FDB1. Week-end in Belarus

        In the Medieval Ages Belarus (White Russia) was a part of Kievan Rus. In the 13th century after the Feudal dissociation of Kievan Rus and its devastation by Mongols Russian principates located on the territory of Belarus voluntarity united with the Lithuanian Principate. After union of the Great Lithuanian Principate and Poland (1569) Belarus became a part of new state&nbsp- Rzeczpospolita. In 1772-1795 as the result of three Divisions of Rzeczpospolita between Russia, Austria and Prussia Belarus was included into Russian Empire.
A capital of Belarus Minsk is one of the oldest cities in Europe (the first written reference to it was made in 1076). During World War II Minsk was completely destroyed but soon after war Minsk was rebuilt (including historical Cathedral Square of the Upper Town with buildings of the 17-18th centuries: Rathaus (Town Hall) with tower clocks, St.Mary Polish Roman-Catholic Cathedral, St.Spirit Ortodox Cathedral, trading arcades) and now it is twice as big as before the invasion.
The most important places of interest in Belarus out of Minsk are Nesvizh castle (the end of 16th century)&nbsp- residence of the richest family of Lithuanian Principate – Radziwills and Mir castle (16-17th centuries) also belonged to this family.Now the both castles are included to the list of the World Culture Heritage of UNESCO.

Type: Discovery.
Tour duration: 2 days
Months of Operation: Round the year
Recommended Group Size: 2-9 pax
Mode of Travel: car (2 pax), minibus (3-9 pax)

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival in Minsk (for persons living in Moscow overnight train Moscow-Minsk is recommended).
Individual Minsk 3-hour city tour including Square of Independence, Yanka Koupala park, Cathedral Square of the Upper Town, Avenue of Conquerors – the most picturesque street of the city, Trinity Suburb District with buildings of the 19th century, The Island of Tears – memorial to soldiers perished in Afghanistan and other places of interest. Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 2. Breakfast.
Optionaly 8-hourexcursion to Nesvizh and Mir (270 km)is recommended.
Transfer to airport or to railway station (for persons living in Moscow overnight train Minsk-Moscow is recommended).

Costs for individual tourists - 2012:

Included:

• accommodation at twin rooms
• 1 breakfast
• city tour of Minsk
• transport service during all the programme
• English, German, Spanish, Italian-speaking guide (other languages on request)
• visa support

Not included:

• air and train tickets
• visa
• insurance
• early check-in and late check-out at the hotel
• optional excursions
• lunch, dinner

Supplements, USD per person:

• lunch at city restaurant +11 per lunch
• dinner at the Rodny Kout restaurant (national Belarus cuisin) +11
  
• dinner at the Kamyanytsya restaurant (national Belarus cuisin, on Friday at 20:00-21:00 living folk music, on Saturday, Sunday — Medieval dances +27
  
• SGL accommodation *** +37
  
• SGL accommodation **** +90

All the costs are valid at the date of publication and are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking