Top 15 Chernobyl Tours for an Unforgettable Experience

In late April 1986, the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, located in the Ukrainian town of Pripyat, experienced a catastrophic incident that led to a significant radiation leak. The plant and surrounding town were evacuated, resulting in an uninhabited area except for a small group of dedicated scientists and construction personnel who remained. Since then, the site has remained abandoned. The location is situated north of the capital city and is currently accessible for guided tours, which primarily commence in Kiev.

Exclusive guided tours are necessary for exploration of the site, and the insightful historical narration provided will greatly enhance the experience of the remarkable sights. Below are 15 recommended tours in Chernobyl and Kiev.

1. Private tour in Chernobyl

This convenient one-day tour departs from Kiev and includes services from an expert guide, transportation to and from the site, and all necessary fees and permits for visiting various exclusion zones.

In addition to exploring the intriguing grounds of the power plant, participants will enjoy a traditional Ukrainian meal and visit the desolate town of Pripyat and Kopachi Village, where the deserted streets evoke the atmosphere of a post-apocalyptic film set.

At the conclusion of the tour, after passing through the mandatory radiation control, guests will return to their hotel in Kiev.

2. 1-Day Group Tour to Chernobyl from Kiev

The Chernobyl disaster zone remains one of Ukraine’s most enigmatic locations, enveloped in myth and secrecy for over three decades. Before entering the restricted areas, participants will view a brief introductory film that prepares them for the remarkable sights that await within the Chernobyl exclusion zones and the town of Pripyat.

This tour provides essential knowledge about radiation safety, along with visits to a museum, church, and post office in a town now home to construction workers and a minor police force.

All necessary permits and transportation are included, though lunch is not provided.

3. 2-Day Tour to Chernobyl and Pripyat

This two-day tour presents an excellent opportunity for those who have the time to explore the area’s complex history in greater depth. The package includes round-trip transportation from your accommodations in Kiev, as well as breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in Slavutych.

Participants will visit the Chernobyl Power Plant for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the facilities, supplemented by a firsthand account detailing how the disaster escalated so rapidly in 1986. The tour price encompasses all necessary fees and permits for site visits.

4. Private Guided Tour of Kiev Pechersk Lavra

The Kiev Pechersk Lavra Monastery Complex is one of Ukraine’s most significant and historically important sites, and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site comprises a church and bell tower, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area for those willing to ascend the stairs.

After exploring the surface, guests have the option to delve into the site’s subterranean cave complex, rich in historical significance, paired with geological beauty. This tour provides a refreshing change of pace from the somber atmosphere of Chernobyl.

5. Day Trip to Chernobyl Zone and Pripyat with Lunch

Regarded by many as one of the greatest ecological disasters in history, the Ukrainian city of Pripyat and the adjacent Chernobyl Power Plant remain popular destinations for those intrigued by the opportunity to explore a captivating past.

During the Soviet era, the city and facility were seen as exemplary in terms of order and efficiency; this perception was shattered in 1986 when catastrophe struck. This full-day excursion includes all transportation and visits to the crucial sites of the area, with in-depth historical context provided by a knowledgeable local guide.

6. Chernobyl Tour from Kiev

Departing from your hotel in Kiev, you will first be taken to the Dytyatky Checkpoint, where a brief safety orientation will be conducted. Following this, you will explore the renowned exclusion zones, touring the facilities that were at the center of the disaster in 1986.

Included in the itinerary are visits to the nearly deserted towns of Pripyat and Kopachi Village; participants can explore decaying structures, including a kindergarten, hospital, and a Soviet-era cinema, which have since been reclaimed by nature.

Before returning to Kiev after lunch, the itinerary includes observing an old Soviet radar station and passing through the requisite radiation control facility.

7. Private City Tour of Lviv

The charming and historic town of Lviv is one of Ukraine’s treasures and is best experienced with a knowledgeable local guide who can highlight the must-see locations. Key attractions in the town include the Gothic Latin Cathedral, Golden Rosa Synagogue, and High Castle Hill, which provides a sweeping view of the area.

The town’s old-world charm and architecture stand in stark contrast to the unsettling scenes at Chernobyl. The tour encompasses visits to the Lviv Opera House, a military academy, and an army museum filled with fascinating artifacts from previous decades.

