SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PASSAGE TO PER PERSON KAMCHATKA An expedition cruise from to the Russian Far East aboard Le Soleal 10th to 25th June 2019

2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Brown bears, Kamchatka

he remote reaches of ’s Kamchatka Peninsula and the distant and Commander slands Tisolated have fired the imagination of explorers and traders Zhupanova River Kamenistaya Bay for centuries. Our past travellers have enthused about the spectacular Chama River Petropavlovsk Cape Kekurnyy scenery, the incredible array of wildlife and the native cultures known Listvenichnaya Bay to only a few privileged visitors. Join us on this remarkable voyage of Atlasova sland unparalleled exploration along the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’. From , Japan atua sland to Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, we cruise through a pristine environment

Tyuleniy ankicha sland that calls to nature lovers, history buffs, photographers and the intrepid Chirpoy sland RUSSIA explorer within.

Otaru Among the Kurils, a necklace-like chain of volcanic islands, we find vast forests and wildflower-dappled tundra, backdropped by soaring steam-breathing

JAPAN volcanoes. Basalt stacks rise from the sea, tailormade resting and nesting spots for an unimaginable number of seabirds. Upon reaching the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia’s remote easternmost province and home to the brown bear, eoul we are greeted with a dramatic landscape of fire and ice. Geysers, hot springs and active volcanoes set amidst towering mountains and fast flowing rivers make this area magnificently unique. Marvel at spouting whales, frolicking seals and huge populations of nesting and migratory seabirds.

Using our fleet of Zodiacs we can explore inlets, bird sanctuaries and land in otherwise inaccessible places and, although we set sail with a set itinerary, it is often the unscheduled events that become the highlight. This is your opportunity to see a seldom visited corner of the world and to witness the timeless processes of nature taking place without the hindrance or help of man. Sailing in June, we will take full advantage of the mid-summer sun, travelling on nature’s terms, enjoying dramatic scenery and encountering the region’s ancient cultures and fascinating people whose lives are rarely touched by outsiders. www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Exploring by Zodiac Kuril Islands

Church, Petropavlovsk

Local people, Kamchatka Steller sea eagle, Zhupanova River

THE ITINERARY Day 1 London to Tokyo, Japan. Fly Day 5 Tyuleniy Island. Our lecture is impressive, accessible only by Day 10 Listvenichnaya Bay & by scheduled flight. programme continues this morning Zodiac and only during high tide, Cape Kekurnyy, Kamchatka as we sail to Tyuleniy Island. Tyuleniy it is actually a sinking volcanic Peninsula. Arrive this morning Day 2 Tokyo. Arrive today and means “seal” in Russian, and during caldera. Inside the magnificent at Listvenichnaya Bay on the transfer to Prince Park Tower Tokyo the summer months the island is lagoon with its fumaroles and hot Kamchatka Peninsula which is a hotel for an overnight stay. Take home to literally tens of thousands springs, we can still see traces of prime location for brown bears. some time to relax and enjoy the of northern fur seals and Steller the tremendous forces that created Depending on conditions we will hotel facilities. sea lions. Our visit, at the height of the island long ago. The number make a landing or use the Zodiacs the breeding season is well timed of auklets which breed here is to scout the coastline. We will also Day 3 Tokyo to Otaru. After to see not only the seals and sea truly incredible. Matua Island is see Steller sea lions, Steller sea breakfast in the hotel we will transfer lions, but also tens of thousands of home to one of the Kuril’s most eagles and harlequin ducks in the to the airport for our scheduled common guillemots and black- active volcanoes, with more than waters. Over lunch we will sail the flight to . On arrival, transfer legged kittiwakes that have made 14 documented eruptions in the short distance to Cape Kekurnyy, to Le Soleal which is moored in their nests in the cliffs above. past 250 years. We will learn about well known for the population of Otaru and meet your expedition the Japanese military base that Steller sea lions that haul onto team. Days 6 to 9 Kuril Islands. The was set up here during World War the rocks and where we will take a Kuril Islands consist of a volcanic II and how the Japanese used to Zodiac cruise. Day 4 Korsakov, Russia. Spend the archipelago that stretches 1300 capture geothermal heat from morning at sea before we arrive kilometres, through the Sea of the volcano to keep the runway, Day 11 Kamenistaya Bay & Chazma in the Russian port of Korsakov in Okhotsk, from northern Japan which normally freezes over River. Continuing our time in the early afternoon. After clearing to the Kamchatka Peninsula in during winter, permanently usable. Kamchatka we arrive this morning customs and immigration formalities Russia. Our itinerary for these Hikers will be rewarded with good in Kamenistaya Bay located in the we will have the opportunity days will be flexible as our Captain views of the abandoned military Kronotsky State Nature Reserve. to visit the city. See Yuzhno- and Expedition Leader will plan positions and will hopefully get a The reserve was established in 1934 Sakhalinsk’s beautiful Cathedral of landings based on weather and glimpse of the island’s population and is one of the oldest in Russia the Resurrection. The church was sea conditions. However we hope of brown-headed thrush and covering an area of almost 11,000 only completed in 1995 and the to visit Chirpoy Island. The origin Siberian rubythroats in the alder square kilometres which contains gold on the onion domes has very of the names is uncertain: the thickets. Alaid on Atlasova Island forest, tundra, taiga, mountains, recently been laid, shining brilliantly. original Ainu language name of is the highest volcano in the Kurils volcanoes and geysers, a hugely From the church continue to the the island was Repunmoshiri, a with a height of over 2000 metres. diverse habitat for the abundant Regional Museum, which word meaning “place of many Together with our expedition staff, wildlife. The reserve is home to is housed in a beautiful Japanese- small birds”. During a Zodiac we will land by Zodiac on the brown bear as well as caribou, style structure, due to the previous cruise we search along the coast black lava beach of the island from otters, seals and multiple species ruling of its southern neighbour. for the profusion of wildlife that where we will begin our walk to of birds. If conditions permit we The museum covers all the facets lives in the area including Steller see the remains of the Taketomi will offer walks with our expedition of Sakhalin Island, from its flora and sea lions, fulmars, kittiwakes, tufa cone. teams on land or Zodiac cruises to fauna, to its geology and history. puffins and auklets. Yankicha Island view the wildlife.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 Humpback whale Chirpoy Island Sea otter

