Day 01: Arrive Minsk.
On arrival we purchase sickness insurance and proceed through passport control. Then transfer to hotel by car.
Overnight stay.

Day 02: Minsk
Breakfast at the hotel.
Sightseeing tour of Minsk City (approx.. 4 hours) with the history of Minsk, part of the upper city.
“The Holy Spirit Cathedral, the Catholic Cathedral, Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Market Square, Trinity suburb, Railway station, Independence Avenue, Pobediteley Avenue & National Library.
Shopping.
Visit to Belarus Mini museum, with mini buildings of fortress, churches, castles etc. Very interesting.
Return to Hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 03: Minsk / Mir-Nesvizh
Breakfast, and dep. by car/minibus to Mir-Nesvizh on a 9-hour tour.
This place is on UNESCO Heritage list. We visit the city of Mir & Mir castle and the prison belonging to the castle. This is dated back from year 1600-1800. Here lived rich Tartar, Gypsy and Jewish people.
The 3. President of Israel was born here. Then we proceed to another castle for sightseeing. Both are on UNESCO list. We drive to Sula, a beautiful recreation area with a lake, a small Viking ship for rowing or use of the engine onboard around the lake. All the buildings on the estate are renovated, and 2 buildings show traditional handicraft which may be purchased. The various buildings with rooms, shower, toilet for stay are in different sizes.
An excellent area for walks around and enjoy the Belarus country side. A very good restaurant with bar on the estate. They serve delicious local and Russian cuisine.

Day 04: Nesvizh / Minshk
Breakfast.
Dep. with car back to Minsk and check in at hotel. Afternoon at own disposal.
Overnight stay.

Day 5.Depart Minsk
Final departure by car to Minsk Airport for check in and travel Minsk-Riga-Oslo.

Day 01: Arrive Minsk
Welcome to Belarus! Your journey begins in Minsk, the capital of Belarus. 80 per cent of the city was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt with a Stalinist aesthetic, favouring grand buildings, wide avenues and sprawling squares. Time has been kind to Minsk, and while this open city plan is still prevalent, it’s currently characterised by a great mix of historical Soviet places of interest scattered around the modern cafes, restaurants and nightclubs. Do keep in mind that English is rarely spoken in Minsk – you would do well to either learn some key phrases in Russian, or keep a handbook of these phrases with you just in case you arrive early.

Day 02: Khatyn / Minsk
Three million Belarusians perished during WWII, or as it is known here, the Great Patriotic War. The Khatyn Memorial is a tribute to all the dead, though the site has a particularly sombre significance. German forces descended on the small town of Khatyn in March of 1943, following the death of a German officer in a nearby skirmish. The 149 inhabitants – including 75 children – were rounded up and murdered, and only one man survived. A bronze tribute to the survivor, Joseph Kaminsky, stands six metres tall in the centre of the complex. The 80-kilometre journey to Khatyn will take about an hour, and a guide will be waiting to escort you around the memorial upon arrival. Later, return to Minsk and continue exploring. Perhaps check out the imposing and sand coloured former KGB headquarters.

Day 03: Nesvizh
Head to Nesvizh (sometimes also spelled Niasviz) this morning in a private vehicle. Following a two-hour journey, arrive at the Nesvizh Castle, a grand palace that combines modern and classical architecture styles surrounded by manicured gardens. Your accommodation for the night will be within the halls of this crucially important castle. You’ll stay in a wing of the castle that has been converted into a hotel. There’s a restaurant on the property as well with a menu full of European cuisine should you wish to dine like a noble. You may wish to spend the afternoon wandering the grounds, pretending to be an errant royal who has escaped their dreary duties. If you would prefer to get outside the complex, there is plenty on offer in Nesvizh town. Maybe visit the Corpus Christi Church, where a rather unassuming facade hides a stunning baroque interior.

Day 04: Mir / Brest
Make the 30 minute journey to 16th century UNESCO World Heritage listed Mir Castle, where you can explore the grounds that encircle this prime example of Belarusian Gothic architecture. Make sure you also check out the courtyard. If you would like to learn more about the castle perhaps visit the museum inside the castle (optional). After lunch continue on to the railway station at Baranovichy where you will board a local train to the city of Brest. Use the evening however you wish in this historic town. Perhaps check out Sovetskaya Street, a pedestrian street with plenty of little points of interest, from yellow domes to old-fashioned street lights.

