On the frontier between Poland and Belarus, lies the realm of the mighty European bison – Białowieża forest, the biggest prehistoric wood complex in Europe. Here is where live the most of the world’s last bisons. However, there is more to see here than just the bisons: 200 km further, deep in Belarus, near the Ukrainian border lies virgin landscape of Prypeć National Park. Two mighty rivers of Prypeć and Pina meet here. Back in 18th century, through canal construction the two rivers were connected, to connect the Baltic and Black Sea through the cities Koenigsberg, Gdańsk and Kyiv. In result, a unique landscape was created, which we shall tour by bike, canoes, feet and horse carriages. Day one. The Holy Mount of Grabarka. Individual arrival to Warsaw, meeting with the NT guide at 12:00 on Warszawa Centralna train station. Bus transfer to Bialowieza. On the road, a visit to the Holy Mount of Grabarka is scheduled. The Mount consists of an Orthodox monastery and pilgrimage centre. After checking-in in the „Bialowieski“ ***Hotel (www.hotel.bialowieza.pl) – fine regional cuisine, including pierogis – a short bicycle trip, to familiarize yourselves with the village and the bicycle equipment (about 15 km). Day two. In Europe’s most strict natural reserve. Today we have scheduled a visit to the Forest Museum with a 3 hour long guided trip to the core of the Białowieski National Park. The world-famous reserve exists since more than 70 years. It is present on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Picturesque landscape and virginal nature are to be found at every turn here. After the walk, about 2 p.m. we have a picnic, served on one of forest glades. After the picnic, we ride by bike to an interesting museum of the local wooden architecture. At the end of the day we offer a movie show about the Forest’s flora and fauna. Accommodation as on day two, by feet about 6 km, by bike about 20 km. Day three. Belarus – so close and yet so far.* Right after breakfast we ride to the Belarussian border (Bialowieza/Piererow, 3 km from the hotel). Since the outpost serves only pedestrians and cyclists, we should take all what we need for spending 24 hours in Belarus to our bicycle purse. Rest of our belongings will await us in our hotel in Bialowieza. The belarussian part of the Forest is maintained very well, it’s nature is beautiful and there is a strong chance of encountering of many different animal species on the road. The people we shall encounter are friendly and will greet us with „Dobry dien“ – „Good day“. Thanks to the excellent, asphalt roads in this part of the forest, we reach Kamyenyuki (20 km away) without any problems. Along the way, we shall be accompanied by a Belarussian ranger, who is there to give additional information about the Forest and the local people. In the afternoon we reach Kamyenyuki, where an interesting natural museum is located. Accommodation and dinner in the hotel (double/single rooms with bathrooms). In the evening, we can take a walk in the village, quite exotic to us, or visit a bania (belarussian sauna). By bicycle about 48 km, mainly asphalt roads. *Please note, that a valid passport and visa is necessary for the Belarussian part of the trip. The applications shall be handled by Nature Travel. You shall receive detailed information from us by post. Day four. Belarus – visit to Dyed Moroz, the Belarussian Santa Claus, and a journey to the past. City of Pińsk. Right after breakfast we ride through the Belarussian villages and further to the forest, to reach the home of Dyed Moroz in the noon. It’s an interesting tourist attractions built in the middle of the Forest. Here we can try real Belarussian blin’s (pancakes) for lunch. In the afternoon we ride back to Kamyenyuki. About 2 p.m. We ride by bus to Pinsk, a city with rich Jewish, Polish and Russian history (among others, the Prime Minister of Israel, Golda Meir, had spent her childhood here). Right after our arrival to Pinsk, an interesting tour of the barocque Old Town awaits us. Accommodation and dinner in a middle-class hotel. It is possible to use the hotel's swimming pool (50 meters long). By bike – about 30 km, by bus – about 200 km. Day five. Belarus: water landscape, canoeing, folklore and regional dinner by the bonfire (bicycle-free day). Right after breakfast we take a ship and cruise the Prypec to a village which literally can be described as the end of civilization. Along with our guide, specialised in ethnography, we walk through numerous villages, sometimes accessible only by water communication. On one section we ride by horse carriage, which takes us directly to a guest house on the bank of Prypec. From there we begin an unforgettable canoe ride on Prypec, observing the rich flora. In late afternoon we meet a belarussian folklore dancers group. After the show, we have dinner by the bonfire. We return to our hotel by bus in the late evening. Accommodation as on day four. By bus – about 25 km, by ship – about 3 hours, by canoe – about 1 hour (suitable also for the inexperienced). Day six. Goodbye Belarus. Today we leave Pinsk and ride back to Bialowieza Forest by bus. We make a short stop in Kamyenyuki to spend our last rubels. After a light lunch we ride by bike to the border outpost Piererov/Bialowieza (our luggage will be taken to the border by bus, and after passing the border – transported by another bus to our hotel). Accommodation and dinner as on day one and two. By bus about 3 hours, by bike about 30 km, only asphalt roads, very small traffic. Day seven. End of the tour and individual departure. The bus takes us to Warszawa, where a guided city tour with a professional guide awaits us (about 2 hours). The tour ends at the Warszawa Centralna train station about 4 p.m. Individual departure. Road condition Mostly forest and field roads, mostly asphalt. Services Accommodation in double/single rooms, with bathrooms and WC, in middle-class hotels Meals include breakfast, lunch or packed lunch and dinner; it is possible to arrange vegetarian meals upon earlier notice (please let us know, if you eat fish) First meal upon day of your arrival: dinner Last meal upon day of departure: breakfast Mineral water at your disposal during cycling days All transfers, entries and guided tours listed in the programme Professional, English-speaking tour guide Luggage transport/service bus/repairs Maps of the route Minimum number of participants: 10 people Notes: Prices: 
Out-Of-The-Ordinary Ranking
Also see tour packages in: Europe Poland Belarus Outdoor: Land Rambler Bicycle Touring Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting |
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