The Russian Arctic is a remote part of uncharted

Dreaming of an unparalleled adventure of epic proportions? A Russian Arctic & North Pole expedition may be just the ticket to the wild north you’ve been looking for. A colossal passage of the world’s harshest seas, a spectacular glimpse into magnificent and pristine wilderness and encounters with the stoic people who live on the roof of our world.

Plus…there are always the polar bears. These are just some
of the Highlights of a Russian Arctic Expedition.

The Russian Arctic is a remote part of uncharted land that’s
only recently opened up to commercial tourism. People come here in search of
the impossible, the remote, the harsh and the utterly mesmerizing.

From the wilds of the Siberian coastline to pristine arctic
islands like Wrangel, encounters with the hardy folks who call the remote
Chukotka Region home, sea voyages across the wildlife-enriched Barents Sea and
even fly-in adventures to the North Pole base camp: the chances for
unforgettable adventures here are abundant and phenomenal.

Here are the most incredible highlights of a Russian Arctic & North
Pole Expedition:

Svalbard, Norway – The most well-known destination in the
Arctic region, Svalbard is the world’s northernmost populated land and a
cluster of supremely pristine islands floating about half way between the
Scandinavian mainland and the North Pole.

One of the best Northern Lights viewing platforms on earth,
Svalbard boasts a swath of frozen tundra home to Arctic Foxes, Polar Bears and
endemic reindeer. Of all the destinations on Russian Arctic Expeditions,
Svalbard is by far the most renowned, the easiest to reach and the one with the
best infrastructure.

 Tourism popularity
notwithstanding – because all things are relative, after all – Svalbard is that
hauntingly harsh frozen wonderland you dream of when you think of an Arctic
adventure. Vertiginous glaciers, snow-capped mountains, endless horizons of
rock and ice and a place where Polar Bears reign and humans survive. The most
pristine and remote corner of Europe offers husky-led overland adventures,
snowmobile excursions and boat trips by icebreakers. Svalbard is one of the
most popular and convenient springboards for Russian Arctic & North Pole
expeditions.

Crossing of the Barents Sea

With ocean waters shared by Norway and Russian, the Barents
was a hotly contested chunk of Arctic Sea for many years, all the way up until
2011 when a treaty between the two nations was finally signed. Arguably the
most prolific breeding seabird sanctuary on our planet, the Barents Sea is a
phenomenal confluence of freezing cold Arctic waters and warmer Atlantic
waters, spawning a plethora of unique marine wildlife.

A crossing of the Barents Sea is an awe-inspiring
experience. As summer creeps, more and more of the sea defrosts, attracting
nearly 20 million sea birds in search of food and optimal breeding grounds. The
world’s largest cold water reef is a magnet for large colonies of seals and
whales on hunting missions.

Franz Josef Land, Russia

A cluster of high Russian Arctic islands inhabited only by
local army personnel, a Franz Josef Land expedition can be your first taste of
a ‘totally out there’ Russian Arctic & North Pole experience. Once you
leave the comforts of Svalbard and sail across the Barents Sea, you’ll reach
the northernmost archipelago on earth, a collection of 192 islets that’s about
as remote as one could get. These islands are currently under scientific
scrutiny and seem to hold many answers as to the consequences of global warming
on our planet. Endless harsh plains of basalt inhabited by walruses, foxes and
Polar Bears.

Harsh frigid seas that are playgrounds for bowhead, beluga
and humpback whales. Up here, you are 800 nautical miles north of the Arctic
Circle, where permafrost and arctic winds prevent all but the hardiest of flora
and fauna from thriving. In summer, when the sun never sets, the landscapes of
Franz Josef Land are spectacularly breathtaking.

Visited Cities in Asia

When you picture an Asian city, what evocative scenes waft through your mind? Camels nonchalantly striding alongside honking traffic… Hawkers competing with one another’s shouts in smoky bazaars… Grand, crumbling fortresses from another age and many-tiered pagodas stacking up towards the sky…? Asia has so much to offer and its popular cities are as varied as its peoples and cultures. Many cities are today melting pots after centuries of tribal, imperial and colonial conquest.

