Kamchatka & the Commander Islands

Itinerary

Day 1: Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka

You start your adventure in the city of Petropavlovsk, the economic and cultural centre of Kamchatka. This afternoon, your Russian officers and crew welcome you onboard Marina Svetaeva as you set sail through one of the finest natural harbours in the world, Avacha Bay.

Day 2: Zhupanova River & Valley of the Geysers

The Zhupanova River estuary is one of the richest wildlife areas in Kamchatka. A scenic maze of channels and sandbars flanked by riverbanks covered in cottongrass, aspens and birch, you aim to Zodiac up the river, visit a salmon processing factory and take tundra walks in the hope of seeing the many bird species that thrive here, including the magnificent Steller's Sea Eagle. If conditions allow, an optional helicopter excursion will be available to visit Uzon Caldera and the famous Valley of the Geysers, a unique ravine with a myriad of gushing steam vents, bubbling mud pots and fissures.

Day 3: Kronotksy Nature Reserve

Covering over 1 million square hectares, the Kronotsky National Biosphere Reserve is home to a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna. You may explore the area around the Chazma River on the northern end of the Reserve and attempt to anchor in Kamenistaya Bay, one of the best places in Kamchatka to see brown bears.

Days 4-5: Medny Island, Commander Islands

Lying 175km off the Kamchatka coast, harsh and unstable climatic conditions have shaped the Commander Islands into a breathtaking maze of arches, sea stacks and cliffs. Dominated by impressive mountains that rise straight out of the sea, you cruise Medny's remote bays and take nature walks on land. You may observe some of the animals that make Medny their home including Arctic fox, sea otter, harbour seal, whales and an incredible number of seabirds such as red-legged kittiwakes, red-faced cormorants, laysan albatross and parakeet auklet.

Days 6-7: Bering Island, Commander Islands

Exploring the rocky coastline of this magnificent island, we hope to land at Commander Bay, home to the shipwrecked survivors of Vitus Bering's Second Kamchatka Expedition of 1741. You pay respect to this great explorer at his gravesite and memorial. You may visit Severo Zapadny, a massive rookery situated below verdant green eelgrass meadows where northern fur seal, spotted seal and the rare Steller's Sea Lion breed side-by-side. Your visit to the Aleut fishing village of Nikolskoye includes a cultural performance and a trip to the small museum, home to a fascinating collection of Bering memorabilia and natural history displays.

Day 8: Karaginskiy Island

Numerous habitats exist on this delightful island, including the taiga forests of mountain ash, pine and alder and a variety of lakes and wetland areas. You may begin to see some of the Eurasian bird specialties that frequent these more northern latitudes such as willow ptarmigan, oriental cuckoo and Arctic warbler. Weather permitting, you may visit Verkhoturova Island, whose black-sand beaches are sometimes used as haul-outs by walrus.

Day 9: Govena Peninsula

You spend today in and around the picturesque fjords of Yuzhnaya Glybokaya and Lavrova Bay. Jagged peaks form a dramatic backdrop to these peaceful bays, where you may have the chance to stretch your legs among the tundra, keeping an eye out for brown bears, Arctic hare and mountain sheep.

Day 10: Il'pyrskiy Cape & Ossora Village

A warm welcome awaits us in Ossora, where you take in a Koryak folk show and spend some time exploring the village. Many Koryak's are involved in the traditional pastimes of reindeer breeding and fishing and still dress in reindeer skin garments accentuated with intricate beadwork and embroidery.

Day 11: Ozernoy Sound

Exploring the little visited landscapes of Ozernoy Sound offers the chance to experience expedition cruising at its best as you sail along this mysterious coastline in search of adventure. Your expert naturalists and expedition staff will help you investigate the areas alpine meadows, grasslands and glacier-fed rivers.

Day 12: Kronotksy Nature Reserve

You return to Kronotsky Nature Reserve and aim to visit Cape Kozlova, the only breeding rookery of Steller's sea lions on the Kamchatka Coast. This afternoon you may land at Olga Bay situated at the northern end of Kronotsky Sound. The coastal lowlands of this large bay are covered with large volcanic mountain ranges, forming a perfect backdrop for your explorations.

Day 13: Shipunskiy Peninsula

The sculpted rock pinnacles and mini fjords of the Shipunskiy Peninsula should make for some interesting landings. You aim to hike around some of the large coastal lakes in the area, on the lookout for some of the specialty birds of this region.

Day 14: Petropavlovsk

You dock early at Petropavlovsk and enjoy a day tour, taking in the main city sights, visiting a sled dog kennel and a cultural show from the native Itelmen people. You overnight in your Petropavlovsk hotel.

Day 15: Depart Petropavlovsk

Your adventure ends today, with transfers to the airport to connect with your onward flights.

Trip Details

Ship	Marina Svetaeva
Highlights	Valley of the Geysers, beautiful nature reserves, sea kayaking, helicopter and Zodiac excursions, excellent birding, Kamchatka brown bears
Trip Notes	Included:Ship's accommodation and use of all public areas (open to all passengers); All meals on board ship; All group transfers in Petropavlovsk; One night post voyage accommodation in Petropavlovsk; Half-day sightseeing tour in Petropavlovsk; All shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs; Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services; Medical services (There is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board); Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities; Pre-departure information.Not Included:Air transport before and after the cruises; Visa, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes; Hotels and meals not included in ship cruise itinerary; Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses; personal travel insurance; items of a personal nature such as bar charges and phone calls; Optional helicopter excursions; Emergency evacuation charges; Optional end of voyage tips.
Payment Policy	A deposit of $1250 per person is required to confirm your reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.Payment MethodsDeposit: credit cards are accepted (VISA, MC, AmEx, Discover); Final payment: check or wire.WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS FOR FINAL PAYMENT.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-07-19	2008-08-02	+

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