The trip to Lviv isnt going to happen. I had a small mishap at the beach in Croatia and I need to have something repaired and I will be limited in what I can do for a while. So............ good news is frined came in from Kyiv a few days ago. We talked and decided if one is to come visit, then anything less than Kyiv is a compromise. So Kyiv it is. I went this year in January for Orthodox Christmas and it was a very good trip. So I will simply repeat it this coming January (Orthodox Christmas is 7 January).
The trip will be by train from Budapest, maybe around the 3rd of January returning about the 8th. That gives four full days in Kyiv, but its flexible if anyone wants to come and stay longer. Its a direct overnight train in mixed compartments and takes about 24 hours. Last trip me and the bunk mates made the best of it and had a good time. One even spoke some English. The price is under $100 each way.
I have a Ukrainian tour guide for assistance for ticket purchase (isnt easy) and overall logistics. This guide still does guiding work for important people and general tourists so she knows all the ins and outs of the trip and once we arrive. Sorry, but I prefer nice hotels so a 4 Star hotel as nice as any anyplace in the world and it will be under $100 a night and have a really nice (and deep) basement for evening drills. Suggest a backpack for luggage (just easier on the train). If you do the trip up and back to Budapest, heavier luggage has a place to stay in Budapest.
We might set up a tour out of the city. I dont think I have the heart for Bucha, but if others wanted to go ... I guess we could. I suspect I can even arrange a home cooked dinner on Christmas Day.
I have ridden the train since the start of the war (to Kyiv) so know what to expect there as well. It is really an enlightening experience. Safe? Define safe? In the past year the only attacks on the Ukrainian train system have been in areas close to the Russian border. We will take every precaution and have expert advice for safety, but it is a country at war so there is some risk.
Entrance requirements: Not difficult, but you have to purchase insurance.
Write me and I can share some photos from the trip this past January.