Itinerary - 8 Night Holiday by Air + Rail

Day 1

London to Warsaw

Fly with British Airways from London to Warsaw. On arrival in Warsaw check-in at the Polonia Palace Hotel Warsaw for an overnight stay.

Spend the rest of the day discovering all Warsaw has to offer. The Old Town is a major attraction, as it is one of the most historic sights in the city and contains some interesting architecture. During the summer months the cobbled streets are filled by café tables and street performers, which gives the Old Town a buzzing, vibrant atmosphere.

Since the fall of communism in Poland, Warsaw has prospered thanks to a major drive to improve its tourist sights. The Old Town with its imposing Royal Palace, has been beautifully restored to its former grandeur. Away from the Old Town, the city is in a permanent state of modernisation which gives Warsaw a contemporary edge.

Day 2

Warsaw to Krakow

Spend the morning further exploring Warsaw before travelling by train to Krakow. On arrival in Krakow check-in at the Andel's Hotel Krakow for a 2 night stay.

As one of the great survivors of Europe, overcoming war and Soviet domination, Krakow is an enchanting city full of atmosphere. Visit the hilltop Wawel Castle and shop for homemade Polish gifts in the magnificent Cloth Hall on the market square. Explore St Mary's Church, adorned with elaborate decoration and an impressive gothic altarpiece by Veit Stoss.

Day 3

Krakow to Lvov

Spend a second day in Krakow. Wander through the Old Town area and marvel at its soaring Gothic churches, or relax in one of the many bars, restaurants or cafes which are tucked away down its cellars and narrow alleyways. Krakow has an array of historical and cultural delights to offer every visitor.

By evening, head back to the main station for your overnight sleeper train to the Ukraine, the Lvov Express. Accommodation on board the sleeper train is in a economy double sleeper carriage - upgrades are available - please call for details.

Days 4 and 5

Lvov

Following the Ukrainian border crossing at around 3am, the train gets into in Lvov early the next morning. On arrival check-in at the Leopolis Hotel Lviv for a 2 night stay.

Spend two days exploring this hidden gem of a city. Free from the tourist hoards and stag weekends that plague many other European cities, Lvov (Lviv in the local Ukrainian) is a yet undiscovered destination perfect for getting to know the real Ukraine. Take a stroll through the city's quiet and quaint old town and explore its many churches, wooded hills, cafés, and coffee shops. Few other Ukrainian towns are so ideally suited to walking and relaxing.

Days 6 and 7

Kiev

Make an early start this morning to take the fastest train connection available across northern Ukraine for arrival into Kiev in the early afternoon. The journey time to cover the 330-mile distance is 6 hours 35 minutes. On arrival check into the Podol Plaza Kiev for a 2 night stay.

Despite having a population of around 3 million, the Ukrainian capital Kiev has a spacious and open feel. The Soviet-era apartments on the right bank of the Dneiper River give way to the old city with its parks, ancient churches, golden domes and the chic main street of Kreschatyk, on the city’s left bank. The river contains many islands connected by metro and tram, and proves to be popular relaxation spots for the locals. You also have the opportunity to visit St Sophia’s Cathedral which is one of Kiev’s most famous landmarks with its intricate mosaics and frescos, many of which date back to the 11th century.

Day 8

Kiev to London

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel and say goodbye to Kiev as you fly with British Airways from Boryspil Airport to London Heathrow.