Old architecture and arts
DURATION: 5 DAYS



5 day tour in a comfortable "SAKUB" coach gives a good idea of architectural monuments of Belarus capital - the city of Minsk, and its environs, visit to an ancient slavic town of Polotsk, where the tourists will see St. Sophia of Polotsk - the centre of christianity in ancient Rus.

One day trip to Vitebsk - the birthplace of world famous artist - Marc Chagall.

This tour gives a close look at professional art in Belarus and its traditional crafts.

DAY 1
Arrive in Minsk. Check-in at "Oktyabrskaya", "Yubileynaya", "Belarus" or "Orbita" hotel.

Half-day city tour of Minsk features architectural, historical and cultural monuments of the 17th-18th centuries, Troitskoye Predmestye (Trinity Suburb) - restored buildings of the 19th cent., the Arts Museum featuring icons, wood-carving, painting of local artists of 18th-20th centuries, contemporary works.

Folklore concert "Presentation of Belarus". Foreign tourists make acquaintance of the spirit of the Belarusian people, which finds its reflection in folklore, folk traditions and customs.

DAY 2
Trip to Folk Arts and Crafts Museum in Raubichi (20 km from Minsk). It shows wide exposition of national costumes of all regions, weaving, wood-carving, pottery.

Meeting local artists, sculptors and architects in Palace of Arts.

Evening tasting of national dishes and drinks (optional).

DAY 3
One day trip to the Belarusian town of Nesvizh, famous of many historical monuments. In the town was the residence of the ancient Belarusian-Lithuanian family of Prince Radzivill. Radzivill's castle lies amidst the lakes. Close to it is the magnificent Catholic church (the 16th century architect Bernardoni), beautifully painted inside. The castle itself, with its inner yard, gates, lovely facades, towers and large park is one of our best castle palaces, and a masterpiece of Belarusian park layout.

Lunch in Nesvizh. Return to Minsk. On the way excursion to Mir castle - architectural monument of 15th century.

DAY 4
Depart for Vitebsk (270 km from Minsk). Check-in at the hotel "Vitebsk". City tour including visit to Marc Chagall Art Centre and the house, where the artist lived.

DAY 5
Depart for Polotsk (100 km from Vitebsk). The city tour features the ancient architectural monuments of Slavic Rus - St. Sophia Cathedral (11th century), Lower and Upper Castles.

Depart for Vitebsk. Overnight there. Depart home.