Learn Russian in Kiev

Formed about a thousand years ago and located on the beautiful slopes Lavra initially served as a hiding place for first Christians who fled there to find refuge from persecution. They lived in caves where they had their own cells and even temples that you can visit today.

Later the fame of the monastery reached far beyond the state borders and the missionaries from Greece and Constantinople were seeking to join their brethren in the caves and with adoption of Christianity helped them to develop a monastery that quickly grew into the worshiping center for all of the Orthodox world.

Today lavra is included into the UNESCO’s World Heritage list as a place of great historical significance. The monastery welcomes visitors of any belief and walk of life and invites you to observe the ancient catacombs, temples and museums.

Apart from religious sites you will be able to attend the Museum of Book Printing, Museum of Decorative Art of Ukraine, Museum of Cinema, Museum of Treasures that displays truly unique jewelry made by early nations that populated the area of modern Ukraine long before forming Rus of Kiev. Also, you will be able to visit a one of a kind Museum of Miniatures.

The monumental statue is the Motherland, a 62-meter-high statue of a woman holding a shield and a sword in her hands. This monument is 15th tallest monument in the world.

Inside the pedestal you will find the main exposition which contains 14 connected halls each dedicated to every stage of the war. You will see a lot of documents of war, photos and real life installations that will bring you a fuller knowledge of that not so distant war that changed the world order things which once seemed so solid, however, presently is facing a risky challenge. In times it is an emotional experience to be in the museum as war is a heavy thing.

The museum does a good job keeping the balance between how you should feel and what you should know. It’s giving you facts that you can fill in your own puzzle and have your opinion.

The text you will hear is powered by the specific historical reference language, so we will help you to prepare. You can as well have a translator or have the entire tour in English and other languages. Students at the advanced level can even have their own translation practise set up in this museum. It’s a nice park area over the hilltop over water, good place to spend time, too!

NovaMova has standing authorization to lead groups to the underground Command Post, an actual missile silo, a disarmed SS-18 (Satan) missile, bunkers, components and mechanisms that make the missile fly and much more. This is where you have a unique chance to go back in time of Cold War and peep behind the iron curtain. We offer a one-day tour that includes transportation, a tour guide, and interpreting.

Within just a few hours you can take an imaginary journey through the entire Ukraine and see how people lived in different parts of the country.

As long as you have travelled all the way to the South Caucasus, it would be a shame not to make the short hop down to Armenia. Armenia is an incredible country with a fascinating history, unique culture, and incredible beauty.

Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia
Yerevan will be your first stop. Prepare to take a step back into the 20th century, as Yerevan’s architecture is reflective of its Soviet past. In Yerevan, you will have an opportunity to visit the famous Ararat Brandy Factory for a tour and tasting. The company’s signature brandy is reserved for special occasions all over the post-Soviet Union. The trip to Yerevan will include a trip just outside of town to a restaurant, famous among the locals for music, dancing, and of course, great food. Don’t forget to try the trout, an Armenian specialty.

Ancient Monasteries, Temples, and Cathedrals
While in Armenia, you will visit the breathtaking Geghard Monastery, founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator amongst the cliffs and canyons of the Azat River Gorge. The current structures were built in 1215, following the destruction of the original site by Arabs in the 9th Century. This same excursion will include a visit to the nearby Temple of Garni, a classical Hellenistic structure. You will also visit the gorgeous Echmiadzin Cathedral, the mother site of the Armenian Apostolic Church

This excursion includes:
• Transportation
• Lodging for 2 nights
• 2 meals a day
• NovaMova guide
• Guide services
• Entrance fees

With the border crossing at Sarpi only 20 minutes from Batumi, it would be a shame not to check out Turkey. They may be neighbors, but Georgia and Turkey are entirely different in terms of culture, language, architecture, religion, and food.

Trabzon Tour
Your main destination on this excursion is Trabzon, the historical port city founded as a Greek colony in 756 BC. In centuries past, Trabzon was the regional hub of a booming slave trade. This excursion will take you to the site of the former Trabzon slave market. While in Trabzon, you will have time for free exploration of the city. Don’t forget to try the local cuisine which is no less delicious that its Georgian counterpart.

Sumela Monastery
Only a short drive from Trabzon is the Sumela Monastery, carved into a sheer cliff face. One can’t help but feel they are in an Indiana Jones film as they approach the entrance to the Monastery.

This excursion includes:
• NovaMova Guide
• Transportation from Batumi
• Lodging for 1 night
• All tickets and guiding

This day trip to the local Adjarian mountains is a fun filled day of swimming, sun, and Georgian BBQ (“shashlik” for you Russian speakers). The scenery, food, and company make this one of the best excursions of the summer!

This excursion includes:
• NovaMova guide
• Transportation
• Food and drink

This excursion begins with a 10-minute drive along the coast to the ancient Roman fortress at Gonio. The fortress was built in the first century AD and occupied by numerous empires since.

This excursion includes:
• NovaMova Guide
• Transportation
• Fortress entry fee and guided tour