cruise-collection-2016-2017

WILDERNESS TRAVEL ’ S Small Ship Cruise Collection 2016–2017

Discover the Exciting World of

Expedition Cruising

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We’ve searched the world over and are pleased to offer you this collection of journeys aboard the finest small ships with the most intriguing cruising itineraries. They present a unique and comfortable way to explore, with a great range of experiences including exciting onshore adventures, snorkeling (on warm-water cruises), and amazing off-the-beaten-path destinations, many of which can only be reached by ship. These are real voyages for real travelers. Small-ship travel offers major advantages for the avid traveler, from the intimate size of the vessels and the expertise of onboard guest lecturers and guides to the far-flung destinations themselves, which range from rugged, ice-draped polar coasts to remote Pacific atolls. You’ll be traveling under the care of experienced cruise companies, and while these voyages are not operated by Wilderness Travel, the trips count toward your Toucan Club discounts. The ships vary widely in their styles and comforts, from a 24-guest vessel in the Amazon to a 120-guest ice-strengthened expedition ship that plies polar waters. Yet these vessels all have an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, fascinating itineraries, and the goal of bringing you to extraordinary places in the company of like-minded companions. We are thrilled to be working with these small-ship cruise companies, and are happy to help you find the cruise that’s right for you. “This was the best trip we have ever been on. Superb accommodations, wonderful food, and a super staff at all levels.The naturalists were awesome for their knowledge, congeniality, and ability to find critters.”

— Pat C., Pittsboro, NC Amazon River Expedition

TABLE OF CONTENTS

6-8 8-13 14-19 20 21-25 26-29 30-33 34-39

ANTARCTICA ALASKA & THE ARCTIC EUROPE AFRICA ASIA PACIFIC

LATIN AMERICA CRUISE VESSELS

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COVER PHOTO BY BLAINE HARRINGTON III / ALAMY

The Small-Ship Experience

When it comes to exploring by boat, smaller truly is better. Smaller boats can get into ports and places that larger ships can’t, allowing you to savor uncrowded anchorages in remote locations. They sail in and out of ports quickly and usually cruise closer to land, giving you fantastic views. You’ll enjoy wonderful interactions with fellow passengers, ship officers, staff, and the guides and lecturers who accompany you on shore excursions as well as offering fascinating presentations. Throughout the journey you spend less time queuing up on deck, as guests on large ships must do, and more time off the boat, enjoying the places you came to see! ACTIVE, ENLIGHTENING, AND FUN! The cruise programs vary, but most offer wonderfully active days. Zodiacs zip you to shore for exciting visits to nearby villages and markets, and you’ll enjoy guided walks on history-filled streets, one-on-one encounters with the locals, or excursions to wildlife-rich areas of natural beauty. On many of the warm-water voyages, incredible snorkeling opportunities abound, offering memorable encounters with the wonders of underwater realms.

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES, CALL, EMAIL, OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE!

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EXPERT ONBOARD NATURALISTS On most of these adventures, you will enjoy the great benefit of traveling in the company of gifted educators and naturalists chosen for their expertise and enthusiasm. They enhance your experience every day as they share their knowledge, passion, and insights during lectures, presentations, chats on deck, and on exciting shore excursions. “The crew was beyond wonderful in every way and couldn’t have been more friendly and anxious to please.” — Robert W., Santa Monica, CA Treasures of Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

TRAVEL IN COMFORT Unpack just once and settle into your cabin! The small ships in this program range quite a bit in style, cabin size, and amenities, but all offer comfortable twin or double cabins with en suite facilities, public spaces where you can gather with newfound friends, plus a bar, library, and a dining room serving delightful cuisine, with a local touch whenever possible. Many of the cruises include wine and beer with lunch and dinner on board. JOIN US! We’re ready to help choose the perfect trip for you and assist you every step of the way. To check availability and reserve a place in your preferred cabin, call us at 1-800-368-2794 or email wtcruisecollection@wildernesstravel.com. Detailed itineraries for all voyages, including complete pricing and deck plans, are on our website at www.wildernesstravel.com. We look forward to sharing the wonderful world of small-ship cruising with you!

