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This is unparalleled exploration cruising from Alaska, through the Bering Sea past the Aleutians, along the Kamchatka coast, through the Kuril Islands, and into Japan's northern islands. Enjoy dramatic scenery, and encounter the region's ancient cultures and fascinating people whose lives are rarely touched by outsiders. Keep your binoculars handy for viewing unique wildlife and birds and adding to your lifelist. This itinerary offers opportunities to look for Asian Rosy-Finches, Peregrine Falcons, Slaty-backed Gulls, Common Murres, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Tufted Puffins, Northern Fulmars, Steller's Sea Eagles, Harlequin Ducks, Red-faced Cormorant and the Whiskered Auklet. The Kuril Islands are a chain of over 50 heavily-forested and volcanic islands - paradise for birdwatchers. Once inhabited by the Ainu, who are thought to be descendants of migrating Mongolians, these islands are home to over 100 volcanoes, 35 of which are active. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime voyage through some of the most unusual terrain on earth. Conclude your journey in Kobe, Japan where the ancient melds with the modern in a juxtaposition of unique contrasts.

Breathtaking scenery. Mind-opening cultural experiences. Wonderful food and wine. Congenial companionship. Taken separately, each is a delightful experience. Combined onboard the 114-passenger, Spirit of Oceanus in Asia, they make each day a celebration, each evening a special occasion.

Day 1 – Home City to Anchorage

Upon arrival, transfer to the comfortable Sheraton Anchorage Hotel overlooking Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains. Meet fellow travelers this evening at a welcome dinner.

Accommodations: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 – Anchorage to Seward

After a hearty breakfast at the Sheraton and a morning tour of Anchorage, transfer to Seward and set sail aboard the Spirit of Oceanus.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Day 3 – Kodiak

One of the largest fishing ports in the nation, Kodiak (Alaska's "Emerald Isle") is famous for its lush, green summer months as well as for its abundance of brown bears. Enjoy tours of the Baranov Museum, the Alutiiq Museum and the Fish Tech Center.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 –Shumagin Islands

Cruise in the wake of the Bering Expedition of 1741. While humans are sparse, the islands are home to abundant seabirds, including auklets and puffins, plus fur seals and Steller's sea lions.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 – Dutch Harbor

The "Crossroads of the Aleutian Islands," Unalaska has undergone sweeping change in its thousands of years of human history. Learn about the days of Russian fur traders at the Museum of the Aleutians and explore the Russian church. Dutch Harbor, Unalaska's port city, is the only place in North America besides Pearl Harbor bombed by Japanese zeros during WWII. Explore bunkers, barracks and artifacts at the World War II Memorial Park.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 – At Sea

Relax aboard the Spirit of Oceanus and enjoy a day whale watching at sea. Watch for humpbacks, right and blue whales plus the rare short-tailed albatross. Listen to presentations by your team of onboard naturalists.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 – Kiska Island

Kiska was occupied by Japanese forces for over a year during WWII. Today we visit the haunting remnants of their encampment as we take time to observe the native flora found here. Now uninhabited, the island is home to Lapland Longsurs and Rosie finches and has been declared a National Historic Landmark and a part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 – Attu Island

Attu is the most remote of the Aleutian Islands and therefore one of the most rarely visited regions in the United States. Pristine and peaceful, this bird-watcher's paradise, is a refuge for many bird species, including the Brambling, Tufted Duck and an occasional Siberian Rubythroat.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 – Cross the International Date Line/ Bering Island

We lose a day as we cross the International Date Line.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 – Petropavlovsk

Perched on the shore of a protected bay, Petropavlovsk was established in 1740 and remains one of the oldest settlements of the Russian Far East. With the Avacha and Koryak volcanos to the north and majestic Avacha Bay to the south, Petropavlovsk is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. A city tour introduces you to this outpost of Russian culture, including one of the country's few surviving Lenin statues.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 – Atlasova Island

Atlasova's black-sand beaches and 7,675-foot volcano - the highest in the Kurils - give the island a dramatic, mysterious appeal. Explore an abandoned prison for Russian women as well as lakes, scrub and hills of volcanic ash on a nature walk. Keep an eye out for Asian rosy finches, peregrines and gulls.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 – Exploring the Remote Kuril Islands and Yankicha Island

Thousands of seabirds and hundreds of sea lions and fur seals greet us with a cacophonous welcome as we explore the islands of this rarely visited pristine wilderness. Explore Yankicha Island's bubbling mud vents and hot springs. Be on the lookout for for whiskered auklets that breed here.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13 – Kunashir Island

