Straddling East and West, Belarus is a country whose culture has been shaped by Polish, Lithuanian and Soviet influences – with nearly half of its land mass covered in thick forests.
View all trips in BelarusYou'll experience post-Soviet-era Belarus – a country that has been partially westernized but still retains the hallmarks of the last century. You'll discover the impressive architecture, meet and spend time with a Belarusian family near Minsk and listen to songs and tales of decades gone by.
Sitting at the heart of Belarus' six regions, Minsk is a city of imposing, open-spaced Soviet-style architecture – from the textbook Stalinist City Gates to the KGB headquarters in the center. You'll explore the Church of St. Simon and Helena, known as The Red Church due to its striking color. And discover the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, which dates back to the early 17th century.
Each trip offers a full day to explore the city where you can take a stroll around the Central Botanical Garden with its huge array of flora and fauna, or feed the ducks and swans by the lake.
Although large swathes of Minsk's buildings were destroyed during the two World Wars – replaced with the concrete modernism of the city center – there exists an outlying district, rebuilt in the early 1980s on a 12th century settlement. Away from the bustle of the city, you'll explore Troitskoye Predmestie (Trinity Suburb), and discover the craftsmanship and history behind this fascinating reconstruction of 19th century buildings.
You'll see a side of Belarus the tourists don't, as you spend time on Antoly's family farm and hear his stories of life in Minsk. You'll sip home-made vodkra and enjoy roast chicken, 'Shchi' cabbage soup and 'Draniki' potato cakes. And discover traditional music, as you savour fine local beer and champagne and listen to Belarusian songs.
We've pulled together and answered some of our guests’ most popular questions. Here you’ll find everything you need to know – from who you’ll be travelling with to whether tips are included.
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