Day 05: Brest / Rural Village Homestay
This morning head straight to the pock-marked red brick fortress the town is known for. A symbol of Soviet resistance due to its service during WWII, it’s also the site of a sculpture that once topped a CNN list of world ugliest monuments. Called ‘Courage’, the artwork depicts a looming, stubborn face carved from grey rock over 30 metres (100 feet) tall. It’s undeniably impressive, though you can make up your own mind about its beauty. Enjoy a guided tour of the Brest Fortress, gaining insight into Belarusian identity and history. Enjoy some more free time in Brest, so perhaps head to the quirky Museum of Confiscated Art. In the afternoon, transfer to our home stay in a small village. You’ll be staying with our local friends in a rural setting where life has remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years. In the evening enjoy a hearty home cooked meal that will likely include potatoes in some shape or form.

Day 06: Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park
After a leisurely breakfast head to Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park (pronounced ‘beh-low-veshs-kaya push-cha’) where you can survey the sprawling canopies and hidden greenery from the back of a bike. The forest is full of stunning, motionless scenery and stands as a preserved part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bialowieza Forest, the last primeval forest fragment of Europe’s woodlands. Many of the trees here have been standing for generations – some pines are aged around 300 years, while some of the oaks are as close as 600. Wildlife in the forest is abundant too as over 55 different species reside in the park. This includes the European bison, the continent’s largest land mammal, which was bred back from the brink of extinction through a successful zoo breeding program. Enjoy a picnic lunch and then return to the village in the afternoon. Perhaps relax in the sauna before another home cooked meal from your hosts.

Day 07: Grodno
A private transfer through scenic forested countryside will deliver you in Grodno (approx. 3 hours). One of the few Belarusian cities that avoided bombing during World War II, Grodno (sometimes also spelled Hrodna) is full of pre-war architecture, giving it the feel of a ‘big village’ despite being one of the country’s major cities. Begin your explorations with an orientation walk around town. From the cyan spires of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral to the golden towers of the Bridgettine Convent, Grodno’s mix of medieval and baroque buildings scattered across the city means a surprise could lurk around every corner. Spend the afternoon at your own pace. Perhaps ask your leader where you can grab a draniki (stuffed potato pancakes), and don’t miss checking out the interesting looking facade of the drama theatre.

Day 08: Grodno / Minsk
Spend the morning at your own pace. Don’t miss checking out the interesting looking facade of the drama theatre, and make sure you visit both the old and the new castle. The Great Choral Synagogue is just opposite. Return to Minsk by public bus in the afternoon. Arrive in the evening and do as you please in Minsk. As tonight is the last night of the trip, maybe head out with your fellow travellers for a final dinner at one of the cozy restaurants across the river in the Trinity Hill area, the oldest surviving suburb in Minsk. It’s a leafy, picturesque part of town that lies on the bank of the Svisloch River.

Day 09: Minsk
Final departure transfer to airport. End of the tour.

Day 01: Arrive Minsk
Arrive in Minsk. This exciting long weekend begins in Belarus’s capital city.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 8.30pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Minsk at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you’ll need to arrive into Minsk National Airport (MSQ), which is around one hours’ drive. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to sample some Belarusian cuisine. Popular dishes include machanka, a hearty pork stew, and draniki, which are thick potato pancakes. For an after dinner tipple try Krambambula, a traditional Belarusian liquor, which is similar to mead and flavoured with spices and honey.

On this trip we have packed in as many highlights of Minsk as we can, but there is very little free time in the city, so if you wish to spend some time discovering more on your own then we would recommend extending your stay for a night or two. Perhaps you might like to relax in the serene surroundings of the Sendai Japanese Garden or there’s the Minsk Botanical Gardens. Please note that many of Minsk’s museums are closed on a Monday or Tuesday, so if you wish to visit a particular attraction then please check that it is open on the day you wish to visit it.

