Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to Ukraine. Its purpose is solely to give readers a sense of what might be involved if they take this tour. Although we do our best to make sure that what follows here is completely accurate, it should not be used as a replacement for the formal document that will be sent to all tour registrants, and whose contents supersedes any information contained here.
ENTERING UKRAINE: A passport valid for six months beyond the planned date of travel is required for entry. US citizens are exempt from the requirement to have a Ukrainian visa as long as the duration of their stay in Ukraine does not exceed 180 days and the purpose of their travel is tourism, private travel, or business.
UKRAINE MAP AND COUNTRY INFORMATION: You can view maps of Ukraine in the University of Texas collection here. The US State Department’s Background Note is on line here.
HEALTH: Please consult your own physician for personal recommendations and the latest information on the region you are visiting. There are no major health problems in the Crimea region. The sun can be surprisingly strong, so sunblock is a good idea.
Mosquitoes are present only in small numbers in shady places; if the weather is warmer than usual, however, they can be more numerous, and some people may find them distracting. It may be impossible to obtain any special medication during the tour, so bring all you are likely to need.
Please note that any health/medical information contained herein is gleaned by WINGS from websites that are dedicated to traveler’s health issues. Advisories and recommendations by agencies such as the CDC can and do change frequently. We urge you to consult with your physician, local health department, or the CDC for the most up-to-date health advisories for travel to Ukraine. You can check with the CDC on line.
CLIMATE: We can expect almost any kind of weather during this trip. The weather is often breezy and humid. Crimean weather offers many surprises, with temperatures fluctuating by 20º F. Days in May can be expected to be pleasantly warm, the nights cool. It may rain, occasionally heavily. A waterproof jacket, a warm sweater, and a sun hat will all be needed.
PACE OF TOUR AND DAILY ROUTINE: This tour is not a strenuous one, but we do have some early starts, most of which are for optional pre-breakfast excursions. Leisurely walking, occasionally over moderately rough terrain, is the only physical requirement. There is some uphill walking. On the other hand, though, virtually every species last year was seen from the coach, so it would have been possible to amass a remarkable list without any walking at all.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Throughout most of the tour we’ll be staying in good-quality hotels. All rooms will have a private shower and bathroom. Elevators are not commonplace, and porters are rare, so think carefully when packing and bring only what you can carry.
FOOD: The food in Ukraine is to normal western standards. Our mid-day meals will be remarkably good picnic buffets. Decaffeinated coffee is not available in Ukraine, and tea is often herbal or fruit tea; bring teabags or instant decaf if you prefer to drink your usual brand. Fish and different meats are frequently served as main meals. There are various options for people with special dietary needs, including vegetarian meals; please let us know in advance if you are a vegetarian.
TRANSPORTATION: Our transport will be by minibus or small coach. The leader will arrange a seating rotation. Participants should be able to ride in any seat in tour vehicles.
DRESS: Dress is informal throughout the tour.
SMOKING: Smoking is not allowed in the vehicles or when the group is gathered for meals, checklists, etc. If you are sharing a room with a non-smoker, please do not smoke in the room. If you smoke in the field, do so well away and downwind from the group. If any site where the group is gathered has a stricter policy than the WINGS policy, the stricter policy will prevail.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS OF WINGS TOURS: Please take a moment to read the WINGS General Information and Conditions. This section contains important information about how we conduct tours, e.g., what is included in the tour price, refund and cancellation policies, and other information that will help you prepare for the tour.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Tours to Ukraine will be sent to each registrant on receipt of the booking. Final information with instructions for meeting the group, hotel address, etc., will be sent to you about three weeks before the tour starts. Other news will be communicated as necessary.
Updated: June 2009