zEastern Siberia and The Bering Sea

Once all guests have embarked, we depart on our spectacular 15-day, Great Northern Expedition. This afternoon you will be introduced to your expedition team and participate in the safety drill. Tonight we invite you to familiarise yourself with your new home away from home, meet some of your fellow travellers, and enjoy the first of many memorable meals in the restaurant. Meals D

After clearance into Russia through the former Soviet military port of Provideniya, we will be treated to a traditional welcome of Vodka, black bread, and sweets before enjoying a cultural dance performance and joining our local guides for a walking tour of the town and its small museum. Meals B,L,D

An early morning expedition by Zodiac will see us explore Cape Dezhnev, an Inuit people heritage site. At present, only a small historical village is inhabited and a monument to Russian explorer, Semyon Dezhnev, for whom the cape is named, stands there.

Next is Big Diomede, located 28 miles (45 km) off Cape Dezhnev and set right in the middle of the Bering Strait. This Island, once a military base during WWII and into the Cold War, is now unpopulated, housing only a Russian weather station and a base of Russian Border guard troops. Less than one mile east lays the International Date Line between Russia and the United States. Along with learning about the indigenous Inuit heritage, we hope to encounter hauled out walruses. Meals B,L,D

Our next stop is in the Providensky District of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia. The small village of Lorino is known for its Reindeer Herding and the Chukchi people. After a short welcome ceremony, the villages will show of their skill on dog sleds, and will even offer you the chance to enjoy a ride on a sled; a short “cruise” in a local Skin boat, or participate in the regatta! Before returning to the ship try some of the local food that the villagers will prepare. Meals B,L,D

A leisurely day at sea is yours to enjoy. Begin perhaps with a late breakfast and another cup of coffee or tea during the first of the day’s lectures. Join the lectures and hear fascinating tales of adventure and learn more about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields. Meals B,L,D

Anastasia is the perfect place for bird watching. Time permitting, our onboard ornithologist will offer a hike ashore to see the variety of shore birds that nest in this area. You may even have the opportunity to photograph the walruses hauled-out along the beach.

Our Zodiac fleet is at the ready to explore the region of Dezneva Bay. Some of the animal species we may spot include grey whales, walruses, reindeer, and brown bears. There’s something for our birders as well. Keep on the lookout for the white-fronted bean geese and whooper swans. Meals B,L,D

Taste local caviar and salmon, and glimpse life infused with time old traditions in the small Chukchi fishing village of Mainapilgino, set on a long spit of land along the Bering Sea. Treating us to some real Chukchi hospitality, the village ensemble will perform some of their traditional dances. Birders rejoice, the village is a breeding spot for many species of migratory birds, including Red Knot and critically endangered Spoon billed Sandpiper.

Boasting one of the most abundant seabird colonies in northeast Russia, is Cape Navarin, located in the northwestern part of the Bering Sea to the south of Anadyr. Tens of thousands of seabirds can be seen on this cape’s spectacular cliffs. Setting out on Zodiac, we will have the chance to look out for birds such as the Tufted Puffin and Black-legged Kittiwake. Another sight to see is the Walrus haul-out. If we are fortunate, we may also come across the Grey Whale, who occasionally moves through these waters. Meals B,L,D

Located at the mouth of the Anadyr River is Anadyr Bay and Anadyr Port, the administrative centre of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia. A wild time will be had at Anadyr Bay, as we go in search of Brown Bears, and Beluga and Grey Whales. Meals B,L,D

At Anadyr Port, we will mix with the locals at the Russian Orthodox Church, the local museum, and attend a cultural performance. Meals B,L,D

We will travel by Ural truck inland from the small harbor of Egvekinot across the expansive tundra, to the point where the 180 Meridian intersects the Arctic Circle. This is an incredible opportunity to experience firsthand the amazing habitat that dominates so much of Chukotka. Meals B,L,D

Hosting us today is the small village of Konergino, located on the eastern shore of Kresta Bay, south of Egvekinot. Konergino is a reindeer-herding settlement, like other villages in the Iultinsky District of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. The village's name is derived from the Chukchi Kei'i'yergyn, meaning "curved valley."

After Konergino, we venture on to Meechkin Island, where a large walrus haul-out can be found. Meals B,L,D

The small village of Enmelen is populated by a mixture of Chukchi and Yupik people, who support themselves through a combination of reindeer herding, and the hunting of sea mammals.

We may count on a warm welcome from villagers, who will treat us to a concert, local food, and Inuit Games. Meals B,L,D

Roam the blossoming tundra with the Silversea experts in Achen Lagoon, and observe the wealth of bird life in Preobrazheniya Bay. Keep a watch for common puffins, horned puffins, and least auklets. A walk to the cliffs will reveal the fascinating panorama of the bay. Meals B,L,D

A leisurely day at sea is yours to enjoy. Begin perhaps with a late breakfast and another cup of coffee or tea during the first of the day’s lectures. Join the lectures and hear fascinating tales of adventure and learn more about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields. Meals B,L,D

Today, we cross the International Date Line and gain a day. Following breakfast, disembark the Silver Discoverer in Nome, Alaska. Meals B

Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather and wildlife activity. Expedition Team members scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or cancellation.