Day 02: Market visit and tour of Soviet Minsk; view colourful street art
Minsk is a city with a long history, set on the banks of the Svislach River, it was first settled by the East Slavs back in the 9th century AD. However, our guided tour this morning is going to focus on its more recent history, which has largely been dominated by Soviet rule that lasted from around 1920 to 1991. The city was almost entirely destroyed during World War II with around 80% of its houses and infrastructure reduced to rubble. Afterwards the city was rebuilt with its historic centre being replaced by Stalinist architecture with grand buildings, brutalist statues, broad avenues and imposing squares. Victory Square is the most famous part of the city and features a memorial to the fallen heroes of World War II. During our tour we’ll have a brief visit to the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, which is the centre piece in Victory Park. This huge museum has hundreds of exhibits and two of the most poignant rooms are the Hall of Glory that celebrates the heroes of the Soviet Union and the emotive memorial found in the Hall of Remembrance and Sorrow.

This afternoon we board the metro for the city market where we can see the local residents out haggling for fresh fruit and vegetables that are on sale from nearby farms. You can see, and of course buy, a whole range of edible goodies here including meat, cheese, nuts, spices and more. Next we will visit the Azgur Museum which houses numerous sculptures from the Soviet era that were designed by the architect Zair Azgur.

Day 03: Visit UNESCO-listed Mir Castle and spend a night at Nesvizh Castle
Today we drive out of the city and head for two of Belarus’s best known attractions. Firstly we have a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mir Castle. Its red and white towers reflect in the surrounding water and protect an enclosed cobbled courtyard with a well in the centre. Creation of the fort began at the end of the 15th century and it is widely recognised as being one of the most splendid castles in Europe. It was reopened to the public in 2010 after being extensively restored to its former glories.

Next we drive to the impressive Nesvizh Castle, which is also UNESCO-listed and has been home to the Radswill Family for over 400 years. The fortresses construction began in 1584, but it’s been extended and changed over the years and now features a mix of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Classicism and Neo-Gothic architecture. The estate also contains the largest landscape gardens in Europe and a number of ornamental lakes. On arrival we’ll check-in to our rooms and have lunch at the castle before being taken on a guided tour.

Day 04: Discover rural Belarus at Rosy Eco Village and Ales Los Farm
On our way back towards Minsk today we’ll venture into the rural Valozhyn district to experience what life is like outside of the city. Rosy Eco Village was created by several families who decided to escape hectic city life and get back to a more traditional lifestyle where they live off the land and reconnect with nature by farming their own food and creating a family nest. This type of settlement and country lifestyle used to be common, but was mostly lost during the many years of urbanization in Soviet Belarus. Now in this village there are 40 self-sufficient homesteads on five acres of land with cattle farms, fruit and vegetable plots, and gardens. We’ll be introduced to the eco village concept by the families living here and get the chance to sample their organic tea, homemade bread, honey, and other delicacies.

We drive back to Minsk for our final evening in the city.

Day 05: Trip ends in Minsk
Transfer to airport for flight back to home.

Day 01: Arrive Minsk
Arrive into Minsk National Airport meet-assist & transfer from airport to hotel.

Day 02: Market visit and tour of Soviet Minsk; view colourful street art
Minsk is a city with a long history, set on the banks of the Svislach River. Our guided tour this morning is going to focus on its more recent history, which has largely been dominated by Soviet rule that lasted from around 1920 to 1991. The city was almost entirely destroyed during World War II and its historic centre was replaced by Stalinist architecture with grand buildings, Brutalist statues, broad avenues and imposing squares. Victory Square is the most famous part of the city and features a memorial to the fallen heroes of World War II. During the tour there will be a brief visit to the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, which is the centre piece in Victory Park. This huge museum has hundreds of exhibits and two of the most poignant rooms are the Hall of Glory that celebrates the heroes of the Soviet Union and the emotive memorial found in the Hall of Remembrance and Sorrow.

This afternoon we board the metro for the city market to see the local residents out haggling for fresh fruit and vegetables that are on sale from nearby farms. You can see, and of course buy, a whole range of edible goodies here including meat, cheese, nuts, spices and more.

Belarusian politics remains controversial with Alexander Lukashenko having ruled as president since 1994. During free time for lunch you might like to dine in the Parliament’s House of Representatives canteen where you may be lucky enough to spot politicians having lunch.

Next we drive to see Minsk’s unusual Central Library building, with its unique architecture. In Minsk’s industrial district we’ll view the result of collaboration between Belarusian and Brazilian street artists that have injected some much needed colour and fun into the formerly grey and stark buildings. Old tower blocks, factories, trams and buses have been decorated with fanciful designs featuring animals, folklore creatures, cartoon people, geometrical patterns and more.

