Silversea Cruises has unveiled its new 2018 Couture Collection, an industry-first, exclusive series of ocean and land adventures, which are custom-designed. Priced up to AU$105,000 per guest, the inaugural 2018 Couture Collection is a portfolio of nine pre- and post-cruise luxury land programs of five to 11 days, offering travel experiences in remote and untouched regions.
“Our guests are seasoned luxury travellers, aiming to discover the least accessible corners of our planet, where nature can still astound with its untouched beauty,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Silversea’s executive chairman. “The Couture Collection reveals the most exotic places and cultures on carefully curated journeys that feature all the extraordinary touches of comfort and luxury for which Silversea is renowned.”
The pre- and post-cruise Couture Collection includes exclusive experiences, ranging from a private helicopter service in Mongolia to a vintage rail journey in India, and Gulfstream jet charters in and out of Antarctica. Prices start from AU$18,500 per guest, with an 11-day South Pole itinerary leading the collection starting at AU$105,000 per guest.
The Couture Collection programs are limited to small groups and include most meals, beverages and exclusive culinary events. Accommodation is provided at renowned boutique hotels, lodges and private tents specifically built for these experiences. Each program is fully escorted.
Conrad Combrink, Vice President Product Development Expeditions and Experiences hand crafted each of these expeditions under the watchful eye of Silversea’s Executive Chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio.
Rwanda & the Serengeti: Walking in the Footsteps of Giants – Explore the rainforests of Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, while searching for the mountain gorilla on an exclusive two day trekking experience. Go on a game drive to seek the Big Five from a custom 4×4 in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site best known for its amazing annual migration of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras. Eight days from AU$33,000; departures on 20 or 27 November; combinable with Silver Discoverer expeditions departing on 16 or 27 November.
White Desert & South Pole: Standing on the Bottom of the Earth – No place on Earth can compare to Antarctica. Explore spectacular ice caves and tunnels and climb a glacial island. Photograph a colony of emperor penguins at Atka Bay before following in the footsteps of Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott and be among the privileged few who have reached the South Pole. Enjoy the comforts of a stay at Whichaway Camp. Fly in and out of Antarctica on a Gulfstream business jet. This 11-day adventure, starts from AU$105,000 per person, departing on 2 January 2018; combinable with Silver Spirit‘s 18 December 2017 voyage.
Namibia & Rovos Rail – Experience the Namibia Desert at Little Kulala Camp in the Kulala Wilderness Reserve. Go flightseeing over the Skeleton Coast. Marvel at Sesriem Canyon and float above enchanting desert landscapes in a hot-air balloon. From Pretoria to Cape Town, journey in aboard the iconic Rovos Rail, known as The Most Luxurious Train in the World and savour the South African scenery from a carefully restored carriage. Six days from AU$18,500; departs on 8 January or 14 March; combinable with cruises on Silver Spirit, departing 15 January or Silver Cloud, departing 21 March.
India: In the Path of Powerful Titans – Enjoy private flights throughout India. Track tigers in Ranthambore wildlife reserve. Journey by vintage rail to the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, where dinner includes stunning views of Mehrangarh, an impressive centuries-old fort. Witness the charms of the ancient city of Jaisalmer from the comfort of The Serai camp. Explore majestic desert dunes on a jeep or camel safari, then sample delicacies at an elegant bush dinner. Six days from AU$49,000; departs on 23 October; combinable with Silver Muse‘s 8 October cruise.
Australia: Exploring the Unforgiving and Unforgettable Outback – Enjoy private air travel to and from Darwin to experience an authentic outback adventure at the Bullo River Station, a cattle ranch in Australia’s Northern Territory. Explore Aboriginal rock art galleries and cruise up the spectacular Bullo River Gorge. Discover the amazing landscape of the Bungle Bungle Range before swimming in the jade-green natural rock pools of the Cascades. Five days from AU$42,500; departs on 23 or 29 July; combinable with Silver Discoverer, departing on 19 or 29 July.
Iceland: Revealing the Legends of Fire and Ice – From thermal springs to glaciers, Iceland is a land of contrasts. Enjoy private helicopter travel to explore its most amazing wonders. Sip a champagne toast at the famous Godafoss Waterfall. During a stay at Deplar, a sheep farm turned lodge, go kayaking, mountain biking, whale watching and more. Visit the bird-watching wonderland of Drangey Island and enjoy lunch atop a glacier-capped volcano before entering a man-made ice tunnel at Langjokull Glacier. Five days from AU$66,500; departs on 2 or 8 August; combinable with Silver Cloud expeditions departing on 27 July or 8 August.
Tibet: Standing on the Rooftop of the World – Discover some of the most amazing and isolated places on Earth. Observe morning prayers at a Buddhist nunnery and visit Jokhang Temple, considered the holiest temple in Tibetan Buddhism. Witness a lively debate among monks at Sera Monastery and then unwind with a meditation class led by a monk. Picnic amid the stunning beauty of Yamdrok Yumtso Lake before strolling through Norbulingka, the splendid former summer palace of the Dalai Lama. See the gigantic gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha at Tashilhunpo Monastery. Five days from AU$18,500; departs on 7 or 14 October; combinable with a Silver Shadow cruise departing 28 September or 14 October.
Mongolia: Echoes of Genghis Khan – Visit with one of the last remaining groups of reindeer herders, the Tsaatan community of Northern Mongolia. Marvel at the beauty of Lake Khuvsgul and learn about the culture of the Kazakh people, witnessing their ancient tradition of hunting with golden eagles. At the Naadam Festival (Three Games of Men), observe an ancient spectacle of horse racing, archery and wrestling, valued as sports of strength, wisdom and courage. Six or seven days from AU$44,000; departs on 2 or 10 May 2018; combinable with a Silver Shadow cruise departing 25 April or 10 May 2018.
Bolivia: A Short Walk onto Another Universe – Stay at the bottom of ice-capped Sajama, Bolivia’s highest peak and explore volcanoes, hot springs and 3000-year-old plants. Visit Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, and stay in a camp of geodesic dome tents. Discover the small village of Tahua, at the foot of the Tunupa Volcano, then hike to the cave of the Coquesa mummies to learn about their history. Relish in vistas on a drive through Los Flamencos nature reserve before indulging in the luxuries of the Alto Atacama Desert Lodge and Spa. Eight or ten days from AU$36,000; departs on 17 or 26 October; combinable with Silver Cloud expeditions departing on 15 or 26 October.
