Discover Japan and Far East Russia on this private custom cruise which combines private tours, transfers and hotels with a luxury expedition cruise. As you cruise between Petropavlovsk and the Kuril Island chain, you will experience a unique environment known as “The Northern Ring of Fire”, an area dominated by the effects of volcanic activity. Thirty-two volcanoes stretch across the Bering Sea between Russia and Japan. The sparsely inhabited Kuril Islands are home to people who derive their living from a sea which is a rich source of food, and among the most productive in the world. Huge bird colonies dot the cliffs and large seal rookeries are scattered along the coast. Early in the expedition, you will cruise into a fjordland of granite cliffs and active volcanoes, a landscape created by glaciers thousands of years ago. Schools of orcas inhabit these rich hunting grounds, along with sea otters, seals and thousands of sea birds. The islanders share their landscape with bears and foxes. Fortunately, the Russian villagers have protected many of these islands and the creatures that occupy them. This journey will be a milestone, leaving you with unique memories. Please be aware, this is frontier territory, subject to extremes of weather which can change quickly. As with all destinations in the Russian Far East, the actual weather and conditions on the day will dictate the exact location visited, and the activities undertaken. Available Cruise Departure Dates: May 31, 2012 - Otaru>Petropavlovsk route Jun 10, 2012 - Petropavlovsk>Otaru route

Sapporo is the fifth-largest city in Japan by population, and the largest city on the island of Hokkaido. It is the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture, located in Ishikari Subprefecture, and an ordinance-designated city of Japan. Sapporo is best known outside Japan for hosting the 1972 Winter Olympics, the first ever held in Asia, and for the annual Yuki Matsuri in the city, internationally referred to as the Sapporo Snow Festival, which draws more than 2 million tourists from around the world. The city is also home to Sapporo Brewery and the famous white chocolate biscuits "White Lovers" exclusively sold in Hokkaido.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

This new landmark luxury hotel occupies the upper floors of JR Tower, a building complex at the south entrance of Sapporo Station. As an urban resort, JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo offers business and leisure travelers relaxation in attractive hotel accommodations, such as the View Spa with its natural hot spring, the coffee shop, the Japanese and Sky J restaurants on the 35th floor, and bar and banquet rooms. The hotel rooms focus on comfort, and the top floors offer incredible views.

Overnight at JR Tower Hotel Nikko.

Enjoy a full day tour of Japans 5th largest city. Visit the Clock Tower ,a symbol of Sapporo, was built in October 1878 and is designated an Important Cultural Asset by the Japanese Government. Then, onto Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill to see the bronze statue of Dr. William S. Clark, well-known as the symbol of frontier spirit of Hokkaido Island. And at Mt. Moiwa, you can get a spectacular view of the city from the observatory. Continue to Hokkaido University where you will find The Botanical Gardens of the Faculty of Agriculture with approximately 4000 different species of vegetation within its dense woods, a tranquil location within the heart of Sapporo's central business district. Enjoy a sample of Japans oldest beer brands at the Sapporo Beer Brewery! Learn about the history and brewing process of this famous Japanese beverage.

Overnight at JR Tower Hotel Nikko.

Cruise the frontier territory of the Russian Far East aboard your luxury cruise vessel, making stops for excursions out to coastal fjordlands and volcanic islands, rich in natural splendor.

Today you will transfer with your private guide to the city of Otaru. The Otaru Canal is the symbol of this city. The gaslights and stone warehouses along the canal produce a beautiful nightscape popular with young couples. There are many cafes, museums, restaurants & shops as well as the brewery restaurant belonging to Otaru Beer.

Throughout Otaru large "herring mansions" (nishin goten) were built by wealthy fishermen to process the herring and as a residence for themselves and their employees. You will visit Nishin Goten, which was relocated to its present location in 1958 and is one of the few remaining herring mansions. Originally constructed in 1897, it now exhibits workers' tools and costumes in its spacious interior.

Otaru is famous for its many glass workshops. The most historical is Kitaichi Glass which was founded in 1901. Kitaichi Glass currently has a couple of stores and a museum displaying a variety of glasswork. It also has a workshop where the manufacturing process can be observed and glass creation can be experienced.

Meet your driver for a private port transfer.

Welcome aboard your cruise vessel!
After embarkation, meet some of your fellow cruise passengers and get settled in.

Orion II is a private yacht-like expedition cruise ship built by Cantieri Navale Ferrari of Italy. After a number of years as a private yacht, Orion II was relaunched in 2009 following an extensive technical refit. Little expense was spared with this stylish, Italian built, all-suite Mega Yacht. Orion II now offers the finest standards in small-ship cruise travel. She also has an ice-strengthened hull for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic and is fitted with stabilisers. The expedition equipment includes Zodiacs and fast tender to deliver the Orion expedition experience. Combining luxury and service will require staffing by 68 offices and crew to serve Orion II’s capacity of 100 guests. Excellence of design, craftsmanship and quality materials combined with Orion II’s spaciousness and intimate ambience make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Russian Far East.

A tour of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and the surrounding area is included in today’s visit to Sakhalin. You will visit several highlights of the town including the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Resurrection and Sakhalin's regional museum. The museum will allow you an insight to the history, natural history and even the geology of the area. At the cathedral you will have the opportunity to hear a Russian Choir perform. You will also visit a city park where a special cultural performance, including Cossack dancing, will be held in your group's honour.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Russian Far East.

