Day 1 Departure to Belarus (L)
To Belarus we fly with Finnair direct to Minsk at 07.45 and arrive at 09.00. Transfer to the city of Zhodino, approximately 45 km.
We take a tour of the BELAZ factory, the world’s largest manufacturer of heavy and large mining trucks. We will board a legendary vehicle and take a 10-minute ride in the fastest earthmoving truck in the world.
After lunch we drive to Minsk, about 50 km. The city of almost 2 million inhabitants is located in the central part of the country. Minsk is known for its majestic squares and numerous parks. We check in at the Belarus Hotel. The rest of the day is free. Accommodation in a familiar hotel.
Day 2 Stalin Line Open Air Museum and World War II Museum (A, L)
After breakfast, we set off on a full-day tour of the history of World War II. First, we drive to the north-western part of the Zaslau main town, where we will visit the Stalin Line Open Air Museum, which exhibits WWII fortifications and outdoor equipment. We get to hear the whole story. We drive in a tank and those who wish can fire three shots from a Kalashnikov rifle. An extra shot costs €3 per shot.
After lunch we return to Minsk. We visit the impressive State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War in Belarus.
The entire city was badly damaged in World War II. The German occupiers killed a large part of the city’s population. The Maly Trastsjanets extermination camp was located south of the town during the war. Accommodation in a familiar hotel.
Day 3 Fascinating Minsk along the Svislats River (A, L)
After breakfast, you will enjoy a three-hour city tour of Minsk. The city is home to large grandiose squares, massive war memorials and huge concrete administrative buildings. We see the impressive Belarusian KGB headquarters building. The atmosphere in the different parts of the city changes rapidly, Minsk really is a city of many things.
The streets of the city centre are named after Karl Marx, Lenin and Engels, among others. Metro stations and streets are also often named after the October Revolution, World War II and communism. After lunch, return to the hotel. The rest of the day is free or an extra charge ballet performance, the premiere of The Little Prince. For culture lovers, Minsk is a great destination. Accommodation in a familiar hotel.
Day 4 Minsk – Mir Castle – Kolkhoz- Minsk (A, L)
After breakfast at the hotel, we make a full day excursion to the countryside and Mir Castle. Dating back to the 16th century, Miri Castle, is also one of the most important attractions in Belarus and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic castle is located in the village of Miri, about 100 km from Minsk. After lunch we will visit a collective farm.
In the evening we return to Minsk, staying in a familiar hotel.
Day 5 Back home!
Breakfast box included. At 07.00 transfer to the airport. From Minsk we fly with Finnair direct flight to Helsinki at 09.40-10.55
Belarus Hotel – http://www.hotel-belarus.com/en/
