Sean Stewart

What is Russia, really? Its very name conjures images of a vast and trackless landscape, where snow-covered onion domes peep over heavy stone fortress walls. Its history is an epic story populated by dreamers, madmen, and geniuses who left an indelible imprint on the world's imagination. Above all, it's a place where the 21st century collides with the 12th, where the 'radiant future' was born and where the past has not quite passed away.

Russia for Travellers pulls back the veil that has long shrouded this land in mystery. We will explore the mindset, the history, and the culture of the world's largest country and share with you my best tips on travelling in Russia and Eastern Europe, making sure you'll get the most from your trip. I give recommendations on those hidden, out-of-the-way gems that really tell the story of the country.

Belarus is one of Europe's least visited countries, which is great news for travellers, as it delivers real value and punches well above its weight.

Belarus is a land of contrasts. Beautiful rolling countryside. Friendly people. A preserved folk tradition. Stunning castles.

Yet on the other hand, this land of beauty witnessed enormous suffering over the centuries, as successive invaders ravaged its lands. Napoloeon came and went through Belarus, as did the Kaiser's armies in the First World War. In the Second World War, Belarus suffered the great per capita loss of life of any combatant nation. In some ways, little Belarus, albeit as part of the Soviet Union, was the fulcrum of that most terrible of all wars.

Belarus is a young nation with an ancient past. In this presentation we'll explore what you need to know before you go about this land of contrasts and contradictions.