A rare opportunity remains for modern day adventurers to join a small number of like-minded travellers on Ponant’s Kuril Archipelago voyage during September 2015. The itinerary explores the outer reaches of the ‘land of ice and fire’ – a rarely visited chain of volcanic islands linking Japan and the Kamchatka Peninsular.
From onboard the modern expedition cruise ship Le Soleal, this 15-night voyage is designed to reveal fascinating places untouched by tourism.
Guests will be given the chance to enter the Wagnerian-like Valley of the Geysers (200 primeval steaming geothermal vents) via a Russian military-style helicopter; photograph prolific wildlife in bird colonies and seal rookeries; watch a brown bear hunting for salmon; meet the Chukchi people and perhaps even catch sight of a pod of orcas.
Experience the basic power of nature with Le Soleal’s specialist expedition team and lecturers who will enhance your time onboard and ashore while exploring the sheer grandeur, history and culture of this fascinating region. More than grand landscapes, this island chain comes with a turbulent history that has involved the Russians, Chinese and Japanese – even British and French expeditionary forces – the area remains in dispute between Russia and Japan.
Indeed, it’s not just what Ponant does, it’s the way it’s done that sets the benchmark for modern expedition cruising:
Included in the tour:
- Outings and landings in Zodiac dinghies with our Naturalist-Guides.
- Natural wonders: numerous volcanoes, alpine landscapes, black sand beaches, lakes, volcanic craters.
- Wildlife: Sea Otters, Porpoise, Seals, Walrus, Foxes, Brown Bears, Reindeers, Eared Seals, many bird species.
- Cultural encounters: Chukchi people.
The Kuril Archipelago 15-night voyage departs Petropavlovsk from 21 September to 5 October 2015.
Prices vary, however, one fare example is:
A Prestige Stateroom on deck 4, with ocean views and private balcony, plus one night in Tokyo and chartered flights between Tokyo and Petropavlovsk (transfer included) from $11,410 per person. Plus, Ponant is offering a special deal of $2400pp towards flights for the first 100 bookings (conditions apply).
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