Ukraine

Ukraine is Europe's second-largest country - largely flat and heavily agricultural, it gained independence from Russia in 1991 and has been progressively modernising and seeking closer ties with the EU ever since. Unsurprisingly there are strong Russian influences in Ukraine and there is a sizeable Russian population in the east of the country.

The capital of Ukraine is Kiev. The country's main international airport is Kiev Airport - formally known as Boryspil International Airport; other airports include Lviv Airport and Simferopol Airport.

Visitors to Kiev should not miss seeing the Caves Monastery. The monastery stands on a hill overlooking the Dnipro River and is divided into two section - Upper Lavra and Lower Lavra. Upper Lavra is the monastery buildings themselves; these include several churches and museums. All of the buildings are painted and decorated in a heavily ornate style, with gilded domes and striking green and white paintwork.

Although the Upper Lavra is impressive in itself, the Lower Lavra provides a fascinating contrast. The monks of the monastery once lived below ground - and networks of passages and caves still remain, evidence of where the monks used to live and worship. There are even a number of monks who were mummified and remain present, in nooks in the walls. It's a must see for all visitors to Kiev.

Other attractions in Kiev include St Sophia's Cathedral (Ukraine's oldest church, dating from 1037), the rather sobering Chernobyl Museum and Mariyinsky Park, which runs along the bank of the Dnipro River and also contains the ceremonial residence of the Ukrainian President, Mariyinsky Palace.

Outside Kiev, the port city of Odessa is a popular stopping point for visitors, who enjoy seeing the famous Potemkin Steps and the Odessa Privoz Market - one of the world's oldest markets. Another attraction in Odessa is the 400km+ of passages and caves - used over the centuries by smugglers, resistance fighters and many others!