Belarus Highlights

Arrival in Minsk, transfer to hotel.

OVERNIGHT: MINSK

Minsk guided tour. During the excursion you will learn about the past and the present of the city. The Principality of Polotsk, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Russian Empire, The Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic and the Republic of Belarus – that is the way that Minsk has passed during its life. You will see the most valuable architectural monuments of the city: Cathedral Orthodox and Catholic Churches of the ХVII-XVIII centuries; St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church of the beginning of ХVII century and the “Red” Church; the oldest street Nemiga which started its way from the Minsk castle, and the picturesque Upper Town. The historic centre of Minsk – the Upper Town – attracts the visitors by its unique atmosphere of the past which is felt in its old buildings and on its narrow streets where museums, cafes and restaurants, boutiques and sculptures are located. Magnificent architectural ensembles of the main squares and avenues of the city, monumental constructivist public buildings, parks and public gardens will burst upon your eyes. The tragedy of the citizens in the years of the World War II; modern Minsk of the ХХ-ХХI centuries – these points will also be in the picture of the excursion. Walking down the Trinity Suburb you will see different museums, cafes, taverns and gift shops.

Free time for lunch

Excursion to the Museum of folk crafts in Dudutki is a really wonderful trip: serious excursion combined with playful adventures – tasting of “samogon” (home-made alcoholic drink), horse-riding, having eats and drinks at the mill… The open-air museum “Dudutki” created in 1995 with its artifacts of folk crafts and workshops of the XIX century is one of the most visited museums in Belarus. You will see the only working mill in Belarus, visit pottery, forge of the XIX century, carpenter’s workshop, bakery and the exhibition of vintage cars… Moreover, there is a horse stable, open-air cages for ostriches, wild boars and other animals and birds. You will enjoy riding in the hackney-cabs, visit the meadow of picnics, feel the atmosphere of old estate. There will be 3 tastings during the excursion:
-near the hooch still (“samogon”, bread, pickles, honey)
-in the bakery (fresh bread, cheese, butter, herbal tea)
-at the mill (farm bread and cured pork fat)
Here you may buy wonderful souvenirs and take marvellous pictures.
Return to Minsk. Free time.

OVERNIGHT: MINSK

Departaure in the morning. Start of visits. The majestic Mir Castle, built in the XVI century, its bright architectural look, mighty walls and towers, colorful courtyard leave a lasting impression which will be complemented by the Museum Exposition inside the castle. You will feel the atmosphere of life in the castle passing through the basements where provision was kept and the Ball-room swimming in luxury of Rococo style. Alongside the castle there is the flamboyant chapel of the Svyatopolk-Mirsky family. The historic part of the town of Mir – the place where Belarusians, Poles, Jews, Gipsies and Tartars had been living together for a long time – kept the atmosphere of the former small tow The ensemble of the market place is formed by the Orthodox and Catholic Churches, synagogues, Yeshiva, the houses of craftsmen and merchants.

Free time for lunch 

Drive to Nesvizh – the former capital of the Radziwill’s Ordination. At the Market place of this picturesque town you will see the Town Hall, shopping arcades, artisan houses; the Slutsk Gate (XVII cent.) is located nearby. We will take a view of the Park and Palace Complex of the XVI-XVIII centuries designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Maria Bernardoni by order of Nickolay Christoph Radziwill “Sirotka”. The magnificent castle surrounded by high earthworks and wide ponds represents the system of buildings forming the tasteful court of honor. The elements of Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism are interlaced herein. During our visit of the Palace Museum you will see the impressive expositions composed of a vast number of relics, great halls of the palace, living and housekeeping areas, picturesque parks adjacent to the palace. The Farny church of the XVI century – the first Baroque building in the Eastern Europe. This church is one of the most valuable churches in Belarus due to its gorgeous fresco painting and the undercroft. The guide will tell you about the history of the most powerful family of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth – the Radziwill Family which influenced the cultural heritage of Belarus and Europe. Return to Minsk.

OVERNIGHT: MINSK

On the way to Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve you will see fabulous Belarusian landscapes – so called “Belarusian Switzerland”. Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve was established in 1925 to protect biological diversity of ecosystem in the neighborhood of the Berezina River. It is the only and the oldest natural area of protection of the highest rank in Belarus. The reserve is a real model of natural environment preserved almost intact. Flora and fauna of the reserve is really rich: there are 59 animal species, 234 bird species, more than 800 species of higher plants – 46 of them are included into the Red Book of Endangered Species of the Republic of Belarus.
Ecological path will let us experience the unique scenery of Berezinsky Reserve. This 3 km route consists of 12 stops and offers us an opportunity to connect with nature: get to know flora and fauna of the reserve, listen to the chant of birds, to admire the view of the sphagnum bog. You will also see open-air cages, walk along the forest and visit the Museum of Nature with its modern exposition devoted to Belarusian nature.

Free time for lunch

Return to Minsk. Free time.

OVERNIGHT: MINSK

Free time or additional sightseeing upon request.

Transfer to Minsk airport.

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