Step into another world with this epic journey through Russia’s dramatic
volcanic peninsula.
Departing on May 20, 2020.
Itinerary
Arrive in Sapporo and check in to our hotel.
join a tour of Sapporo’s highlights.
Cruise past tiny Teuri Island at dawn.
Disembark in Korsakov, then drive to Sakhalin Island’s capital,
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Hundreds of northern fur seals and Steller sea lions cover the beaches.
The Kuril Islands form an archipelago of 56 large and small islands, nearly
equal to the Hawaiian Islands in landmass.
Shimushir’s spectacular geology features a string of extinct volcanoes.
Often enshrouded in fog, the rugged columnar stacks of the Srednego Islands
are home to thousands of nesting seabirds.
The Lovyshki Islands are small, rocky islets that offer the perfect resting
place for thousands upon thousands of northern fur seals.
Beautiful Onekotan Island boasts an impressive 4,000-foot-high volcano.
This afternoon, as you cruise through the First Kuril Strait, watch for the
Steller’s sea eagles that frequent the area.
Reminiscent of a Norwegian fjord, the craggy shores of the bay served as a
natural shelter for ships in the past.
Board Zodiacs to negotiate the shallow and meandering Zhupanova River.
Disembark the Caledonian Sky and transfer to the airport for our charter
flight to Seoul.
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Additional Information
A trip into Russia’s remote Kamchatka region is hard to put into words;
sky-high volcanoes soar over wildflower-studded tundra full of roaming
reindeer, brown bears fishing for salmon and deserted landscapes that are
little disturbed and scarcely explored. Begin your journey exploring the neon
streets of Sapporo before boarding your intimate expedition ship. Enjoy an
evening of traditional Russian song and dance on Sakhalin Island, wander
amongst abandoned buildings and other relics of a secret Russian military
base, explore the former dwellings of the Ainu in Onekotan, meet massive
colonies of fur seals and Stellar sea lions on Tyuleniy Island, search for a
myriad of sea birds amongst the 40 active volcanoes of the Kuril Islands and
spot tufted puffins, sea otters and whales in the spectacular Russkaya Bay.
Led by Mike Messick, a fellow of the Explorers Club and industry veteran of
nearly 35 years, you’ll enjoy lectures, guided excursions, and daily recaps
to bring an educational component to your adventure. Mike is regarded as one
of the most experienced expedition leaders in the industry and has visited an
impressive 195 countries around the world, so you can be sure he has plenty
of travel stories to share! Along with Mike you’ll be joined by a team of
renowned ornithologists, marine biologists, naturalists and more, especially
chosen for this adventure. They’ll bring a comprehensive educational
component to your adventure through lectures, guided excursions, and daily
recaps.
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