Bering sea horned puffins Exploring by Zodiac

Day 12 Ariy Kamen & Nikolskoye, Kronoskaya Sopka (3528 metres) Geysers in the Kronotsky Nature On arrival transfer to the Grand Commander Islands. The stands above this predominantly Reserve. Hyatt Incheon for an overnight stay. Komandorskiye or Commander uninhabited land. The river is Islands are named after famed one of the most productive trout Day 15 Petropavlovsk to Seoul, Day 16 Seoul to London. After Commander Vitus Bering who rivers in the world and is home to South Korea. Disembark this breakfast in the hotel transfer to had been commissioned by the the richest rainbow trout habitat morning and transfer to the airport the airport for our scheduled Russian Tsar to search for a land on Kamchatka. This afternoon for our chartered flight to Seoul. flight to London. bridge between Asia and America. we have the opportunity to take After having been to Alaska he a long Zodiac cruise along the was forced to overwinter here. He river looking for wildlife including PRICES PER PERSON was buried on the island, but part Steller’s sea eagles, Aleutian terns, Based on double occupancy seals and of course the iconic of the crew managed to return to SPECIAL OFFER - SAVE £500 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY Petropavlovsk. Our experiences Kamchatka brown bears. will be determined by weather, Stateroom/Suite Category Deck Brochure Price Special Offer Price Superior Stateroom 3 wildlife and sea conditions. We Day 14 Petropavlovsk. SOLD OUT SOLD OUT intend to visit Nikolskoye, which Petropavlovsk, town of Peter Deluxe Stateroom with balcony 3 £9095 £8595 was established in 1826 by fur and Paul, derives its name from Prestige Stateroom with balcony 4 £9295 £8795 traders. This fishing village on the two sailing ships used by Prestige Stateroom with balcony 5 £9495 £8995 Bering Island has a small museum Vitus Bering when the great Prestige Stateroom with balcony 6 £9795 £9295 where we will learn about the explorer reached Avacha Bay Deluxe Suite with balcony 6 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT Aleut people and their culture. in 1740. It is the only major city Prestige Suite with balcony 5 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT During our visit we will enjoy a on the peninsula and one of the Prestige Suite with balcony 6 £11295 £10795 concert and be entertained by a oldest towns in the Russian Far Owners Suite with balcony 6 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT presentation of local games. In East. It is also the scientific and Deluxe Stateroom with balcony for sole use 3 £10845 £10345 the afternoon, take a Zodiac ride cultural centre of the region, Prestige Stateroom with balcony for sole use 4 £11095 £10595 to tiny Ariy Kamen Island a habitat and today we see just why that Prestige Stateroom with balcony for sole use 5 £11295 £10795 for vast numbers of birds. is, as our local guides take us PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel from London to Tokyo, on a comprehensive tour of the Tokyo to Sapporo and Seoul to London • Chartered flight from Petropavlovsk Day 13 Zhupanova River, city’s highlights. We will visit the to Seoul • Overnight hotel accommodation in Tokyo and Seoul on bed and Kamchatka Peninsula. This museum of ethnography and breakfast basis • 12 nights aboard Le Soleal on a full board basis • Open bar morning we will cruise back to natural history, the art school, the • Expedition team • Shore excursions • Gratuities on board the ship and on Kamchatka and over lunch we gold-domed Orthodox cathedral excursions • Group transfers • Permits • Port taxes • Complimentary parka anchor in the Zhupanova River. and the marketplace. We will jacket. The Zhupanova River Estuary have almost the entire day to Not Included: Travel insurance, Russian visa, optional excursion to Valley of the Geysers on day 14. is a scenic maze of moist bogs, explore the town. As an exciting NB. The itinerary is flexible and subject to change due to weather & sea serpentine river channels and alternative, it may be possible to conditions. Also, many landings are subject to authorisation from the Russian ponds against a snowy backdrop. purchase an optional helicopter Authorities which can be permitted and then cancelled at short notice. The tall volcanic cone of excursion to the Valley of the www.noble-caledonia.co.uk PRE-CRUISE EXTENSIONS

