Includes airfare, great hotels, transfers and more!

Ukraine River Cruise and the Black Sea
Land of the Cossacks: Kiev, Odessa, Sevastopol, Yalta

River-cruising enthusiasts will delight in our brand-new cruise through Ukraine, a country of fascinating contrast. You'll explore the Western-style elegance of Kiev, with it's sophisticated and stylish culture, the historic resort of Yalta and the important port city of Odessa, as well as picturesque villages set amid silver birches and rolling countryside, farms, fields and gardens that are lush with forest and cultivated crops and lovely towns that seem unchanged over the centuries. Travel the Dnieper River towards the Black Sea aboard your river cruiser and experience this beautiful destination at a truly fantastic price.

Our Touring Program

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating voyage to the Ukraine begins as you depart New York this evening on your overnight flight.

Day 2: Arrive Kiev. Today arrive Kiev, the 1000-year old capital of the Ukraine. You'll be met and escorted to the pier where you board your riverboat, unpack and rest. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation briefing. M/S Marshal Koshevoi (D)

Day 3: Kiev/Set Sail. Beautiful Kiev, situated on the banks of the rivers Dnieper and Dnestar is a city proud of its unique history, fine architecture and rich culture. On today's tour, see Kiev's grand monuments as you travel along broad boulevards lined with chestnut trees. Visit the impressive Cathedral of St. Sophia with its golden domes echoing the past glory of Byzantium and the baroque St. Andrew's Church. You'll also see the charming Old Quarter. After lunch enjoy free time to stroll around and perhaps explore the fascinating Jewish Quarter. Back onboard; you are invited to a cocktail party followed by dinner and a lively folklore performance. Set sail later this evening. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Sailing. Over the next few days, sail along the scenic Dnieper River towards the Black Sea and savor ancient villages and picturesque countryside. Today relax onboard and delight in the passing scenery. You are also invited to join a lecture on Ukrainian history. Enjoy afternoon tea and sample delicious Ukrainian pirogi. A folklore performance is included after dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Zaporozhye. Follow the footsteps of the legendary Ukrainian Cossacks, the mighty warriors that defended the empire's borders, as you visit the town of Zaporozhye, an important port along the river and part of the ancient trade route that ran from Constantinople to the Baltic Sea. Here, visit the Cossack Museum and learn about the rich history of the city and the fabled Cossacks. In the afternoon, you may join an optional horsemanship show of the Zaporo Cossacks. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Sail to Odessa. Enjoy today the magnificent countryside as you continue sailing downstream towards the Black Sea. You may join a Ukrainian language class as well as a lecture on local arts and crafts. Later today arrive in the port city of Odessa, the "Pearl of the Black Sea" and gateway to many of the famous Black Sea resorts. Your cruise director can assist in arranging tickets for an optional cultural performance tonight. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Odessa. This spectacular city is built on terraced hills rising above the gently curving bay and has drawn the rich and famous for centuries. On a guided walking tour, explore the bustling harbor, the tree-lined promenade and see some of the graceful historic buildings painted in pastel hues including the beautiful Opera House. Free time this afternoon to explore independently and admire the majestic views. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Sevastopol. As you sail into the Black Sea today, dock in Sevastopol, an important seaport and scientific and cultural center founded in 1778 and best known as site of a fateful siege during the Crimean War. Since the early 19th century, it served as the principal base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The highlight of your guided tour of this gracious city is a visit to the Panorama Museum that features a multi-dimensional artwork representing a 24-hour period in the defense of the city during the Crimean War. Later, enjoy some free time to explore the architectural gems of the city at your own pace. An optional concert of the Black Sea Fleet Choir is available. Late tonight set sail for Yalta. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Yalta/Swallow's Nest Excursion. Arrive Yalta, the "Pearl of Crimea" this morning and embark on an overland excursion to see the famous Swallow's Nest, a striking Gothic-style building resembling a castle. It was built on the huge overhanging cliff. Visit the former royal residence, also known as the White Palace, built in 1913 in lavish Italian Renaissance style. It was the site of the Yalta Conference, held in 1945, between Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin. Return to Yalta and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in this lovely seaside resort, blessed with temperate year-round climate. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Yalta. Yalta was the retreat of the Czars and Russian nobility and later became the playground of the Soviet leaders. While at port this morning, you may independently stroll along the attractive promenade and seafront and view the tree-lined streets rising steeply from the coast. Later, return to the ship and set sail. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Kherson. Dock today in Kherson and board a small boat that travels along the narrow canals of the picturesque Dnieper Delta. Admire the bountiful fauna and wildlife. Arrive in a local fishing village where the fishermen host a picnic lunch and offer homemade vodka. Return to your river cruiser for dinner and sail on. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Dniepropetrovsk. Continue sailing this morning and enjoy an onboard lecture on modern Ukraine. This afternoon dock in Dniepropetrovsk and enjoy a panoramic tour of this regional capital. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Kremenchug. Late this morning you'll be our guest for a caviar and blini party. After lunch onboard, dock in Kremenchug, founded in the 15th century as a wooden fortress. It suffered severe damage in World War II but was lovingly restored. Enjoy a guided walking tour of this riverside port town, filled with lovely gardens and parks. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Kanev. Today, dock in one of the oldest cities in the Ukraine, Kanev, founded during 11th century and successively ruled by Tartars, Lithuanians, Poles, Turks and Russians. Here, visit the museum dedicated to the life and works of Taras Shevchenko, the greatly admired Ukrainian poet and painter. You'll also delight in an outdoor shashlik barbecue complete with wine and local entertainment. Later, continue sailing upriver. Tonight you are invited to the elegant Captain's Dinner! (B,L,D)

Day 15: Kiev. This morning your river cruiser docks back in lovely Kiev. Enjoy an included excursion to renowned Pechor Lavra, the "Monastery of the Caves" founded in 1051. Here, tour the catacombs that served as religious tombs for hundreds of years. Free time this afternoon to explore at your own pace or for some last minute shopping! (B,L,D)

Day 16: Kiev/USA. Early this morning disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Your memorable voyage ends as you arrive New York later today. (B)

M/S Koshevoi Cruiser

Click here for more information on your cruise ship.