After a full day exploring, the evening is free to relax in the city before returning by metro at a time of your choosing to the hotel. Maybe take a stroll through the Trinity Suburb, which is one of oldest and most picturesque areas. There a number of Stolle Restaurants in the city, which are famous for their variety of savoury and sweet pies that can either be eaten in or taken away. Just a few of the many pie fillings include meat and egg, salmon, lemon and cabbage.

(NOTE: Please note that the Central Library can be closed at short notice due to events taking place and so we may be unable to go inside. The entrance to the Museum of the Great Patriotic War will be at a set time, so the order of places visited today may need to be changed to accommodate this).

Day 03: See the Khatyn Memorial and Polotsk en route to Vitebsk
Leaving Minsk this morning the first stop will be in the emotive village of Khatyn. Back in 1943 sadly nearly the entire population of the village was killed with just eight people managing to escape before all the houses were set alight. Today there is a memorial here that includes the Cemetery of Villages with 185 grave markers – each symbolises a village in Belarus where a similar tragedy occurred during World War II.

Driving on to Polotsk, which is a cultural gem and one of the oldest Slavic towns in the region. Tracing its origins back to the 9th century, the town is home to no fewer than 130 historical and cultural monuments, including the 11th century Cathedral of Saint Sophia. A local guide takes us around the main sites before we visit the Saint Euphrosyne Monastery, where a nun will show us around. This ancient church is home to a convent and is dedicated to a female saint. A mystery of the church is around the Cross of Euphrosyne of Polotsk which vanished in 1941 and hasn’t been seen since.

Arriving in the picturesque city of Vitebsk later this afternoon the evening is free to have dinner and settle in to the hotel. The thriving city of Vitebsk straddles the waters of the mighty Dvina River, close to Belarus’s border with neighbouring Russia and it’s known to be one of the prettiest cities in the country.

Day 04: Guided tour of Vitbsk and visit to the Chagall Museum
This morning a local guide takes us on a walk to view Vitebsk’s main attractions including the Uspensky Cathedral which sits on a hilltop overlooking the river, the pointed spires of the Three Bayonets Memorial Complex in the vast Victory Square, and the ornate City Hall building. In the warmer months, the city parks and squares are home to numerous fountains and the riverbanks are a pleasant location to take a stroll. In places the architecture of the city is Soviet in style with wide roads that trams and trolley buses run along and imposing squares with Brutalist monuments, but the city is also home to far older architecture with a number of white churches topped with golden onion domes. The city is the birthplace of Marc Chagall, one of the most renowned painters of the 20th century, and we will visit his former home, which now houses the Chagall Museum.

This afternoon is free to explore the city and for those that are art lovers, perhaps to visit the Chagall Art Gallery. Chagall was of born into a Jewish family in Vitebsk and spent a few years painting in Paris before ending up in Russia at the outbreak of World War I and finally settling back in Vitebsk at the end of the war. He was an early modernist painter and his artwork is colourful with some pieces featuring cubist and impressionist styles.

Day 05 : Hiking in Berezinsky National Park
This morning we drive to Berezinsky National Park, one of the largest areas of marshland left in Europe. A haven for an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including over 50 species of mammal and an impressive list of over 200 different birds. If extremely lucky then it’s possible to spot beavers, red deer, elk, bison, brown bears, wolves and lynx that all live in the forest.

We go hiking in one of the most pristine environments in the country. The walk covers around three and a half kilometres. There is the opportunity to continue the hike (the full day hike is for around seven and half kilometres in total).
The hiking is graded as Easy as the terrain is mostly flat and through areas of forest and marshland. It can be wet or muddy in places depending on the weather, so we’d recommend bringing a spare pair of socks and a change of shoes today, just in case your feet get wet.

The hotel for this evening is inside the national park and where we will have dinner together this evening.

Day 06: Discover Lake Naroch and experience traditional folk music
Today there is quite a bit of distance to cover and so it is one of our longer driving days (spending about seven hours driving in total). Leaving Berezinsky this morning for Hrodna, after a couple of hours driving we take a break on the banks of Lake Naroch, the largest lake in Belarus. Covering nearly 80 square kilometres, the lake is home to pike, perch, eel and tench and is an ideal spot to stop for a snack and to admire the view.

The next visit is to Ales Los Farm, created by a popular Belarusian musician and artist called Ales Los. Here see how his passion for folk music and folklore meets nature and be introduced to his collection of traditional musical instruments, almost forgotten folk songs and dances, and handcrafts. All of which formed an important part of old-time Belarusian culture that were almost totally erased during the Soviet years.

