Across the Top of the World

Itinerary

It is a journey made possible only in recent years by the thawing in the politics of the region and the retreat of the summer pack ice in the Chukchi Sea. Right on the border between Soviet Russia and the USA, the area was known as the Ice Curtain and today remains one of the last undiscovered wonders of the world.
 

• Day 1: Nome, Alaska – Anadyr, Russia

  Your adventure begins with a flight across the black Bering Sea and the International Date Line, to the remote port of Anadyr. D

• Day 2: Anadyr

  Explore Anadyr, the administrative centre of the Chukotka region, before getting to know your fellow voyagers and crew on board the Spirit of Enderby. B L D

• Day 3: Anadyrskiy Bay

  Weighing anchor early, you are invited to join the expedition staff and crew on the bridge for introductory briefings as you sail toward the Bering Straits, through the Anadyr Estuary famed for its Beluga Whales. B L D

• Day 4: Yttygran, Nuneangan and Arakamchrchen Islands

  Yttygran Island is home to the monumental ancient aboriginal site known as Whale Bone Alley, where you make a landing. On the lookout for Grey Whales, cruise by Nuneangan and Arakamchrchen Islands where seabirds nest and Walrus can be found. B L D

• Day 5: Cape Dezhnev and Uelen Village

  The north easternmost point of the Eurasian continent, it is sometimes possible to see the coast of America from this remote and lonely outpost. You are welcomed by Chukchi villagers whose traditional lifestyle remains largely unchanged by the passing centuries and are treated to a precious collection of sculptures, bone-carvings and artwork. B L D

• Day 6: Kolyuchin Island

  Inhabited today only by Walrus and seabirds this was once a Polar Bear research station. Some of the most spectacular bird cliffs in the Arctic are located here where puffins, guillemots and gulls can be observed and photographed up close. B L D

• Day 7-11: Wrangel and Herald Islands

  The itinerary will vary depending on ice and weather conditions but with a multitude of migrating birds to spot and the commanding presence of Polar Bears and their cubs to hold your attention, days here will be busy. This is the essence of expedition cruising and there are many landings you can make to search out wildlife like Snowy Owls and Snow Geese, Ivory Gulls, the powerful Musk Ox and herds of Reindeer. Diverse Arctic landscapes from sweeping tundra of wildflowers in summer riot to sea cliffs housing rookeries of noisy seabirds underline this area as a Nature Reserve of international significance. B L D

• Day 12: North Siberian Coast

  Bounded by narrow sand ridges with numerous lagoons and inlets, this area offers plenty of places to land and explore a coastline that very few humans have seen. B L D

• Day 13: Kolyuchin Inlet

  So huge that it is visible from satellite photos, this inlet contains vast numbers of waterfowl and migratory waders. Visit the spit of land near the inlet’s mouth and find a wild, desolate landscape that is strangely beautiful; its dunes and tidal areas are home to the mighty Emperor Goose and extremely rare Spoon-billed Sandpiper. Grey Whales frequent the area and you may be fortunate to spot them feeding only a stone’s throw from shore. B L D

• Day 14: Big Diomede Island (Ostrov Ratmanova)

  Sometimes called Tomorrow Island and Yesterday Isle the Diomedes are separated by the International Date Line; these two rocky outposts represented the final Cold War frontier between Soviet Russia and the USA. Search for the Black-legged Kittiwake, Brunnich’s Guillemot and Horned Puffin and perhaps glimpse the world’s northern-most colony of auklets. B L D

• Day 15: At Sea

  Relax in the ship’s bar or library as you sail across Anadyrskiy Bay, before a farewell dinner and expedition recap tonight. B L D

• Day 16: Anadyr, Russia – Nome, Alaska

  Disembark after breakfast before returning to Nome, where your adventure ends. B

* All prices shown are for low season, per person, twin share. Click here to see full Terms & Conditions.