Before your voyage aboard Le Soleal you may wish to extend your time in Japan. Join an eight night tour to Hokkaido, Japan’s most northerly island and a place of beautiful landscapes and untouched wilderness, or spend three nights in Tokyo to relax after your flight and explore this modern city.

HOKKAIDO EXTENSION 4th to 12th June 2019 The Itinerary

Day 1 London to Tokyo. Fly by scheduled flight. cultivation, they created Ikeda Wine through crossbreeding vines which originated in France and Hokkaido wild vine. Ikeda wine was prized at the Day 2 Tokyo. Arrive today and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. international wine competition in 1964 and praised by Queen Elizabeth II The remainder of the day is free to explore independently or enjoy the in 1975 during her Japanese tour. We will enjoy a tasting and lunch before hotel facilities. continuing our drive to the Tomamu Resort Hotel, our base for the next two nights. Day 3 Tokyo to & . After breakfast we return to the airport for our scheduled flight to Memanbetsu airport. On arrival Day 8 Furano & Biei. We will spend the day visiting Furano and Biei, cities we will transfer to the Abashiri Tentozan observatory with views over the famous for their flower production. After a scenic drive to Furano we will magnificent and it may be possible, if weather permits, visit the Tomita Farm flower garden. Flowers were first grown here in 1903 to see the Shiretoko Mountains. Also visit the Okhotsk Ryu-Hyo Museum and the farm is famous for its lavender but also has fields of poppies, where we learn about drift ice and sea life found here including angel lupins and herbs across its 12 hectare site. Our next stop is the panoramic “Clione” and balloon fish “Fuusen’uo”. On our way to the Shiretoko flower gardens of Shikisai-no-oka, providing more spectacular views across Peninsula we will pass the Koshimizu Gensei Kaen, a natural flower garden 15 hectares of land on Oka-no-machi Biei. It is a paradise of seasonal in the eight-kilometre-long sand dune between Tofutsu Lake and the Sea of blossoms from spring through to autumn, in which several dozen different Okhotsk where about 40 kinds of flowers bloom each year. Overnight at the species of flowers and grasses flourish. Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel where we will enjoy dinner. Day 9 Otaru. Today we will drive to Otaru where, after lunch, we will Day 4 Shiretoko Peninsula. We have a day at the Shiretoko National Park have some free time to explore the Sakaimachi district. Here you will find which covers the majority of the Shiretoko Peninsula. This remote and seafood markets, shops and a glass factory, or you may wish to see the untouched park combines rivers, forests, mountains and waterfalls and is views towards the Otaru canal. In the late afternoon we will drive to the home to an array of wildlife including brown bears, Yezo shika deer and port to embark Le Soleal. red fox whilst birders can keep an eye out for Steller sea eagles, Blakiston fish owl and white-tailed eagles. We will visit the Shiretoko Goko Lakes, taking the boardwalk trail and keeping an eye out for the wildlife in the PRICES PER PERSON forest and, if weather permits, we will stop at Shiretoko Pass observatory Based on double occupancy offering a marvellous viewpoint of Mount Rausu, the highest mountain in Twin: £2695; Single: £3595 the Shiretoko Mountains. After lunch we will take a local boat to see the Overnight accommodation in Tokyo and two nights spectacular cliffs and waterfalls of Shiretoko Peninsula and possibly white- Price Includes: accommodation in Shiretoko, Lake Akan and Tomamu on a bed and breakfast tail eagle and brown bear from the ocean. After our cruise we return to the basis, lunch on days 3 to 9, dinner on days 2 to 8, excursions as described, Noble hotel to relax before meeting for dinner. Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities. Not Included: Travel insurance. Day 5 Lake Akan. After breakfast in the hotel we will check out and make NB. Minimum numbers apply. a stop at one of Japan’s most scenic waterfalls, Oshin Koshin Falls, before continuing to the Akan-Mashu National Park. Often enveloped in a fog, it is referred to as “Kiri no Mashu-ko” (Foggy Lake Mashu), but once the fog has cleared the beautiful Lake Mashu comes into view. We will continue to TOKYO EXTENSION the Akan Tsuruga Wings hotel, our base for the next two nights. Here you th th may wish to visit the onsite Onsen (hot spring) for a traditional Japanese 8 to 11 June 2019 end to your day. Day 1 London to Tokyo. Fly by scheduled flight. Days 2 to 4 Tokyo. Arrive and transfer to our centrally located hotel for Day 6 . This morning we will drive to Kushiro, which is the economic check in. During your time in Tokyo you will have free time to explore at and commercial centre of eastern Hokkaido and well-known as the winter your own pace. Our Tour Manager will be on hand, together with our local home of red-crowned crane. In the morning we will visit the Kushiro Marsh. agents, to recommend day trips and nearby sights and you may wish to use We will take the boardwalk around the Onnenai visitor centre to see the the efficient train system to explore at your own pace. On day 4 your fellow vegetation of marshland before continuing to the observatory where we travellers arrive and we continue with the main itinerary. can keep an eye out for some of the two thousand varieties of animals and plants that reside here, including Hokkaido deer and the white-tailed sea eagle. After lunch we continue to the Kushiro Japanese Crane Reserve to PRICES PER PERSON learn about the cranes and see some of the resident birds. Based on double occupancy Twin: £595; Single: £895 Day 7 Ikeda Winery. Departing from Akan, we enjoy a scenic drive through Price Includes: Three nights in Tokyo on a bed and breakfast basis, Noble the countryside of central Hokkaido arriving at lunchtime at the Ikeda Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, airport transfers. winery. In 1952, the mayor of Ikeda town and his team started to cultivate Not Included: Travel insurance. grapes for wine. Although the climate of Hokkaido is not suitable for grape NB. Minimum numbers apply.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 LE SOLEAL We are delighted to have chartered Le Soleal for our cruises to the Russian Far East and Alaska in 2019. Launched in 2012, Le Soleal is a luxury expedition ship with 128 staterooms and suites and an onboard fleet of Zodiacs allowing for ease of exploration. This superb vessel offers a subtle blend of sophistication combined with casual comfort creating the feeling of being on a private yacht. After a day of exploration, you can return to personalised comfort and luxurious surroundings as well as high quality cuisine. Whilst cruising, the vessel benefits from spacious deck areas from where you can watch for passing wildlife and appreciate the dramatic scenery. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and informal with the focus on the wonders of the destination you are visiting which, combined with the luxury surroundings, excellent service, superb cuisine and expert expedition team, makes for an expedition of a lifetime.

