Individual tour

The age of Minsk, according to historical documents, approaches 954 years. There were rising and falling in its past, shattering destructions passing from century to century, and decades of the persistent reconstruction of the lost and creation of the new... What this city is now and what it remembers about its the past, that is a question that the excursion answers.

TOUR PROGRAM

You will learn about the wide historical past of the city during the excursion. The Polotsk principality, Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Rech Pospolita (The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth), the Russian Empire, the Soviet Belarus and the Republic of Belarus, that is a way passed by Minsk over the centuries… You will see St.Peter and Paul Church of the beginning of the XVII century and "Red" Church of the beginning of the XX century; the most ancient Nyamiha Street that began from the Minsk Castle, and the picturesque Upper Town connected with the life of Minsk throughout five centuries. Monuments of architecture of the XVII-XIX centuries that remained in Upper Town. On its main Liberty Square, you will see a Town Hall, Guest Yard, malls, several monastic complexes (Bernardines, Basilian, Jesuits). Here you will see the most valuable architectural city monuments such as Orthodox and Catholic Cathedrals of the XVII century; you learn about life of pre-revolutionary Minsk, city magistrate functioning, traditions of the Magdebourg right. You can take fine pictures against numerous street sculptures of Liberty Square such as horse carriage, city scales, Voight…

Further majestic ensembles of the squares and avenues of Minsk will appear before your look, monumental buildings of constructivism era, the famous ensemble of the main street of Minsk which is also a constructivism monument, modern public and sports constructions such as original National library and grandiose Minsk arena… The tragedy of residents in days of the Second World War; modern, dynamically developing Minsk of a turn of the XX-XXI centuries, all this will find reflection in an excursion too.

City history, its great people wonderfully will recover in the guide's story and will continue the narration during pedestrian walk across the picturesque Trinity Suburb which was bustling with life a century before and where museums, souvenir shops, cozy cafes, taverns and many other things attract guests today. This walk will finish a travel across Belarusian capital in time and in space.

The age of Minsk, according to historical documents, approaches 950 years. There were rising and falling in its past, shattering destructions passing from century to century, and decades of the persistent reconstruction of the lost and creation of the new... What this city is now and what it remembers about its the past, that is a question that the excursion answers.

TOUR PROGRAM

You will learn about the wide historical past of the city during the excursion. The Polotsk principality, Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Rech Pospolita (The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth), the Russian Empire, the Soviet Belarus and the Republic of Belarus, that is a way passed by Minsk over the centuries… You will see St.Peter and Paul Church of the beginning of the XVII century and "Red" Church of the beginning of the XX century; the most ancient Nyamiha Street that began from the Minsk Castle, and the picturesque Upper Town connected with the life of Minsk throughout five centuries. Monuments of architecture of the XVII-XIX centuries that remained in Upper Town. On its main Liberty Square, you will see a Town Hall, Guest Yard, malls, several monastic complexes (Bernardines, Basilian, Jesuits). Here you will see the most valuable architectural city monuments such as Orthodox and Catholic Cathedrals of the XVII century; you learn about life of pre-revolutionary Minsk, city magistrate functioning, traditions of the Magdebourg right. You can take fine pictures against numerous street sculptures of Liberty Square such as horse carriage, city scales, Voight…

Further majestic ensembles of the squares and avenues of Minsk will appear before your look, monumental buildings of constructivism era, the famous ensemble of the main street of Minsk which is also a constructivism monument, modern public and sports constructions such as original National library and grandiose Minsk arena… The tragedy of residents in days of the Second World War; modern, dynamically developing Minsk of a turn of the XX-XXI centuries, all this will find reflection in an excursion too.

City history, its great people wonderfully will recover in the guide's story and will continue the narration during pedestrian walk across the picturesque Trinity Suburb which was bustling with life a century before and where museums, souvenir shops, cozy cafes, taverns and many other things attract guests today. This walk will finish a travel across Belarusian capital in time and in space.

TOUR PROGRAM

Acquaintance to the founding place of stone Minsk: Liberty Square, ensembles of Jesuit, Bernardine and Basilian monasteries, the Minsk Town Hall which is a symbol of self-government of the city, Peter and Paul Cathedral (Ekaterina's or Yellow Church) of 1612 which is the oldest of the remained cult constructions of the city.

