BELARUS
Belarus has had a turbulent history, with various invaders wishing to stake a claim to the country. These range from the Mongols and the Slav's to the Russians and the Germans. WWII devastated the country, which lead to regions such as Minsk being reconstructed. Hence the most striking of the nationals memorials reflect it's loss during this period.
The country has not only a rich religious culture with many delightful cathedrals, churches and monasteries. But also a world-renowned Opera and ballet scene. As with most of the Baltic States generally the cost of living is really quite cheap, with food, drinks, and to a certain degree hotels all being affordable. We think that the best time to visit Belarus is summer or spring, as the winter months are quite drab.
Worldmark's range of services include:-
Due to our extensive oversea's network we are able to offer any client a full range of services. These can be purchased individually or as part of a package.
* Discounted air fares
* Discounted hotels.
* Private car transfers.
* Sightseeing & Guided Tours
* Rail & Air tickets
* Chauffeur & Car Hire
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Minisk
Minsk has developed into a surprisingly bustling cosmopolitan city. One of the few European cities that needed to be extensive reconstruction due to WWII. It has turned into a clean pleasant city with many surprises to keep a visitor busy for a few days.
The PRASPEKT SKARYNY is the main and largest thoroughfare in Minsk. At one end is the impressive PLOSHCHA NEZALEZHNASTSI, which is a large square surrounded by various government buildings and the CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST.SIMON. If you require a pleasant stroll then you should head out to PARK JANKI KUPALY, which offers visitors the chance to stroll around, sit and eat lunch or to take out a boat on the surrounding Svislach River.
Minsk also offers visitors the chance to explore its interesting history with some fine museums & galleries. The BELARUS NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY & CULTURE is well worth a visit. While the BELARUSIAN STATE ART MUSEUM has an excellent collection of fine paintings. Finally no visit to Belarus would be complete without a trip to the MUSEUM OF THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR, which charts this countries journey through WWII. As well as the OLD TOWN area of Minsk, where you will find some good restaurants as well as the beautiful Baroque CATHEDRAL OF ST.DUKHAWSKI.
Finally visitors should not forget to take a river trip East, where they will find a delightful little district that has been lovingly restored in 17th & 18th century style. Visitors will find that this district offers some excellent restaurants and many good bars.
We can offer discounted rates at the following hotels:-
Belarus Hotel,Orbita Hotel,Planta Hotel and Yubilenaya Hotel.
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Other destination suggestions:-
Khatyn
The area is home to a vast war memorial, for the survivors of Writhe GRAVEYARD OF VILLAGES MEMORIAL which silently reflects the total destruction of over 185 of the countries villages and finally the MEMORIAL WALL, which pays homage to the victims of the camps of Belarus.
SUGGESTED HOTELS:- Intourist Hotel
Brest
Home to the impressive BREST FORTRESS & MEMORIAL, the NIKOLAIVSKY CHURCH, the 200 year old church of ST.NIKOLAIV CHURCH, the beautiful 17th century church of ST.SIMON ORTHODOX and the busiest road border points in Eastern Europe.
Belavezhskaja Pushcha Nature Reserve
A beautiful nature reserve which is home to an abundance of wildlife.It be reached by bus from Brest.
Hrodna
The countries most picturesque city, which has developed a cultural way of life. One of the cities main tourist points is VULITSA SAVETSKAJA, which offers tourists the chance to stroll along twisting cobblestoned roads while window-shopping in the local shops before dining in one of the small intimate cafés. The city is also home to a few stunning churches such as FARNY CATHEDRAL, BERNARDINECHURCH & MONASTERY and the CHURCH OF SAINTS BORIS & HLIB. As well as the 14th century castle of STARI ZARNAK.
Njasvizh
Dating back to the 13th century when it was a hub for merchants. Its architecture reflects its history with its 16th century TOWN HALL and the SLUTSK GATE originally built in the 16th century.
Grodno
Dating back to the 11th century sits on the green hilly banks of the Neman River. It one of the oldest cities in the country and the OLD TOWN DISTRICT offers visitors a step back in time with architecture that reflects every major historical period.
Moguilev
In 1267 a castle was built on the site of this town where the Dubrovenki & Dnieper Rivers meet. By the mid 18th century the town was a major trade centre for the region. Today Moguilev offers its visitors a wealth of historical monuments and has developed into a modern industrial centre.
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Travel Warning / Information
You should be vigilant for pickpockets and muggers. The threat from international terrorism is low and the vast majority of visits to Belarus are trouble-tree.
You should be alert at all times to the possibility of mugging, pickpocketing and theft from vehicles or hotel rooms. You should follow travel safety precautions and should avoid attracting unnecessary attention. In particular you should avoid demonstrations and rallies. And extra care should be taken when travelling by train, and by car at the border crossing at Brest.
All visitors entering Belarus must complete a currency and goods declaration form. This must be completed accurately and must be stamped on entry by a Customs Officer. You will not be allowed to take out from Belarus more currency than you originally declared on the currency declaration form on entry to Belarus. You should keep these forms for the duration of your visit. When leaving Belarus you will have to complete a new form but you should also have the original form to hand. If you do not do so, your journey may be delayed and you may receive a fine.
If you are staying in Belarus, you must register with the local police (OVIR) in the district in which you are staying. This should be organised by the host and must be done within three working days after arrival. If you are staying in a hotel, you will be registered automatically.
This information is current as of 13/5/05 we recommend that travellers contact the FCO Travel Advice Unit: 0870 606 0290 for up to date informtaion
Health Information
Foot and Mouth Disease, the Belarusian authorities continue to maintain strict checks of cargoes that come from, or have passed through, the United Kingdom. There is a blanket ban on the importation of all meat, poultry and dairy products coming from the UK. British humanitarian aid organisations and commercial exporters/hauliers should check with their end users in Belarus whether their goods fall under import restrictions.
Standards of health care are below that of the United Kingdom. You should seek medical advice about inoculations before travelling.
You should bring essential personal medications, as the availability of local supplies cannot be guaranteed.
Foreign visitors must have medical insurance cover for the period of their stay. If purchased outside the country, you must be able to demonstrate to the Belarusian authorities that your policy is valid in Belarus for the duration of your visit and that it provides emergency treatment cover of at least 5,000 US Dollars. Even with this, it can still be difficult to persuade local officials that a policy obtained abroad meets these criteria. If you arrive at a port of entry without insurance documentation you will have to purchase medical insurance from a State vendor at a cost of approximately 1 US Dollar per day of stay. This insurance is designed only to compensate local medical institutions for the costs of treating visitors. It does not provide protection for you and should not be considered as an alternative to comprehensive travel insurance. You should note that some Belarusian hotels will not let you stay if you do not have State medical insurance.
You should take care to avoid certain foodstuffs (primarily local dairy produce, forest mushrooms and fruits of the forest) which can carry high levels of radiation as a result of contamination from the Chernobyl disaster. You should not drink village well water as it is usually heavily contaminated with impurities. In cities, you should first boil, then filter tap water before drinking. We recommend that you buy bottled water. This is widely available in shops.
We suggest that all travellers consult their local GP prior to departing the U.K for up to date information.
U.K nationals require not only a visa but also an official invitation.
Please contact this office for further details.
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Worldmark Travel
1st Floor
The Arena
24 Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HF
Tel 020 7 922 0670 Fax 020 7 401 2545
E-Mail Worldmark.uk@hrgworldwide.com
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