Exploring Russia's Far East & Wrangel Island

Day 1 : Anchorage/Nome/Embark

Fly to Nome via Anchorage. Embark National Geographic Orion in the afternoon and cross the Bering Strait. (D)

Day 2 : Provideniya, Russian Federation

At the western limit of the rich transboundary area known as Beringia, Provideniya is often called “The Gateway to the Arctic.” It’s also the administrative center where we will conduct our clearance into Russia. Visit the excellent museum, and witness a traditional Yupik dance performance. (B,L,D)

Day 3 : Cape Dezhnev/Uelen Village

Round Cape Dezhnev, the easternmost point of the Eurasian continent and if conditions permit, make a landing and hike to the lighthouse. Then continue to the nearby Chukchi and Yupik village of Uelen, a major artistic center of the region known for its exquisite walrus ivory carving. (B,L,D)

Day 4 : Kolyuchin Island & Kolyuchin Bay

Located on the northern Chukotka coast, Kolyuchin Inlet is an enormous tidal estuary that offers excellent hiking and birding opportunities. Nearby on Kolyuchin Island find nesting puffins and guillemots, and occasionally Pacific walruses hauled-out. Explore the area by Zodiac and, conditions permitting, go ashore. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : Wrangel Island

This UNESCO World Heritage site has the highest level of biodiversity in the High Arctic. Spend four fascinating days discovering the island’s abundant plant life and searching for polar bears, Pacific walrus, musk oxen, Arctic fox, gray whales, and 100 migratory bird species. You may also spot the bones and tusks of woolly mammoths jutting out from gravelly riverbeds—Wrangel Island was the last refuge for these ancient beasts. (B,L,D Daily)

Day 6 : At Sea/Lorino Village

Head back south from Wrangel Island and take advantage of the time at sea to attend informative talks, sort your photos, visit the Bridge to learn about navigation, or just relax and let the memories of the previous days soak in. At Lorino, the largest indigenous village in Chukotka, witness a dance performance and learn about traditional fishing, hunting and reindeer herding. (B,L,D Daily)

Day 7 : Yttygran Island/Provideniya

Originally created around 600 years ago, Yttygran is thought to have been a communal or ceremonial Yupik site. Here, visit the fascinating place known as Whale Bone Alley, a mysterious and haunting boneyard erected alongside a rugged and remote shoreline. In Provideniya we'll conduct our clearance formalities before heading east to Nome. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : At Sea/Crossing the Bering Strait

Spend the final day at sea, crossing one of the most iconic bodies of water on the planet. Linger on deck with binoculars in hand—the chances are great to spot whales and rare seabirds. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : Nome/Disembark/Anchorage/Home

Arrive in Nome this morning, transfer to the airport for flights to Anchorage and onward. (B)