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Day 1: Minsk (Belarus)

On arrival at Minsk airport, you will be met by your local guide and later transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Minsk.

Overnight in Hotel Minsk, Minsk

Day 2: Minsk

Meals: Breakfast

Spend the morning sightseeing in Minsk, where you will see Independence Avenue and the Holy Spirit Cathedral. Later, visit the local Komarovka Market to sample local Soviet cuisine and make an excursion to the open-air Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural life. Overnight in Minsk.

Overnight in Hotel Minsk, Minsk

As the capital city of Belarus, Minsk has steadily progressed from the image of grand-scale Soviet planning into a modern political and cultural centre of the country. With expansive boulevards, lush parks and a well-developed infrastructure, it showcases a wealth of dynamic cosmopolitan features. It is also rich in history with a number of outstanding ancient sights, though sadly many buildings were lost in the destruction of World War II.

Komarovka market is the largest marketplace in Minsk, where you will find everything from spices and flowers to crafts and artwork. This market is especially popular on the weekends and in the evenings with both locals and visitors alike, offering an authentic Minsk experience. 

The open-air Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life focuses on the historical and authentic character of 19th and 20th century Belarusian settlements, from rural villages to homesteads. Folk architecture from different ethnic regions is showcased in carefully reconstructed models, including wooden churches, schools, public barns and smithies. The museum also exhibits a wide collection of various household, trade and handicraft items.

Day 3: Minsk - Poleskije Tradicii – Brest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner

Begin the day with a tour of Neswizh Palace. Continue on to Poleskije Tradicii. On arrival, explore the farmstead and speak with locals and have lunch. Continue to Brest and check-in to the hotel on arrival. Overnight in Brest.

Overnight in Hermitage Hotel, Brest

The traditional 'western gate' of Belarus, Brest is a calm city with a long and complex history. Owned by different countries throughout several periods, it finally became a part of modern Belarus following the disintegration of the Soviet Union. As a result, its culture has strong influences from central and eastern Europe. The famous Sovetskaya Street and its boulevards are perfect for promenading, whilst the city’s main attraction is the Brest fortress. 

The charming town of Neswizh is one of the oldest in Belarus. It is most famous for the magnificent Neswizh Palace, the former residence of the aristocratic Radzivili family. The estate showcases one of Europe's largest landscaped gardens as well as a 16th-century Farny Roman-Catholic Church. A blend of architectural styles is used within the palace, which once had around 170 rooms with a series of underground passages connecting it to the town's monasteries. After the family's expulsion in 1939 by the invading Red Army, the palace was used as a sanatorium and steadily fell into decline. After much restoration, the UNESCO-listed building is now open to the public, with more than 30 exhibition halls.

Visit and stay at the Poleskije Tradicii Farmstead (translated as Poleska Traditions), located in a small village where you can listen to tales of local life. You may also have the opportunity to experience traditional folk culture and sample local delicacies here.

Day 4: Brest - Belovezhskaya Pushcha – Brest

Meals: Breakfast

This morning you will have a city tour of Brest, including the Brest Fortress before heading to Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, visit the Museum of Nature and the Brest Museum of Railway Equipment. Overnight in Brest.

Overnight in Hermitage Hotel, Brest

Brest Museum of Railway Equipment is a technical museum that is dedicated to the equipment of railway transport through many different periods of history. This open-air museum first opened in 2002, and includes exhibitions of locomotives from various eras - dating from pre-war generations to wartime and postwar generations.

The traditional 'western gate' of Belarus, Brest is a calm city with a long and complex history. Owned by different countries throughout several periods, it finally became a part of modern Belarus following the disintegration of the Soviet Union. As a result, its culture has strong influences from central and eastern Europe. The famous Sovetskaya Street and its boulevards are perfect for promenading, whilst the city’s main attraction is the Brest fortress. 