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Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands ABOARD AN EXPEDITION CRUISE VESSEL Experience three epic destinations of the Southern Ocean: the wildlife oasis of the Falkland Islands, breathtaking South Georgia Island, with its legends of Shackleton and spectacular colonies of stately king penguins, and the celebrated Antarctic Peninsula, a dazzling realm of glistening glaciers and towering peaks rising straight from the sea. On this expedition cruise, set out for adventures by go-anywhere Zodiacs amid drifting bergs, hike on remote shores thronged with chattering penguins and basking elephant seals, and learn from expert naturalists who illuminate the dream world of the Antarctic.

DAYS 12-20 SCOTIA SEA / SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS / ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Cross the Scotia Sea to the wildlife- rich Antarctic Peninsula. Walk amid teeming penguin colonies, visit a research station, explore by Zodiac, and take a bracing dip in the hot springs at Deception Island. Return to Ushuaia and depart on Day 20.

DAYS 1-7 USHUAIA / FALKLAND ISLANDS From Ushuaia, voyage to the rugged Falklands, where you enjoy encounters with Magellanic penguins, nesting gentoos in their burrows, and dashing rockhopper penguins, with their teeming cliff colonies and devil- may-care surf landings. DAYS 8-11 SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND Towering South Georgia is a spectacular sight, sheering out of the Southern Ocean in wondrous isolation. More than a hundred glaciers flow from its spine of mountains to the sea and it’s a virtual oasis for sub-Antarctic wildlife. Walk black-sand beaches among basking elephant seals and hundreds of thousands of king penguins, look for nesting albatross and breeding colonies of fur seals, and visit the evocative grave of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton at the old Norwegian whaling station of Grytviken.

Feb 22-Mar 13, 2017 Nov 6-25, 2017 Nov 20-Dec 8, 2017 Dec 18, 2017-Jan 5, 2018 Jan 3-23, 2018 Cruise length, itinerary, and ship vary by departure

DATES Oct 30-Nov 20, 2016 Nov 5-25, 2016 Dec 22, 2016-Jan 9, 2017

Jan 5-25, 2017 Jan 6-25, 2017 Jan 25-Feb 13, 2017

TRIP COST From $10,995 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES, CALL, EMAIL, OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE!

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Antarctica ABOARD AN EXPEDITION CRUISE VESSEL

Antarctica is hypnotically beautiful, with its towering blue-white icebergs, mountains sheering from the sea, and spectacular pageant of wildlife. This journey brings you all the glories of the Antarctic Peninsula, the most wildlife-rich part of the continent. You’ll walk among rookeries of penguins and their fuzzy chicks, look for spouting whales in iceberg-filled bays, spot incredible Antarctic birds including the fabled wandering albatross, explore by Zodiac, and marvel at the nearly 24-hour daylight. Expert naturalists bring the Antarctic world to life for you as they share their in-depth knowledge and passion for this miraculous realm.

DAYS 1-4 USHUAIA / DRAKE PASSAGE From Ushuaia, navigate the historic Beagle Channel, traveled by Charles Darwin aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835. Huge albatross and Cape petrels soar above the wake of the ship, and you may spot whales and dolphins as you cross the famed Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula.

DAYS 5-12 ANTARCTIC PENINSULA / DRAKE PASSAGE / USHUAIA You’ll have five exciting days to absorb the pristine beauty and extraordinary wildlife of the Peninsula. Set out for walks among thousands of penguins, explore historic outposts, look for humpback whales, and take Zodiac excursions to towering icebergs and ice floes where seals laze. Destinations include Paulet Island, home to some 200,000 Adelie penguins, Paradise Bay, a spectacularly scenic setting of glaciated mountains, ice cliffs, and icebergs, the narrow Lemaire Channel, where the ship navigates a smooth-as-glass waterway between sheer 3,000-foot peaks, and Deception Island, where hardy souls can take a dip in a natural hot spring on the rocky shoreline. Return across the Drake Passage to Ushuaia. Depart on Day 12.