From here, we will make a brief stop in the Naliboksky Forest to stretch our legs and hopfully to spot the wild horses. We will continue to Hrodna where we should arrive in the late afternoon.

Day 07: Hrodna walking tour & boat trip on the Augustow Canal
Home to one of the largest Catholic populations in the country, Hrodna is filled with a wonderful collection of medieval and Baroque architecture, including the impressive Cathedral of Saint Francis Xavier and the unique Church of Saints Boris and Gleb; the only surviving example of Black Ruthenian architecture left in the area. A local guide this morning will show us the main sights including the Saint Basil’s Cathedral – with its ornately decorated pink and white walls – it is definitely worth seeing. We also take a stroll along Sovetskaya Street, which is the heart of the city, go to the old Jesuit Pharmacy which now houses a museum, and the fire lookout tower, which was built in 1900 on the highest point in the city and is as tall as an eight storey building.

Leaving Hrodna this afternoon we make a stop to view the restored eastern section of the 19th century Augustow Canal and take a short boat ride along the waters to relax and see it from a different perspective.

Driving on to Brest. Arrive in Brest we’ll take a guided walking tour of the downtown area including the main Sovetskaya Street, the aptly named Lantern Light Boulevard, and one of the most important Catholic churches in Belarus, the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. After seeing the sights we check-in to the hotel and have the evening free to explore.

Day 08: Visit the Brest Fortess and stay at UNESCO-Listed Nezvizh Castle
Today we see Belarus’ three most famous and impressive castles. Firstly, we’ll visit the 19th century red-bricked Brest Fortress, once the largest in the old Russian Empire. It was an infamous prison during the Soviet trials of the 1930s; this immense fortress went on to achieve lasting fame when it became a symbol of Soviet resistance during the German invasion of Russia in 1941.

Next we drive to Mir Castle where we meet our local guide. Its red and white towers reflect in the surrounding water and protect an enclosed cobbled courtyard with a well in the centre. Creation of the fort began at the end of the 15th century and it is widely recognised as being one of the most splendid castles in Europe. It was reopened to the public in 2010 after being extensively restored to its former glories.

Next we drive to the impressive Nesvizh Castle, which is also UNESCO-listed and has been home to the Radswill Family for over 400 years. The fortresses construction began in 1584, but it’s been extended and changed over the years and now features a mix of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Classicism and Neo-Gothic architecture. The estate also contains the largest landscape gardens in Europe and a number of ornamental lakes. On arrival we’ll check-in to our rooms.

After checking in to our rooms, we will have a guided tour this evening. Following this you are free to stroll through the castle park, which includes English and Japanese gardens as well as the native flora, and a number of monuments and memorials such as the Wishes Stone. Alternatively walk to Nesvizh town to see the 16th century Town Hall, old city gate and the Baroque church. There are also a number of restaurants within walking distance to choose from this evening.

Please note that due to the availability of English speaking guides, the guided tour of Nesvizh Castle may take place on the morning of day nine instead of this evening.

Day 09: Discover rural Belarus at Rosy Eco Village and Dududki Museum
On our way back towards Minsk we venture into the rural Valozhyn District to experience what life is like in the Belarusian countryside. Rosy Eco Village was created by several families who decided to escape hectic city life and get back to a more traditional lifestyle where they live off the land and reconnect with nature by farming their own food. This type of settlement and country lifestyle used to be common, but was mostly lost during the many years of urbanization in Soviet Belarus. Now in this village there are 40 self-sufficient homesteads on five acres of land with cattle farms, fruit and vegetable plots, and gardens. We’ll be introduced to the eco village concept by the families living here and get the chance to sample their organic tea, homemade bread, honey, and other delicacies.

Afternoon we head to Dududki Open Air Museum. Here at this ethnographic museum we can see more traditional Belarusian crafts and historic buildings on display. They have everything from a creamery and pottery to antique cars and wooden windmills. Whilst here we’ll get to taste the strong samogonka vodka which they brew on the site using traditional methods.

Tonight is for free in Minsk.

Day 10: Trip ends in Minsk
Departure transfer to airport for flight back to home.

Day 01: Arrival in Belarus
Welcome to Belarus! Upon arrival in Minsk, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure. Minsk is a progressive and modern city. Now booming with fashionable cafes and impressive restaurants, sushi bars and art galleries have taken up residence in a city centre once totally remodelled to the tastes of Stalin. Your accommodation this evening is a historical 17th century building which is a former Bernardine monastery.

Overnight in Hotel.

Day 02: Borisov to Beresinsky Biosphere Reserve
Today you will visit the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, the gem of Belarus & lakes district – a protected area of untouched diverse wildlife which began to take shape thousands of years ago after the meltdown of ancient glaciers. It is the only place, not only in Belarus but also in Europe, that is home to ‘Europe’s Big 5 & – European bison, moose, bear, wolf, and lynx. This is the only place you can see all of them in one place.

You will visit the Museum of Nature, Forest zoo, follow an eco-trail along Belarusian wetlands, and discover the Mythology museum, where you can take a journey around the world tree.

Along the way to the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, you will visit Borisov – a city with a rich history and a fascinating modern life. The restaurant ‘Bivouac & , where you will enjoy lunch, is famous for its unique museum and art gallery with portraits of military leaders who participated in the War of 1812: Napoleon Bonaparte, Alexander I, Mikhail Kutuzov and Jan Dombrowski and others. Participate in a straw weaving workshop – this is a very special Belarusian handcraft where you will learn to create a “spider,” a traditional Belarusian protective talisman.

Tonight you will stay on the shore of the beautiful Plavno Lake right in the heart of the reserve.
Overnight Hotel.

Day 03: Polotsk to Vitebsk
In and around Polotsk, Vitebsk
This morning after breakfast, you will head to Polotsk – the oldest city in Belarus, where you will see the St. Sophia Cathedral, the St. Euphrosyne convent and the Spaso-Preobrazhenskiy 12th century temple. You will then meet with the local youth who form an early middle ages re-enactment club. You will be able to see what local young people are doing in Polotsk as a hobby to keep them connected with the history of their native city. You will also have the unique opportunity to learn how to print a book using 16th century techniques. Polotsk for centuries was a famous book printing centre in Eastern Europe. You will then take a short river trip on board an early middle ages boat.

A rural estate in Ekiman village, just near Polotsk. The owner is a lovely woman and her home-made cuisine is simply delicious.

Continuing on as you drive to Vitebsk. The great artist Marc Chagall was born here. In his paintings, you can observe the beauty of the Vitebsk urban landscape. You will visit his house-museum.

Vitebsk has a long Jewish presence. You will also visit the new Vitebsk synagogue where Ohel David will teach you about the life of the modern Jewish community in the city.

Overnight in Hotel.

Day 04: Orsha to Kopys to Mogilev
In and around Orsha
Today you will visit the Orsha Linen Mill, the largest European manufacturer of linen fabrics and home textile products made from flax northern silk. After lunch, you will depart to Mogilev. Along the way, you will visit the Centre of Folk Arts and Crafts in Kopys and try your hand at being a real potter.

Mogilev is quite off the grid in Belarus, but it is definitely worth visiting for a glimpse at untouched life. Mogilev is a very old city with a wide range of interesting attractions which you will explore.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 05: Krasny Bereg to Gomel
Following breakfast, you will visit a fairytale like estate in the village of Krasny Bereg. Built in the second half of the 19th century, this magical place also houses the world’s only memorial commemorating child victims of WWII. In 1943, the Nazis set up a camp here where they used the most inhumane methods to take children’s blood for hospitals of the Hitler army. The concept of the memorial was inspired by children & s paintings.

Afterwards, drive to Gomel – one of the oldest towns of Belarus with many cosy parks, small fountains and peaceful corners.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 06: Psrer to Mozyr
Today, you will visit the Polesie State Radio-ecological Reserve (PSRER) – a unique and fascinating place both for Belarus and the whole world. This is the biggest Belarusian nature reserve established in the Belarusian part of the Chernobyl Disaster Zone of Alienation. Although the Belarusian part of the Exclusion Zone lacks such landmarks as Pripyat and Chernobyl itself, it has its own distinct features: the human influence factor has been minimised compared to that on the Ukrainian side, and nature has claimed the abandoned settlements. A visit here is quite remarkable to see both the dissipated time frozen villages which were evacuated in 1986, as well as the picturesque and pristine nature. From here, drive to Mozyr.