Visiting the Cathedral Church of Pure Virgin Mary, the former church at the Jesuit Collegium built at the beginning of the XVIII century in Baroque style or Red Church of Saints Simeon and Elena built in Neogothic style in 1905-1910 at the expense of the largest landowner from Slutsk Edward Voynilovich in memory of his lost children. The main shrine of the temple is the copy of the Turin shroud.

Visiting Holy Spirit Cathedral in iconostasis of which there is a few remarkable icons of the Moscow academic school are kept. The most valuable relic among them is a miraculous icon of the Mother of God called Minskaia . According to the legend, this image has been written by Luke the Evangelist, and his copy was brought by the Kiev Prince Vladimir from Byzantium to the Kiev Church. In the XIV century Kiev was attacked by the Crimean Tatars, the icon was thrown into the Dniepr. Contrary to all laws of physics, the icon wonderfully floated not downstream, but up, and on August 26, 1500 Minskers saw unusual shine in the Svisloch River and found the icon on the coast. Since then on August 26 holiday of an icon of the Minsk Mother of God is celebrated. She is considered the patroness of the city. From the cherished temple shrines blessed Sofia Slutskaya's relics, defenders of Orthodoxy on the Belarusian lands especially stand out.

Saint Elisabeth Convent, one of the largest in Belarus today, named in honor of the Saint Martyr Grand Duchess Elisabeth. The orthodox Sisterhood which renders the spiritual and social help to the sufferers became a basis for the monastery. The tour around the monastery is guided by the nun or the novice. Acquaintance to the history of creation of the monastery, visiting icon-painting, gold-embroidering, ceramic and other workshops. You can buy vestments, church utensils, ceramic or stone products, precious metals, spiritual literature, icons and other in a monastery shop.

Museum complex of ancient crafts and technologies Dudutki

Dudutki (an excursion with dinner

This excursion allows to plunge into the atmosphere of culture and life of Belarusian nobility farmstead with traditional crafts and entertainments.

Remarkable travel waits you including a serious excursion with light adventures, such as home-made vodka tasting, horse riding, the miller's treat. Dudutki is one of the most visited museums of Belarus, folk museum. Created in 1995 by efforts of the enthusiasts led by E. Budinas, this ethnographic museum is one of the most visited in Belarus nowadays! Monuments of folk life, the operating workshops of the Belarusian farmhouse of the XIX century wait for you during this excursion. You will see the only operating windmill in Belarus and you will try the miller's treat; you will visit a potter's workshop who will show you his art at the potter's wheel; you will visit an ancient smithy of the XIX century and you will be able to forge a lucky horseshoe for yourself… And traditional workshop of joiner's art with wonderful tools of old masters as well; picturesque bakery with bread baking history; vintage cars exhibition… And ethnographic surroundings and interactive action everywhere. Besides, there is also a stable with the Orlov trotters, and ostriches, and wild boars, and other living creatures. Also, you will be given a ride with ancient carriages and SURREYS, you will visit a picturesque picnic meadow, you will be able to plunge into the atmosphere of nobility farmstead. You will have 3 tastings during the excursion:

• at the hooch still (hooch, bread, pickle, honey);
• bakery (fresh homemade bread, 3 kinds of cheese, oil, tea);
• mill (peasant bread with pork fat).

For corporate groups upon request (at an additional cost): inducing entertainment flight over Dudutki museum and neighborhood, with Malavia airline, by planes with a capacity from 1 to 3 person (skilled well-trained pilots, the certified equipment and checkup of the equipment before each flight). A bonus for a group is free photoreport of the flight. Obligatory pre-order.

Monuments of Mir and Nesvizh

Mir - Nesvizh

The most valuable monuments to Belarus are Mir Castle and a palace and park complex in Nesvizh, that you will see during this excursion. Both objects are included into the cultural heritage list of UNESCO…

You will see the most valuable monuments in Belarus included into the cultural heritage list of UNESCO: Mir Castle and Nesvizh Palace and Park Ensemble, restored in 2011. Majestic MIR CASTLE COMPLEX www.mirzamak.by constructed in the first quarter of the XVI century. Its bright architectural look, strong walls and towers, a courtyard paved with stone give you unforgettable impression completed by visiting MUSEUM EXPOSITION. Immersion into the atmosphere of its owners’ life begins with cellars with food supplies and wine, and ends with the Ballroom sunk in rococo luxury… There's a church tomb of the princes Svyatopolk-Mirsky, last titled owners of the castle. It was built in the modern style near the castle. The historical part of the settlement of Mir has wonderfully kept color of the former cozy town where throughout centuries Belarusians, Poles, Jews, Roma, Tatars lived together… Orthodox church, Catholic church, Synagogues, Yeshiva, handicraftsmen and merchants’ houses form the ensemble of its Market Square. DINNER.

Half-hour moving to NESVIZH, the former capital of Radziwills’ ordination www.niasvizh.by. The Town Hall, ancient malls, handicraftsmen houses remained on the Market Square of this picturesque town; the Slutsk Brama (city gate of the XVII century) nearby. Visiting PALACE and PARK COMPLEX of the XVI-XVIII centuries constructed by Prince Mikołaj Krzysztof Radziwiłł nicknamed "the Orphan" (architect G.M. Bernardoni), surrounded by high earthworks and vast ponds. Elements of the Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism intertwine in its architecture. The majestic palace represents the system of the buildings connected in united ensemble forming the graceful ceremonial yard. Seeing impressive expositions in a Palace Complex: ceremonial palace halls (Hunting, Ball, Portrait, Chimney, Gold, etc.), living and administrative rooms. Walk through the picturesque PARKS adjoining the Palace. Acquaintance with the FARNY CHURCH (1593, architect G.M. Bernardoni): magnificent frescos of the temple in the CRYPT vault, the family tomb of the Radziwill, put this shrine among the most valuable in Belarus. The excursion shows the history of Radziwill dynasty, one of the most influential families of Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Recz Pospolita (Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, who left a deep track in cultural heritage of the Belarusian people and all European civilization… Return to Minsk around 7.30 pm.

TOUR PROGRAM

Ancient town of Zaslavl... It's here where proud Polotsk Princess Rogneda with the son Izyaslav has been banished for attempt of murder of her spouse, Kiev Prince Vladimir, she adopted Christianity there and founded Christian monastery, the first in Eastern Europe.

The first chronical mention of Zaslavl concerns to the XII century, however data provided by archeologists confirm that the city was founded several centuries earlier, at the end of the X century. You will visit the ancient settlement "Zamechek" where hundreds centuries ago the ancient Zaslavl's settlement surrounded by marshy hollows and floodplain of the Chernitsa River was situated.

You will see the historic centre of Zaslavl, the centre of the ancient city with the remained monuments of architecture and archeology of the X-XIX centuries and museum objects. During this excursion you will see the Calvinist temple of the beginning of the XVII century where the humanist, the Protestant preacher Symon Budny read the sermons, and which is The Transfiguration Church nowadays located in the centre of the ancient settlement "Val", you will visit the restored baroque church of Virgin Mary built at the expense of counts Pshezdetsky in 1774.

For an additional fee you can visit Mlyn ethnocomplex which is an open-air museum, Zaslavl museum exhibition complex and the children's Museum of mythology and forest. Fans of military subject will be interested in the Foxhole Museum (a long-term firing point). All of them are included into one big historical and cultural park-museum.

The excursion around Stalin's Line historical and cultural complex will bring you to the time of the Second World War and the events that happened there during the first summer days of the war in 1941.

The historical basis of the museum is made by foxholes of Minsk region. The company location is recreated and equipped in the museum. Military engineers have restored two machine-gun foxholes, an artillery semi-caponier, the command observation post. Each tourist will have an opportunity to visit the foxhole where the wartime interior is very well recreated, to feel cold steel of weapon in your hands, to feel Defender of the Fatherland. The engineering equipment of the location is recreated according to pre-war drawings. Exhibition includes all types of trenches and anti-tank ditches of several types, firing positions, blindajes for the shelter of the staff, trenches for tools, metal, wire barriers.

At historical and cultural complex, you will see the fullest in Belarus exhibition of military equipment, artillery, tanks, aircraft, small arms that were in the arsenal in various years since times of war; a unique exhibition of Russian, Polish and German armored covers which have remained even from World War I. All exhibits are real and you can touch them. Dents of shells, bullets and splinters, gun grease of those years have remained on many of them. Guides are in the uniform of fighters and commanders of the Red Army.

You can make a boat trip on the artificial lake on the territory of a complex; to try real "soldier's porridge" at a café; children and teenagers will be able to become "Voroshilov shooters" at a pneumatic shooting gallery, and adults can test the real weapon of the World War II times (firing from weapon PPSh, MP-40/41 submachine gun, MP-44 assault rifle, Mosin's rifle, Mauser, Maxim gun). The most fearless can drive armored machinery and tanks of the World War II times (BTR-40, PT-76, MTLB, T-34, T-44). Historical reconstruction of fighting scenes is possible: One day in army, Hitler Kaput, etc.

The memorial complex 'Khatyn'

Khatyn – The Mound of Glory

No one stays indifferent towards the world-famous memorial which represents a symbol of the sufferings of the Belarusian people during the World War II...

The excursion is dedicated to the events of the World War II, long years of occupation and struggle of the Belarusian people against the invaders. The tragedy happened on March 22, 1943, on the day of the vernal equinox, and became a symbol of the civilian population's suffering during the World War II. The lost in the woods village Khatyn was burned along with its 149 residents. In 1968, at the site of the tragedy, the architects Y. Gradov, V. Zankovich, L. Levin and sculptor S. Selikhanov created an impressive memorial, which is now famous throughout the world. The complex was created in commemoration of hundreds of Belarusian villages that were destroyed by the Nazis during the World War II, as well as in memory of the huge contribution of the Belarusian people, which entailed innumerable sacrifices. Every third inhabitant of Belarus died during the World War II... The memorial architectural and sculptural complex occupies an area of about 50 hectares. It has received the planning layout of the former village Khatyn and it is shaped from separate fragments. There is a six-meter bronze sculpture "Unbowed Man" carrying a dead child, which towers in the centre of the composition. Nearby there are also located closed granite slabs, symbolizing the roof of the barn, in which the villagers were burnt. The former street of the village is laid out with gray, ash-colored slabs. 26 obelisks, which have the form of burned chimneys, were raised in those places where houses stood. You can see there bronze tablets with the names of those who were born and lived in the village, and hear sadly ringing bells that hang above from all of it. There is also located the only one village cemetery in the world, as well as the Eternal Flame which burns in commemoration of the victims of Nazi terror. At the end of the tour you will visit and climb on the peak of the Mound of Glory, a monument dedicated to the liberators of Minsk

TOUR PROGRAM

The tour of Polotsk city includes visiting the territory of the Upper and Lower Castles, the site of the ancient settlement and Ivan the Terrible's defensive earthworks. You will cross the Palata River passing through the famous Red Bridge, and see the monuments of Euphrosyne of Polotsk and the Prince Vseslav Charodey. In the course of the further excursion you will take a walk along Francysk Skaryna Avenue, where you will observe the Heroes of the War of 1812 and Warriors-liberators monument, learn interesting facts from the life of Symeon of Polotsk and Francysk Skaryna, and see the monument of the letter "ў" ('u neskladovae', in Russian - 'u with a breve'), as well as visit the geographical centre of Europe. We will continue our excursion by walking along the Western Dvina's Riverside front in Nizhne-Pokrovskaya Street, where you will catch sight of the children's museum building and the Belarusian book printing museum, visit the Epiphany Cathedral, and see the monument of 23 soldiers-guardsmen.

During the further excursion you will attend the territory of the former Jesuit Collegium, in which the building of the Polotsk State University is located today. In the courtyard of the collegium you can hear the students' anthem Gaudeamus. You will also can't but notice the figures of Francysk Skaryna, Euphrosyne of Polotsk, the first rector of the Polotsk Jesuit Collegium Piotr Skarga, the figures of a teacher and a student which are moving to the music. During the further tour of Polotsk you will visit the Convent of the Saviour and St. Euphrosyne women's monastery of the 12th century, the ancient Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, decorated with a unique fresco painting from the inside. There is also located a recreated Euphrosyne's Cross containing many Christian shrine. In the Cathedral of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, you will be able to bow down to the relics of venerable Euphrosyne. The tour of the Cathedral of St. Sophia will show you one of the most ancient Christian shrines in Belarus. Initially, the cathedral was made of wood, and under the Prince Vseslav of Polotsk rule in 1044-1066 the building took the form of a stone church and has become the fourth temple of St. Sophia in the world. The cathedral was a part of the Upper Castle, a wooden town fort with princely chambers, a monastery and a square. Constructed as the strongest building of that time (wall thickness - 1.45 m), the temple was used to be a fortress, that in times of danger, should have protected the prince and his bodyguard. This sacred site represented the embodiment of the national identity, political and economic power of the Polotsk principality (paid additionally).

The concert of organ music in the Cathedral of St. Sophia (for an additional fee).

TOUR PROGRAM

Acquaintance with the city of Slonim and Zhyrovichy Monastery, visit to the most ancient defensive temple on the territory of Belarus in Synkavichy.

A sightseeing tour across Slonim visiting an architectural complex of the former monastery of Bernardines which includes buildings of Baroque church and monastery, the Benedictine monastery, Town hall constructed in the middle of the XVIII century, osteria (inn), the only remaining construction of one of the most interesting palace ensembles of Belarus, Mikhail Kazimir Oginsky's Palace; the monumental construction built by the Jewish community of the city; Slonim synagogue; Saint Andrew’s Church which is outstanding work of late Baroque in Belarus.

An excursion across Zhyrovichy, the spiritual centre of the country, visiting the largest Belarusian Orthodox men's Zhyrovichy Monastery where believers gather from all corners of the country and abroad. A miraculous icon of the Zhyrovichy God Mother, the smallest of miraculous Icons of the Zhyrovichy God Mother is kept in the iconostasis of the Cathedral; there is the Cross with holy saints’ relics. Unique thing of the monastery is a high ladder imitating rising to Calvary. The complex of a shrine includes the Saint Assumption Monastery, Monastery of the Epiphany, Holy Cross Monastery and St. George Church. Architecture of the monastery ensemble combines Baroque, Rococo, Classicism styles. On the territory of the monastery there's a font where you can take a dip, a small chapel where you can take some holy water, monastic shops where you can buy candles, an icon or a cross, and also eat some food prepared by monks. Excursions are guided by novices of shrines who will tell you about monks' life, about miracles of an icon of the Zhyrovichy God Mother.

In Synkavichy which is near Zhyrovichy, there's fortress church of the XVI century, unique monument of Gothic architecture, the most ancient defensive temple on the territory of Belarus keeping many secrets of the origin even today. There is a legend that the Synkavichy church was founded by the grand duke Vitaut in gratitude for escaping from Yagaylo's pursuit.

Private Tour to Brest

Choosing a private tour with our company means more than just a trip — it’s a journey where every detail is thoughtfully arranged for you:

• Comfortable, modern transport with air conditioning
• Experienced driver with more than a decade of professional driving experience
• Professional tour guide selected according to your interests
• Tailor-made itinerary
• Assistance with selecting souvenirs and gifts
• Special touches and surprises along the way
• Pickup available from any location in Minsk

Along the Way to Brest

Our route includes:

• Ptich Reservoir — a favorite spot for locals to relax and enjoy sports
• Fanipol — a modern town with a rich historical background
• Dzerzhinsk (Koidanovo) — celebrated by poets and artists
• Endless partisan forests stretching along both sides of the road
• Stolbtsy — an ancient town and historical center of timber rafting on the Neman River
• Scenic views of the Mir and Nesvizh Castles
• Belarus’s “sugar valleys” — the Gorodetsky and Zhabinsky sugar factories

Welcome to Brest

One of the oldest cities in Belarus, with over a thousand years of history. The city was entirely relocated following the start of construction of the legendary Brest Fortress.

The Tour Price Includes

• Transport
• Guide services
• Driver services
• Guided tour “On the Road to Brest…”
• City tour of Brest
• Tour of Brest Fortress
• Visit to the 5th Fort of Brest Fortress or to Belovezhskaya Pushcha

Brest Fortress — A Symbol of Courage

Construction of the citadel began in June 1836. By 1914, it stood as one of Eastern Europe’s most formidable fortresses. Among those who engineered and oversaw its fortifications was Dmitry Karbyshev, later a Hero of the Soviet Union.

It was here, in the White Palace, that the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed in 1918, officially ending Russia’s involvement in World War I. In 1941, the fortress became a powerful symbol of resilience and loyalty during the early days of World War II.

St. Nicholas Garrison Church

The golden domes of this church rise above the heart of the memorial complex. Having survived wars, shelling, and destruction, it was restored, and in 2001 a one-ton bronze bell — one of the largest in Belarus — began ringing again over Brest.

The 5th Fort — Living History

Its cold concrete walls and dark corridors feel like a portal to the past. Nearly untouched by time, this fort represents the pinnacle of Russian military engineering from the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

Additional Costs

• Admission tickets to museum complexes
• Lunch

Why Choose a Private Tour?

A private tour means complete flexibility, comfort, and personalization. Here’s what makes it special: - We organize the tour on the day and time most convenient for you - We’ll match you with a guide based on your interests - The route will be tailored to your wishes — even the most specific requests! - We’ll arrange lunch or dinner to suit your preferences - We’ll assist with choosing gifts and souvenirs - Pickup available from any address in Minsk

Discover the Royal City of Grodno

By choosing a private tour to Grodno, you’ll immerse yourself in the elegant, enchanting atmosphere of one of Belarus’s most beautiful cities. From the first few kilometers, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale.

The tour price includes

- Comfortable transport - Services of a professional guide - Driver services - Personalized tour assistance from start to finish - Guided tour of Lida - Guided tour of Grodno

En Route: A Journey Through History

Our route takes us through the mysterious forests once inhabited by smugglers along the Belarusian border in the 1920s–30s (Rakov-Ivenets area).

We’ll visit the Jewish holy sites of Volozhin, and the town of Ivye, home to the largest Tatar mosque in Belarus, built in 1884, which still holds services today.

Lida — A Medieval Fortress Town

Founded in 1323 by Prince Gediminas, Lida was a key point in the defense line that included the castles of Novogrudok, Krevo, Medniki, and Trakai. Today, Lida Castle has been beautifully restored and proudly showcases its strength and splendor.

Grodno — A City of Kings

Grodno will welcome us with its centuries-old history. Our journey begins with the Kalozha Church — the oldest surviving Orthodox church in Belarus, famous for its unique architecture.

You’ll stroll along narrow cobbled streets lined with historical buildings, see the walls of a former monastery (now a prison), the Old Pharmacy No. 1 with its mini-museum, and Zhiliber Park, founded in 1775 by the same man who established the Grodno Medical Academy (now the university). In the early 20th century, the park was split into a public space and a botanical garden — both remain beloved local landmarks.

Two Castles, Two Eras

Grodno truly deserves its title as a Royal City. You’ll visit two castles: - The Old Castle (12th century) - The New Castle (18th century), which played a pivotal role in the fate of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania These ancient walls hold countless legends and secrets. From the Old Castle’s observation deck, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the Neman River — a sacred river for the peoples of Lithuania and Poland.

Spiritual Heritage

Grodno is also a crossroads of faith. You’ll visit sacred sites of various religions, lovingly preserved through the centuries: - The 18th-century Great Synagogue - The 19th-century Lutheran Church - The majestic St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (Farny Church), also known as a Minor Basilica, with an awe-inspiring altar that leaves a lasting impression.

Let Yourself Fall in Love with Grodno

Cozy pedestrian streets, vibrant local culture, and a special charm that will make you fall in love with this city forever.

Recommended Departure Time

We suggest departing Minsk between 7:30–8:30 AM from the address of your choice. Return time depends on your preferences — whether you’d like a relaxed lunch or more time to explore. The tour ends at your selected drop-off point.

