Things to See in Ukraine

Rolling across acres of wooded slopes above the Dnipro, the Caves Monastery, also known as the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, deserves at least a half-day. It is the single most popular tourist site in the city, a highlight of visiting Ukraine and arguably the spiritual heart of the Ukrainian people.

Built from 1017 to 1031 and named after Hagia Sofia Cathedral in Istanbul, the Byzantine plan and decoration of St Sophia's Cathedral announced the new religious and political authority of Kyiv. Prince Yaroslav himself is buried here. The most memorable aspect of a visit here is the cathedral's interior, where there are 11th-century mosaics and frescoes.

At 503 sq km (5414 sq ft), this is Ukraine's largest national park. Despite its status, industrial logging still takes place, and only about 25% of the park area is protected. Founded in 1980, the CNNP shelters wolves, brown bears, lynx, bison and deer. Hutsuls still live in the park, and the country's highest peak, Mt Hoverla (2061m/6761ft), is here as well.