraine's history and culture. Address: 1, Lesya Ukrainka Street.

4 - St George Cathedral

Perhaps the most impressive Baroque Cathedral in all of Ukraine, St George Cathedral is currently the headquarters of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. Its exterior is matched in beauty with its decorative interior. Wander down to the catacombs and visit the tombs of some of Ukraine's modern martyrs, such as that of Metropolitan Josyf Slipiy, who was exiled to Siberia by the Soviet Government after the Second World War due to his religious and nationalist beliefs.

5 - The Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life

It includes a number of miniature villages containing 15-20 architectural examples. It is a fascinating insight into the real life of Ukrainian people in 18-20th century. 1, Address: Chernecha Hora Street.

6 - The Museum of Ethnography and Crafts

A permanent exhibition covers the subjects of material and spiritual culture of Ukrainian people: household occupations, folk artistic trades, interiors of folk dwelling of Ukraine. Address: 15, Svobody Avenue.

7 - The Lviv Historic Museum

The museum includes more than 270,000 exhibits covering the history of Western Ukraine and its inhabitants from prehistoric times to the present. Address: 4, 6, 24, Rynok Square.

8 - Lviv Art Gallery

It is the biggest Art Museum in Ukraine. Includes works from the Middle Ages to the present. The total collection numbers over fifty thousand. 3, Stephanyka Street.

9 - Castle Hill Park

The High Castle - this is the name of the highest hill, which rises above Lviv. This site was chosen by Halychyna princes to build a fortress and today at the summit there is an observation terrace from which one can get a panoramic view of the whole city.

10 - Lychakiv Cemetery

The cemetery covers 40 hectares (about 110 acres) and since 1991 it has formed a state-sanctioned historical-artistic reserve. It is one of the oldest graves in Europe, dating back to the 1500's, and has been described more as a sculpture garden than a cemetery due to the ornate monuments, tombs and sarcophagi within its grounds. Many graves contain the remains of famous Ukrainians such as the poet Ivan Franko, eminent Poles such as the authors G.Zapolska and M.Konopnicka) and Austrians. A large number of Ukrainians prominent in the fields of academia, politics and art have also found their final resting place here.

Whilst in Lviv, you will be staying at the 4* Leopolis Hotel, which is centrally located just a few steps from the Rynok Square and the cities main tourist attractions. It has 43 tastefully appointed rooms (including 3 suites) - all with flat screen tv's, complimentary wireless internet and those comforts found in a 4* boutique hotel. There is also the Lev Restaurant (offering European & West Ukrainian cuisine), the Lev Cellar and the Library (offering a wide range of drinks and tasty snacks).

• Round trip travel in Economy Class with Ukraine International Airlines
• 3 or 4 nights twin/double sharing accommodation at 4* Leopolis Hotel
• Transfers between Lviv airport and the hotel
• Buffet Breakfast

• Airport Taxes/Surcharges
• Additional extras ie laundry, phone etc