Russia's Exotic Far East View Basket

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Luxury Expedition Cruise

ALASKA (Nome) to JAPAN (Kanazawa) via KAMCHATKA PENINSULA & KURIL ISLANDS

Departs from Australia 07 September 2016 | 30 Days

Russia's Far Eastern wilderness

One of the most Geothermally Active, Biologically Rich, and Rarely Visited Areas of the Planet.

This expedition cruise will introduce you to a land where time stands still - the primeval beauty and stunning landscapes of Russia's Far East. The unspoiled coastline of the region is home to prolific wildlife and totally surprising geology. It is a land of unique culture, climate, history and wildlife. Discover the imposing Arctic and the exotic wildlife from comfortable zodiacs, and visit villages, always in the company of dedicated and knowledgeable Naturalist-Guides. Meet the locals preserving their ancestral culture and way of life. There will be many rare and unique moments in this amazing expedition opportunity that dares us to experience something really different.

Some wonderful highlights

Natural geographic phenomenona

Many volcanoes and Geysers, Crater lakes, Acid lakes, Alpine landscapes, Spectacular glacial lakes, Vast expanses of Tundra, Lush taiga, Birch forests, Black-sand beaches.

Wildlife

Reindeer, Brown bears, Huge bird colonies, Whales, Walruses, Porpoises, Seals, Sea otters, Manatees, Giant Kamchatka crabs.

The People

Encounters with the people and traditions of the Eskimo, Chukchi and Koryak folks.

Five-star luxury aboard L'Austral

Fluid lines, streamlined bow, and an appearance enhanced by two glass arches which let in light and provide water views, the exterior lines of L' Austral reflects the spirit of a subtly revisited nautical theme. Fitted with 132 carefully designed staterooms and suites, all with a sea view, L' Austral offers exacting levels of service and real contact with the crew, and has the advantage of being able to sail to exceptional destinations. Limited capacity, unique atmosphere, secluded destinations: this intimate ship is perfectly adapted to exceptional destinations, designed to offer breathtaking views. Aboard the ship, great food and wine take centre stage, paying tribute to French culinary tradition in a setting that is worthy of the finest restaurants.

L'Austral

An intimate and elegant atmosphere

You will be welcomed into an environment where the emphasis is firmly on the sea. This cruise will allow you to experience the French way of living, that blend of relaxed elegance and convivialty that is a PONANT trademark. Service, gastronomy, design, refinement...you will find during our Five-star Expeditions all the distinctive elements that have shaped PONANT's reputation for over 25 years. Besides, you can now enjoy a new advantage: the Open Bar available on PONANT cruises.

Perfect for this remote frontier

This is the perfect style of travel for true pioneer travellers, at the very best time of the year to be there in the Russian Far East - late summer/early autumn with the onset of the northern hemisphere autumn colours - in the very best whale and marine mammal watching waters in the Pacific. This historically sensitive frontier border was out-of-bounds to both foreigners and Russians during the Cold War (host to the formidable Russian Pacific Fleet) until Perestroika just over 20 years ago. It is little-known, remote, spectacular, and visited by only the fortunate few.

The ponant signature at the heart of the polar north

  • The world's number 1 cruise company in polar regions
  • Certified 'green ship' protecting the environment
  • 5 star expedition cruise aboard an ultra-modern ship, blend of elegance, luxury & cutting-edge technology
  • A crew of polar & ice specialists, experts in extreme cruising
  • A team of guides, naturalists and lecturers, selected for their areas of expertise

 

Your hosts - Bob & Beth Malcolm

Bob & Beth Malcolm

Bob and Beth Malcolm, the Managing Directors of Travel Masters, are consummate travellers with personal experience of exotic destinations in all corners of the globe. They will be hosting the Travel Masters participants on this fabulous Expedition Cruise.

Why Travel Masters

With over 20 Years' Experience, Travel Masters boasts an award-winning team of highly qualified international consultants trained to assist you in all your travel needs.

Having travelled most continents of the world and experienced a number of the most diverse cultural backgrounds known to mankind, they offer clients a personalised approach to booking holidays, with extensive personal knowledge and understanding.

Managing directors Beth and Bob Malcolm are champions of the travel industry, with collectively more than 25 years' experience. Beth is well recognised in the travel and tourism sector as the past National Vice-President of the Australian Institute of Travel and Tourism, and as the two-time winner of the Australian Travel Management Award.

Bob and Beth personally escort small groups to unique and culturally diverse destinations throughout the world, ensuring that each person on the tour has the experience of a lifetime. Whether it's travelling to tourism meccas or exotic islands, you will be guaranteed a well organised, well paced and memorable holiday.

Awards

  • Best Regional Travel Agency in Australia
  • Australian Travel Centre of the Year
  • State and National Awards for Excellence

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