Overnight in a local guest house

Day 07: Mozyr to Pinsk
In and around Pinsk
After breakfast, you will depart for an orientation tour of Mozyr city – the capital of the Belarusian oil refinery industry and also home to beautiful landscapes along Pripiat river.

From here, you will drive to Pinsk. Along the way you will see a lot typical settlements of the South Belarus Polesie region, famous for it’s ancient beliefs, unique culture and impressive nature. This is a land where stone crosses seem to be growing from the ground, old traditions are alive, and people are incredibly warm and hospitable.

On arrival in Pinsk, enjoy a sightseeing tour. The city is the non-official capital of Polesie, and is very little known not only by foreign travellers, but also by Belarusians. It has unique and ancient attractions which simply surprise all who visit. The town has a cosy atmosphere to it and an array of colours decorate the buildings & facades making it a lovely pedestrian walk through the city centre.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 08: Pinsk to Brest
In and around Brest
This morning you will explore Pinsk via a boat trip along the Pina River.

You will depart to Brest. Along the way, you will visit the museum of traditional medicine in Strelno village where you will learn how local people were once treated for diseases via traditional methods using natural resources, rewrite old recipes and drink delicious herbal tea. Upon arrival in Brest, enjoy a city tour. Brest has a wide range of attractions related to the history of Belarus including the famous Brest fortress. Your hotel this evening is located in the historical district where there are many quaint bars and cafes in the old town that are worth exploring.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 09: Kossovo to Mir
In and around Mir
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you drive to Kossovo.

One of the most famous and respected heroes of Belarus and Poland, is Tadeusz Kosciusko. His contribution to the historical development of Belarus, Poland and the United States is immortalised in different parts of the world. Mount Kosciuszko, the tallest mountain in Australia, was named after him. He was born on February 4, 1746 at the Merechevschyna estate, very close to Kossovo town, located just in the middle of fields and meadows of Western Belarus. Now his birthplace is the Kosciuszko museum.

From here, drive to Mir. Along the way a few stops will be made to visit some of the more untouched villages and to source some fresh water, chat with locals, buy some local berries, apples, dried fresh water fish, eggs. Sometimes these stops lead us to the green houses of local people, their barns and houses! Where will today & s journey lead us?

In Mir, you will visit Mir Castle – an outstanding example of 16th century local fortification and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your accommodation this evening is a former ‘ieshiva & , a Jewish religious school housed in a 19th century historical building.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10: Mir to Minsk
Today you will explore the capital of Belarus, Minsk. Together with your guide you will visit places in the city where Minskers usually spend their time walking, chilling out and shopping for fresh and tasty food. Be immersed in the local Belarusian way of life as you get to know some of the cities important historical moments and how they have influenced today’s life.

Enjoy a traditional snack, a glass of beer or maybe a shot of vodka at Central bar in Minsk, just near the GUM store. It is an ideal place decorated as it was in 1950 & s, and where plenty of bright local characters gather all the time.

You will visit Alivaria brewery which is the number 1 local brew in Belarus. Your tour passes through the historic part of the production site and it is accompanied by the fascinating story of the 150-year old history of the company and the main stages of brewing. Enjoy a tasting of two types of beer.

Overnight Monastyrski Hotel or similar

Day 11: Minsk
Following breakfast, visit the memorial museum-workshop Zair Azgur. Here you will see statues of different famous characters of 20th century including Joseph Stalin, Vladimir Lenin, Winston Churchill and many others created by Zair Azgur. After your tour with a modern Belarusian architect, you will have the chance to create a sculpture yourself!

Enjoy a tasty lunch and some free time to discover Minsk at your own pace.

This evening, enjoy a Belarusian national dinner on a rural estate. Explore the nearby village before meeting your hosts.

Here you will have the opportunity to not only relax, but to get acquainted with Belarusian folk culture and learn how to cook a traditional local meal. Belarusian “Kalduny” is a meal of grated potatoes with meat, cooked in clay pots in an oven Once you have prepared your meal, whilst it is cooking, take a tour around the rural estate which is dedicated to bee keeping and honey production.

After your Belarusian cuisine workshop, you will meet a local folklore music group and enjoy the sounds of village music and Belarusian folk dancing. It will help you burn all those calories from the delicious meal you cooked.

Overnight Monastyrski Hotel or similar

Day 12: Departure
Today is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight.