Since April 15 until the end of the year 2022 Belarus has a visa-free entry for citizens of Latvia and Lithuania. And from July 1, citizens of Poland can also come to our country without a visa.
Although we are neighboring countries, many residents of Lithuania, Latvia and Poland have never been to Belarus or visited Belarus back in Soviet times. We offer to take advantage of the visa-free regime and spend a weekend (or more days) in Belarus.
Especially for our neighbors we have developed a three-day tour, during which we suggest getting acquainted with the capital of Belarus, the city of Minsk, visit two UNESCO World Heritage objects, Mir Castle and the Radziwill residence, the palace in Nesvizh, visit a culinary master class as well as go shopping and buy souvenirs.
You can come to Belarus either by personal transport or by bus. Rides are carried out regularly.
Today you will begin your journey to Minsk. You will be picked up by your English- or Russian-speaking tour guide at the bus station if you come to Belarus by bus or at the Hotel if you come by car.
After checking in at the hotel, the guide will bring you to a typical Belarusian restaurant for lunch.
After lunch the exploring of the city begins.
Your journey through time will start at the first stone church (10th/11th century) and will continue to the Orthodox and Catholic churches built between the 13th and 17th century in the old town centre. In the Troitskoye district you will be able to imagine what Minsk looked like in the 19th century.
The town was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War and is still considered today to be a prime example of socialist realism. Unlike the cities of Moscow or Kiev, the entire city centre represents a harmonious ensemble in the gingerbread style of the Stalinist period, the likes of which can be found nowhere else in the world. The opera house, circus, Victory Square, main post office, GUM (state-owned department store) the building of the Ministry of State Security (alias KGB in Soviet times) the government buildings and many more, all bear imposing testimony to this style. They are all located on Independence Avenue, which constitutes the main hub of the city with its four large squares and adjoining parks.
The evening can be spent in the upper town, whose streets are filled with live music and cafes and restaurants invite you to their tables.
Today we shall go on a day trip to two UNESCO heritage sites, Mir and Nyasvizh. Your tour guide will collect you from your hotel after breakfast and you will set off in a south-westerly direction.
The first stop is the picturesque little town of Mir, about 110 km from Minsk in the Grodno region. This used to be a typical Jewish shtetl and is home to one of the most beautiful castles in the country. It was erected at the beginning of the 16th century as a fortified castle. For the most part it belonged to the Radziwill family. The castle is the last Gothic structure to the east of Europe and the only remaining example of unspoilt Belarusian Gothic architecture. In the summer many concerts and festivals are held in and around the castle and if you are lucky, you may have the opportunity of discovering Belarusian modern art and culture here.
30 kilometres farther south there is another family residence of the Radziwills, in Nyasvizh. Together with the local Catholic church Nyasvizh Castle forms a complex which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nyasvizh is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful little towns in the country. The castle is well worth visiting in order to find out more about the history of Belarus in the Middle Ages. Take a stroll through the landscaped parkland around the castle and then go to the time-honoured restaurant at the town hall and indulge in a hearty Belarusian meal. Last not least, wander through the town and take a look at the market square.
In the evening you will return to Minsk.
Today the Radziwill theme will continue. We will visit a culinary master class with Elena Mikulczyk, where we will cook a dish that was served to the Radziwill family.
Elena Mikulchik is a famous chef, an expert in Belarusian and Slavic cuisine and a culinary historian.
After having tasted the Radziwill treats we will go to a secret bar where we will enjoy traditional and author's Belarusian drinks.
During the rest of the time you can go for a walk, buy souvenirs or some of the typical local goods.
