Sean Stewart
I'm one of those who believes that travel can change lives for the better. This is something I learned at the age of 12 when my parents took me to Canada on a road trip. I barely had any sense at that age that the world held so many fascinating cultures and that I could actually see them for myself. Since then, nearly 35 years of travel later, I'm still learning and still exploring and this thrill of discovery is what I want to show my clients.
Having lived, worked and studied in Russia and Ukraine for 11 years, I bring my hard-won insights and my passion for the region to our tours.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"In Eastern Europe Explorer we specialize in cultural and historical discovery tours. We show you the big sites but our specialty lies in pairing the big sites with the lesser known sites to create a STORY. We give you insight and interpretation. For example, we'll take you to Moscow's Kremlin in the morning, then take you to a hidden illegal Bolshevik printing press where, in 1905, two men printed revolutionary pamphlets in 20 min shifts. It's incredible to think that the power of the Kremlin was ultimately laid low by the efforts of men like these, operating illegal printing presses in sub-basements. That is the interpretation, the story, that will stay with you.
We also focus on cultural immersion. You can learn some Russian, visit a Russian family to learn more about everyday life, and learn how to use the classic Russian banya. All this is rounded off by cooking lessons and walks through the city and the local area where you're staying. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I started in travel early, thanks to a road trip to Canada. Two years later, aged 14, we went transatlantic to Ireland and the UK and the sense of wonder and the love of exploring cultures has stayed with me."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Travel involves not only looking but also participating. As a historian, I look for travel experiences that have a connection to the past, to deepen my understanding of the past as well as of the culture I'm immersed in. Last winter, I had the chance to ride in a WW2 era Soviet T-34 tank, in Russia in the winter, on the old battlefields of 1941. Its one thing to read about that conflict, another to feel the hot engine at your back, be jarred around inside the turret as the tank drove over ditches and holes and feel how tight and confined the space was. I imagined shouting orders under fire, aiming the gun and trying to understand, through the limited field of vision offered by the tanks viewports, how I could have controlled the battlefield in front of me. Driving the tank is a heavy physical job and doing it in these conditions of peace was hard enough. Driving in and fighting from a T-34 in wartime must have been extraordinarily difficult. This travel experience taught me more about conditions faced by soldiers in WW2 than nearly any book I had ever read. This is the power of travel. To see, to experience, to learn from other cultures and other times. "
Sean's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
See Russia's capital cities in a 6-day highlights tour. Start in Moscow and explore the iconic Red Square, Kremlin fortress, and 90-year-old metro system. Take an express train...
Start in Moscow to see the iconic Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral, then head to the countryside to see 16th-century wooden churches in Vladimir and Suzdal. Take an overnight...
This 16-day itinerary introduces you to one of Europe’s least visited, but arguably most interesting regions. You’ll explore three countries that have developed diverse customs...
Recent trip reviews for Sean
Thank you kimkim. I had an amazing time in Ru...
Russia
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Feb 29 - Mar 18, 2020
Thank you, Peter, for your kind words, it was a privilege to have you as our guest!
Russia's Capital Cities & Golden Ring Tour - 7 Days
Russia
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Sep 23 - Oct 1, 2019
Our guide in Moscow, Sergei, was full of local knowledge and so friendly as were Darya(Vladimir Guide), Alexander (Suzdal Guide) and Irina (St Petersburg guide). The city of Moscow was very interesting and we were surprised by the beauty and splendour of the Kremlin. Vladimir was full of medieval history with beautiful churches. Suzdal was beautiful, had a very laid back vibe and some beautiful buildings/churches. ... Read more
Many thanks, Diane, for your kind words! So happy you enjoyed your trip!
history and art
Russia
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Jul 28 - Aug 4, 2019
St. Petersburg was very impressive and turned up to better than expected. Thanks to our knowledgeable guide and his excellent language skills we were able to absorb lot's of historic information in quite short time. Thanks to Sean from KimKim team we could design our custom tour and it was possible to tune up wile being there as we have a local guide just for us. All recommendations were very useful and we have... Read more
Thank you very much, Andrew! We're thrilled that you enjoyed your trip!
Ukraine
Ukraine
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Aug 11 - Aug 20, 2019
Thank you, Peter! We're happy to hear you loved your trip to Ukraine!
Russia 2019
Russia
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Jun 11 - Jul 1, 2019
Thank you very much for your kind words! We are happy you enjoyed your tour of Russia!
Russia 2019
Russia
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May 10 - May 18, 2019
Thank you very much Rebecca, for travelling with us. We loved having you and look forward to seeing you again if you decide to return!
St. Petersburg
Russia
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Apr 13 - Apr 20, 2019
Thank you, Jessica, for your kind words. Great to hear you enjoyed the trip! Look forward to welcoming you back to Russia, maybe Moscow and beautiful Golden Ring this time?
Trip to Ukraine
Ukraine
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Aug 28 - Sep 5, 2018
Thank you so much for your words! I'm so happy you enjoyed your trip to Ukraine!
Moscow, St Peterburg
Russia
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Jul 29 - Aug 16, 2018
We had a fantastic time thanks to Sean and his team. We always expected that it would be difficult travelling with Toddlers and not knowing the language but the guides we had made the holiday a lot easier and we had a great time.
A special thank you to our Moscow Guide, Helena. She's a very thorough historian, great with kids and incredibly proud of her country. Thank you so much Helena!
Thank you, Sarah, for your kind words and look forward to having you back!
Starting in Liev
Ukraine
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Jul 10 - Aug 8, 2018
The portion of my trip to western Ukraine was the best. The driver Yuri was extremely friendly and his company was able to plan our itinerary so we got to see everything we wanted.
Thanks a lot, Natalie! We are very happy you enjoyed your trip!