This tour is a journey along the old Chumak routes — the very roads people once travelled not “for the scenery”, but with a purpose: for salt, for trade, for life itself. Here, the steppe is more than a backdrop — it is like a strict teacher, quickly explaining why the character of the South is so strong.
First come the living traces of the past: places where people lived and worked in the 18th century, where stone was quarried not for souvenirs, but to build cities. Then — the Cossack cemetery: quiet, powerful, without any theatrics, yet carrying such a strong sense of time that you instinctively lower your voice. Next comes the Kuyalnyk Estuary: almost otherworldly landscapes, salt practically “in the palm of your hand”, and that rare moment when a souvenir is collected honestly — with your own hand and a smile.
The finale is just like a good Odesa story: after serious history, you need a warm human note. So the day ends at an ethno-estate: traditional life, atmosphere, a hands-on workshop, simple pleasures and the feeling that you didn’t just “go somewhere for the day” — you stepped inside history.
And all of this is right near Odesa. Because the South does not end at the beach. The South begins where the road disappears into the steppe.
Tour Program
- Start: Transfiguration Cathedral (3 Cathedral Square) 10:00 — the journey begins. We set off along the trails of the Chumaks and Cossacks — to places where the steppe still keeps its stories.
- Cossack Museum 10:30–11:00 — stories about the Cossack era, everyday life and the free spirit of the southern lands. History without the dust — vivid and real.
- Route of the Legendary “Reed Tram” 11:00–12:20 — travel along the historic route. Visit a Cossack cemetery with preserved crosses and explore catacomb dwellings — a rare chance to touch the past.
- Journey Between the Estuaries to Illinka 12:20–12:50 — a road through open landscapes and water, where the steppe meets the estuaries.
- Kuyalnyk Estuary 12:50–13:40 — photo stop, walk and a chance to collect some salt. The landscapes here feel almost otherworldly — and are incredibly photogenic.
- Ethno-Estate in Marynivka 14:00 — arrival and a warm welcome.
- Cossack-Style Hospitality 14:00–17:00 — refreshments, lunch, dressing in traditional costumes, workshops and songs. An atmosphere that makes it easy to feel part of the story.
- Return to Odesa 17:00–18:00 — the journey home with the feeling that you’ve lived through a small adventure.
What’s included in the price
- Comfortable bus transportation along the tour route — with no transfers or organisational hassle
- Entrance tickets to all locations included in the program
- Guided tour service and guide assistance throughout the entire trip
Что не входит в стоимость
- Personal expenses of tour participants
- Souvenirs and additional purchases
- Meals during the trip
- Additional services and activities not included in the program
- Personal requests not covered by the tour program
We recommend bringing
Dress comfortably and for the weather: comfortable shoes are a must, as the day includes not only bus travel but also walking at several stops. Bring water and, if needed, a hat — the sun outside the city tends to be even more direct. Make sure your phone is fully charged: beautiful views will appear far more often than power sockets. And you can leave the good mood at home — it usually shows up on its own along the way.
Guest photos
Photos of our guests and their brightest moments during the tour.
Frequently asked questions about the tour
What is the main highlight of this tour?
To discover that Odesa is more than just beautiful façades.
It is the steppe, the salt, and the people who knew the true value of the road.
What is the Chumak Trail, and why does it matter today?
Once, oxen and wagons travelled along these routes.
Today, we follow them to understand how the character of the South was shaped.
Back then, salt was a strategy — not just a seasoning.
Is the Cossack cemetery a gloomy place?
No. It’s quiet. It’s a place where time speaks louder than words.
The 18th-century stone crosses say more than any guide ever could.
What is the Chumak Trail, and why does it matter today?
Once, oxen and wagons travelled along these routes.
Today, we follow them to understand how the character of the South was shaped.
Back then, salt was a strategy — not just a seasoning.
How can I pay for the tour?
You can pay for the tour:
- online through our website
- by bank card transfer (our managers will send the payment details by SMS)
- in cash at our office,or directly to the guide during the tour
What are the cancellation and refund terms if your plans suddenly take a different turn?
We understand — life can be a bit like an Odesa tram, suddenly changing its route. If you cancel the booking yourself and let us know in advance, the refund will be as follows:
- 7 calendar days before the event — 100% of the full price will be refunded
- 72 hours before the event starts — 50% will be refunded
- 1 day before the event — 25% will be refunded
Where do we meet, and how do I know it’s our bus and guide — not just someone else standing there looking important?
The meeting point is listed on the tour page and in your booking confirmation. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early — that gives you enough time to find the group and still look like you were the first one there.
What should I wear and bring with me, besides a good mood (which is highly recommended too)?
Comfortable shoes are a must. Water is recommended. In summer — bring a hat and sun protection; in cooler seasons — a jacket suitable for the weather. If you’re planning to take lots of photos — charge your phone: Odesa knows how to fill up your memory fast.