The 19th-century UNESCO-listed Brest Fortress defended the country against the Nazis in WWII. Only a handful of men survived the attacks, but the heroism of the defenders inspired citizens all over the USSR. In 1965, the fortress gained the title of 'Hero-Fortress'. Today it is a war memorial complex and a great place of national grief and pride.

Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park is one of the largest remaining parts of an immense primeval forest which once stretched across the European Plain. After suffering the effects of the Napoleonic and world wars, the land was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. It is famous for ancient oak trees, some of which are more than 500 years old. In fact, the park recently celebrated its 600th anniversary! The park's flora and fauna is incredibly diverse, with almost 900 species of trees and flowers and around 200 bird species, including the eagle owl and white stork. There are also around 60 mammal species of mammals, including lynx, roaming elk and the European bison, a symbol of Belarus.

The Museum of Nature in Bialowieza Forest was created to teach visitors more about the historical and natural life of the National Reserve. The collection within the museum includes Russian iconography that dates back to the 16th century. Showrooms are dedicated to recreating the four seasons, which each depict the distinctive features of the local environment at various times of year. Whilst visitors can also learn about the life that was once led by forest dwellers. 

Day 5: Brest - Mir - Minsk – Kiev

Meals: Breakfast

This morning you will be transferred to Mir, a small town to the south-west of Minsk. You will visit the Mir Castle, an impressive architectural monument included on the list of World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO,  before carrying on to Minsk. You will be transferred to the airport for your evening flight to Kiev. Overnight in Kiev.

Overnight in Khreshatyk Hotel , Kiev

Founded in the late 9th century, Kiev is one of the oldest cities in Europe that has played a pivotal role in Slavic civilisation and Orthadox Christianity. It is home to a myriad of architecturally important and historically significant monuments, some of which include the ornate St. Sophia Cathedral, St. Andrew's Church and the Golden Gates of Kiev.

Mir is a small town located southwest of Minsk that is most famous for its fairy-tale Mir Castle, often referred to as the 'medieval flower'. It displays impressive architecture using a unique combination of styles, first built at the end of the 15th century in the Gothic style, before being extended and reconstructed in the Renaissance and then Baroque styles. This UNESCO-listed monument has an impressive residential history of aristocratic families, many of whom have left their mark in the history of Mir and Belarus as a whole.

Day 6: Kiev

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast you will have a full day city tour on Kiev. During your tour you will visit St. Sophia Cathedral and Monastery Complex, St. Andrew's Church, The Golden Gates of Kiev and the famous Museum of the Great Patriotic War. Overnight in Kiev.

Overnight in Khreshatyk Hotel , Kiev

Founded in the late 9th century, Kiev is one of the oldest cities in Europe that has played a pivotal role in Slavic civilisation and Orthadox Christianity. It is home to a myriad of architecturally important and historically significant monuments, some of which include the ornate St. Sophia Cathedral, St. Andrew's Church and the Golden Gates of Kiev.

The iconic St. Sophia Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Kiev and the first site in Ukraine to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was  built  during the 11th century by Prince Yaroslav the Wise to glorify Christianity and was named after the famous St. Sophia's Cathedral in Constantinople. The Cathedral is renowned for its ornate architecture and grand bell tower. Inside, visitors can also find remarkably well-preserved murals and artwork. 

Day 7: - Chernobyl - Pripyat – Kiev

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Take a day trip to Chernobyl and visit the Nuclear Power Station. Later, make a stop off at the town of ghost town of Pripyat. Transfer back to your hotel in Kiev. Overnight in Kiev.

Overnight in Khreshatyk Hotel , Kiev

Chernobyl lies within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and became famous after the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster in 1986. Today it is a ghost town, although a few residents still live in Chernobyl, marking their doors with signs saying 'owner of this house lives here'. Regulations have since been put in place to limit the dangers of exposure and to mitigate any long-term consequences of the Chernobyl catastrophe. 

