en
  1. >
  2. Tours>
  3. The Cheese Tour

The Cheese Tour

Ivano-Frankivsk region

Journeys to the polonynas (mountain meadows) are a long-known and popular offer for the visitors of Verkhovyna. But in Halyna Mokan’s interpretation it is a permanent school of cheese-making, an introduction to the sheep farming culture with the explanation of all the processes of turning milk into cheese.

News author
News 1st banner
The Mokans have placed a model of a polonyna khata-staia (a hut) in their own yard, as well as a real wooden Hutsul house of the 19th century, where they can organise a traditional Hutsul feast for a group of up to 15 people with songs and authentic dishes and, of course, cheese.  
  • Highlights of the tour:
  • Participation in the fun process of cheese making;
  • The pleasure of staying on one of the most picturesque polonynas of Verkhovyna – Krynta;
  • A workshop on cheese horses – a new experience of modelling and new exhibits in the collection of tourist trophies.
News 2st banner
  • DAY 1. Introduction to the Everyday Life of Verkhovyna
Arrival at Verkhovyna before lunch, checking-in at the ‘Polonynska Vatra’ guesthouse of Halyna Mokan. Halyna will take you through three rooms – where ‘milk is made’, that is, cheese is created, where there are a lot of Hutsul clothes and other antiques. A stop at the khata-staia (a hut), where together with the hostess you will cook banusz (a cornmeal dish topped with sour cream, sheep milk cheese, pork rind and mushrooms) to the music of the drymba (the Jew’s harp), will try to weave and comb (hrabliety) wool. Degustation of cheese and a knysh – a salty pie with bryndza (sheep milk cheese) from a heated ancient Hutsul oven with nalewkas (liqueurs). Driving to the polonyna (a mountain meadow) Krynta. Landscapes, a unique atmosphere, watching the life of shepherds. Find out how much time shepherds spend in the mountains, where they live, why they agree to spend several months in a row on the polonyna. Polonyna-style lunch. You can buy polonyna products. Returning to the guesthouse. Get acquainted with the history of the Mokans and the ancient Hutsul house, which this family moved from the highlands and located in their yard. Dinner with Hutsul songs and stories from Ms Halyna’s mother. A chan (a hot bath) with the infusion of mountain herbs and the sweet sleep.
News 3nd banner
  • DAY 2. Cheese Is the Head of the Hutsul Table
After breakfast you will be invited to a master class on modelling cheese horses, Hutsuls with tseberkas (buckets), lambs and other cheese figurines. The hostess will teach you Hutsul songs, tell you about the tradition of modelling. The hostess’ humour will recharge you, relieve the fatigue accumulated during the work week. Hutsul ancestors’ lunch. Take a walk to the Hrazhda house-museum, get acquainted with the objects of Hutsul everyday life. Compare it with the current life of the friendly and successful hosts who know many stories about their family. Returning to the guesthouse. Last packing and departure.