DATES Nov 19-30, 2016 Nov 24-Dec 5, 2016

Dec 2-12, 2016 Dec 4-16, 2016 Dec 12-22, 2016 Dec 15-27, 2016 Dec 26, 2016-Jan 6, 2017 Jan 15-26, 2017 Jan 24-Feb 4, 2017

Feb 4-15, 2017 Feb 12-23, 2017 Feb 14-25, 2017 Nov 24-Dec 5, 2017

Dec 4-15, 2017 Dec 14-25, 2017 Dec 24, 2017-Jan 4, 2018 Feb 13-25, 2018 Cruise length, itinerary, and ship vary by departure TRIP COST From $5,995 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

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North Pole ABOARD THE 50 YEARS OF VICTORY

Imagine standing at the North Pole, the one earthly spot where every direction is south! Your expedition aboard the 50 Years of Victory , the world’s largest and most powerful icebreaker, brings you deep through the thick pack ice of the Arctic Ocean to the top of the world, where you celebrate your achievement with champagne and an optional hot air balloon ride. Along the way, admire soaring seabirds and explore the wildlife-rich archipelago of Franz Josef Land, with its polar bears, walrus, humpbacks, belugas, and narwhals. DAYS 1-7 HELSINKI / MURMANSK From Helsinki, fly to Murmansk and embark on Day 2. Watching the ship crush through the Arctic ice is unforgettable, and helicopter rides give you an aerial view! At the North Pole, 90° North, enjoy a barbecue right on the ice. DAY 8-14 FRANZ JOSEF LAND Head to Franz Josef Land, looking for walrus and polar bears as you explore by Zodiac and helicopter. Disembark in Murmansk and fly to Helsinki on Day 13. Depart from Helsinki on Day 14.

Antarctica Air Cruise ABOARD THE OCEAN NOVA OR HEBRIDEAN SKY Take advantage of a spectacular flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in Antarctica’s South Shetland Islands, avoiding the two-day, 600-mile crossing of the infamous Drake Passage (and that’s each way). Upon arrival, board your comfortable expedition vessel to head out for

four full days of exploring the spectacular wildlife wonders of the “Last Continent,” looking for penguins, seals, and whales. If you’re limited in time, this is the perfect way to experience Antarctica!

DATES Jun 15-28, 2016 Jun 26-Jul 9, 2016 Jul 10-23, 2016 Aug 1-14, 2016 Jul 9-22, 2017 Jul 20-Aug 2, 2017 Jul 31-Aug 13, 2017

DAYS 1-2 PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE / KING GEORGE ISLAND From Punta Arenas, a two-hour flight brings you to King George Island, where you’ll visit Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, then embark on the ship. DAYS 3-6 ANTARCTICA PENINSULA Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs. You’ll enjoy the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales, and explore by go-anywhere Zodiac. Your voyage may include magnificent Paradise Bay, Deception Island, and the Lemaire Channel. DAYS 7-8 PUNTA ARENAS On Day 7, fly to Punta Arenas, overnight at hotel, and depart on Day 8.

TRIP COST From $26,995

Price is per person and depends on cabin type

DATES Weekly departures December through February

TRIP COST From $10,795 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES, CALL, EMAIL, OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE!

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Alaska’s Inside Passage ABOARD A HISTORIC WOODEN MOTOR YACHT In the storied waterway of Alaska’s Inside Passage, glaciers crackle in lovely fjords and the sea is filled with whales, orcas, porpoises, and sea lions. With a historic 12-guest wooden vessel as your comfy mother ship, you’ll kayak into narrow inlets, hike in majestic old- growth forests, and encounter incredible wildlife, from endangered humpbacks to bears and bald eagles.

DAYS 1-5 JUNEAU / ADMIRALTY ISLAND Boarding in Juneau, cruise to Limestone Inlet for an introduction to sea kayaking. In Endicott Arm, look for whales as they dive for krill or “bubble net” for herring, and linger at Dawes Glacier to watch new bergs calve. At Ford’s Terror, a spectacular natural amphitheater, kayak beneath sheer 5,000-foot granite walls wreathed in ephemeral mists, then head for Admiralty Island, with its plentiful brown bears and bald eagles. DAYS 6-7 THOMAS BAY / BAIRD GLACIER / PETERSBURG Watch for black bears on the beaches of Thomas Bay and hike the moraine of the Baird Glacier. Dock in the charming fishing town of Petersburg and depart on Day 7.