The town of Pripyat was initially built to house workers of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The residents of the town were evacuated following the infamous nuclear disaster of 1986 - where many were relocated to the city of Slavutych, that was built to replace Pripyat. Images of an eerie and long-abandoned Ferris wheel have become iconic of the abandoned city, which now stands as a ghost town within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

Day 8: Kiev – Mezhygirya

Meals: Breakfast

Begin the day with a tour of Mezhygirya Palace. Later, travel on to the Ukrainian Village Ethnographical Museum Complex. Overnight stay here.

Overnight in Ukrainian Village Ethnographical Museum Complex, Kiev

Mezhihiriya Palace (also known as the "Museum of Corruption") was once home to the former President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, who was forced to resign in 2014 during the Revolution of Dignity. Following this event, the Mezhihiriya residence opened to visitors as a modern-day palace, showcasing the luxurious presidential lifestyle. Set in 140 hectares, the palace required 2,000 staff and daily maintenance costs of $75,000 to upkeep the facilities, which include a yacht pier, tennis courts and a helicopter pad.

The Ethnographical Museum Complex 'Ukrainian Village' introduces visitors to the culture and life of Ukrainians in the 18th and 19th centuries. Exhibitions include ancient houses from different regions of Ukraine, along with the wooden Church of St. Demetrios. Visitors can choose to take traditional classes and learn skills such as pysanka writing, wood chopping or moonshine home brewing.

Day 9: Kiev – Odessa

Meals: Breakfast

Make your way to Odessa, stopping en route to spend the day at the Museum of Strategic Missile Forces. Continue your journey and check into your hotel upon arrival. Overnight in Odessa.

Overnight in Alexandrovsky Hotel, Odessa

The Museum of Strategic Rocket Forces is located near the Ukrainian town of Pervomaysk. Beginning in 1959, it posed as the divisional headquarters for the 46th Rocket Division during the Cold War, being home to many nuclear weapons and missiles. The Pervomaysk site remained in operation until 1997. Today, it remains almost exactly as it was, allowing visitors to tour the former secret USSR base. You can even sit in the seat of the missile launch control panel and simulate part of the missile launch procedure!

Day 10: Odessa

Meals: Breakfast

Spend the day touring the city of Odessa, highlights will include the Potemkin Stairs, Odessa Opera House and the Fine Art Museum. Later, visit the Odessa Catacombs. Overnight in Odessa.

Overnight in Alexandrovsky Hotel, Odessa

Odessa, also known as the 'pearl of the Black Sea', is one of Ukraine's major port cities and transportation hubs. A key sight is the Fine Art Museum located in the former palace of Count Potosky, where you can find an extensive collection of Russian and Ukrainian art. 

Odessa's iconic Potemkin Stairs were constructed between 1837 and 1841, leading form the harbour up towards the city that stands on a high plateau. Before the Potemkin Stairs were in place, this had meant winding pathways and wooden stairs. The design of the stairs hides an optical illusion - when looking down the stairs, one only sees the landings and the steps seem to be invisible; those looking up only see the steps. 

Odessa Fine Arts Museum is situated in the ancient Pototsky Palace, itself being a monument of 19th century architecture. It houses some 10 thousand pieces of artwork that includes some of the most well known Russian and Ukrainian artists of the 19th and 20th century. Leading it to have one of the richest and most interesting collections of artwork in the country.

The Opera House in Odessa is the oldest theatre in the city and remains one of its most iconic landmarks. It was first opened in 1810, although later destroyed in a fire. It was reconstructed with a neo-baroque and French rococo influence, evident in its ornate architectural design and grand audience hall.

The Odessa Catacombs are a network of tunnels that lie beneath Odessa and the surrounding region. These were formed are as a result of stone mining and later widened by smugglers, reaching almost 60 metres below sea level. Although the labyrinth of tunnels is yet to be fully mapped, it is thought that there are around 1000 known entrances. A small portion of the catacombs are open to the public, and can be found in the Museum of Partisan Glory.

Day 11: Odessa - Puracari - Chisinau (Moldova)

Meals: Breakfast

Travel to the Purarci estate, where you will take a tour and have the opportunity to sample the wine. Later, depart for a tour of Chisinau. Overnight in Chisinau.