The layers of time are evident throughout most cities and
are interwoven with the ever-shifting incoming cultural influences. The world
is a smaller place since commercial aviation brought these distant melting pots
of exoticism within a day’s travel. Today we can all visit most of these places
with relative ease.

Hong Kong

With over 25 million visitors annually, this tiny harbour
city is a world financial capital with a unique history. It is hands down one
of the most exciting and alive cities in Asia. The friendliness of the
Cantonese, the harbour so familiar from countless films, the glitzy modern
skyscrapers and the frantic but enchanting Hong Kong island all contribute to
the overpowering atmosphere.

Whether you go to eat at one of the thousands of top
restaurants, lose yourself in the markets, party early into the morning, take
in the view from the top of Victoria Peak, learn the fascinating history or go
shopping in the giant malls, you will leave Hong Kong invigorated and wanting
more and more.

Singapore

The gateway to Asia where east meets west – an exciting
fusion of cultures and accessible sights. Indulge yourself in some of the
finest hotels in Southeast Asia whilst admiring the outlandish modern
architecture and cavernous shopping malls.

The last few years has seen an increase in the already heady
rate of development and its eating, drinking and arts and culture scenes are
thriving. This busy port city has really got some serious wind in her sails!

Bangkok

Founded in 1782, Bangkok’s recent explosion of modernisation
has captured the mood and spirit of 21st century Asia. Towering skyscrapers
press up against traditional Chinese shop fronts while brand-new Mercedes
squeeze past vendors with pushcarts – this is a city of sharp contrasts.
Culture fiends will delight in the dazzling Royal Palace and the city’s
countless pagodas, while shoppers could spend weeks sifting through Bangkok’s
malls and open-air markets. Entertainment ranges from highbrow to the notorious
with everything in between.

A food lover’s paradise, the city caters for all tastes from
French fine dining with tranquil river views to sampling fried crickets on the
roadside. Prepare to have all your senses engaged.

Uruguay is just the kind of surprise

As one of South America’s least-visited countries, Uruguay offers an off-the-beaten-trail and authentic travel experience. Also, might we add, an incredibly surprising one. Unbeknownst to many, Uruguay boasts some of the most formidable attributes for which this continent is so renowned including world-class vines, sensational culinary specialities and hiding, behind a cloak of unassuming nonchalance, startling colonial-era treasures.

With a host of natural hot springs and glorious beaches not
besieged by busloads of tourists, and with the added bonus of short distances
and top-notch roads, a comprehensive tour of Uruguay is just the kind of
surprise you’ll cherish on your up-coming trip to Latin America.

Getting a foot in the Uruguayan door is dead easy, with
hour-long ferry rides connecting its two most prominent hubs, Montevideo and
Colonia, to Buenos Aires.

Best Highlights of Uruguay

 Colonial
architecture, natural mineral springs, glitzy seaside stars and revitalizing
estancia stay: in Uruguay, you can experience it all up in just a few days.

Soak up the historic charm of Colonia del Sacramento

One of the prettiest colonial-era historic centres in all of
Latin America, Colonia’s UNESCO-listed core is an architectural gem like few
others. Having changed hands repeatedly, from Spanish to Portuguese and back
again a few more times, this historic walled city – the oldest in the country –
showcases traits and influences from both powerful empires. Cobblestone winding
laneways, ancient forts, museums, great shopping and delightful dining await
you at the end of the short and scenic ferry ride from Buenos Aires.

Get your history, cuisine and culture fix in Montevideo

The Uruguayan capital has much going for it, least of all the
fact that it feels more like an overgrown laid-back village than a truly
bustling metropolis. Being gorgeous helps, of course, yet Montevideo offers a
wide array of attractions to satisfy all tastes. Its historic harbour side
centre, Ciudad Vieja, boasts classical and art deco architectural gems as well
as several pedestrian-only strolling and shopping strips.

The city also boasts an impressive foodie scene that rivals
those of more illustrious capitals so make sure to spend a couple of days here
at the very least, as feasting takes time! Mercado del Puerto is a particularly
great hive of activity with artisan stalls and food carts feeding the eyes, the
taste buds and the soul, in equal measure.