DATES Multiple departures June through August

TRIP COST From $4,250 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

Alaska: Journey to Sitka ABOARD A HISTORIC WOODEN MOTOR YACHT

Experience Southeast Alaska’s glacial wilderness in cozy comfort aboard a historic 86-foot wooden vessel that hosts just eight guests. We offer five separate week-long itineraries, each one bringing you to an incredible array of coves, bays, intertidal zones, and remote villages between Sitka, Petersburg, and Juneau. Savor up-close encounters with amazing wildlife, kayak in protected coves, hike in spectacular landscapes, and enjoy the expert insights of our on-board naturalist.

DAYS 1-5 SITKA TO BARANOF SPRINGS After exploring Sitka, come aboard and head toward Baranof Springs. Along the way, watch for foraging bears as you kayak, look for humpback whales, hike to a salmon stream where brown bears feast on returning spawners, meet a village elder at the Tlingit village of Angoon, and visit the Alaska Whale Foundation in Baranof Springs. DAYS 6-8 FREDERICK SOUND / PETERSBURG Enter Frederick Sound, passing a haul-out for Steller sea lions, then hike in the remarkable glacial landscape of the Baird Glacier and to a spectacular lake on Mitkof Island. Arrive in Petersburg on Day 8 and depart.

DATES Multiple departures June through August

TRIP COST From $5,250 Price is per person

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Around the Sea of Okhotsk ABOARD THE SILVER DISCOVERER

A voyage across the remote and seldom visited Sea of Okhotsk offers fantastic wildlife and scenic experiences. The birdwatching is nothing short of spectacular, with huge concentrations that can literally darken the sky at times. Northern fur seals, rare ribbon seals, Steller sea lions, and orcas roam the isolated seascape. And the scenery? The breathtaking volcanoes and sea-filled calderas of Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands! Throughout the journey, you’ll enjoy Zodiac explorations and shore walks with expert guides who share their knowledge of these far-flung natural history paradises.

DAYS 1-7 OTARU, JAPAN / SAKHALIN, SHANTAR, AND MALMINSKIE ISLANDS, RUSSIA Depart Otaru and cruise to Sakhalin Island. Explore Yuzhno- Sakhalinsk, the capital, then enjoy a walk in search of birdlife including Steller sea eagles, Aleutian terns, and Siberian rubythroat. In the Shantar Islands, bearded, ringed, largha, and ribbon seals roam the waters. In the tiny Malminskie Islands, Zodiacs bring you along the shoreline for stunning views of an array of seabirds including several species of auklets and guillemots. DAYS 8-13 OKHOTSK / TALAN ISLAND / KAMCHATKA After exploring Okhotsk, cruise to Talan Island and board Zodiacs in search of harlequin ducks,

goosander, and other birds. On Kamchatka, the Utkholok and Kvachina watersheds are among the most productive and best- protected steelhead rivers on the Peninsula. Three islands form Utashud, where gray whales feed from spring until late December. Petropavlovsk is one of the oldest cities on the peninsula, and you’ll visit a sled-dog kennel where racing sled dogs are kept. DAYS 14-19 KURIL ISLANDS / TYULENIY AND SAKHALIN ISLANDS / OTARU Stretching 800 miles, the volcanic Kuril Islands are one of the richest areas in the world for seabirds. Your explorations include Atlasova and its 6,500-foot-high volcano, Matua, home to one of the Kuril’s most active volcanoes, Yankicha, whose

caldera is accessible only by Zodiac at high tide, and Chirpoy, with its whales, orcas, Steller sea lions, northern fulmars, kittiwakes, and auklets. Crossing the Sea of Okhotsk, arrive at Tyuleniy Island, the summer home to tens of thousands of northern fur seals along with black-footed kittiwakes and tufted puffins. Coming full circle, arrive back at Korsakov on Sakhalin Island, and depart on Day 19 via Otaru. DATES Aug 29-Sep 16, 2017 TRIP COST From $12,550 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES, CALL, EMAIL, OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE!

