Arrival in Minsk. Check-in at hotel. Minsk city tour
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.
Minsk – Khatyn – Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve – Vitebsk
Transfer to Khatyn , deeply-affecting memorial that commemorates all innocent victims of the World War II. The village of Khatyn was burned down and the entire population was massacred by the Nazis in 1943. Today it is a symbol of the tragedy of the Belarusian nation.
Transfer to theBerezinsky Biosphere Reserve , which is the oldest and the only natural area of protection in Belarus of the highest rank. It is a real model of natural environment, one of very few undisturbed corners of European part of the southern taiga.
Excursion at the Reserve with following ecological routes and enjoying the wild nature.
Transfer to Vitebsk, which is known today as the cultural capital of the country. It is because of the international festival of arts “Slavanski (Slavic) Bazzar”, taking place in Vitebsk annually, and because of the city’s rich artistic heritage. Marc Chagall, an outstanding artist of the XXth century, was born here – moreover, Vitebsk became his main source of inspiration for the entire life, the town’s views could be recognizable on lots of Chagall’s paintings.
Overnight in Vitebsk.
Vitebsk city tour. Town of Craftsmen. International Festival of Arts Slavanski Bazzar
Vitebsk city tour. During the city tour you will visit Marc Chagall House Museum and Marc Chagall Art-Centre , as well other sights, which give Vitebsk an elegant sense of past: Annunciation Church , Holy Resurrection Church , Governor’s Palace, the famous Kirov Bridge across the Western Dvina River.
Visit to the Children’s Art School №1. At the beginning of the XXth century M. Chagall founded the Art College in Vitebsk, where K. Malevich was his assistant. Today pupils of the modern Art School continue traditions of the great artists. The tourists have the opportunity to see the works of young painters.
Visit to the traditional “Town of Craftsmen” , with more than 500 participants displaying Belarusian folk crafts (carpentry, pottery, braiding, blacksmithing, bakery, lacemaking etc). It is a wonderful opportunity to buy unique souvenirs.
Attending International Festival of Arts Slavanski Bazzar, which is the main cultural event in Belarus. Representatives from Slavic and non-Slavic countries annually take part in the festival, performing in various genres (folk, pop, folk-rock, classical). The festival was awarded the diploma ‘FIDOF Festival of the Year’ for impeccable quality of organization, professionalism, hospitality, and promotion of noble humanistic aims on the international level.
Overnight in Vitebsk.
Vitebsk – Polotsk – Minsk
Transfer to Polotsk - one of the most ancient cities of the Eastern Slavs. First mentioned in the Primary Chronicle of AD862 and tightly connected with the Vikings’ influence within the region, it later became the capital of the Polotsk Principality and one of the most powerful centers of Kievan Rus. Under the rule of the Prince Vseslav Charodey (the Wonder) it gained its maximum prosperity, and the most outstanding architectural monument of those times,St Sophia Cathedral , was constructed. At present this historical site along with the Convent of Saint Ephrosinia are the most honoring and esteemed in the country. Both are included into the Polotsk city tour together with other local sights (Central Square, Epiphany Monastery, Book-printing museum etc).
Transfer to Minsk. Overnight in Minsk.
Minsk – typical Belarusian farmstead – Minsk
Transfer to the typical Belarusian farmstead. Meeting local people and picnic with tasting Belarusian cuisine. Folklore show with traditional songs and dances could be also organized upon request.
Transfer to Minsk. Overnight in Minsk.
Departure
Transfer to the airport. Departure