This journey is sure to leave unforgettable memories of Belarus and the cities you’ll visit.

Additional Costs

- Entry tickets to Lida Castle - Entry tickets to Grodno Old Castle - Lunch

Tour: Mir – Novogrudok – Beryozovka – Lida

A journey through castles, poetry, glassmaking, and noble history

Discover the mysteries and legends of Mir and Lida Castles, walk the land where great poet Adam Mickiewicz was born, visit Belarus’ oldest glass factory, and explore centuries of culture, architecture, and stories.

Itinerary Overview

Mir

Your journey begins in Mir — a town where the destinies and traditions of Belarusians, Poles, Roma, Tatars, and Jews are tightly interwoven. The centerpiece of the tour is the Mir Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 16th century.

Here, you’ll learn the history of the noble families who once owned it — the Illinichs, the Radziwills, and the Sviatopolk-Mirskys.

Explore:

• Thick defensive walls and towers
• Atmospheric underground chambers
• A spiral staircase that leads to fascinating castle legends
• A tranquil park with an ancient pond
• The Sviatopolk-Mirsky family chapel and crypt

Novogrudok

Once the first capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Novogrudok holds deep historical significance. You’ll see the remaining towers of the 13th-century castle of Prince Mindaugas, and visit the Hill of Mindaugas, believed to be his burial site.

Highlights include:

• Church of Saints Boris and Gleb (12th–17th centuries)
• Church of St. Michael the Archangel (18th–19th centuries)
• Farny Catholic Church, where Polish King Jogaila married Sophia of Halshany
• St. Nicholas Cathedral, formerly a Franciscan church
• Sites associated with Adam Mickiewicz, one of the greatest Romantic poets, author of Pan Tadeusz, Grażyna, and the Crimean Sonnets

Beryozovka

Next, you’ll head to the town of Beryozovka, home of the Neman Glass Factory — one of the oldest glassmaking enterprises in Belarus.

What to expect:

• A live demonstration of glassblowing
• A museum showcasing the factory’s history and finest glass artifacts
• A visit to the official Neman glassware store, where unique handcrafted pieces are available for purchase

Lida

Lida is a city steeped in history, from medieval times through the modern era. The highlight here is the Lida Castle, founded in the early 14th century by Grand Duke Gediminas.

Other sites of interest:

• Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (18th century)
• St. Michael’s Cathedral (early 19th century)
• Church of St. Panteleimon, a recently built Orthodox church
• The Mound of Immortality, erected in 1966 as a WWII memorial — a five-sided pyramid with artillery-shaped pylons
• Lida Brewery, operating for over 140 years and famous for its quality beers popular both in Belarus and internationally

Conclusion

This route brings together architecture, history, craftsmanship, and cultural depth — all in one unforgettable day.

Vitebsk is a cultural capital of Belarus and The International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar, Marc Chagall's city, as old as Ukrainian Kyiv and Russian Smolensk, one of the most ancient cities of Belarus that arose on abrupt coast of the Zapadnaya Dvina and the Vićba, in the middle of a trading way from the Vikings to the Greeks. It is thousand-year history of Belarusian lands, from the princess Olga and Vseslav Charodey, to Peter the Great and Pyotr Masherov. Being a large industrial and cultural centre, the city always attracted artists, craftsmen. Such names as Skorina, Simeon Polotsky, Kolos, Malevich, Chagall and many others relate to Vitebsk.

TOUR PROGRAM

Excursion around Vitebsk, cultural capital of Belarus. You will get acquainted with the most significant civil and cult constructions of the city. You will see the reconstructed Cathedral of the Annunciation of the XII century, the only monument of Byzantine and Balkan architecture in Eastern Europe where Olgerd the Great and Alexander Nevsky prayed once, Saint-Pokrovsky Cathedral of the XVII century constructed by Trinitarian monks (members of the Catholic Order of the Most Holy Trinity), St Varvara's Church, Church of the Resurrection, monument of Vilnius Baroque architecture.