The M/S Koshevoi welcomes you aboard for a spectacular and scenic cruise along the Dneiper River. Your itinerary will take you from Russia's national treasure, St. Petersburg, to the heart of the "real" Russia for an immersion into the cultural and architectural delights of the villages along the Volga River.

The most convenient and picturesque form of travel through the river region is by boat, and the M/S Koshevoi will make your journey memorable! Their Russian guides and staff will provide for your needs with care to detail and a flair that is uniquely Russian. From themed dinners featuring caviar and champagne, to language lessons, folklore entertainment with authentic Russian costumes, and musical guests performing classical works, you will get a true taste of the region and the people.

The M/S Koshevoi travels with a crew of 100 and a passenger maximum of 260. Cabins are 100-120 square feet, enjoy a view of the river, and feature radio, refrigerator, private bathroom, and shower. Cabins in lower decks have four beds and port holes for a beautiful view onto the Volga River.

Each morning, the Koshevoi features a delicious full breakfast buffet. Lunch is offered in 3 courses, and dinner is offered in 4 courses with an exploration of Ukranian themes, special riverside barbecues, and caviar tasting! Dining aboard the Koshevoi is a cultural experience, not to mention an aesthetic and picturesque feast for all the senses.

Following their promise to provide you with a true Russian experience, their staff of entertainers consists of a team of 16 professional musicians and artists including the "Samovar" folklore group, virtuoso violinist Boris Gamus, virtuoso pianist Alexander Kolesnikov, and the Volga Trio. Each evening, they bring a different experience to entertainment, from the energetic to the elegant.

As a unique feature to guests, the M/S Koshevoi also offers lessons in Russian, dance lessons, and lectures on life and art in Russia. Optional activities will also be offered on board during the trip and can include ballet or circus performances.

Ukraine River Cruise and the Black Sea Included Features

• Round trip airfare from New York (JFK) via Austrian Airlines (flight schedule)

• 14-nights aboard the first class MS Koshevoi cruise boat in an outside cabin on the Lower Deck, with private bath

• 41 meals: 14 full breakfasts (B), 13 lunches (L), 14 dinners (D)

• Comprehensive sightseeing tours and shore excursions

• English-speaking tour guides throughout

PLEASE NOTE: Our cruise tours are heavily in demand, and even if a departure shows as available, availability may be limited to certain decks or cabin categories. Please check with us by telelphone (800-555-5765) for up-to-the-minute status on our cruise programs.

Cabin Upgrade: Rates are based on Lower Deck cabins with porthole, double-occupancy. Upgrade are available to higher deck cabin with large panoramic window.

Double-Occpancy Cabin Upgrades:

• Main Deck: add $169 per person

• Middle Deck: add $229 per person

• Upper Deck: add $269 per person

Single-Occupancy Cabins:

• Lower Deck & Main Deck: not available

• Middle Deck: not available

• Upper Deck: add $699 per person

Flight Schedule: Click here for a full flight schedule.

Business Class Upgrade: New York-Vienna-New York, add $2400 per person, except for June-August which is $1800 per person.

Other Charges: U.S. departure taxes and airline fees ($250), port charges ($160).

Travel Insurance: only $129 per person. Covers trip cancellation, interruption up to the total cost of your of tour, medical expense coverage and baggage insurance. Certain exclusions and limitations apply. Complete details of the plan will be sent with your confirmation packet. Read more.

Important Information About Transfers: Transfers for this tour are provided on a group basis only. For land-only passengers or for passengers deviating in any way from the group program, transfers are not provided.

Important Note: If you are reserving this tour less than 60 days prior to departure, confirmation is subject to space availability. We will advise you within 48 hours if we can confirm your reservation. In the meantime, no credit cards will be debited for deposits or payments until we are able to confirm your reservations.

Wait-listing on Friendly Planet Sold-Out Departures: If your preferred departure is sold out, you can place yourself on a waitlist by completing the online reservation form and submitting it to us. Just click on the "waitlist" button, complete the form and click "submit". In the comments box at the very bottom of the form, please write any notes regarding your request, especially any flexibility you might have in your dates of travel. This way, if your first choice doesn't clear, we can try for a second or third choice. We will make every effort to clear your space in a timely way so that you can join us on tour. You do not need to send any deposits for waitlists. When we clear your space, we'll contact you immediately by phone or email, and if you still wish to travel, we will arrange for deposits or payments at that time. We regret that we cannot accept waitlists beyond 35 days prior to departure. If you see "sold out" next to the dates you wish to reserve or waitlist, please note that this departure is now closed, including waitlist possibilities.

Already Booked? Print and complete your Tour Registration Form (PDF).

• Home
• Blog
• About
• FAQs
• Fine Print
• Insurance
• Contact
• Hotels
• Cruise Ships
• Site Map
• National Tourism Boards

* Some tour prices reflect an early booking discount on select dates. Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee.

Though we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our site about our tours, sometimes oversights and typographical errors can occur. Please confirm all tour prices and details with us via email or phone prior to booking. We will not be held responsible for misunderstandings arising from such errors.

TourCode: d-000