Spend it up in Punta del Este

Down the southeast tip of Uruguay is the glitzy seaside hub
of Punta del Este, where lovely beaches, plush hotels and a wicked nightlife
attract locals and tourists alike. Dubbed the St Tropez of South America, Punta
del Este is where you go if you want to sip refreshing mojitos in swanky
seaside bars, whilst watching the fabulous emerge from their multi-million
dollar luxury yachts.

This luxury seaside resort town may be Uruguay’s most
expensive destination but living it up here is still cheaper than Europe and
Australia, so include a few days to enjoy the city attractions, long stretches
of beautiful beaches as well as expansive gaucho plains that surround the city.

Soak in the hot springs of Salto

Thermal resorts take advantage of the heated springs of the
Guarani Aquifer to offer a flurry of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments in
the area around Salto and Paysandu, in north-western Uruguay. With temps
ranging between 38 and 46, the mineral-enriched waters are said to be sublimely
therapeutic and, if nothing else, they are exceptionally relaxing. Thermal spa
vacations are popular with locals and you’ll discover several spa resort towns
along the revered Rio Uruguay.

Take a hike in Santa Teresa

Many visitors mistakenly consider Uruguay a country of
scenic but flat landscapes yet the truth is altogether different. Given the
ease of transport and relatively diminutive size, together with a surprisingly
eclectic topography, Uruguay is actually a much-coveted hiking country in South
America with well-established trails satisfying the cravings of multi-day avid
trekkers, day-hikers and even active families with young kids in tow.

One of the most enjoyable hikes in the whole country is done
in the Santa Teresa National Park, a forest-covered coastal reserve 300km north
of Montevideo, and only 180km from Punta del Este.  Views of sandy shores and the glistening
Atlantic keep you company as you meander your way through sections of pristine
forest that lead up to a 300-year-old fort affording all-encompassing views.

Top Tips When Visiting Bogota

Safety is usually a prime concern for those travelling to Bogota, and Colombia in general, for the very first time. It seems the country’s reputation still has a long way to go to improve people’s perception. But it may surprise you to learn that the main problem foreign visitors face when visiting Bogota the capital is actually altitude sickness. Life at over 2,600m in altitude can be a tad breathless for the unaccustomed so keep this in mind and give yourself a couple of days to acclimatize, especially if you wish to hike up Monserrate peak.

Here are a few insider’s tips that’ll make your visit to
Bogota all the more enjoyable:

Use common sense when it comes to your personal safety: this
is still a developing country in many ways and there is still a big problem
with poverty and petty street crime.

Inform yourself: every major city has its ‘shady’ suburbs
and areas that are fine to visit during the day but not so much after dark.
Find out what they are, either from your tour guide or hotel concierge and tour
accordingly.

The popular tourist areas are still the safest: both the
historic quarter (beloved by backpackers) and more upmarket hoods are kept safe
by tourist and common police.

Don’t flaunt valuables: leave your jewels at home and keep
your expensive camera/phone/watch pout of sight.

Travel in a group: everywhere in the world is made much
safer simply by travelling in a group.

Take something warm for evenings out: altitude living in
Colombia means that evenings and nights are cool, all year long. Don’t be
misled by the notion that Colombia is all tropical and take something warm to
wear as well.

Do take your mid-morning coffee from mobile lady vendors:
they may look like something out of ghostbusters, but those ladies carrying
vats on their backs meandering through town? They serve hot piping coffee! Have
yours black or tinto (with a splash of milk) by the side of the road, like
locals do.

Have a salsa lesson: It is often said that Colombian hearts
beat to the rhythm of the salsa and if you wish to indulge (and you really
should) you can take a class when visiting Bogota. And there’s not even a need
to get formal! One of the most appreciated compliments you could ever make a
local is by asking them to show you some beginner moves. They do so love to
comply.

Down a shot of aguardiente (if you dare): the local
anise-flavoured alcohol is said to grow hairs on your chest and is particularly
handy if you’re out at night and forgot to take something warm to wear! The
name translates to ‘firey water’ yet that would still have to be the most
underrated term in the world.

Cut travel time and take internal flights: Colombia is a
deceptively large country and, unless you have a lot of time to travel and wish
to overland, taking domestic flights is both convenient and inexpensive.

