The beautiful seaside city of Odessa is one of the many jewels of Eastern Europe. Located in Southern Ukraine, the city boasts a myriad of architectural wonders from many centuries past. You can find different styles of design such as Italian Baroque, Renaissance, Classicist and many other unique designs, all of which blend in well with the city. Its colourful buildings are a testament to its colourful but tumultuous heritage, which spans over a millennia. During the early 5th-3rd century BCE, it was a large Greek settlement which became a necropolis soon after. It was then home to various nomadic tribes and was ruled by many different powers. With all the different influences, there are so many things to see and do. We’ve compiled the top 8 best tours to go on in Odessa for the ultimate Odessa experience.
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1. Private Odessa Jewish Heritage tour
Odessa was once said to be the Jewish capital of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. Discover the history behind the Jewish occupants of Odessa, who have played their part in shaping this wonderful city. The 2.5-hour private tour brings you around the old Jewish quarter as you visit impressive mansions, once occupied by prominent Odensk Jewish residents. You’ll be lead by a private guide, which will make the whole tour a personable experience.
Private Odessa Jewish Heritage tour
Price: from 95.57 USD
Website:
2. Odessa City: full or half-day private tour
Experience the full-scale majesty of this beautiful coastal city as you discover the key places and landmarks that have made the city as vibrant as it is today. Walk by the Odessa Opera and Ballet Theatre and discover beautiful cathedrals and synagogues in the city. The best part is, the private tour is fully customizable to suit your interests and needs, so you’ll be engaged and on your toes the entire time.
Book Tours : Odessa City: Full- or Half-Day Private Tour
3. Day Trip to Transnistria from Odessa
Fancy spending some time in the Soviet Union? Well, even though it doesn’t exist anymore, Transnistria is a place which comes close to it. It is a country which borders Moldova and Ukraine but is not recognised internationally. Have a sneak peek and discover some interesting Soviet architecture here. This includes the House of Soviets, monuments to Lenin and Suvorov and many more Soviet-era buildings. Before you start this trip, be sure that you have a valid passport with you and check for any visa restrictions before you cross the border into Transnistria.
Day Trip to Transnistria from Odessa
Price: from 274.77 USD
Website:
4. Odessa Catacombs private tour
Take a trip down to the Nerubayskoye village and discover the Odessa Catacombs. The catacombs here are much different from those found in Paris or Rome. They were once used by criminals to escape the authorities and smugglers who sold illegal goods. Learn about the history of this beautiful place and be amazed by the mysterious catacombs. You will be told captivating stories about the events here, including the days of World War II, when partisans hid here to avoid the Axis powers. Don’t forget to wear some warm clothes and good shoes, since the catacombs are about 14°С (57°F) all year round.
Book Tours : Odessa Catacombs Private Tour
5. The Courtyards of Old Odessa 2-hour walking tour
Get a taste of the wonderful architecture of Odessa as your guide brings you on a 2-hour journey to discover a rarely explored part of the city. You’ll pass by the beautiful courtyards of Vorontsovskiy Lane and go by a place with a monument for Zamengoff, the inventor of Esperanto. Be enchanted by a beautiful Italian courtyard while passing by the Palais-Royal. You’ll also get a chance to have coffee at a local coffee house in the middle of the old city.
Book Tours : The Courtyards of Old Odessa: 3-Hour Walking Tour
6. Akkerman Fortress and Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi Half-Day Trip from Odessa
Head back in time to the 14th century Akkerman Fortress and walk into one of Odessa’s ancient historical remains, which was preserved neatly over time. In this 5-hour private tour, you’ll be brought over to the ancient city of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi and discover the stories of ancient rulers and eras past. From ancient Greeks, Romans and Bulgarians to Goths and Armenians, you’ll get a dose of the past with an exceptional tour guide.
7. Private Walking Tour of the Palaces of Odessa
Engulf yourself in the grandeur of not one but several palaces, all at once on this private walking tour. Discover the beautiful Vorontsov Palace and learn about the ghost of Emperor Paul, who haunts this place. You’ll also visit the Palace of Tolsoy, where much of its interiors are still kept as they were in the 19th century, despite the wars that took place in Odessa. Perhaps one of the fascinating spots to visit is the Shah Palace. This beautifully designed neo-Gothic style palace once housed the Shah of Iran, when he was fleeing from his own home country. The hotel pick-up and drop-off are included in this tour, so don’t worry too much about getting sore feet.
Book Tours : Private Walking Tour of the Palaces of Odessa
8. Private Odessa Criminal History tour
Uncover Odessa’s dark past and engulf yourself in a world of darkness and mystery as you discover one of Odessa’s most notorious quarters. The 2.5-hour private tour brings you around places where infamous thieves, gangsters and swindlers once lived. You’ll also visit their favourite haunts and discover the exciting tales of these misfits. Your exciting local guide will be there to spice up the tour and make it a very personable and unforgettable experience.
Book Tours : Private Odessa Criminal History Tour
Exciting Odessa
The stunning seaside city of Odessa welcomes you to explore its beautiful land, filled with amazing architecture, history and culture. With our top 8 best tours in Odessa, you’ll be geared for one of the most exciting times of your life. So what are you waiting for? Book your tour, or tours and start your trip to amazing Odessa.
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