Overnight in Regency Hotel, Chisinau

Chisinau (pronounced 'kish-i-niow') is the capital of Moldova and the country's largest city. It is located in the centre of the country on the river Bic and was founded in 1436 as a monastery village. Compared to the rest of the country, Chisinau is quite wealthy and modern - although not nearly so by Western standards. As it was badly damaged during WWII and by a tremendous earthquake in 1940, it was rebuilt in the 1950s in the utilitarian Soviet style. Buildings are not especially pretty and most people live in large concrete blocks of flats. 

Purcari Winery is the first specialised winery in Bessarabia. The soil in Purcari village is able to produce full-bodied grapes, much like the soil in the Bordeaux region of France, located on the same latitude. This soil is rich in rubidium and is able to give wines an intense complexity of taste and a distinctive deep purple colour. When the French learned of Purcari, they formed a partnership with the village's Agon Zograf Monastery and began cultivating grapes there in the 18th century. By 1878, the winery won its first gold medal at the Paris World Expo and is now a world-renown brand.

Day 12: Chisinau - Cricova - Orhei – Chisinau

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Begin the day with an excursion to Cricova Winery and enjoy a wine tasting. Continue on to Old Orhei Open Air Museum. End the day with a folk show and dinner in Trebujeni village. Overnight in Chisinau.

Overnight in Regency Hotel, Chisinau

Cricova Winery is one of the world's largest underground cellars, located 15km north of Chisinau in a 120km-long labyrinthe of 15th-century underground tunnels. These tunnels, up to 100 metres deep at certain points, were created during the excavation of limestone used for construction in Chisinau. In 1952, the tunnels were converted into an underground wine emporium. About half of the roadways are used for wine storage and each 'street name' corresponds to the type of wine it houses. The streets are even wide enough for trucks! The most popular wine is Cricova Sparkling Wine, which is still produced using the classic Champenoise method. Some notable visitors to the winery include Brejnev, Gorbachiov, Gagarin, Merkel and Putin, who celebrated his 50th birthday here. In 2004, Cricova was declared an item of the country's national cultural heritage. 

Trebujeni and Butuceni are twin villages located on either site of the Ruta River within walking distance of each other. Trebujeni is slightly more 'tourist-y', as that is where Orheiul Vechi is located. Buteceni is a slightly smaller village that offers visitors a more real feel for Moldovan life. 

Old Orhei Open Air Museum is situated in a rocky gorge of the river Raut. Old Orhei was once a medieval city, dating back to the Gold Horde period of 1330. Today, visitors can learn of the many different civilisations that once lived here. There are many archeological sites of interest, including he ruins of the fortress of Sehr al Djedid, St. Maria Church and an ancient Turkish bath - each one providing a window to a different period of time.

Day 13: Chisinau - Transnistria – Chisinau

Meals: Breakfast

Depart to Transnistria. Spend the day touring Tiraspol and visiting Tighina Fortress. Overnight in Chisinau.

Overnight in Regency Hotel, Chisinau

The 16th-century Tighina Fortress used to be one of Moldova's most powerful fortresses. Led by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, it was occupied by the Ottomans in 1538 and became the centre of an Ottoman raya (or region). In the 1370s and 80s, Tighina became an important stop on the Tatar trade route that connected western Europe with the Near East.

Tiraspol is Moldova's second largest city and the capital of Transinistria. Although the city was previously inhabited, it was officially founded in October 1792 by Alexander Suvorov, the famous Russian military hero. Time seems to have stood still here since the USSR period. Notable places to visit include the Vladimir Lenin monument and the tanks left over from WWII. Most of the sites can be seen by walking down the main street, called October 25th Street in honour of the 1917 Great October Socialist Revolution.

