I am thinking about visiting Kiev and Odessa in the spring. Leaving from Colorado. Which order I visit the two cities and Ukraine is not a concern. Any recommendations for flights to and from those cities and travel in between? Any accommodation suggestions in those cities? I've looked at apartments and hotels so far and don't see too many home stay options.
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
We are in the midst of planning to go to Ukraine next autumn. The guide bookd we have are the Bradt "Ukraine" by Andrew Evans and the Lonely Planet Ukraine. We much prefer the Bradt guide. You might also do some internet research such as "Kiev tourism" and "Odessa" tourism". Also helpful will be http://www.seat61.com/Ukraine-trains.htm . There you will find more than train information.
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1556 posts
Flights: Quickest route would be DEN-FRA-KBP on Lufthansa. We did this in reverse 2 summers ago though we purposely chose the afternoon flight leaving Kiev so that we could overnight and wander around the Mainz area. Ukraine is a very large country and the distance between Kiev and Odessa is large - I believe the train journey is at least 14 hours. When I was researching 2 years ago, the internal airfares were very cheap on both Aerosvit and Ukrainian airlines. Look into this to save time. Not sure what your price range is for accommodations - we stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Kiev on points - great hotel. Did not go to Odessa. Download the free guides to these cities at inyourpocket.com
These are great guidebooks and have upto date local information. They are written with a sense of humor and are straightforward/honest in the writeups.
Posted by
Berkeley, CA, USA
28 posts
Two years ago I took a train from Kiev to Odessa. It was great - about 9 hours if I recall correctly. I took the night train, left at midnight, got in mid-morning. Very convenient, and only about $15 (of course, I had the very cheapest bunk!). The train station is easily walkable from downtown in Odessa.
Posted by
OP
Aurora, Colorado, USA
8 posts
Monte, Arnold and Paula, thank you for your suggestions. I will continue to look into the options that you discribe. Dan
Posted by
OP
Aurora, Colorado, USA
8 posts
make that describe... :)