You will walk along old small streets to the Governor's Palace where Emperor Napoleon stayed for two weeks; you will see Town Hall, symbol of the city, where local lore museum is placed now. You will visit the central square of the city; walk along malls and get acquainted with the former Basilian monastery and majestic Church of the Assumption raising its domes over the Vićba's riverside. A fine view of the historical part of the city will open for you from the Kirovsky Bridge.

Victory Square will tell you about the hard city's fate during the Second World War.

One more sight in the city centre, certainly worth visiting is Summer Amphitheater, the main concert area of Slavianski Bazaar Festival in Vitebsk. Place where Summer Amphitheater is built has long artistic traditions. Hundred years ago, there was Lerry's circus known from a picture of the first M. Chagall's teacher Yehuda Pen.

Vitebsk is one of the centres of artistic avantgarde. The life of Vitebsk, the recognized master of the XX century, is closely connected with Vitebsk. Neither St. Petersburg where he studied painting, nor Moscow where he worked, or France where he lived the most part of his life, gave him such shrill impressions as Vitebsk did. The house where Chagall lived with his parents has been preserved in Vitebsk. Nowadays it's Chagall's museum, and a broad exhibition of his works you can see in the Art centre.

Marc Chagall's museum was created by the decision of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee in 1991. At that time Marc Chagall's Art centre was opened. In 1997 the restoration was made, and memorial exhibition of Marc Chagall’s House Museum was created in the artist's parental house. The museum occupies three buildings with a demonstration area of halls 409 sq.m. and includes 2 permanent and 1 temporary mobile exhibitions. The total amount of exhibits is 7290, the core fund contains 6800, scientific and supplementary one contains 490. Among cultural events the Scientific conference the International Chagall Readings is annually held in the museum. Every year on July 7, the birthday of the artist, the holiday called Visit to Marc and Bella takes place there. The museum has printed materials, magnets, puzzles, cards, etc. with reproductions of M. Chagall's works and images of the museum.

Welcome to Sula: Belarus' Interactive History Park

We invite you to explore one of the most fascinating destinations in Belarus — the Sula Interactive History Park. Nestled in a scenic spot along the banks of the Sula River, this open-air museum brings to life the rich and diverse history of Belarus — fr om the dawn of human settlement to the present day.

Stone Age Camp

Step 7,000 years into the past and discover how ancient people lived: the types of dwellings they built, how they gathered and prepared food, and the clothes they wore. You’ll also encounter some of the oldest man-made megalithic structures — ancient ritual sites once used as open-air temples.

Slavic Cultural Grounds

Travel 3,000 years back to meet the deities and sacred objects of early Slavic tribes. Touch the legendary Vechny Kamen (the Prophetic Stone), wh ere people came to ask for guidance as recently as the 20th century. Nearby, you’ll find a reconstructed pagan shrine with a sacred fire altar at its center.

Viking Wharf

Learn how Viking warriors — the founders of the earliest settlements in Belarus — once lived. Their reconstructed homes offer a fully immersive look at daily life during the era of the Norsemen.

Sail on a Viking Longship (Drakkar)

Climb aboard an authentic replica of a Viking drakkar and sail the ancient trade route “from the Varangians to the Greeks” — a vital artery that once connected the Baltic to the Black Sea through Belarusian lands.

Medieval Zone

Explore a small castle currently being built atop the ruins of an old brewery, and visit the blacksmith’s forge, rebuilt on the foundations of a historic watermill. Today, a practicing blacksmith works here, ready to reveal the secrets of this ancient craft.

Royal Assembly

Step into the world of the szlachta, the noble class of Belarus. The assembly hall features handwoven tapestries, portraits of princes and nobles, and works of historical art that reflect the grandeur of aristocratic life.

Traditional Distillery

Sula is home to Belarus' only operational 19th-century copper still. Here, the historic spirit Starka Zapolskaya is still crafted today using a 16th-century recipe!

Lenskis’ Manor House

The location of the museum was no coincidence: in the 19th and early 20th centuries, this land was home to the noble Lenskis family. Today, you can visit their fully restored estate house and learn about their way of life.

And There’s More to Explore

• Discover the Museum of Hand Weaving
• Learn about Jewish heritage at the Museum of Jewish History
• Visit a recreated 19th-century peasant household
• Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the grounds