Minsk

Day Trips

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.

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.

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.

Start your sightseeing tour of Minsk at your hotel where your guide will pick you up. Once you have enjoyed a meet and greet with your driver you will hop in your private vehicle and set off on your discovery of Minsk. Throughout the course of your 3-hour tour you will learn a lot of fascinating information about the 950-year old history of Minsk. Contrasting this you will receive insight into Minsk in modern times, seeing how people live, work and socialize.  The first stop on your tour will be Independence Square, here you will see the Peter and Paul church (built in the 17th-century) along with the famous Red Costel. Whilst in this area of the city you will also get to see the Government House, the country's main university campus.  Continue on your tour to Upper Town, where the architectural monuments of the 17th - 20th-century are preserved. Here you will see some of the most impressive architectural feats of the city, such as the Town Hall, the Guest Yard, shopping arcades and several monastic complexes like the Bernardine, Basilian and Jesuits. Highlighting this portion of the trip is most certainly the Orthodox Cathedral and Catholic Cathedrals of the 17th-century.  Passing through Independence Avenue you will see the main squares of Minsk, the monumental public buildings made during the Constructivisim era, also the squares and parks. Following on from this you will also see Pobediteley Avenue, an area that will give you an insight into the sport-life of the city. Finish your tour with a walk through the Troitsky area and marvel at its Museums, Souvenirs and cozy cafes. End your day in-convenience with a lift back to your accommodation. 

Visit three of the most important - and most beautiful - sites in Belarus on this sightseeing tour to Mir Castle, Nesvizh Castle, and Brest Fortress. This is an ideal trip for first-time visitors to Belarus, who want an overview of Belorussian history and culture. You’ll have the freedom to explore these sites independently and at your own pace, as your driver will be waiting for you outside. If you prefer to go inside the castles, you can buy tickets inside each castle. Tickets are not included in tour, but they can only be bought in castles for about €6-7 per person. You'll be able to use an audio guide for €1.50 in each castle. During the tour, you can ask driver to stop at a local cafe or restaurant for lunch and taste some traditional meals.

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Belarus on this tour. After getting picked up from your hotel in Minsk, enjoy a sightseeing tour in the company of a certified local guide. See iconic buildings and monuments and learn more about the city's Soviet past. Your experienced guide will tell you interesting facts and stories about Minsk and Belarus. After lunch, head to the Dudutki Museum Complex, which is located at a picturesque site around 45 kilometers away from Minsk. In the company of an official guide, journey into the world of Belarusian traditions and customs. Visit the museum of national crafts, see an old windmill and wooden church, and even watch a potter at work. Sample traditional Belarusian appetizers and beverages, all of which are produced on sight. In the garage of antique cars, you can see a huge variety of vehicles, including World War II cars. Get dropped off back at your hotel in Minsk at the end of the day.

Depart from Minsk and discover the city of Brest and its main attraction, the Brest Fortress. The fortress was one of the first to take on an enemy strike by German troops, beginning the Great Patriotic War. Learn about the heroic defense of the fortress that led to it being awarded the title Hero Fortress, and see the large memorial that was established on the ruins of the fortress. The next stop will be to one of the most beautiful pedestrian streets in Belarus, Sovetskaya Street, where you can enjoy its many cafés and shops. During a guided tour of the center, you will visit the church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Worker, the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and the Cathedral of Simeon Stylites of Antioch. After a short stop for lunch, head to Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park where open-air cages of wild animals occupy an area of about 20 hectares. A walk through the enclosure takes between 1 and 2 hours. A small forest zoo allows visitors to admire the majestic bison, graceful deer and roe deer, see the cautious lynx, wolves, bears, and foxes, as well as some species of predatory birds, including the biggest attraction, the long-eared eagle owl.

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Minsk and heads to the small town of Nesvizh, founded in the 13th century, to visit the former Radziville family castle. Arrive at the castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site, and embark on a tour of the royal rooms. With your expert guide, learn about the castle and its former residents, the ancient Belarusian-Lithuanian family of Prince Radziville. After your tour of the castle, spend some time exploring the outside courtyard and surrounding gardens. The castle, which is nestled amongst lakes and greenery, is the perfect spot to escape the city heat for a stroll.

Start with pickup from Minsk and travel to the Dudutki Museum of Culture and Life, located about 45 kilometers outside of the city. With your professional guide, discover the rural history and traditions of Belarus.  Upon arrival, find a real working mill, a blacksmith, potter, weaving machines, as well as a farmstead with pets and horses. Watch the potter and the blacksmith at work, and learn about the agricultural practices of the countryside. Enjoy tastings of homemade cheese, butter, bread, and homemade vodka. For an additional fee, you can enjoy a delicious national-style lunch and horseback ride.  Take some free time to explore the complex at your own pace. Then, return to Minsk after approximately 4 hours at the Museum.