Things to do in

Minsk

An exciting excursion to the Belarusian Automobile Plant awaits you, situated 40 kilometers from Minsk. Here, everyone will get acquainted with the process of mining dump trucks and witness the pride of the domestic auto industry. During the tour you will visit one of the assembly departments and see the creation of the legend of the Belarusian engineering industry. At the technology exhibition site you can not only make impressive photos in front of the legendary car, but also feel its power, climbing into the car itself. It's not only the dump trucks, but the territory of the plant that will impress every tourist.

Learn the history of the capital and largest city of Belarus on a walking tour of the historic center of Minsk. Meet your local guide at the main entrance of the Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, and then take a stroll around the main highlights. Get a well rounded introduction to the history, buildings and events of the city from a guide licensed by the local ministry of tourism. Pass wonderful viewing points close to the cathedral to take souvenir photos. Discover the Music Hall that used to be part of a monastery in historical times, and experience its special atmosphere and architecture. Walk to Nemiga Bridge over the Svisloch River, and then explore the old town suburb of Troitskoe Predmestye. Learn how people lived in the city in the 18th century. Continue to the Isle of Tears to see the memorial and hear stories of the Soviet soldiers from Belarus who died in the decade-long war with Afghanistan between 1979 and 1989.

Begin your day with pickup at your accommodation in Minsk, then discover Belarus with your experienced, English-speaking driver-guide. Drive through picturesque landscapes on your way to two small towns, Mir and Niesvizh. Along the way, see real Belarusian countryside life and, if you wish, stop and buy local products like milk, honey, and cottage cheese. Both of the medieval castles that you will visit are UNESCO World Heritage sites built in the 16th century. The owners of the castles were the wealthy Radziwill Family, the richest family in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Everyone who visits Belarus should get acquainted with these masterpieces. Mir is an impressive defensive castle and was restored between 1983 and 2010. Today, this five-tower gothic castle is a real gem of Belarus with much in the way of mystery, history, and legends. The Nesvizh castle is also a magnificent palace with fortifications. It was the residence of the Radziwill family until 1939. The palace was also restored between 2002 and 2011. Now it's a popular tourist attraction and 400,000 tourists visit the castle every year. At the end of the day, you will be taken back to your accommodation.

After disembarking your plane and walking to the arrivals hall, you will be welcomed by your friendly driver who will be complete with a placard containing your name. You will then receive assistance with loading your baggage into the vehicle, before departing from the airport to your desired destination. Your driver will ensure the safety of the trip, whilst also answering any questions regarding your stay in Minsk. You will be able to ask about the best cafes, events and shops, with your driver happy to respond with his insights on these topics. After arriving at your address, your driver will open the door before helping you unload your luggage and bidding you farewell.

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in Minsk, and then travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mir Castle in the charming town of Mir. Explore one the most precious landmarks in Belarus, and learn the history of the castle complex from its origins at the turn of the 16th century. Explore the historical part of Mir town center and see the Modernist-style shrine to the noble Svyatopolk-Mirsky family, last owners of the castle until the Soviet occupation of the area in 1939. Get some free time for lunch in a local cafe, and then make your way to Nesvizh to explore the ancestral castle of the Radziwiłł family. Stroll around the palace and parks to learn more about one of the most influential dynasties of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (Rzeczpospolita). Look inside to see some of the great halls before the return journey to Minsk.

