Thoughts of Kiev return to minds of moviegoers around the world when they hear the song, “Sunrise, Sunset…” and hear the sounds of the beautiful spring and falling snow of winter in Kiev. Some recall the hunger strike of university students in 1989, leading to the fall of the Communist Regime in Ukriane. Kiev is the largest city and capital of Ukraine, becoming the capital for the first time in 1934, under the Ukrainian SSR. In 1941, Kiev fell into the hands of Nazi Germany, which led to the massacre at Babi Yar. In 1991, Ukraine gained independence and Kiev as its capital lives on as beautiful, city of hope.

Kiev has a long history and its museums, buildings, churches, libraries and galleries tell its story. Visit the National Opera House, the Kiev Pecherska Lavra, called the Monastery of Caves, and the Golden Gate, the fortification walls built in 1037. Visit the majestic, blue and cream Mariyinsky Palace used today for official gatherings. Then stand in Independence Square where students and others have died fighting for the survival of their city and Ukraine.

Among the hotels of Kiev, are premier hotels, often sites of business conferences. In Kiev, there are shopping malls, monuments, parks and recreational facilities. Kiev offers restaurants serving local cuisine and others offering international cuisine, in elegant settings or informal settings. Kiev has clubs, bars, sports events, concerts, the theater and more for a night of fun or romance. Ukraine requires tourists to have valid passports and visas to visit Kiev.