Haggling is expected: certainly not if shopping in high-end
boutiques but otherwise, when buying souvenirs from street stalls and even
taking taxis, prices are inflated initially in expectation of a good haggle.
Don’t disappoint them!

Be ready to be overawed – Bogota assaults the senses like
few cities on earth. The vibe, the vibrant colours, the friendly locals, the
music, the wonderful aromas and the music, laughter and chit-chatter make this
one of the most enigmatic and addictive capitals in all of South America. So
give Bogota, and Colombia, the time they deserve. Don’t rush through: you’ll be
doing this incredible city (and you) an enormous disservice if you don’t slow
down and soak it all up.

Bogota is a brilliant introduction to tours of Colombia and
a convenient place from where to reach all the country’s major tourist
highlights like Cartagena, Medellin, Cali and the amazing Tayrona National
Park. For Colombia itineraries, options and more insider’s tips and
recommendations….call us! We are totally enamoured with Colombia and just can’t
wait to show you around.

And the views? They are half the reason you should visit.

The first thing which impresses visitors about Castillo San Felipe is how incredibly imposing it is. Its overwhelming size, coupled with its strategic position, certainly proves the theory that when it comes to defence, the psychological battle is half the struggle. It could be completely gutted on the inside but from the outside, it looks like a fort you wouldn’t want to mess with. That’s what the British must’ve thought too, when they approached.

And approach they did, in 1741, with 23,000 of their
mightiest and bravest soldiers, and 200 of their best ships. And still they hit
a brick wall. Literally and figuratively speaking. Lord Edward Vernon’s attack
on Castillo San Felipe is perhaps the most famous attack on the fortress, in
what became known as the Battle of Cartagena de Indias. This was one of
Britain’s most catastrophic losses, and an especially embarrassing one, as the
fort was held by merely half a dozen ships and 3,000 Spanish troops, who
managed to hold their ground for a whole month before the Brits retreated. The
Brits may have been eventually brought undone by the tropical rainy season and
the yellow fever outburst which it carried, yet the castle remained undefeated,
no matter the reason.

The climb to the top of the castle is a strenuous one but if
it’s breathtaking and sweeping views of Cartagena you seek, you will not find
them anywhere else. The castle’s 360-degree views were a necessity when
guarding the city, and are today’s most outstanding bonus when visiting. On one
side is colonial Cartagena, with its domed churches and red-tiled roofs. On the
other, modern Cartagena, with high-rise office buildings reflecting the sun in
their oversized glass facades. A superb frame of over 400 years of history.
Stunning photo ops of the city abound, including gorgeous coastal glimpses
through open stone windows. There are different levels to climb up to and
bunkers to explore, cannons to pose alongside and different angles of the city
to admire. A superb South American travel highlight.

Castillo San Felipe is open to the public from 8 am to 6 pm.

If you can, avoid visiting the fortress on a Sunday as
that’s the busiest day of the week. This is especially true of the last Sunday
of the month when admission is free of charge. Considering it only costs about
AUD 10 to visit, it’s worth spending a few dollars to enjoy it with fewer
people. As the complex lacks shade, we suggest you wear a hat and sunscreen,
and bring a bottle of drinking water. The walk up can be heart-pumping as it
is, and even exploring the maze of tunnels is hard work, dehydration here will
arguably be your only problem. If you want to be really cunning, plan to get
there at about 4 pm, so you can visit at leisure and catch the startling sunset
over the Caribbean just before closing time.

The tombs of Tierradentro

If you’re looking for more archaeological fixes then head down to UNESCO-listed Tierradentro and its underground burial chambers, accessible through a claustrophobic-challenging descent down vertiginous staircases. A total of five ancient sites and two museums can easily be visited on a full day trip from the gorgeous village of San Andres de Pisimbala, in southwestern Colombia, one of the lesser-visited of all the country’s highlights.

Cali

Hot and sexy salsa has firmly placed Cali on the map with
the vibrant city regarded the undisputed capital of the dreamy dance. Whether
or not you can actually shake your bum-bum to the rhythm matters little here,
for one of the most magnetic aspects is the sheer bubbly atmosphere of the
city.