Depart from Minsk on a private tour to see 4 of the most famous castles in Belarus: Kosava Castle, Ruzhany Castle, Nesvizh Castle, and the Mir Castle Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your driver will pick you from any address in Minsk and take you to grounds of each castle where you are free to walk around. If you prefer to go inside, you can buy tickets at each castle.   The tour last 9-10 hours and takes in a total distance of 575 km. During the tour, you can to ask your driver to stop at a local café or restaurant for lunch or dinner. After the tour, your driver will take you back to your destination in Minsk. Kosava Castle   Kosava is the smallest town in Belarus and is a typical western Belarusian town with unhurried life, cozy houses, and friendly locals. The 19th-century castle was dramatically ruined during WWII. The castle had 12 towers that symbolized the 12 months of the year and a unique system of internal corridors and windows allowing the sun’s rays to get into all corners of the building. Ruzhany Castle The next point on the tour is Ruzhany Castle, near the road just as you enter Ruzhany town. The building looks very impressive even in ruins, and is often called the Belarusian Versailles because it was built in the same style as the famous French palace. According to legend, there is a secret underground passage from the Ruzhany Castle to Kosava. The basements of the palace go four floors down. Unfortunately, they are inundated with earth now, but they will be restored in future. Nesvizh Castle    This 16th-century castle is probably the most famous castle of Belarus and once belonged to the Radziwills, the most powerful nobles of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Nesvizh Castle had long been considered one of the most powerful fortifications in the Belarusian lands, due to the artillery and a large garrison. The most famous ghost of Belarus also lives here. The spirit of Barbara Radziwill appears in the corridors after midnight. Another legend says that the untold treasures were stored in the castle, but they are yet to be found. Mir Castle Complex The exact time of the castle’s construction is unknown, but most historians believe that it was built in the 1520s. During the course of history, the castle witnessed frequent changes of owners and was gradually turning into romantic ruins. During WWII, a ghetto was located in the building. After the war, it became home to local residents. A visit in the evening has a charm of its own and the building looks amazing in the rays of the setting sun.

On this 3-hour sightseeing tour you’ll see the major attractions of Minsk accompanied by the commentary of an experienced and knowledgeable guide. The capital city of Belarus was first settled in 1067 and much of the city was destroyed during WWII. During the tour your guide will show you the architectural, historical and cultural monuments of the 17th-20th centuries. In the historic center you’ll visit Independence Square with the House of Government, St. Simeon and Helena Church (The Red Church, 1910), Independence Avenue, Victory Square with its 38-meter obelisk and the Eternal Flame, honoring the heroes of WWII. Admire the architecture of the House of the First Congress of Russian Social Democratic Labor Party, the City Hall and the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. See the Cathedral of Sts. & Paul and the Church of Saint Trinity.

Start with pickup from your hotel in Minsk and travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mir Castle in the charming town of Mir. Explore one the most precious landmarks in Belarus, and learn about history of the castle complex from its origins at the turn of the 16th century. See the medieval dungeon, wander through the castle towers and battle galleries, and enjoy a vast internal museum consisting of 35 rooms. Explore the historical part of Mir town center and see the Modernist-style shrine to the noble Svyatopolk-Mirsky family, the last owners of the castle until the Soviet occupation of the area in 1939.

On this fascinating 3-hour sightseeing tour of Minsk with a certified English-speaking guide, you will learn about the city and see many buildings and monuments that remain as reminders of the Soviet period. The city has retained some of the historical monuments and sights of significance to the city until today. Some buildings, such as the Minsk City Hall, were restored according to the surviving drawings and photographs. See some of the city's most important sights and architectural monuments, such as: The Holy Spirit Cathedral, The Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Red Church, and the Trinity Suburb, a favorite among tourists. Join this walking and driving tour to explore many of the highlights of the city together with your professional guide.

Day 1: 3-hour guided Minsk city tour, private driving and walking tour This tour is delivered by a certified local professional whose language level is excellent or close. On this fascinating 3-hour driving and and walking tour of Minsk, learn about the Belarusian capital and see many buildings and monuments that stand as reminders of the Soviet time. Immerse yourself in the history of the city. Minsk was first mentioned in chronicles of the 11th century and 950 years later, it still has its secrets and mysteries. Your experienced guide will tell you interesting facts and stories about Minsk and Belarus. See important landmarks such as Gates of Minsk, Independence Square, Upper City, Iseland of Tears, and many more. Day 2: Self-guided tour of Minsk, Nesvizh Palace, and Mir Castle with an English-speaking driver Head to the famous palace and park complex in Nesvizh, just 70 miles from Minsk. Founded at the end of the 16th century by the Radziwills, the palace is a combination of several architectural styles. In the 19th century, a huge park was laid out nearby and is a perfect place for a walk even today. The palace was used as a health resort, which saved it from destruction and now it’s even landed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.  Mir Castle, located 18 miles from Nesvizh, was founded in the early 16th century as a residence. After the new hosts, the Radziwills, took over the castle, it was rebuilt into a luxurious palace, replete with luxurious apartments appointed with works of art. Successive wars and decades of neglect resulted in complete decay by the end of WWII. Only after the inclusion of the monument as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a long restoration process did Mir Castle regain its former luxury, and open its doors for visitors.