Ukraine

Visit the country of Ukraine and try your hand at Kalashnikov shooting! The world's most famous rifle, the AK 47 comes in both automatic and semi-automatic versions, both of which can be tried during a special guided tour while in Kiev.

After the excitement of spending an afternoon experiencing this renowned rifle, visit the magnificent UNESCO landmark, Lavra Monastery and Caves. Dating to 1051, the caves were specifically dug for monks who required complete seclusion. This beautifully gold domed Eastern Orthodox complex of churches, temples, and chapels sits on 70 acres of grounds.

Also on the UNESCO World Heritage List is the Saint Sophia Cathedral located in Kiev. Plans to destroy this marvelous cathedral complex during the Soviet Era were thankfully halted by a team of historians and scientists. It is now one of the most famed sites in Ukraine. Vladimir's Cathedral, located in the center of Kiev, is the center of the Ukrainian branch of the Orthodox Church. From the mid-1800s, this cathedral is of much more recent construction than the two World Heritage sites. The towering vaulted interior is richly painted with biblical scenes, while the exterior is an elegant construction of arches and domes. This is one of Kiev's most famous landmarks and will simply dazzle the eyes.

A poignant visit to the Babi Yar memorial will recount the tragic history of genocide that occurred here during WWII. Over 33,000 Jews lost their lives when told to assemble with all their valuables at this site. Large monuments erected after the Soviet Era commemorate the horrors that occurred here just outside Kiev.