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The Unexplored Greenland ABOARD LE BORÉAL

Experience the radiant landscapes of Greenland during the spellbinding high Arctic summer. Sail through ice-choked fjords, explore by Zodiac, walk on wild tundra, and look for humpback whales, orcas, narwhals, and possibly even polar bears. You’ll call at remote Greenlandic towns, learn about Norse history and Inuit traditions, round Cape Farewell, Greenland’s southernmost point, and visit stupendous Ilulissat Icefjord in Disko Bay, a World Heritage Site. DAYS 1-3 REYKJAVÍK / EASTERN GREENLAND Explore Reykjavík, then embark and cruise across the Denmark Strait toward the spectacular coastline of eastern Greenland, keeping an eye out for migrating whales and seals resting on ice floes. DAYS 4-11 WESTERN GREENLAND / DISKO BAY Passing Cape Farewell, contour the wild western coast to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, with its brightly painted houses and fantastic cultural museum. At Disko Bay, enjoy the extraordinary spectacle of the Ilulissat Icefjord calving vast blocks of ice into the sea. Disembark in Kangerlussuaq on Day 11. DATES Jul 31-Aug 10, 2017 TRIP COST From $8,480 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq ABOARD THE SILVER EXPLORER Discover Greenland’s magnificent natural beauty as you cruise the rugged eastern coast aboard the Silver Explorer . Travel into deep fjords with massive glaciers and spectacular icebergs, explore by Zodiac to look for whales, and soak in a hot spring amid floating icebergs. You’ll also learn about the ancient cultures of Greenland as you visit Norse and Viking sites and remote Greenlandic towns with vibrant Inuit communities.

DAYS 1-5 REYKJAVÍK / SKJOLDUNGEN / UUNARTOQ Embark and cruise Greenland’s fjord-lined coast. Explore Prince Christian Sound, visit Nanortalik’s Inuit cultural center, and soak in hot springs amid floating icebergs at Uunartoq. DAYS 6-10 QAQORTOQ / HVALSEY / NUUK Watch for orcas and humpback whales, call at picturesque Qaqortoq, with its open-air fish market, then anchor off Hvalsey, home to a 14th century church and Viking ruins. At Nuuk, see the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. Cruise past Maniitsoq’s jagged peaks and disembark in Kangerlussuaq.

TRIP COST From $7,350 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

DATES Aug 22-31, 2017

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Circumnavigation of Iceland ABOARD THE OCEAN DIAMOND

Explore Iceland’s fabled realm of soaring volcanoes, bubbling hot springs, and glittering glaciers. You’ll meet the residents of colorful fishing villages, stroll through archaeological sites that recall the heyday of Viking exploration, visit vast colonies of breeding seabirds, from kittiwakes to puffins, and set out on exciting Zodiac cruises to search for whales and other marine mammals that congregate here in the summer months.

DAYS 1-4 ICELAND’S GOLDEN CIRCLE / FLATEY / LATRABJARG Arrive in Reykjavík and explore Iceland’s scenic Thingvellir National Park, a World Heritage Site, spectacular Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Center, with its huge geothermal field of bubbling mud pools. Board the Ocean Diamond and cruise to quaint Flatey Island and the Latrabjarg cliffs, a breeding ground for millions of seabirds.

DAYS 5-8 VIGUR ISLAND / ÍSAFJÖRDUR / GRÍMSEY ISLAND / MÝVATN Enjoy walks on Vigur Island, with its tiny community, and Ísafjördur, the trading and cultural center of the West Fjords. At Grímsey Island, which sits astride the Arctic Circle, cruise below cliffs to see incredible birdlife including razorbills, fulmars, and puffins, then discover Mývatn, one of Europe’s richest waterfowl breeding areas. On nature walks in stunning

mountains, with options to visit Skalanes Nature Reserve or hike to the magnificent Hengifoss Waterfall. Enjoy Hofn, gateway to Vatnajökull National Park, and at Heimaey Island, visit the Herjolfsdalur Valley, with its farmhouse ruins dating to 650 AD. Here you pass between two volcanoes, one 5,000 years old, the other born only in 1973, and visit a town known as the “Pompeii of the North.” Circumnavigate Surtsey Island, a fire-and-brimstone result of a 1963 undersea eruption, where seals haul out to breed on its shores. Nearly 90 species of migrating birds use the island for rest. Return to Reykjavík, with lunch at the famous Blue Lagoon, and disembark on Day 12. DATES Jun 1-12, 2017 TRIP COST From $8,980 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

