A Journey To Hutsuls, Ukrainians Who Live On The Wild Side
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6d
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The starting point of your travel is Lviv, the biggest city in Western Ukraine, and the center of the historical region of Galicia with beautiful architecture and rich history. You’ll proceed to the Carpathian mountains, to the Hutsul region. This journey to the wild side of Ukraine will take you back in time!
Hutsuls are one of the Ukrainian ethnic groups who inhabited the Carpathians. Living in desolate mountain areas, they preserved their long-time traditions, handicrafts and way of life. We will visit Hutsul sheep shepherds, who still keep their ancestors’ lifestyle. We will make Hutsul traditional handicrafts such as pottery, blankets weaving and woodcarving. We will see traditional Hutsul wooden architecture which is on the UNESCO world heritage list. And we’ll indulge ourselves with traditional local cuisine. All that will be happening in the breathtaking landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains.
Available options
Private tour for 10-15 people
6-day tour to Lviv and the Carpathians (Hutsul region). The price is for a person in the group.
Private tour for 6-9 people
6-day tour to Lviv and the Carpathians (Hutsul region). The price is for a person in the group.
Private tour for 4 people
6-day tour to Lviv and the Carpathians (Hutsul region). The price is for a person in the group.
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Private tour
Dinner
Breakfast
Transportation by private vehicle (minibus)
Transfer from/to airport
Guide and translation services
Accommodation in a lodge (double or twin room)
Meals (half board in the Carpathians)
What you'll see
Day 1
• Lviv: arriving, transfer from the airport to the hotel according to the arrival, check-in
• Historical Center of Lviv, listed on the UNESCO world heritage list: medieval Armenian, Ukrainian and Jewish quarters of Lviv’s Old Town
Day 2
• Breakfast
• Around the historical center of Lviv (optional): St.George’s Cathedral (the metropolitan cathedral of the Greek-Catholic Church), High Castle viewpoint, Lychakiv cemetery (the necropolis of the XVIII-XX centuries)
Day 3
• Breakfast and check-out
• Rohatyn: Holy Spirit Church
• Yaremche: walk through the Dovbush trail
• Lunch
• Walk to the Probiy waterfall and Hutsulschyna restaurant, an example of hutsul architecture
• Visit to an ancient wooden church in Vorokhta
• Dinner and overnight stop in Verkhovyna
Day 4
• Breakfast and check-out
• Visit to the archaic hutsul dwelling and the ancient wooden church in Kryvorivnya
• Visit to the high-mountain sheep farm
• Lunch in the mountains: classical Hutsul banosh (corn flour porridge with sheep cheese, cooked on fire)
• Visits to masters in wool blankets weaving, traditional Hutsul craft
• Dinner and overnight stop in Kosiv
• Optional: sauna
Day 5
• Breakfast and check-out
• Visits to potters, the makers of traditional Kosiv hand-made ceramics
• Lunch
• Museum of Hutsul everyday life and traditions and Museum of Painted Easter Eggs in Kolomyya
• Return to Lviv: check-in
Day 6
• Breakfast and check-out
• Optionally: excursion, cheese & wine tasting session
• Transfer to the airport (according to the departure time)
Vorokhta is a high-mountain resort (850 m asl) and a famous center for both winter and summer sports. Vorokhta Viaducts are archwall railway bridges built in the XIX century when these territories were a part of Austrian-Hungarian Empire. The Church of The Nativity of the Virgin is one of the oldest temples in the region. It is a perfect exemplar of the archaic Hutsul wooden architecture.
Kryvorivnya is a small village in the Black Cheremosh river valley. In the XIX century, the village had a fame of the Ukrainian Athens, being a favourite summer destination for the UKrainian intellectual elites.
Kosiv is a small town known as a center of traditional Hutsul crafts, such as widely-known Kosiv ceramics, wood carving and sheep wool blankets weaving. The town grew in the Middle Ages as a place of the salt mining and trade.
Yavoriv is a most famous village of blanket weavers in Ukraine. In 1967, Yavoriv blankets were a Prize-winning entry at the World Exhibition in Montreal.
What's not included
Extra drinks and meals
Sauna
2nd excursion in Lviv
Excursion with cheese & wine tasting session
All mentioned expenses are optional.
Price doesn't include an accommodation in Lviv. You can book a hotel on your own or we can help you with it.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Adult pricing applies to all travelers, except infants
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Infant meals not included
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Dress code is smart casual
A minimum of 4 people per booking is required
It is possible to organise the tour even for 1 person, but it will be more expensive.
A maximum of 15 people per booking. It is possible to organise the tour for 40 people as well.
Price doesn't include an accommodation in Lviv. You can book a hotel on your own or we can help you with it.
This tour will be really fascinating for creative people who like nature and are looking for inspiration. You will be able to try yourself in painting and pottery, so
be careful you may open your hidden talents!
During the tour, you won’t put much of physical efforts, but we will have some walking in the mountains. Thus, we ask you to have comfortable trekking or sports shoes. Unfortunately, lack of local infrastructure makes this journey unavailable for handicapped people. Also, please note that deep in the mountains weather could be challenging, which implies lower temperatures, windy conditions or sudden rain. Please dress accordingly.