Ironically enough, you may not find Cali featured on many
tourism brochures, for this is the one place in Colombia that seems unfazed by
the country’s latest tourism boom. And that’s precisely why you should visit.
Culturally, this rates as one of the most interesting destinations in the
country, a hub of Afro-Colombian heritage that marries the country’s
ethnicities to a salsa beat that’s difficult to resist. A genuinely authentic
city that seems removed from the rest of the country, Cali and her infectious
charm, chic clubs, street food and friendly locals may just entice you to
extend your visit.

San Andres Island

For that ultimate Caribbean-dream getaway then feel free to
pin San Andres Island to your map. This idyllic speck of coral-fringed haven is
revered for its snorkelling, diving, exotic fresh fruits and reggae music, so
if that eclectic mix of highlights ticks your boxes then you’ll be in for a
treat.

Less than 800km off the north-western coast of Colombia, San
Andres is all about superlatives: the most crystalline Caribbean waters, the
best underwater visibility and swoonworthy temps make a resort stay of a few
days about as perfect as all that sounds. Yet again, another utterly distinct
corner of Colombia that doesn’t resemble any other, naturally, culturally and
historically.

The Story of Medellin (Who was Pablo Escobar)

From rags to riches to perfect respectability

 Escobar was shot dead
by the police on a rooftop in his native Medellin in 1993 (speculation over who
fired the fatal shot still lingers) and his inglorious death signalled the end
of an era in Colombia, although not the end of the cocaine-trade entirely. The
Medellin Cartel – which Escobar started and for which he supervised all steps
from production to distribution – is now all but a faint memory. Medellin
itself, in fact, was voted one of the world’s ‘most innovative cities’ in 2013
and is now a far cry from the ‘most dangerous city in the world’ tag it was
bestowed by Time Magazine just two decades ago.

A vibrant city framed by spectacular mountains, Medellin is
one of those cities you can fall in love with within just a single day.
Renowned as a tech hub and now one of the most popular expat and retirement
havens in the country, Medellin is the country’s 3rd most visited city, after
charming colonial Cartagena, and the country’s capital, Bogota.

With welcoming and friendly locals, a stunning climate and
recent gentrification efforts by the local government, Medellin has literally
transformed itself into one of the most enticing cities in all of Latin
America. Between the excellent food, awesome nightlife, fab art and cultural
scene, and plenty to see and do, we’d advise you to book an extra few days
here. Artisan brewery tours, nightly salsa lessons, visits to art and history
museums and a walk through the gorgeous Parque Arvi are just an entrée into all
that Medellin has to offer.

Can you (and should you) tour famous Pablo Escobar sites in
Medellin?

It’s hardly surprising to know that there are bona-fie
“Pablo Escobar Tours’ offered in Medellin and although some may find them
macabre or in bad taste, some – like history buffs – consider them immensely interesting.
After all, not all important historical sites in the world need portray only
the good side of a country’s history. Sometimes, visiting the site of its
darkest periods can actually be the more rewarding and insightful experience.

Medellin is home to an entire suburb named after Pablo
Escobar (the hood where he financed most of the construction) as well as a
dedicated museum, his burial site, the famed Catedral property where he spent
his incarceration time and a host of suburbs and eateries the drug lord
frequented.

Rather than glorify his actions, these tours – led by
extremely knowledgeable local guides – give an incredible and fascinating
behind-the-scenes look at the life, rise and eventual demise of this most
notorious figure of Colombian history. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but
if you’d like to know more or if you’ve watched Narcos and are interested in
literally walking through an important chapter of the country’s evolution,
simply ask us about tour options for your Medellin visit.

Colombia is rated as one of the top 10 fastest-growing
tourist destinations in the world, with the country receiving almost 3 million
foreign visitors each year. The sharp tourist rise over the last 5 years alone
is greater than that felt in all other Latin American countries. It’s certainly
not hard to see why.

Is travel safety in Colombia on your mind? Many first-time
visitors are understandably concerned about this aspect of a visit, yet with
just some common sense and awareness of the fact that the tourist areas are
perfectly safe nowadays, you can enjoy – like millions of other tourists every
year – a problem-free and most rewarding time traveling in Colombia.

We have a number of Colombia tours on offer and can also
organize bespoke tours to suit your specific needs. If you want to get off the
beaten tourist-track when next in Latin America…Choose Colombia! Contact Chimu
Adventures today and let us introduce you to one of the most rewarding and
fascinating and utterly stunning countries in all of Latin America.

