Orion voyages to the Russian Far East. Vodka, volcanoes and brown bears

Limited opportunity remains for modern day adventurers to join like-minded travellers on an Orion Expedition Cruises Russian Far East voyage to the land of ice and fire. Explore places as yet untouched by tourism from the comfort and security of the expedition cruise ship, Orion II, your base camp for the voyage.

Evocative names such as the Zhupanova River, Skaly Lavushky, Yankitcha and Petropavlovsk set the scene. Places that, until recently, remained off-limits to the West today still see a mere trickle of adventurous tourists.

Extraordinary experiences will etch your mind forever: entering the Wagnerian-like Valley of the Geysers, 200 steaming thermal vents from hell, in a Russian military-style helicopter, or, while exploring an abandoned Soviet air base, complete with half tracks and anti aircraft guns, stumbling across a chillingly familiar Iron Curtain image, Lenin, painted on a stone wall.

Perhaps photographing the prolific wildlife in bird colonies and seal rookeries scattered along the remote coastline, watching a brown bear hunting for salmon or the drama of sighting a pod of orcas, will be the highlight.

Orion II’s specialist expedition team and specialist lecturers will enhance your time exploring this fascinating region of snow capped mountains and active volcanoes, wildlife, abandoned military bases and traditional onion-dome churches.

Discover how it’s not just what Orion does, it’s the way it’s done that sets the benchmark for expedition cruising. Reach for the vodka!

10 nights Natural Treasures of the Russian Far East /Orion II – 31 May 2012 or reverse itinerary 10 June 2012 – from $9,360 per person for an ocean view Ocean Suite.

For reservations or to obtain a brochure call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) or your travel agent. Email: info@orionexpeditions.com