Belarus Vacations

Overview

The Republic of Belarus is on the Baltic and the Black Sea in the center of Europe and borders Poland, Lithuania, Russia, Ukraine, and Latvia. Minsk is the capital of Belarus and the languages most spoken in Belarus are Belarusian and Russian. Over two-thirds of the people are Orthodox Christians and the country is slightly smaller than Great Britain. Belarus contains six regions: the Brest, Gomel, Grodno, Vitebsk, Minsk, and Mogilev. The regions are comprised of 118 political districts and the separate city of Minsk.

Belarus was once a part of Lithuania and then a part of Russia. It didn't become its own sovereign state until 1990. It elected a president in 1994 and adopted its own constitution. Prior to all this in 1945, Belarus was one of the countries that became a founding member of the United Nations. There is a cemetery called Khatyn in Belarus with a stone for each village destroyed during World War II. Created to memorialize a village where the Nazis burned people alive, it features one stone for each decimated village. Most occupants are Belarusians, which make up over 80 percent of the population.

Activities & Attractions

Visitors of Belarus should not miss the capital, Minsk. To take you through the places in Minsk that are historically significant, you have a three hour tour split between walking and a car. You can explore the 900-year rich history of the city, by seeing the impressive and dramatic cathedrals. And to see exactly how historic Minsk looked like, you will know when you see, which has been recreated to show the historic changes.

Take about seven hours and a trip about 100 kilometers south of Minsk to explore the Mir Castle that dates back to 1540. Its five red brick towers stand up to 27 meters high. The castle moat and gardens are gone, but the on-ground lake is still there. Just a few more kilometers south and you'll come to the Nesvizh Castle and Town, where you can see a 17^th century castle known as the Radzivill Renaissance family castle. You will also see monuments that have made the region famous.

Lodging

Large hotels are available in Minsk and Vitebsk, with rooms ranging from about $100 and up. But for budget travelers or traveling students, a hostel in Minsk could be the answer, with its three-person per room dormitory lodging for $25 per night.

Transportation

Belarus offers different car rental options, including some well known worldwide chains. Air travel is infrequent from city to city in Belarus and bus lines and trains run regularly. The railway station is relatively new and in the heart of Minsk. Cars with drivers are available for rental too, the price depending on how far you expect the driver to take you and the car you prefer. Prices generally start at about EUR 55.