Tours to Bakota: Why Is It a Must-Visit in 2026?

Bakota is among the most popular tourist destinations in Podillia thanks to its rock-hewn monastery, the Dniester Canyon, and its picturesque views. Tours of various durations are currently available—ranging from one-day trips to three-day itineraries that include visits to Kamianets-Podilskyi, Khotyn, and Chernivtsi. Learn more about tours to Bakota in 2026, what’s included in the itineraries, and how to choose a route that suits your needs

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Bakota is one of the most mysterious places in Podillia, attracting more and more travelers from all over Ukraine every year. An ancient rock monastery, the turquoise waters of the Dniester Canyon, and breathtaking panoramas—all of this has made this small Podillia village one of the top tourist destinations of 2026. Today, tours of various durations and routes are available—from one-day trips to three-day journeys that include visits to Kamianets-Podilskyi, Khotyn, and Chernivtsi.

What tours to Bakota you can choose, what tourists will see, and why you should go right now—we’ll tell you more in this article.

Bakota: a rock monastery, a canyon, and panoramic views of the Dniester

Bakota is located on the shore of the Dniester Reservoir, within the territory of the Podillia Tovtry National Nature Park. The village’s main attraction is the Bakota Rock Monastery, one of the oldest men’s monasteries in the Dniester region. Ancient caves, monks’ cells, and a spring with healing water have survived to this day and continue to attract pilgrims and travelers. From the observation deck, a panorama of the reservoir, the flooded village, cliffs, and forests unfolds—it is these landscapes that have become Bakota’s calling card on social media.

The “Bakota: A Place of Power and Mysteries” tour is a one-day trip from Kamianets-Podilskyi, entirely dedicated to Bakota. The itinerary includes a drive through the Podillia Tovtry, a stop at the observation deck, a walking tour to the rock monastery with stories about the legends of the Dniester and the history of the vanished village, as well as a descent to the reservoir’s shore. After the guided portion, there will be free time for relaxation and photos.

The “Bakota” tour lasts two days and departs from Lutsk. The first day is a full immersion in Bakota’s nature: swimming in the turquoise waters of the canyon, relaxing on the beach, paddleboarding, a hike to the observation deck, and an open-air dinner with a view of the sunset over the canyon. If desired, you can add water activities—a jet ski or a boat. The second day begins with a tour of Kamianets-Podilskyi: a walk through the old town, a visit to the fortress, and free time for photos and souvenirs.

Where to go from Lviv for the weekend — read about it in this article.

Bakota and Kamianets-Podilskyi: Two-Day Tours of Podillia

Kamianets-Podilskyi—a city often called the “Flower on the Rock”—naturally complements the route to Bakota. The ancient fortress, the Smotrych River Canyon, and the medieval architecture of the old town make it a must-see for anyone traveling to Podillia. And a boat cruise through the Dniester Canyon, included in most tours, adds a whole new dimension to the itinerary—from the water, the canyon’s cliffs and forests look particularly impressive.

The “Beauty of Podillia + Bakota” tour lasts two days and begins in Rivne. In the first part of the itinerary, travelers will see the Maliivets Waterfall—an 8-meter cliff with a waterfall and a cave grotto—and then head out on a full-fledged tour of Kamianets-Podilskyi, including a visit to the fortress. The second day is dedicated to Bakota: a tour of the rock monastery and a boat cruise through the Dniester Canyon.

The “Kamianets-Podilskyi Cruise + Bakota” tour is also a two-day trip, but it starts from Lviv and Ternopil. The itinerary is structured differently: on the first day, tourists visit the Khotyn Fortress, take in the panoramic views of Bakota and the rock monastery, and arrive in Kamianets-Podilskyi in the evening. The second day features a city and fortress tour, lunch, and a boat cruise through the Dniester Canyon.

By the way, in a previous article we discussed, where to vacation in Ukraine on a budget.

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Bakota, Khotyn, and Chernivtsi: Three-Day Tours of Podillia and Bukovina

Three-day itineraries allow you to see much more and combine Bakota with other iconic locations in Western Ukraine. In addition to Kamianets-Podilskyi, the program includes the Khotyn Fortress—one of the “Seven Wonders of Ukraine”—and Chernivtsi with its architectural heritage.

The “Wonders of Podillia and Bukovina + Bakota” tour starts in Rivne and lasts three days. The first day is entirely dedicated to Kamianets-Podilskyi: a city and fortress tour, followed by free time for independent exploration. On the second day, tourists head to Bakota, where they visit the rock monastery and take a cruise through the Dniester Canyon on a motorboat, and then visit the architectural gem of Chernivtsi—the former residence of the Orthodox metropolitans of Bukovina and Dalmatia.

The third day includes the Khotyn Fortress and a tour of yet another of the region’s most beautiful cities.

The “Bakota, Kamianets-Podilskyi, Chernivtsi” tour is also three days long and departs from Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk. The itinerary begins in Chernivtsi—with a tour of the university and the city—followed by Kamianets-Podilskyi with a tour of the old town and the fortress, Bakota with its rock monastery, a cruise through the Dniester Canyon, the Khotyn Fortress, and the Verteba Cave in Bilche-Zolote. This tour offers the most comprehensive itinerary of all the routes, combining nature, architecture, and the underground world of Podillia.

Where to go for your first trip to the Carpathians — we tell you here.

The Visit Ukraine portal offers tours to Ukraine’s most interesting locations, including routes to Bakota from various cities. Trips lasting from one to three days are perfect for those seeking a short getaway in nature as well as those who want to explore several regions at once. All tours include a guide, transportation, and a well-planned itinerary.

Choose the tour that’s right for you and book your spot on the Visit Ukraine website!

Remember! Ukraine has destinations that rival popular European destinations in terms of atmosphere and architecture. From the Viennese facades of Chernivtsi to the Alpine landscapes of the Carpathians—you can experience “Europe” without a flight or a visa. We’ll tell you more about places in Ukraine that resemble foreign resorts and the tours that take you there—follow the link.

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