One week in Belarus

Relive Soviet history with a walk on Pr. Nezavisimosti, a true jewel of the Stalinist Empire style. At Oktjabrskaja Square go down to the Svisloc River via the upper town (Verchnij gorod) and the suburb Rakovskoe. Not to be missed: the town hall and the cathedral with its belvedere which opens onto a magnificent view of Minsk, the Svisloc and the Troickoe predmest'e. Rent a small boat for a short walk on the river, go around Île aux Larmes. At night, the new library building lights up with a thousand lights. It probably deserves to be visited.

In the morning, go to Ozerco, about fifteen kilometres southwest of Minsk, where themusée de l'Architecture et de la Vie paysanne. This open-air museum brings together examples of wooden architecture from all over Belarus: houses, warehouses, mills, churches. Spend the afternoon at the Dudutki Open Air Museum in the village of Ptic', south of Minsk. This museum reproduces the traditional decor and crafts of the 19th century Belarusian village. You can also rent bicycles to take a ride in the surrounding countryside.

Mir and Nesviz, located about 100 kilometres southwest of Minsk on the road to Brest, are perhaps the two major Belarusian historical sites, the two UNESCO World Heritage sites linked to the powerful noble family of the Radziwill. The program includes a visit to the charming little town of Mir with its fortress and Nesviz with its magnificent 16th century palace and the Corpus Christi church. Immerse yourself in this cultural landscape of great beauty and deep historical value!

Novogrudok, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (13th and 14th centuries), is today a charming small provincial town with an undeniable charm. Visit the ruins of the castle, located on the Mindovg hill: in front of you will open a breathtaking view of the city of Novogrudok, its colourful houses and the Catholic Church of the Transfiguration. Novogrudok is the birthplace of the poet Adam Mickiewicz and there is a museum dedicated to his life and work. From Novogrudok, you can easily reach Ljubca.

Going down from the Braslav lakes to the southwest, you will cross Narocanskij Park. So go along the lake Naro? and then thelac Svir', plunged into an atmosphere of total peace

Visit the villages of Krevo andGolšany. In the past, they were successful cultural and economic centres of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Today, from this glorious past, only the remains of their ancient castles remain, surrounded by green nature and immersed in an atmosphere of magnificent decadence.

Stroll through the alleys of the Troickoe predmest'e in search of the old town of the late 19th century. Discover Belarusian painting by visiting the Fine Arts Museum.