Holiday in Belarus, the secret gem and last frontier of Europe

Welcome to Minsk, the capital of Belarus. Minsk is a city largely destroyed during World War II and then rebuilt during the Soviet era. There is a notable presence of Stalinist architecture with majestic Soviet-style buildings and large squares. These giant buildings and squares intermingled with beautiful fountains, sculptors, modern cafes, restaurants, and a huge underground shopping center is an intriguing mix of ancient with modern cultures. The evening can be passed by taking a stroll and exploring European delicacies at one of the cafes or restaurants. Minsk is attractive because of the mix of historical Soviet places scattered around with modern cafes and nightclubs. Most people speak Russian instead of Belarusian. So, it is a good idea to have an English speaking guide with you and smartly learn a few phrases or keep a handbook in Russian. Spend the night in Minsk.

After breakfast, explore Khatyn and learn about the sad and horrific experiences of the people who perished during the Great Patriotic War. The 80-km journey to Khatyn will take about an hour, and a guide will be waiting to escort you around the memorial upon arrival. During World War II, 149 inhabitants including 75 children were brutally killed by the German forces in the small town of Khatyn in March 1943. The gruesome killing happened in retaliation to a German officer who died due to a skirmish nearby. The Khatyn Memorial is a tribute to the brave dead and lends a very sorrowful vibe. Only one man survived the brutal massacre, his name was Joseph Kaminsky. Later, return to Minsk and continue exploring. Visit the majestic KGB headquarters, a popular sight here. Stay overnight in Minsk.

After breakfast, a private vehicle will take you to Nesvizh which is a two-hour drive. Arrive at Nesvizh Castle, where you will stay in the West Wing of the Castle that has been converted into a hotel. This Grand Palace offers a mix of modern and classical architectural styles, surrounded by lush gardens and also a restaurant serving European cuisine so you can dine like a noble. The chateau corners were fortified with four octagonal towers. Owned by the Radziwill magnate family since 1533, the Castle became the residence of the wealthiest family and an important estate. Just imagine the delight of feeling stately and royal all day exploring the wonders of the Castle. You could also step outside the Castle to visit the Corpus Christi Church that has an unusual facade with stunning baroque-style interiors. Stay the night in the Castle.

After breakfast, take a 30-minute drive to Mir Castle that is accessible from the country's main highway to Brest. The 16th century UNESCO World Heritage Castle is a piece of military architecture that reflects Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance cultural influences. The castle has five towers, a ground that holds a Chapel, landscaped garden with an artificial lake and a Mir ghetto memorial. Do explore the courtyard and visit the Museum inside the castle as an optional tour. After lunch, the tour continues to the city of Brest. Board a local train at Baranovichi to reach this historic town. Spend your evening strolling down the Sovetskaya street about one kilometre long with plenty of yellow domes, old fashioned street lights, bars, selection of shops and restaurants. Spend a comfortable night at your hotel.

After a tasty breakfast, go on to explore the town of Brest. Take a guided tour of the Brest fortress passing by the entrance star, behind which you see a massive grey rock cutout of a soldier forcing his way onwards about 100 feet tall. This stone artwork called 'Valour' reminds you of the brave who died during World War II. It is also a symbol of Soviet resistance. The pockmarked redbrick Brest fortress that the town is known for once topped the CNN list of the world's ugliest monuments.

Experience a somber moment as you feel awestruck by the bravery and the struggle that the Belarusians went through in defeating Nazi Germany. Gain insights into Belarusuain culture and heritage here. Go on to explore more on your own and head out to the Museum of Confiscated Art. In the afternoon, transfer to your homestay in a small village. Enjoy a home-cooked meal and the simple rural settings with local friends hosting you to the simplicity of village life, unchanged in over hundreds of years. Enjoy home-cooked potatoes that are always a favorite local cuisine. Spend the night in rural settings and have a great time.

After breakfast, go on to visit Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park ('beh-low-veshs-kaya push-cha'), a preserved part of the Bialowieza forest. Since May 2015 there has been a visa-free requirement in the forest for hikers and cyclists. The last of the primeval forest fragment, the forest is home to the European bison, the continents heaviest land animal. The forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre with an amazing wilderness. You can rent a bike or take a quiet walk through the wilderness and be a part of nature. The park has many Pine trees almost 300 years old, Oak trees as old as 600 years and wildlife of over 55 different species. The European bison which was bred back from the brink of extinction through a successful zoo breeding program is a part of the park. You are exploring 'the lungs of Europe' where you can enjoy a picnic lunch. Return to the village in the afternoon and relax in the sauna bath and enjoy another home-cooked meal from your friendly host. Stay the night in the village.

After breakfast, go on to explore Grodno, sometimes also spelled Hrodna, one of the most ancient and beautiful cities. En route, the 30-min private transfer, take in views of the forested countryside to reach Grodno, one of the few Belarusian cities to have escaped the bombing during World War II. Explore the city at your own pace, walking along cobbled streets and perhaps eating a draniki (stuffed potato pancakes) and chilling out with the locals enjoying street music and dance. The city is full of pre-war architecture and is known as the capital of Belarusian Catholicism. St. Francis Xavier Cathedral or Farny Church is absolutely gorgeous, with a 21 m carved altar and oldest clock tower in Europe. Visit the golden towers of Bridgettine and explore the 'big village' through the day. Grodno city is a mix of medieval and baroque buildings scattered around with the Neman river cutting the city in half. A splendid place to spend your day. Stay the night at the hotel.

After breakfast, spend your day at leisure exploring the Grodno theatre offering you the drama theatre and puppet theatre with interesting facades. Also, see both the old and new castle and the Great Choral Synagogue nearby. Transfer to Minsk via a public bus in the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day in Minsk at leisure. You could enjoy dinner with fellow travelers at one of the restaurants across the river in Trinity Hill suburbs. The beautiful picturesque town lies on the bank of the Svisloch River. Enjoy your stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, the fabulous tour nears an end. However, if you may wish to extend your stay, we would help you do so. There are many attractions as optional tours from churches, castles, and museums. We recommend a longer stay. We would also help you with accommodation requirements based on availability.