Ukraine Top Things To Do

• See a theatre or opera performance in Lviv. The Ivan Franko Opera House is an extravagantly built, richly decorated structure, classed among the best theatres in Europe.

• Explore the fascinating catacombs of Sevastopol (website: www.sevdig.sevastopol.ws), for over two centuries the secret naval headquarters on the Black Sea. Discover the extraordinary underground submarine base and be James Bond for the day.

• Taste wine in the Crimea. The region's vineyards produce good-quality wine which can be tasted locally quite cheaply. The Wine Tasting Hall in Yalta is as good a place as any.

• Ski or snowboard in the Carpathian Mountains in the west. The leading resorts are Bukovel, Slavsko, Drahobrat and Tysovets. Bukovel is the only resort of international standard, although Drahobrat has the most reliable snow.

• Take a macabre guided tour to Chernobyl, scene of the world's worst ever nuclear disaster, just a day trip from Kyiv. It's safe to visit for short periods and doubtless one of the more unique Ukrainian experiences.

• Take part in the Kyiv Days celebrations, held annually during the last weekend of May. Events include performances by actors and musicians, as well as fireworks displays.

• Join the locals who swim in summer in the Dnieper River in Kyiv and climb onto its ice in winter to fish. Even better, come here for Orthodox Epiphany and be splashed with icy water during the celebrations.