You will be forgiven for thinking that the Soviet Union is alive and well in Belarus, but that is the charm of the place. Minsk may still proudly show its Communist-era buildings and statues of Lenin but you will notice that smart shops, good restaurants and live music venues have popped up across the city - making Belarus holidays an off-beat yet reliably enjoyable choice of European getaway.
Still a largely rural economy, Belarus is a land of picturesque villages, forests, lakes and national parks where bison, bears and wolves can be found. Polotsk, the oldest city in the country, boasts an ancient cathedral, fortress and convent. In Nesvizh the former palace home of the Radzivills is surrounded by formal gardens and Mir is home to a fairytale castle.
Belarus may not be the most talked about of countries but it does have its place in history. Twentieth-century artist, Marc Chagall, was born in Vitebsk; Brest, on the border with Poland, has hero city status as it withstood the onslaught from Germany in World War II and the leaders of Belarus, Ukraine and Russia signed the agreement to bring the dissolution of the USSR in Viskouli.
Regent Holidays can arrange group tours, tailor-made itineraries, Minsk city breaks and holidays to Belarus. Contact one of our Travel Specialists today to discuss your Belarus holiday plans.
Chernobyl Heart
Chernobyl Heart is a UK-based charity raising funds to buy equipment for Gomel Children's Hospital in southeast Belarus, many of whose young patients are suffering the long-term after-effects of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. No administration fees are ever taken by the charity, so every penny of your donation works hard for the Gomel Weenies. Visit the website at www.chernobylheart.org.uk to find out more, and make your donation securely online.
Read more about Belarus