The Russian High Arctic

Russia was arguably late to join the ‘Arctic tourism party’ and if the intent was to build up excitement and make a grand entrance, you can consider those aims more than achieved. The latest destination to be opened up to tourism, Russia’s High Arctic boasts the remotest archipelagos of all, floating in the some of the harshest and most glorious wildlife-brimming seas of them all.

Hubs like Franz Josef Land, Wrangel Island and Chukotka
offer the priceless chance to cruise the Barents, Chukchi and East Siberian
Seas, renowned for hosting perhaps the largest concentration of Arctic marine
life in Summer. Head to this remote corner of the Arctic on an expedition
cruise in July and August and you’ll encounter something akin to a marine life
traffic-jam: whales, walruses, polar bears, several species of seals and untold
number of birds converge here to finally feast on fish with abandon, on a
narrow channel of sea that joins the Pacific and the Arctic Ocean.

The Northern Sea Route is an epic travel destination for
true-blue explorers, also offering the unique chance to hitch a ride on a
world-class icebreaker (like the I/B 50 Years of Victory) to reach the
geographic North Pole on a journey that’s worlds away from your classic ‘cruising
jaunt’.

What about the Northern Lights?!

The main Winter highlight of the Arctic attracts almost as
many visitors as the summertime delights although if you think you’d be forced
to choose between seeing animals in Summer and the Aurora Borealis in winter,
you’ve obviously never heard about September.

The ideal month to attempt the Arctic Lottery, September
offers the perfect wildlife-watching expeditions if you also want a chance of
seeing the dancing lights of the north.

It is pivotal that you know the region within the greater
Arctic where the best viewing currently is, as the Northern Lights occur in an
oval zone around the magnetic North Pole, something that is constantly in
transit. Check out this Northern Lights Guide for more info and you’ll understand
why this year, and for the next few years, the best Aurora Borealis expeditions
will hone in on Iceland and Greenland.

The Russian Arctic is a remote part of uncharted

Dreaming of an unparalleled adventure of epic proportions? A Russian Arctic & North Pole expedition may be just the ticket to the wild north you’ve been looking for. A colossal passage of the world’s harshest seas, a spectacular glimpse into magnificent and pristine wilderness and encounters with the stoic people who live on the roof of our world.

Plus…there are always the polar bears. These are just some
of the Highlights of a Russian Arctic Expedition.

The Russian Arctic is a remote part of uncharted land that’s
only recently opened up to commercial tourism. People come here in search of
the impossible, the remote, the harsh and the utterly mesmerizing.

From the wilds of the Siberian coastline to pristine arctic
islands like Wrangel, encounters with the hardy folks who call the remote
Chukotka Region home, sea voyages across the wildlife-enriched Barents Sea and
even fly-in adventures to the North Pole base camp: the chances for
unforgettable adventures here are abundant and phenomenal.

Here are the most incredible highlights of a Russian Arctic & North
Pole Expedition:

Svalbard, Norway – The most well-known destination in the
Arctic region, Svalbard is the world’s northernmost populated land and a
cluster of supremely pristine islands floating about half way between the
Scandinavian mainland and the North Pole.

One of the best Northern Lights viewing platforms on earth,
Svalbard boasts a swath of frozen tundra home to Arctic Foxes, Polar Bears and
endemic reindeer. Of all the destinations on Russian Arctic Expeditions,
Svalbard is by far the most renowned, the easiest to reach and the one with the
best infrastructure.

 Tourism popularity
notwithstanding – because all things are relative, after all – Svalbard is that
hauntingly harsh frozen wonderland you dream of when you think of an Arctic
adventure. Vertiginous glaciers, snow-capped mountains, endless horizons of
rock and ice and a place where Polar Bears reign and humans survive. The most
pristine and remote corner of Europe offers husky-led overland adventures,
snowmobile excursions and boat trips by icebreakers. Svalbard is one of the
most popular and convenient springboards for Russian Arctic & North Pole
expeditions.