Your Stateroom/Suite measure 27 square metres, prestige private balcony ranging in size from library and internet corner. Staterooms and suites are spread suites which measure 37 square 4 to 8 square metres dependent Outside deck areas are spacious over four decks and include superior metres and the owner’s suite which on cabin category. All staterooms and feature comfortable deck staterooms, measuring 21 square measures 45 square metres. With the and suites feature en-suite facilities furniture as well as a heated metres, deluxe and prestige exception of the superior staterooms including a shower (the owner’s pool and on the top deck you staterooms which measure 18 (which feature a picture window), suite has a bathtub), individually will find the open-air bar. The square metres, deluxe suites which all staterooms and suites feature a controlled air-conditioning, desk fitness centre features the latest with stationery, minibar, flat screen equipment such as a kinesis wall satellite television, video on demand, and running machines. In the Stateroom DVD player, CD and I-pod players. beauty centre you can relax and A security safe, hairdryer, direct enjoy a massage as well as other dial telephone, internet access treatments. The cuisine on board with Wi-Fi, bathrobes and French is worthy of the finest restaurants bath products are also provided. where discreet, attentive service In addition, the larger suites have a is standard. The two single- sitting area. sitting restaurants welcome you for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Your Space The Gastronomic Restaurant is Whether you want to join other situated on Deck 2 and serves guests in the theatre or games French and international cuisine area or relax on your own in a accompanied by fine wine. At quiet corner of the library, Le the Grill Restaurant, you have the Soleal has been designed to opportunity to eat outside and meet the needs of every guest. enjoy buffet lunch and themed There is a large lounge, lecture dinners. There is also 24-hour theatre, a Panoramic Lounge room service available. which leads out onto a terrace, www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Theatre Bar

Lounge

Restaurant Library Suite

Life On Board Aboard Le Soleal, the atmosphere is akin to being on your own private DECK PLAN yacht. The independence and space of each guest has been considered DECK 7 in the design of the vessel and

therefore you will find plenty of BAR places to sit and relax in solitude, as SUN DECK well as areas for social gatherings and to meet fellow guests. The Captain, his officers and the hotel DECK 6 BAR LIFT 4 0 6 2 management are European and all 8 2 2 1 1 0 OWNER’S 602 6 6 6 6 6 crew members are fully bilingual. GRILL SUITE RESTAURANT POOL LOUNGE TERRACE 5 1 7 1 7 5 2 2 1 1 0 LIFTS 0 603 601 6 6 6 6 6 For your Comfort, Safety 6 and Security LIBRARY & INTERNET With a 1C ice class and stabilisers, DECK 5

GYM LIFT 6 4 2 0 8 6 4 2 8 4 2 0 8 6 4 Le Soleal meets the highest 2 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 BRIDGE 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 safety specifications. The ship 5

is equipped with a GMDSS LIFTS 9 9 7 5 3 1 9 7 5 1 7 5 1 0 7 5 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 5 0 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 emergency communication system SALON SPA 5 and a satellite weather system, receiving real-time satellite images DECK 4

of weather and ice conditions in LIFT 6 4 2 4 2 0 8 6 4 2 0 8 6 4 2 0 8 0 0 0 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 4 4 4 the area. A crew of 140 will ensure 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 THEATER

the best possible service. There is LIFTS 7 3 1 9 7 5 3 1 9 7 5 1 9 7 5 5 3 1 0 0 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 also a doctor on board and a lift 4 4 4 4 4 3 that serves all decks. DECK 3

RECEPTION LIFT 4 2 6 4 2 0 8 6 4 2 0 8 6 4 2 0 8 3 3 0 0 0 BAR 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 3 3 3 3 3 During this 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 voyage you MAIN LOUNGE

7 7 5 3 1 9 7 5 3 1 9 7 5 1 9 5 3 1 0 0 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 will be visiting LIFTS 3 H 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 out of the way SHOP destinations DECK 2 and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Landings and excursions will be made RESTAURANT by Zodiac landing craft. This LIFTS cruise will appeal to the more adventurous and those who SUPERIOR STATEROOM DELUXE STATEROOM PRESTIGE STATEROOM enjoy the natural world. DELUXE SUITE PRESTIGE SUITE OWNER’S SUITE www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Extinct volcano, Kamchatka

2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk

All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Ports subject to change. Cover image: Crested auklet.

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