Belarus Uncovered

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Minsk with Belavia. Transfer to Minsk via a stop at the Mound of Glory, an imposing WWII monument. Stay at the Manastyrski Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights. Dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Morning tour of the capital. Minsk was almost totally destroyed in the second world war, but was rebuilt with wide streets and parklands. Architectural highlights include Victory Square, the House of Fashion and the City Gate, two symmetrical Stalinist skyscrapers. Free time before dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Morning optional excursions to either the Stalin Line marking the battle front between Nazi Germany the USSR or Minsk Tractor Factory; Belarus has a long history of manufacturing and remains one of Europe's largest exporters of tractors in the world. Return to Minsk. Afternoon tour of the opera and ballet theatre. Tickets to an evening performance can be arranged locally and are highly recommended. (B)

Travel to Brest, stopping en route at two Unesco world heritage sites, Mir Castle and Nesvizh Palace complex. In Brest, take an evening excursion to Sovetskaya Street, where the gas streetlights are still lit by hand. Stay at the Hermitage Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights. (B, D)

Morning tour of the city including the Brest Hero-Fortress, once at the epicentre of the battle between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Army. Monuments at the site include ‘Thirst’ and the colossal ‘Courage’, standing at over 30 metres high. Lunch at the fortress. Afternoon excursion to Bialowieza Forest, one of the last and largest remaining parts of the immense primeval forest that once stretched across the Europe. Visit the new museum of ethnography and see bison in their natural habitat. Return to Brest. (B, L)

Transfer to Grodno, a pretty city just 20km from the Polish border with a charming old town of colourful houses, and post-Soviet restored churches. Short walking tour before time at leisure to either relax or take a trip on the 19th-century Augustów Canal, which flows into Poland. Stay overnight at the Semashko Hotel (or similar). (B)

On the way back to Minsk, stop at the family run Nalibockie Vasilki Estate. Here, learn about many aspects of traditional Belarussian culture, from farming to entertainment. Take a short bread making class followed by lunch and traditional singing. Return to Minsk, staying at the Manastyrski Hotel (or similar) for 1 night. (B, L)

Morning transfer to the airport and fly to London. (B)