Crossing of the Barents Sea

With ocean waters shared by Norway and Russian, the Barents
was a hotly contested chunk of Arctic Sea for many years, all the way up until
2011 when a treaty between the two nations was finally signed. Arguably the
most prolific breeding seabird sanctuary on our planet, the Barents Sea is a
phenomenal confluence of freezing cold Arctic waters and warmer Atlantic
waters, spawning a plethora of unique marine wildlife.

A crossing of the Barents Sea is an awe-inspiring
experience. As summer creeps, more and more of the sea defrosts, attracting
nearly 20 million sea birds in search of food and optimal breeding grounds. The
world’s largest cold water reef is a magnet for large colonies of seals and
whales on hunting missions.

Franz Josef Land, Russia

A cluster of high Russian Arctic islands inhabited only by
local army personnel, a Franz Josef Land expedition can be your first taste of
a ‘totally out there’ Russian Arctic & North Pole experience. Once you
leave the comforts of Svalbard and sail across the Barents Sea, you’ll reach
the northernmost archipelago on earth, a collection of 192 islets that’s about
as remote as one could get. These islands are currently under scientific
scrutiny and seem to hold many answers as to the consequences of global warming
on our planet. Endless harsh plains of basalt inhabited by walruses, foxes and
Polar Bears.

Harsh frigid seas that are playgrounds for bowhead, beluga
and humpback whales. Up here, you are 800 nautical miles north of the Arctic
Circle, where permafrost and arctic winds prevent all but the hardiest of flora
and fauna from thriving. In summer, when the sun never sets, the landscapes of
Franz Josef Land are spectacularly breathtaking.

The Northern Sea Route

This is about as epic a sea voyage as one could get on this planet and arguably the most comprehensive highlight of a Russian Arctic & North Pole expedition. The Northern Sea Route was defined by the Russians and is a shipping lane which stretches from Kara Gates in Siberia all the way to the Bering Strait.

Recent ice melt has rendered this passage navigable to
tourism expedition vessels in summer and grants a glimpse into what is, without
a doubt, the least chartered and most inhospitable waters on earth, where
ferocious storms and arctic winds rule the day.

To discerning seafaring adventurers, a Northern Sea Route
passage is the ultimate travel thrill and offers the chance for a
mouth-watering quest from Anadyr in the eastern Chukotka Region to Murmansk in
the northwest tip, passing remote archipelagos, visiting Franz Josef Land,
polar bear-brimming Wrangel and Ayon islands among others, and incorporating a
crossing of the Barents Sea, the Kara Sea and East Siberian Sea. When you’ve
‘run out’ of world to explore or simply wish to sail where few others have
sailed before, a Northern Sea Route expedition should definitely tickle your
travel-fancy.

Chukotka Autonomous Region

In Far East Russia, just west of the Alaskan coastline, is
where you’ll find the Chukotka Autonomous Region, an enigmatic land where man,
flora and fauna live in unison. On a Chukotka expedition, you’ll meet
indigenous Chukchis and learn all about the rich Arctic history of the area;
explore endless tundra plains, encounter a treasure of endemic wildlife and
discover a region shaped by a kaleidoscope of cultural and natural wealth. For
lovers of pristine and unique wilderness and wildlife, and all those interested
in far-east cultures, history and adventures, a journey to Chukotka is not to
be missed.

North Pole Base Camp

There are few places which can offer an unforgettable ‘long
weekend adventure’ like a jaunt to the North Pole Base Camp. Short on time but
BIG on adventurous dreams? Then set off on the helicopter ride of your life, as
you leave Svalbard behind and set your sights for the Barneo Ice Camp, a
temporary icy and floating camp located close to the North Pole. On this North
Pole express adventure, you’ll be among the last people who’ll visit Barneo for
the year and experience life in extremes. You’ll be guided the whole way by a
team of professionals and enjoy the warm comforts of all the most modern
luxuries which can be towed this far north. A wicked adventure and certainly a
few days you’ll never forget.

A journey of discovery to the ‘top of the world’, on a
Russian Arctic & North Pole expedition, is an adventurer’s ultimate dream.
Wild frozen horizons, breathtakingly dramatic landscapes, a swath of unique
wildlife and encounters with some of the most enigmatic people on earth. Dream
adventures on the roof of our planet and a chance for unforgettable
experiences.