Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova Overland Experience
18 days
Map not provided by operator
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
Small Group Tour
Belarus is an enigma, a corner of Europe that few have heard about and even fewer have visited. It has remained well out of the spotlight of international tourism, its secrets remaining hidden, its cities seldom visited and its countryside little explored. Too often associated with Soviet monotony, Belarus is slowly starting to reveal its subtle charms to the...
From$3,105
Member Savings
Save up to $700!
Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)
Overview
Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
Highlights
- Experience 3 of the least known countries in Europe
- The last bastion of communism in Belarus
- A high emphasis on local culture and important historical sites
- Experience local hospitality in rural farmsteads in all 3 countries
- Travel to the glorious Carpathian Mountains
- See the quirky breakaway republic of Transdniestr
What's this trip about?
Belarus is an enigma, a corner of Europe that few have heard about and even fewer have visited. It has remained well out of the spotlight of international tourism, its secrets remaining hidden, its cities seldom visited and its countryside little explored. Too often associated with Soviet monotony, Belarus is slowly starting to reveal its subtle charms to the outside world. We take in the best of the country, from the sleepy capital Minsk with its fine churches and imposing Soviet architecture to the fortresses at Brest and Mir as well as the historic town of Njasvizh, packed full of 16th century buildings.
Compare to similar trips
Details
Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityMinsk
End CityChisinau
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- Arrival and departure transfer
- All land transportation including overnight trains
- All accommodation on twin share basis
- Services of English speaking guides (please note that different guides will accompany the group in different countries).
- Meals as listed on the itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
- Entrance fees for sites described in the itinerary
- Visa support if required
View Similar Trips
Itinerary
Day 1 – Minsk
Arrive in Minsk and transfer to your hotel. Depending on when you arrive there may be time to explore the city or just relax after your journey. Overnight Hotel Planeta or similar.
Minsk
Minsk is a fascinating city and almost unique in Europe. Although it has existed for almost a millennium, gaining prominence due to its position on the strategic trading route between the Black and Baltic Seas, it was almost destroyed during the Second World War. Most bu...
Day 2 – Minsk
This morning we explore some of the key sights of Minsk. We visit Independence Square with its collection of Stalinist buildings, Victory Square and the Island of Tears, a monument to the fallen soldiers in the Soviet campaign against Afghanistan, the Museum of the Histo...
Day 3 – Dudutki and Belarusian Farmstead
Today we transfer to Dudutki. We spend time meeting local people and learn about the old customs and crafts that are still practiced here. We explore the surrounding area for an insight into rural Belarus – a real highlight of the trip. Later we stay overnight as guests ...
Day 4 – Nesvizh – Brest
This morning we transfer to Nesvizh and visit the Radzivills Palace in Nesvizh, with its beautiful buildings, including palaces, monasteries, and 16th-century houses. Later we transfer to Brest. Overnight Hotel Vesta or similar (BL)
Brest
Pushed up against the border with Poland, Brest feels slightly less Belarusian, and more western, than other cities. The city is rich in culture, with numerous influences making their mark felt here, from Orthodox to Russian to Polish, and like many other cities have a f...
Day 5 – Brest - Belovezhaskaya National Park
This morning we take a tour of Brest’s main sites including the imposing fortress, which played a significant part in the Second World War and is an important site in Belarusian history. After lunch, we transfer into the wilderness to Belovezhaskaya National Park, a UNES...
Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park
First established as a national park in 1939, this wilderness area has existed since the middle ages. It entered the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1992 and gained Biosphere Reserve status in 1993. The park contains primeval forest and stretches across the border into Po...
Day 6 - Grodno
Today we transfer to Grodno and en-route we stop at Ruzhany to see the remains of the Sapega family palace. After lunch, we arrive in Grodno and explore the city. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Grodno (BL)
Grodno
The name of the city is tightly connected to the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Under the rule of Grand Duke Vitautis, the town acquired equal status with Vilnius as a second state capital. It also used to be the main residence of the Polish King Stefan Batory ...
Day 7 – Mir Fortress - Minsk - Train to Kiev
Transfer to Mir, a small town 90km to the South-West of Minsk. We visit one of the country’s most important, as well as beautiful, sites – the stunning 16th-century fortress at Mir – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later we return to Minsk and board the overnight train to Kiev. Overnight on the train in shared sleeper accommodation (2 people per cabin) (BL)
Mir Fortress
Mir Fortress looks like something from a fairytale dramatically situated next to a lake and with white plasterwork a striking contrast to red brick towers and roofs. The fortress was built over a number of years, beginning in the 16th century, and various additions to it...
Day 8 - Kiev
On arrival, we check into the hotel where you will be able to enjoy some leisure time. This afternoon we explore some of the key sights of Kiev, including the ancient ‘onion-domed’ St Sophia Cathedral, its bustling main boulevard Kreschatyk, and the Golden Gates, the onl...
Kiev
Kiev is one of the oldest cities in the region, founded back in the 5th century and becoming an important center of Slavic culture. Falling under the rule of the Varangians sometime later it became the capital of Rus, benefitting from its position on the trade routes bet...
Day 9 - Kyiv Pechersk Lavra – Lviv
This morning we visit the Lavra cave monastery complex, with its stunning churches and underground tunnels. Later you will have some leisure time before we board the overnight train to Lviv. Overnight on board the train in shared sleeper accommodation (B)
Day 10 – Lviv
Early arrival into Lviv where we have a little time to freshen up before heading out to explore the city. Lviv is renowned as one of the prettiest towns in Ukraine and its historic center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We take in some of its highlights...