The unrecognised self-proclaimed republic of Transinistria is located on Moldova's eastern border with Ukraine. It came to be after the dissolution of the USSR, when tensions between Transinistria and Moldova grew into a military conflict in 1992. Since then, Transinistria has been independent in practice, with its own government, military, police, postal service, currency, constitution and more. Transinistria's central bank sets the exchange rate for their ruble, which is freely floating and greatly fluctuates week-to-week. 

Day 14: Departure

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward destination.

1 Bucharest-Sinaia-Brasov

Meeting our guide in the lobby of our hotel in Bucharest at 09.00 am and drive to Sinaia. We cross the Carpathians toward Sinaia where we visit the fabulous Peles Castle, an exquisite piece of architecture and one of the most spectacular castles in Europe, with its arm and armoury collection, unique for its richness and diversity. The Castle served as the summer residence of the Romanian Royal family. Continue to Brasov. Arrival at Brasov, formerly Kronstadt, founded by the Saxon colonists, as the South gate of Transylvania. Walking tour through the old town centre, including the Black Church – the biggest church between Istanbul and Vienna; the Council Square, the Hirscher House/16century, - the baroque style buildings from the Austro-Hungarian time and Ekaterina Gate of the Old Citadel. It is also worth mentioning one of the oldest Orthodox Churches in Transylvania, where you can admire the beautiful frescoes of the chapel. Hotel in Brasov.

2 Brasov-Bran-Lacu Rosu

Lunch in a local restaurant in Bran and visit to the famous medieval castle (the "Dracula's" Castle) built as a fortress for the citizens of Brasov in 1377, as a defence to the city. Prince Vlad used the Castle as a general headquarters during his incursions in Transylvania. In 1922, Queen Mary of Romania changed the castle into Royal residence, the best known castle in Romania. Stop at Prejmer for visit to the fortified church, also included in the UNESCO World Heritage.

3 Lacu Rosu-Voronet

We visit the jewels of Bucovina: Voronet also called “the Sistine Chapel of the East” Drive through the Moldavian villages, visiting Tarpesti – the home of the delightful “Neculai Popa” Museum, unique in the world, where colourful masks and folk costumes are displayed.

4 Voronet-Suceava-Iasi

Drive to Bucovina –the “upper land” with the unique painted monasteries, belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage. We include a visit to Sucevita monastery, the largest of the monasteries in the Bucovina region, with massive towers and stone walls protecting the inner buildings, which are decorated with portraits of historical legends and biblical scenes. Arrive Iasi, walking tour to Roznoveanu Palace, Vasile Alecsandri National Theatre, Saint Nicholas Church (built by Stephen the Great), Metropolitan Cathedral and Church of the Three Hierarchs.

5 Crossing Moldova border to Chisinau (Moldova)

Drive to the border with Moldova, and continue to Chisinau. If time permits you can enjoy a walking tour of the city's main sights including the Orthodox Cathedral of Christ's Nativity, Presidential Palace, Parliament building and the Holy Gates, which are known as Moldova's 'Arc de Triomphe'. Excursion and wine tasting at Milesti Mici - the largest wine "underground city" in Europe (length - 200 km), which is listed in Guinness World Records. It has more than 200 km of limestone tunnels, 55 km of which are used for storing wine. Overnight hotel in Chisinau.

6 Chisinau-Tiraspol (Transnistria)

Drive to Transnistrian “capital” – Tiraspol. Stop at Bender Fortress on the way. Continue to Tiraspol where you will have the opportunity to travel back in time to USSR. Transnistria is a thin strip of land wedged between Moldova and Ukraine. It is home to more than 500,000 people and has a parliamentary government, a standing army, and its own currency. It has all the trappings of an independent nation—but isn't. you won't find it on many maps, and not a single member of the United Nations recognizes its existence. You will start by visiting the Lenin monument and tanks left from the Second World War. The city seems to be a ghost of the Soviet past.

7 Tiraspol - Odessa (Ukraine)

Today we head Northeast to Odessa which is just 105 km away from Tiraspol. Odessa is a port city in Ukraine, which is the fifth largest in the country. It is situated on the Black Sea coast. Its population is 1 012 500 people. Officially the city was founded in 1794 as a Russian naval fortress. The name Odessa is borrowed from the Greco-Roman colony of Odessos in Thrace, at the request of Empress Catherine the Great. In the modern city you can see examples of Mediterranean architecture under the influence of French and Italian masters. The palace, owned by Lev Tolstoy's family, is one of the typical representatives of this school. Most buildings are built of white limestone, a deposit from which is close to the city. Charming examples of architecture are the Opera and Ballet Theater, the National Marine University, the Palace of Chess and the Archaeological Museum. If you come to Odessa, you should not miss the Seaside Boulevard, Suvorov Street, Tschichin Bridge, the French Boulevard and the Museum of Maritime History.

8 Odessa

Free time to explore the city. Optionall tour to Odessa Catacombs. Abandoned mines have been expanded by local smugglers and used by them as hiding places and warehouses. Today's so-called "catacombs" are a very popular tourist attraction.

9 Odessa - Kiev

Early departure from Odessa as we have a long day driving in front of us - 470 km to Kiev. Stop near the city of Pervomaysk, where we will visit the Strategic Missile Force Museum, which in the past was an actual nuclear weapon launch site. We will see the most powerful Cold War Soviet missile - the R-36M2 'governor' bomb, which was nicknamed 'Satan' by the Americans. Arrive Kiev in the evening.

10 Kiev

Free day or optional tour to Chernobyl. The large restricted area where the tragic event of the Chernobil nuclear disaster took place in 1986 is enigmatic and indeed one of a kind place to explorer. This excursion will give you a glipse towards abandoned city of Pripyat, where nature has already started conquering back what once used to be streets, hotels, schools etc. With your Geiger counter in hand, you'll have the chance see the new dome of the exploded nuclear reactor from only a few meters distance.

11 Kiev - Lviv

Sightseeing tour of Kiev in the morning before we continue to Lviv. Some of the most famous Kiev attractions include: the Kiev-Pecherska Lavra Monastery, the Monastery of St. Michael with his gold domes, the churches of St. Sofia and St. Andrew and many others. In addition, the National Opera, the Kiev Youth Theater, the Golden Gate, the Independence Square. In the early afternoon we take off to Lviv. The journey will take about 5 hours in comfortable train and we will arrive in Lviv in the evening for an overnight.

12 Lviv

We will start the day with a walking tour in the city of Lviv (Lemberg - German, Lwów - Polish) Lviv - the city known as the most beautiful in Ukraine. it's architectural layout is a collection of numerous styles and epochs. East of the modern part of the city is the Old Town. The points of interest are: Renox Square; the Ivan Franco National Theater - one of the masterpieces of world architecture; the Roman Catholic Cathedral - one of the most remarkable Gothic buildings dating back to the end of the 14th century; the Baroque Cathedral. Currently Lviv is a city buzzling with life and culture. Literally every cafe or restaurant is like a small interactive museum full of curiosities to discover.

13 Lviv - Minsk (Belarus)

Free time in Lviv in the morning, before we continue our journey to Minsk. Flight to Minsk.

14 Minsk. Nesvizh and Mir Castles

Short sightseeing tour of Minsk in the morning before we continue to Nesvizh and Mir Castles. First we visit the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nesvizh Castle, which has been home to the Radswill Family for over 400 years. The fortresses construction began in 1584, but it's been extended and changed over the years and now features a mix of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Classicism and Neo-Gothic architecture. The estate also contains the largest landscape gardens in Europe and a number of ornamental lakes. After some free time to have lunch and explore Nesvizh we drive on to the beautiful Mir Castle, which is also UNESCO-Listed. Creation of the fort began at the end of the 15th century and again a number of different architectural styles can be seen. The castle is one of the most splendid in Europe and was reopened to the public in 2010 after being extensively restored to its former glories. Back to Misk for overnight.

15 Departure