Take advantage of the mid-summer sun and travel on nature’s terms on this 13-day Russia and Japan voyage. This is one of the world’s great journeys, an expedition that beckons nature lovers, history buffs, and the intrepid explorer within. Marvel at spectacular natural landscapes, pristine tundra, and massive volcanoes, and spot a multitude of rare bird species without forgetting to enjoy some of the delicious fresh local caviar and vodka.
Highlights
Admire Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk’s beautiful Cathedral of the Resurrection
Learn about the Aleut people and their culture through a concert and games
Discover Makanrushi, a gorgeous uninhabited volcanic island
Spot the unique Steller sea eagles of Kamchatka Peninsula
Observe huge populations of sea mammals, birds, and brown bears
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Once all guests have embarked, a mandatory safety drill is conducted before Silver Explorer leaves Otaru. Then be introduced to important members of the crew and your Expedition Team. Afterwards enjoy a sail away cocktail while the ship departs on a spectacular expedition “Expedition Kurils and Kamchatka”. Tonight familiarize yourself with your new home away from home, meet some of your fellow travelers, and enjoy the first of many memorable meals in The Restaurant.
During the morning you can relax, have a leisurely breakfast, and attend the first of several lectures about the Russian Far East, its history, its people, and above all its wildlife. Korsakov once served as a penal colony and achieved literary fame after a travel report by Anton Chekhov. Have enough time to get a glimpse of this city during an afternoon excursion with a cultural program. See Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk’s beautiful Cathedral of the Resurrection. The church was only completed in 1995, and the gold on the onion domes has very recently been laid, shining brilliantly. From the church continue to the Sakhalin Regional Museum, which is housed in a beautiful Japanese-style structure, due to the previous ruling of its southern neighbor. The museum covers all the facets of Sakhalin Island, from its flora and fauna, to its geology and history and its indigenous populations. At the Gagarin Park, with its adventure playgrounds and numerous beer and barbeque spots, the afternoon might end with a traditional performance of Russian song and dance.
Located off the east coast of Sakhalin Island in the Sea of Okhotsk, witness a natural paradise – this small island of only 2 sq. kilometers is an ideal place to observe large colonies of an estimated more than 250,000 northern fur seals and Steller sea lions, as well as tens of thousands of common guillemots and black-legged kittiwakes that have made their nests in the cliffs above. Take the Zodiacs to cruise along the shore and marvel at the unbelievable amount of birds and mammals.
The lecturers take this day at sea to present lectures, seminars, and discussions about the Russian Far East and the impact human exploration has had in the different areas you have seen and intend to visit. If you would like to relax, you can make use of the Spa, the Connoisseurs Corner, use the Fitness Centre, or simply take in the fresh air on the Sun Deck. Enjoy lunch al fresco and meet with new friends for a cocktail
Yankicha is a fascinating place. It is actually a flooded volcanic caldera, accessible only by Zodiac and only during high tide. Once inside the magnificent lagoon, see – in the fumarole fields and hot springs – traces of the tremendous forces that created the island long ago. The island is also home to thousands of crested auklets and you may catch a glimpse of an arctic fox or even the rare and elusive whiskered auklets during your nature walks.
With the Zodiacs approach the clusters of rocks that comprise this island group – home to huge populations of sea mammals and birds. At Skaly Lovyshky go in search of northern fur seals and Steller sea lions and hope to get good views of the pigeon guillemots that often swim around the rocky outcrops of the islands. Makanrushi, your evening stop, is another uninhabited volcanic island. North of the Evreinov Strait, it is a roughly rectangular island of almost 50 sq. kilometers. As there are no sandy beaches, but mostly steep cliffs, the intent is to take a ship or Zodiac cruise along the shore and hope to have good views of the island’s highest peak.
Alaid on Atlasova Island is the highest volcano in the Kuril chain with a height of over 2,000 meters. Together with your expedition staff land by Zodiac on the black lava beach of the island, from where you begin your walk to see the remains of the Taketomi tufa cone. In the late morning the ship continues north towards your next stop at the Utashud Islands.