Thistilfjord Bay, take in the views from the cliff tops. DAYS 9-12 SEYDISFJÖRDUR / HOFN / HEIMAEY / SURTSEY / REYKJAVIK Cruise along 11-mile- long Seydisfjördur, a showcase of cascading waterfalls and soaring

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES, CALL, EMAIL, OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE!

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Voyage to the Arctic ABOARD THE SEA SPIRIT

Fall under the spell of the Arctic as you cruise into deep fjords, hike to glaciers, and search for whales and polar bears. Look for kittiwakes and puffins and visit age-old settlements on Iceland’s most scenic coastlines. Cruising farther north to Norway, discover the incredible beauty of the Lofoten Islands, the Sami culture of Hammerfest, and the wild beauty of the Svalbard Archipelago, where polar bears roam the pack ice. DAYS 1-5 REYJKAVÍK / SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA / WESTFJORDS / NORWEGIAN SEA Embark and head north into deep fjords, rounding the dramatic Snaefellsnes Peninsula. View the vast cliffside seabird colonies of Latrabjarg, the thundering waterfalls of Westfjords, and visit the quiet fishing town of SiglufjÖrdur. DAYS 6-11 NORWAY’S LOFOTEN ISLANDS / NORDKAPP Reaching the coast of Norway just north of the Arctic Circle, hike to the Engabreen Glacier and cruise to the legendary islands of Lofoten, with their spectacular fjords. Call at Hammerfest, with its indigenous Sami culture, and TromsØ, a trading hub. Finally, reach Nordkapp at the top of Norway.

The Arctic in Focus ABOARD THE SEA SPIRIT

Discover the high Arctic as you cruise the spectacular northwestern Svalbard Archipelago, where plunging fjords are flanked by jagged snow peaks and immense tidewater glaciers. Search the tundra for grazing reindeer and playful Arctic fox, walk in the footsteps of polar explorers, and on Zodiac cruises, look for walrus and whales. The whole Svalbard region is alive with migratory birds, and over it all presides the polar bear, monarch of the north.

DAYS 1-2 LONGYEARBYEN / EMBARK In this fascinating Arctic settlement, board Sea Spirit on Day 2.

DAYS 12-15 SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO / LONGYEARBYEN

Cruise through the high Arctic wilderness of Svalbard and search for polar bears as they hunt for seals along the edge of the pack ice. Disembark on Day 15.

DAYS 3-11 SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO These days will be filled with memorable excursions, presentations by our experts, and stunning

TRIP COST From $7,395 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

DATES Jun 15-29, 2017  

scenery and wildlife. The ship will be taken as close as safely possible to the jumbled edge of the polar ice cap, where polar bears stalk the frozen sea in search of seals. Sail bountiful inshore and offshore waters, home to walrus and whales, and visit Ny Alesund, home to Arctic researchers. Disembark on Day 11 in Longyearbyen.

DATES Jun 28-Jul 8, 2017  

TRIP COST From $5,995 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

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Enticing Douro ABOARD THE AMAVIDA