8. Two-Day Group Tour to Chernobyl

Group tours offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow travelers from around the globe. This two-day group tour to Chernobyl from Kiev is all-inclusive, alleviating the burden of planning details such as lodging and transportation.

The first day features a guided exploration of the power plant and surrounding towns, followed by a pleasant overnight stay at a local hotel. The second day provides various options for excursions based on the preferences of the group. Two-day tours offer a more leisurely and customizable experience than one-day tours.

9. Shooting Gun Range in Kiev

Engaging in target shooting can be an exhilarating experience, especially when handling high-powered military-grade weapons generally reserved for professionals. Regardless of your experience with firearms, safety will be prioritized through a thorough briefing from a qualified instructor, who will present several package options for participants.

All necessary safety equipment, including ear and eye protection, will be provided. Previous participants have described this activity as one of the most memorable and thrilling experiences during their visit to Kiev.

10. Chernobyl Power Plant and Pripyat 2-Day Tour

The 1986 disaster at Chernobyl ignited a catastrophic chain reaction leading to one of the most significant nuclear catastrophes in history. Although some experts argue the title has now shifted to the Fukushima incident in Japan, visiting the Chernobyl Power Plant remains a profound experience for many who have taken part in this tour.

On this two-day excursion, participants will be taken near the control room and reactor, with accommodations provided in a comfortable hotel located in Slavutych. The tour encompasses round-trip transportation from Kiev, lodging, and meals as outlined in the itinerary, delivering a well-organized experience.

11. Kiev Nighttime Private Tour

Kiev is a magnificent capital city rich in history and distinctive architecture, attracting visitors from every corner of the globe. For those adventurous travelers keen on experiencing the city from an alternative perspective, this private nighttime tour presents an excellent opportunity.

The tour is conducted by a private guide and maintained at a limited size to ensure a more personalized experience than larger group tours. Highlights include the Lacra Monastery, Paton Bridge, and other notable locations that are spectacularly illuminated at night. Tours are customizable, allowing participants to tailor their experience to their preferences.

12. Ultimate 2-Day Chernobyl Tour from Kiev

The narrative surrounding the Chernobyl disaster has been clouded in myth, folklore, and misrepresentation since that fateful day in 1986. While interpretations may significantly vary, witnessing the facility and surrounding towns accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide will provide clarity regarding the events.

This two-day tour invites guests to immerse themselves in the complex history of the region, visiting the Chernobyl exclusion zone, Pripyat, and the reactor that failed, igniting the incident. Unlike many tours, you will have the opportunity to speak with locals who can provide firsthand insights regarding their experiences over 30 years ago.

13. Kiev Key Attractions Private Sightseeing Tour

Given the heavy focus on ecological disasters and human hardship, it may be beneficial to take a brief respite from the Chernobyl narrative while in the Kiev region. Ukraine’s picturesque capital city showcases an array of remarkable sites best appreciated with a guide, allowing visitors to explore numerous highlights in a single day. This private tour caters to those with constrained timelines who prefer to relax while an expert addresses the planning details.

The city abounds with museums, cathedrals, galleries, historic neighborhoods, and outstanding dining establishments; thus, participants are encouraged to communicate their interests to their guide.

14. All-Inclusive 2-Day Group Tour to Chernobyl from Kiev

This all-inclusive two-day excursion from Kiev provides an excellent opportunity for travelers seeking to engage with the absorbing yet morally troubling history surrounding the Chernobyl disaster that unfolded over 30 years ago. Upon arrival, guests will watch a historical documentary and receive information on safety regulations while visiting exclusion zones.

The processes at the Dityatki checkpoint may appear somewhat unsettling; however, these precautions are standard. Participants will then proceed to the largely deserted city and village located in proximity to the power plant, which presents a captivating glimpse into a time that abruptly ended, featuring museums, schools, and other Soviet-era structures that have fallen into neglect over the years.

15. Full-Day Tour to Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

The Ukrainian people possess a strong sense of independence. This tour is conducted by personable yet candid guides who are devoted to conveying the genuine narrative of the Chernobyl disaster and the circumstances that prevailed during Soviet governance. The tour spans an entire day, commencing and concluding in Kiev, offering an extraordinary insight into the country’s history.

Your local guide will communicate in English, delivering intriguing and unexpected first-hand accounts to you and your fellow participants. This tour represents excellent value for those willing to dedicate two days to exploring the area.