The Utashud Islands are a small cluster of islets off the coast of Kamchatka with spectacular scenery. The islands feature gentle slopes and steep cliffs which make them ideal habitat for various seabird species. Harbour and possibly spotted seals are plentiful along the shores. An old rusty ship wreck can be seen on the southwestern side of one of the island slabs.
South of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy is the 15-kilometer-long Ruskaya Bay. The northeast to southwest direction and narrow body of water have made this bay a perfect place to look for shelter in foul weather, and fishing fleets and WWII convoys headed for Vladivostok have made ample use of the bay. Two shipwrecks can still be seen close to the bay’s southeastern shore. A river, used as a source of freshwater in former times, meanders through the valley and with the Zodiacs see how far you can explore, or hike to the small stands of trees found there.
By cruising the river with your highly maneuverable Zodiacs, have the ability to stop and go ashore to find the best birding and nature walks. Heading upstream, spot up to 40 different bird species and even see brown bears fishing for salmon in the river. Your main goal today is to spot Steller sea eagles. This majestic bird is known to frequent this area, and you can hope to have good views of at least one of the eagles.
The Komandorskiye or Commander Islands are named after famed Commander Vitus Bering who had been commissioned by the Russian Czar to search for a land bridge between Asia and America. After having been to Alaska he was forced to overwinter here. He was buried on the island, but part of the crew managed to return to Petropavlovsk. Go ashore to see the graves of Bering and some of his crew.
Today visit a Steller sea lion rookery on the north side of Cape Severozapadniy. Walk along a sometimes waterlogged dirt road which leads to a blind overlooking the rookery. Apart from the sea lions arctic foxes can often be seen – they are curious, and watch you from a safe distance.
Before lunch, sail to Nikolskoye, which was established in 1826 by fur traders. This fishing village on Bering Island has colorful buildings and an Orthodox Church - one of Russia’s newest and one of the easternmost - and a small museum to learn about the Aleut people and their culture. It also contains much information on Bering, as well as the bones of a Steller’s sea cow. Enjoy a concert and be entertained by a presentation of local games.
Spend the last day aboard, sailing for Petropavlovsk, the only major city on the peninsula and one of the oldest towns in the Russian Far East. It is also the scientific and cultural center of the region, with a museum of ethnography and natural history, an art school, and a gold-domed Orthodox cathedral. Attend final lectures and discussions about the area you have traveled through, edit some of the many photos taken, and join the onboard Videographer for the documentary of your voyage along the Kuril Islands and Kamchatka. Arrive in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy in the late afternoon.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$10,250
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Adventurer Class
6 cabins on Deck 3, 180 sq. feet, Twin or Queen beds, 2 portholes.
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Explorer Class
4 cabins on Deck 4, Twin or Queen beds, 180 sq. feet with view window.
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View Suite
12 suites on Deck 3, 230 sq. feet with view window, Twin or Queen beds.
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Vista Suite
16 suites on Deck 4, 194 - 230 sq. feet with large window, Twin or Queen beds.
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Veranda Suite
8 suites on Deck 5, 215 sq. feet with French balcony, Twin or Queen beds.
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Medallion Suite
2 suites on Deck 7, 358 sq. feet with private veranda, Twin or Queen beds.
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Silver Suite
6 suites on Deck 5, 430 sq. feet with 2 French balconies, Twin or Queen beds.
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Grand Suite
2 suites on Deck 7, 650 sq. feet with large private veranda, Twin or Queen beds.
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Owner
2 suites on Deck 7, 540 sq. feet with large private veranda, Twin or Queen beds.
Notes
Please note: Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change at any time without notice. All prices are in US dollars, cruise-only per person based on double occupancy.
- The supplement for single occupancy in a Vista, Veranda or Midship Veranda Suite ranges from 25% – 100% above the double occupancy fare, depending upon the sailing and suite selected. Single supplement for a Silver or Medallion Suite (Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper), Owner’s, Grand or Royal Suites are 100% above of the double occupancy fare. Suites for single and third guests are capacity controlled.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
