Belarus was a gate into the Soviet Union for a few decades and now that the country is independent and is open for travelers, you might consider tying it up into a trip with Ukraine! While even a couple of years ago visa paperwork and other hurdles scared away many people, things are changing to the better. Since Belarus is open visa-free for over 70 countries, as long as travelers fly in and out of Minsk National airport.
It is true, that we still have to make more videos to promote Belarus on the National Geographic. But this may work as our advantage – the country is not overcrowded with tourists. Belarus perfectly fits into your East European venture, sharing a lot of history with Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine.
Beside Ukraine your travel itinerary might also include Belarus. Although some call our country the last Communist state in Europe that still lives in the Soviet era, its tourist infrastructure is perfected year after year. While the country’s architectural heritage was severely damaged in the course of the WWII and Communist regime, Belarus boasts of a few world-unique sights, including four UNESCO sights.
Minsk city tour or the castle tour of Nesvizh and Mir may be great options for a day break introducing you to the country on your first visit. Khatyn Memorial and Brest Fortress are definitely worth a visit if you care for the WWII history. BELAZ dump trucks are world’s biggest and the company is competing with two other brands producing these huge machines.
There are things one can do in Belarus as a tourist apart from sightseeing. Take for instance Belarus ancestry tours that draw hundreds of visitors from Australia, Canada and the USA every year. The modern Belarusians are doing their best to preserve their culture reviving ancient folk traditions and crafts – more and more places offer a chance to see a potter or a blacksmith at work and even to become their apprentice for a while. Belarusian traditional cuisine – though very similar to Polish or Ukrainian – is still unique and will satisfy most exacting customers. Unspoiled nature with rare species including zubr (bison) - the symbol of Belarus – will be a good background to your touring activities.
Preparing your Belarus tour, have a look at the website of a Minsk private guide. Being a certified guide-interpreter, Andrei has a handful of competitive advantages. A former travel agent, he has dedicated a section of his website to the formal side of a Belarus trip – all issues in the form of questions and answers. Andrei is also a driver which is particularly important if you want to reach off-the-beaten-track sights of Belarus, e.g. track your family roots. Finally, being an excellent English speaker, Andrei regards his job as art and treats his customers accordingly.
Enjoy your guided tours with a private Minsk guide in Belarus!