Lviv
Lviv is a fantastically eclectic city with a wide variety of architectural styles combining to create a place with a split personality, but which somehow definitely works. Founded in the 13th century, Lviv is almost dripping with history and walking around its wide boule...
Day 11 – Kamyanets-Podilsky – Ivano-Frankovsk
Drive to Kamyanets-Podilsky, an attractive town dramatically situated on an island of rock and surrounded by a river. We visit the 11th-century castle, one of the most impressive in Ukraine, as well as the old quarter with its colorful buildings. We then head to Ivano-Frankovsk where we spend the night. Overnight Nadiya Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 12 – Ivano-Frankovsk – Carpathian Mountains
This morning we take a brief tour around Ivano-Frankovsk, the economic center of the Carpathians before we head into the mountains. We stay on a local farmstead in Verkhovyna, a picturesque and very typical Carpathian village which is a superb base for exploring the mountains and the intriguing communities that live here. Overnight stay on a local farmstead (BD)
The Carpathians
The Carpathian Mountains stretch across a wide part of Eastern Europe, encompassing parts of Romania, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and Serbia. Rich in wildlife they are home to some of Europe’s last remaining populations of large mammals, with ...
Day 13 - Chernivtsi - Chisinau
This morning we leave our hosts and drive to Chernivtsi, situated in the foothills of the Carpathians. We will spend a few hours exploring some of the interesting buildings and monuments in the town and after lunch travels to Chisinau in Moldova. Overnight Hotel Codru or similar (B)
Chernivtsi
The town of Chernivtsi is the capital of the Bucovina region and is has many different ethnic influences from neighboring countries. It is an attractive town surrounded by picturesque mountains and it is seen as a cultural center of Ukraine. It is also full of interesting architecture making it one of Ukraine's most interesting towns.
Chisinau
Chisinau was founded back in the 15th century, as a small monastery village within the province of Moldavia. Falling first to the Ottoman and then the Russian Empire, the city grew over the years and played a major part in the Russo-Turkish war of 1877. Sadly it was bomb...
Day 14 - Chisinau - Capriana Monastery -
Hindu
Monastery - Codrii - Chisinau
After breakfast we begin a walking tour of the capital, visiting key sites including the Arc de Triomphe, the cathedral, and the Moldovan Parliament. We then head to the village of Capriana to view its 14th-century monastery. We will continue on to the Codrii Nature Rese...
Codrii Reserve
Founded in 1971 Codrii is the oldest nature reserve in Moldova. Its main forest consists of tall oaks and beeches and its boundaries are home to 1000 species of plants, 43 species of mammals and 145 species of birds, some of them close to extinction.
Day 15 - Cricova - Orheiul Vechi - Butuceni
This morning we drive to the vast underground tunnels of the wine cellars of Cricova, and take a train through the tunnels, before enjoying a tasting of some of the wines. We continue to Orheiul Vechi, an impressive monastery complex set amidst dramatic scenery. We will ...
Orheiul Vechi
The Orheiul Vechi Monastery complex is carved into a cliff, and dates back to the 13th century, although it has only recently come back into use after being abandoned in the 18th century. It contains a chapel and a sleeping area for monks, and the cliffside is dotted with small caves and places of worship, dug over thousands of years by ancient Dacian tribes.
Day 16 - Butuceni - Bender - Tiraspol
Cross the border into the breakaway republic of Transdniestr. Head to the city of Tighina, or Bendery, where you can explore the 16th-century fortress and visit the on- site museum. We will visit the War Memorial before continuing onto the capital, Tiraspol. We will have...
Transdniestr
Transdniestr is a curious entity, a self- declared republic that is to all intents and purposes a separate state – yet unrecognized by other countries. Historically, like Moldova, it had formed part of the Soviet Union but unlike Moldova, its population is mainly ethnic ...
Day 17 - Tiraspol - Clausen - Et Cetera
This morning we begin with a visit to Causeni town to see its 15th-century church, covered with antique frescoes (the church is currently closed for restoration but we can walk around it). We then move onto the small family winery of Et Cetera, where we will be given a t...
Day 18 - Depart
Time at leisure until your departure transfer to the airport (B)
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Price From $3,105
Price per day$173
Single supplement (single occupancy)$404
Last Updated: 9/6/2018
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Undiscovered Destination.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Undiscovered Destination Reviews & Ratings
Other Undiscovered Destination Reviews
G
Undiscovered Destination Company Reviewsby Undiscovered Destination
Our third Journey with Undiscovered
Gone with them twice now, maybe will go a third time.
B
Undiscovered Destination Company Reviewsby Undiscovered Destination
Service was simply brilliant
Hi, We HAD to leave our review because we had such an unbelievable time at Madagascar, a Special thanks to our wonderful tour guides and Undiscovered- destinations f...
B
Undiscovered Destination Company Reviewsby Undiscovered Destination
Everything was planned very well
Had the most wonderful holiday in Madagascar with Undiscovered Destinations. Everything was planned very well, and to say it was stunning would be an understatement....
Travelers also viewed
Tour Operator
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.
Save time
Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.
Save money
Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.
Travel confidently
Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.
Logistics
What's excluded
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Visas if applicable
- Meals not included on the itinerary
- Drinks
- Tips (discretionary)
Accommodation
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against
unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies.
It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before
or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements.
For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements,
please visit this link
.
Meals Included
- Daily breakfast (B), plus lunches (L) and dinners (D) as shown in the itinerary
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
undisc-BelMolUndDes
Become a member
(it's free)
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!