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From Balzac to Conrad

The poetic and tranquil land of Zhytomyr region seems to hide from the rest of the world behind its forests and lakes. Such peacefulness promotes writing and thinking, and perhaps this is why it has inspired so many writers who gave rise to works of world significance. Two such writers are Honoré de Balzac and Joseph Conrad

Coral Dragon

Many countries boast beautiful mountains, and Ukraine is no exception. Besides the Carpathians and the peaks of Southern Crimea, there is a unique mountain range in Ukraine that takes a deserved place among Ukraine’s seven natural wonders: the Podilski Tovtry. These picturesque mountains of organic, not tectonic origin are a petrified coral reef from a sea that no longer exists. In fact, nothing similar can be found anywhere else in the world!

Svitiaz Lake

Natural wonders are not necessarily high summits or endless underground labyrinths. Volyn region in north-western Ukraine presents its own small and comfortable wonder in the depths of Svitiaz Lake. Chosen as one of Ukraine’s seven natural wonders, the lake’s blue waters hide other reasons for its fame: Svitiaz is the deepest, largest and one of the clearest lake in Ukraine

Steppe Wonder

When in July 2009 web surfers across the planet voted for a new set of seven world wonders, Ukrainians supported their own candidate: the Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve, located in southern Kherson region. Even though their choice did not make the final list, it took a dignified 14th place among all national parks, forests and natural reserves worldwide. Among Europe’s national parks, this unique piece of undisturbed steppe ranked number five!

Underground Kingdom

Crimea is a great summer destination: sunny mountainous landscapes, the seaside promenade in Yalta, the invigorating Black Sea, well-preserved castles and palaces and more. Have you seen these sights already? Looking for an alternative to the bustling tourist spots and beaches? Here is an idea: cave-exploring! Just 17 km from Yalta on the way to Simferopol, near the village of Marmurove (“Marble”), lies the plateau called Chatyr-Dag. At 918 metres above sea level, this spot leads to an amazing netherworld. Welcome to the Marble Cave!

Wonders of Balaklava

For six days the sea was playing with a ship, throwing it up and down on its waves. On the seventh day the elements had enough of playing and threw it away, like a boring toy, to the numerous gates of the City of Laistrygones from Homer’s “Odyssey”. That is how the first epic hero entered Balaklava Bay. And that is how Balaklava entered the pages of world classics

The Dnister Canyon

The Dnister Canyon, one of the largest (250 km) and most beautiful in Europe, is the list of Ukraine’s natural wonders for good reasons. This wonder-canyon goes through the territories of the Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Chernivtsi and Khmelnytsky regions, draws tourists by its picturesque steep walls and numerous attractions. And all this come with a pleasant bonus: legends about countless treasures well hidden in the canyon’s walls

Synevyr - the Carpathian Sea Eye

Last year, Ukraine elected its own seven natural wonders: nature reserves, canyons, bays, caves and lakes. Today, we introduce one of them. It is located in the Carpathian Mountains, so beautiful in all seasons. What kind of wonder is it, you might ask. The “Sea Eye” of the Carpathians: Synevyr, a picturesque lake that lies 989 metres above sea level. A kind of place that seems created for those in love

The Romance of Lviv

There is no better Ukrainian city to celebrate St. Valentine’s than Lviv, often called “little Paris”. The numerous statues and figures of lions, squares and museums, cafes and parks of this city seem created for couples in love. “Panorama” invites you to fly on the wings of UIA to Lviv with your beloved and spend a most memorable romantic weekend

Legends of Kamyanets

They say that each year, on January 1st in the morning, when Kamyanets is still sleeping, a wonderful bird flies over Virmenskyi Rynok Square. It is so huge that it hides clouds with its wings. After flying over the square, the bird drops one feather. If the feather is black, do not expect anything good, if it is grey, life will be routine, yellow means a fruitful year, and white means happiness. Let us hope that year 2009 will run under a sign of the white feather