Here we'll make a technical stop at Kunashir island to get clearance to leave Russia.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 14 – Kushiro, Japan

Today we arrive in Japan for a visit to Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, home of Japan's sacred red-crowned cranes, the brown bear, Yezo deer and Sakhalin taimen, the most ancient species of salmon on Earth.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 15 – At Sea

Another relaxing day at sea as you journey to more adventures in Japan.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 16 – Matsushima

Matsushima's spectacular bay features 250 tiny islands, or shima, blanketed in pines, or matsu, hence its name. A dramatic monument to natural forces, Matsushima has earned recognition as one of Japan¹s Nihon Sankei (Three Great Sights). Visit the fabled Zen Temple of Zuiganji founded in A.D. 828.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 17 – At Sea

Cruise the scenic coast of Honshu, the largest of Japan's islands, as we make our way south.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 18 - Toba / Ise

Dating back to the 3rd century, Ise-jingu is Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine. From the port city of Toba we¹ll head inland to explore the shrine and its surrounding countryside of ancient forests of giant cryptomeria trees.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 19 – Kobe

Disembark in Kobe for a tour of Himeji (White Egret) Castle, Japan's most beautiful stronghold. Overnight at the Kobe Okura Hotel.

Accommodations: Kobe Okura Hotel
Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Day 20 - Kobe / Nara / Kyoto

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nara is home to the enormous bronze Buddha, the Daibutsu, at Todaiji Temple. The seated giant weighs 550 tons and incorporates 290 pounds of gold. Horyuji Temple, founded in 607, is the oldest intact temple complex in Japan, and houses the world's oldest wooden buildings, as well as a vast collection of Buddhist art. Continue to Kyoto and check in to your deluxe hotel.

Accommodations: Kyoto Hotel Okura
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 21 – Kyoto

Explore the city known as Nihon no Furasato - "The Heart of Japan." Kyoto, a living museum of the country's artistic and cultural heritage, had been Japan's capital for more than 11 centuries. Visit Kiyomizu Timple, dedicated to the 11-faced Buddhist deity, Kannon. Built on stilts, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers outstanding views of the city and access to the Otowa no taki (Sound of Feathers ) waterfall.

Accommodations: Kyoto Hotel Okura
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 22 – Kyoto

Delight in transcendent temples and pavilions, including the Ryoanji (Peaceful Dragon) Temple, which is renowned for its Zen garden. Named for the gold leaf on lacquer that covers its floors, the Kinkakuji (Golden) Pavilion houses sacred relics of Buddha. The shogun's samurai could secretly observe visitors from hidden rooms in Nijo Castle, with its thick outer walls, moat, and corridors constructed with "nightingale floors" that squeak to warn of anyone approaching.

Accommodations: Kyoto Hotel Okura
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 23 - Kyoto / Osaka

Transfer to the Osaka airport for your flight home.

Accommodations: na
Included Meals: breakfast


Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of cruising unique.


Cost Includes: Hotel accommodations and meals as listed above, $425 (2008), $799 (2009) per person which covers all taxes, port charges, fees and on board services. Onboard gratuities are neither required nor expected. All airport/ hotel transfers, Grand Asia cruise including all meals while aboard and an experienced naturalist guides.

Not Included: Airfare to Anchorage; Airfare from Japan back to the US; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, laundry fees and insurance of any kind. Prices do not include fuel surcharges which may be added up to the time of final payment.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A deposit of US$1000 per person is required to confirm a reservation, with final payment due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations received prior to departure are subject to cancellation penalties per person. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

We highly recommend our travelers
protect their investment with comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Insurance

Accommodations Aboard: Your comfortable home-base throughout Japan is aboard the Spirit of Oceanus. This all-suite vessel accommodates 114 guests. Each suites feature view windows, ample closet space, large marble vanity and sink, a lounge area, bathrobes, spa bath amenities, in-room safe, a chilled refreshment center, and satellite telephone access. Several suites also feature sliding glass doors and private teak balconies. The Oceanus has a dining room, two lounges, sun deck, sports deck, hot tub, library and game room. There is elevator access to all passenger decks. Open dining features continental and regional cuisine.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone. Some excursions from the boat to the shore will be made in zodiacs. On land, trip members will walk to specific areas to enjoy cultural interactions, photography and enjoying nature.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.
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