Spend 21 days of unparalleled exploration cruising along the Kamchatka coast, through the Kuril Islands, and into Japan’s northern islands of Hokkaido and Honshu. 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, and Harlequin Ducks.

Of special interest are the Red-faced Cormorant on Audubon’s Red Watch List and the Whiskered Auklet  on Audubon’s Yellow Watch List.

The Kuril Islands are a chain of over 50 heavily-forested and volcanic islands – paradise for birdwatchers and twitchers. 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 Tokyo, where the ancient melds with the modern in a juxtaposition of unique contrasts.