We warmly welcome you in Minsk – the capital of the Republic of Belarus, its political and cultural centre. It was first mentioned in the chronicles of the XIth century. Today, it is a dynamic city with expansive boulevards, modern and historical buildings, endless parks and well-developed infrastructure. Being an impressive example of the Soviet planning on a grand scale, Minsk however has a number of outstanding historical sights, proving city’s rich history.
Sightseeing tour of Minsk includes the main avenues (Independence Avenue, Victory Square) and the architectural monuments of the XVIIth - XXth centuries (Upper Town with the City Hall, Holy Spirit Church and the Cathedral of Blessed Virgin Mary, old streets of the Trinity Suburb). The Victory Monument and the National Library(included into the list of the most outstanding buildings of the world) are waiting to be explored.
Overnight in Minsk.
Transfer to Mir, which is a small town 90 km to the south-west from Minsk. It is most famous for the fairy-tale Mir Castle, still known today as the “medieval flower”. Castle is an impressive architectural monument, included into the list of World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. It was erected at the end of the XVth century and today it is a combination of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture that makes Mir Castle so unique. This red brick castle is also a historical monument, which used to belong to several aristocratic families, who have left their mark in the history of the town and of the country in general.
Transfer to Brest. Overnight in Brest.
Brest city tour. Brest is a traditional "western gate" of the country. It is a calm and relaxed city, with famous Sovetskaya Street and alike boulevards, which are perfect for promenading. But the main attraction of the city is the Brest fortress, which is of course included into the city tour. The fortress made a prolonged defense against the Nazis in 1941 and was ruined in the result of severe battles. Only a handful of men had survived but citizens all over the USSR had been inspired by the heroism of the Brest fortress defenders. Today it is a giant deeply-affecting memorial.
Visit to the national park Belovezhskaya Puscha. This world-famous park, which is included into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has recently celebrated its 600th anniversary! It is one of the last and largest remaining parts of the immense primeval forest which once spread across the European Plain. Some oaks here are really believed to be over 600 years old! The park once used to be a home and playground of Polish princes and Russian tsars, who spent there much time resting and hunting.
Pushcha’s present animal and bird world is very rich and diverse. The reserve is home to around 200 species of bird, including corncrake, eagle owl, white stork, along with 60 species of mammal, including wild boar, wild horses, roaming elk, deer and perhaps most famously, bison, which is supposed to be one of the symbols of the country.
Excursion includes the tour around Pushcha and visit to the Museum of Nature.
Return to Brest. Overnight in Brest.
Transfer to Nesvizh – a delightful historic town, one of the oldest in the country. You will visit the magnificent Nesvizh Palace– former residence of the aristocratic Radzivili family, which also includes beautiful park and Farny Roman-Catholic Church of the XVIth century. The complex once numbered around 170 rooms, with a series of underground passages connecting it to the town’s monasteries. Today the exposition of the Palace includes more than 30 exhibition halls, including Prince's apartments, Golden and Star halls, Hunter’s hall and others.
Transfer to Minsk. Overnight in Minsk.