In the case of dramatic weather changes that could threaten the safety of the group, the program could be changed.
The company reserves the right to change the order of excursions in the program provided that some museums may be closed on the dates you choose for travelling.
Important notes
Other local supplier telephone numbers: +380 93 884 40 68, +380 32 290 26 05
Open hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, closed on Saturday, Sunday
If you need to get in touch with us urgently on our days off, please send us an email at info@karpaty.travel
This tour will be really fascinating for creative people who like nature and are looking for inspiration. You will be able to try yourself in painting and pottery, so be careful, you may open your hidden talents!
Price doesn't include an accommodation in Lviv. You can book a hotel on your own or we can help you with it.
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required. For accommodation we choose a comfortable loadge in the Carpathians, twin or double room, extra charge for single room if required.
During the tour, you won’t put much of physical efforts, but we will have some walking in the mountains. Thus, we ask you to have comfortable trekking or sports shoes. Unfortunately, lack of local infrastructure makes this journey unavailable for handicapped people.
Also, please note that deep in the mountains weather could be challenging, which implies lower temperatures, windy conditions or sudden rain. Please dress accordingly, dress code is smart casual.
In the case of dramatic weather changes that could threaten the safety of the group, the program could be changed.
The company reserves the right to change the order of excursions in the program provided that some museums may be closed on the dates you choose for travelling.
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.
About Lviv
Lviv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a cultural and architectural gem in western Ukraine. Known for its well-preserved old town, vibrant café culture, and rich history, it offers a unique blend of European and Ukrainian influences. The city is often referred to as the cultural capital of Ukraine.
Top Attractions
Rynok Square
Rynok Square is the heart of Lviv's old town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's surrounded by colorful buildings, cafes, and historic landmarks.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free
High Castle Hill
High Castle Hill offers panoramic views of Lviv and is home to the remains of a 14th-century castle. It's a great spot for a picnic or a walk.
Historical/Scenic
1-2 hours
Free
Lviv Opera House
The Lviv Opera House is a stunning example of Austrian architecture and hosts world-class performances. It's a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.
Architecture/Cultural
2-3 hours (including a performance)
Moderate to expensive (depending on the performance)
Lychakiv Cemetery
Lychakiv Cemetery is a historic burial site with elaborate tombs and monuments. It's a peaceful and fascinating place to explore.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Pharmacy Museum
The Pharmacy Museum is housed in a historic 18th-century building and showcases the history of pharmacy and medicine in Lviv.
Museum
1 hour
Moderate (around 50 UAH or 2 USD)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Varenyky
Dumplings filled with various ingredients like potatoes, cheese, cabbage, or meat, often served with sour cream.
Main Course
Vegetarian options available
Borscht
A beetroot soup that is a staple of Ukrainian cuisine, often served with sour cream and garlic bread.
Soup
Vegetarian and vegan options available
Deruny
Potato pancakes, usually served with sour cream or mushrooms.
Side Dish
Vegetarian and vegan options available
Lviv Coffee
Lviv is famous for its coffee culture, with historic cafes serving high-quality coffee.
Drink
Vegetarian and vegan options available
Popular Activities
Hiking in the nearby Carpathian Mountains
Cycling tours around the city
Visiting historic cafes for coffee and pastries
Strolling through Rynok Square and the old town
Attending a performance at the Lviv Opera House
Exploring museums like the Pharmacy Museum and Lychakiv Cemetery
Skiing in the nearby Carpathian Mountains
Visiting the Christmas Market in December
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest time of the year with long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, it is also the busiest tourist season.
18°C to 28°C
64°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Ukrainian
- Widely spoken: Russian, Polish, English (in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH)
Time Zone
GMT+3 (Eastern European Time)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Lviv is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- • Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging.
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
Getting there
By air
- Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport • 6 km from city center
By train
Lviv Railway Station
By bus
Lviv Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The tram system is efficient and affordable, with routes covering most of the city. It's a great way to see the city and get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town (Staryi Rynok)
Halychyna District
Sykhiv District
Day trips
Zhovkva
25 km from Lviv • Half day to full day
A charming town with a well-preserved old town, historic churches, and a castle. It's a great place to explore Ukrainian history and architecture.
Olesko Castle
50 km from Lviv • Half day to full day
A beautiful Renaissance castle with a rich history, including ties to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The castle houses a museum with historical artifacts.
Bridges of Love
30 km from Lviv • Half day to full day
A series of picturesque bridges over the Stryi River, known for their romantic atmosphere and beautiful views. It's a popular spot for couples and photographers.
Festivals
Lviv International Film Festival • October
Lviv Christmas Market • December
Lviv Jazz Festival • September
Pro tips
- Visit the historic cafes, such as Café Central, for a taste of Lviv's rich coffee culture.
- Explore the underground tunnels of Lviv for a unique and fascinating experience.
- Try traditional Ukrainian dishes like varenyky and borscht at local restaurants.
- Walk along the High Castle Hill for stunning panoramic views of the city.
- Attend a performance at the Lviv Opera House for a cultural experience.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