Days at sea aboard Orion are less structured than a typical cruise ship. Rise at your leisure and select from a variety of breakfast options. Late morning consider joining a presentation in the Lecture Theatre by one of the Expedition Staff or a Guest Speaker. Luncheon is served both indoors and out and the timeless tradition of afternoon tea is observed at 4:00pm.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Russian Far East.

Today you will make a Zodiac landing on one of the beaches of Urup Island and explore this island. Remnants of ancient Ainu settlements can still be found on the island, as can cabins once used by Russian fur traders. Zodiac cruises are also possible today. Afterward, you will explore the volcanic coastlines of Chirpoy by Zodiac and observe the breeding haul out of Steller's sea lions. Weather and conditions permitting, you may be able to make an expedition landing today to explore the black sand beaches and green lava strewn plateaus of Chirpoy.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Russian Far East.

You'll enter the lagoon around Yankicha Island today where upon a Zodiac landing, you can investigate the hydrothermal field with steaming fumaroles, sulfur crystals, hot springs and boiling puddles, where the scent of hydrogen sulfate fills the air. The more physically motivated can climb the caldera wall for a stunning view back down over the lagoon. The landscape here is regularly described as straight out of "Lord of the Rings" or "Jurassic Park". There are seal colonies nearby and Zodiac cruising can possibly be undertaken as alternatives if weather is uncooperative. Later in the day, after a wet landing on a black sand beach at Matua Island, you will make your way inland to explore the abandoned Soviet airbase. The airbase, abandoned since the collapse of the Soviet Union, was previously a significant Japanese Military base during World War II. Join your expert team as you explore, or feel free to explore independently.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Russian Far East.

Join the Zodiac fleet to observe the northern fur seals and Steller's sea lions around the islets of Skaly Lavushky. Usually as the Zodiacs depart the ship the fur seals join the boats and swim side by side. Hundreds of seals and sea lions can be observed in this area with several haul out areas close by as well.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Russian Far East.

Today you will explore the remains of the one time Soviet occupation of Atlasov. The island had previosuly been used as a fox farm and a women's prison, and a large concrete light house still stands on the island today. Various walks on the island will be offered. Later in the day you will arrive at Shumshu Island where Zodiac cruises to observe the rafts of sea otters will be on offer as well as landings to explore the coast and wetlands of the island itself.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Russian Far East.

Today you will take to the zodiacs to look at the abundant water fowl in the water and observe their nests high up on the cliffs. The number and variety of birds here is impressive. Some of those you can see include tufted puffins, spectacled guillemots, and red necked phalaropes. The Utashud Islands in Vestnik Bay have some interesting sea caves ideal for Zodiac cruising. Sea otters and harbour seals will also most likely be seen.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Russian Far East.

Zodiac exploration of the extensive Zhupanova River will be undertaken today, searching for nesting areas of the Steller sea eagle. Walks of varying degrees of difficulty can also be undertaken today in search of more wildlife. Bears are not uncommon and their tracks are often seen along the banks of the river.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Russian Far East.

After entry procedures into Russia, cruise passengers will receive a traditional welcome ceremony with two “official welcoming” locals in traditional Russian costumes. You will then set out to explore the intriguing city of Petropavlovsk, on Siberia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. You will travel by coach to the Siberian Dog Sled Kennel and Lodge, and here you will be introduced to Siberian, Kamchatka and Alaskan Huskies, learn about the local Dog Sled Foundation and take a walk through the woods surrounding the lodge. A traditional Russian lunch will be served and a traditional Koryak dance will be performed. After lunch you will visit such sites as the local market, perfect for your caviar purchases, the museum, for some local history and the Russian Orthodox Church which is open 24 hours a day and welcomes foreign visitors. This full day experience will introduce you to the best of Petropavlovsk.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N) - Russian Far East.

Located 70km southwest of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky on the river Paratunka. Best known for its hot springs and mud. There are several sanatoriums and 'rest bases'

Today you'll arrive at the port in Petropavlovsk, where you will disembark from your ship, and say farewell to your fellow cruisemates.

Meet your driver for a port transfer with private vehicle.

Meet your guide and private vehicle for a half day tour around Petropavlovsk. Drive to the central part of city to the shore of Avachinskaya bay. Petropavlovsk grew up around the Avachinskaya Bay, with the Avacha and Koryaksky volcanoes brooding over the town. Follow the path up Nikolskaya Hill, where in 1854 the English-French landing was repulsed. From this vantage point, one has a beautiful view of the city and bay and can easily see why this hill was the focal point of the city's defense. The visit of the local museum and with it an insight of the history of Kamchatka and Petropavlovsk is highly recommended. The museum's displays are devoted to the history of the region, its flora and fauna, the native peoples of Kamchatka and their ancient culture. You will learn about the ancient tribes that lived on Kamchatka thousands of years ago and the discovery of this beautiful land by Russian explorers. Afterwards, take a short drive to the Observation platform on Petrovskaya Hill where you will have a spectacular view of Petropavlovsk and Avachinskaya Bay. In the end, your driver will bring you to the local fish market where you can browse and stroll away.

Bel-Kam-Tour (4*) located in the village Paratunka, known for its healing thermal springs and crystal clear air. Hotel offers 43 comfortable rooms, which provide everything for a comfortable stay. All rooms are equipped by European standards. Each room has a mini-bar, telephone, TV, Internet access, electronic key system, safe. Hotel’s guests can taste delicious dishes in the onsite charming restaurant. Restaurant serves traditional European and exquisite Japanese cuisine, enjoy a cocktail in the bar from a selection of variety of drinks.

Overnight at Bel-Kam-Tour (4*).

Meet your driver for a port transfer with private vehicle.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).