Portugal’s Douro River elegantly meanders its way through beautiful Port wine countryside, a pristine setting of dramatic gorges, steeply terraced vineyards, and traditional wine farms called quintas . Your journey on this unspoiled river features explorations of the historic cities of Lisbon, Porto, and Spain’s “golden city” of Salamanca, plenty of wine tastings and regional culinary treats, an unforgettable meal at a centuries-old monastery, and much more. DAYS 1-6 LISBON / SINTRA / DOURO RIVER Lisbon is a vibrant city with fantastic architecture, and Sintra is the scenic setting for the extraordinary Pena Palace. Explore the pilgrimage site of Fatima en route to Porto, then board the AmaVida . In Régua, taste Port wines at Quinta do Sexio, then visit the Baroque Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in Lamego. DAYS 7-11 SALAMANCA, SPAIN / PORTO Enjoy a full day tour of Salamanca, followed by a visit to the charming hilltop village of Castelo Rodrigo. At a local quinta , taste traditional Portuguese cuisine and fine wines, and also savor a delicious meal at the 14th century Alpendura Monastery. The cruise ends in Porto, where you’ll explore its 16th century arcaded buildings and Baroque churches before departing on Day 11. DATES Multiple departures weekly, April through November

The Enchanting Rhine ABOARD A PREMIER RIVER VESSEL

This river odyssey brings you along the ancient Rhine to picture-postcard towns, imperial cathedral cities, and famed wine country. Cruising through the legendary Rhine Gorge, with elegant castles dotting every bend in the river, explore the wine-growing village of Rüdesheim, the quaint river town of Speyer, and medieval Strasbourg before disembarking at Basel. The trip ends with two nights in Lucerne and two in Zürich, surrounded by Switzerland’s mountain-and-lake paradise. DAYS 1-5 AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS / HEIDELBERG, GERMANY From Amsterdam, cruise to Cologne, then pass through the beautiful Rhine Gorge, with its terraced vineyards. In Rüdesheim, enjoy wine tasting with a local vintner, then visit medieval Speyer, known for its cathedral and “Old Gate,” and enjoy a half-day excursion to Heidelberg. DAYS 6-12 STRASBOURG, FRANCE / ZURICH, SWITZERLAND Enjoy a canal cruise and walking tour in Strasbourg, and explore the Black Forest, with its charming examples of rural architecture. Or, visit Colmar, with wine tasting in a local cellar. After exploring Basel, depart for Lucerne, a

TRIP COST From $3,849 Cruise-only Cost from $3,099 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

medieval gem with cobbled streets and covered bridges, and depart on Day 12 via Zurich. DATES Multiple departures weekly, March through December

TRIP COST From $4,179

Cruise-only Cost from $2,499 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES, CALL, EMAIL, OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE!

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Melodies of the Danube ABOARD A PREMIER RIVER VESSEL

Travel through four countries on the beautiful Danube and experience the sights and sounds that have inspired musicians, poets, and artists for centuries. Begin your cruise in magnificent Budapest, continue to historic Bratislava and legendary Vienna, the birthplace of the waltz, cruise the scenic wine-growing region of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the fairytale cities of the Austrian Lake District.

DAYS 1-6 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY, TO LINZ, AUSTRIA From Budapest, head to Bratislava for a walking tour, then continue to Vienna and savor its Baroque elegance. Cruise through the gorgeous Wachau Valley to Linz, with options to visit the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov or Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace. DAYS 7-11 PASSAU, GERMANY, TO MUNICH Enjoy a walking tour of Passau, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. Disembark in Vilshofen and continue to Munich, with two full days to enjoy this lively city. Depart on Day 11. DATES Multiple departures weekly, March through December TRIP COST From $3,279 Cruise-only Cost from $2,499 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

Blue Danube Discovery ABOARD A PREMIER RIVER VESSEL

Discover a wealth of art, history, and cultural treasures as you cruise to some of Europe’s most famous destinations. From Budapest, journey to Bratislava, Vienna, Passau, and the 2,000-year-old town of Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and Baroque abbeys, sample Vienna’s sinfully rich sachertorte cake, and experience the breathtaking scenery of the Wachau Valley. DAYS 1-5 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY / VIENNA, AUSTRIA After exploring Budapest, cruise to Bratislava for a walking tour. In Vienna, a panoramic tour brings you past the majestic Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. DAYS 6-13 MELK / PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC A scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley brings you to Melk, a renowned cultural heritage site. Stroll through Passau’s Old Town, then visit medieval Regensburg. Arrive in Nuremberg, then transfer to Prague, whose historic city center is a World Heritage Site. Depart on Day 13.

DATES Multiple departures weekly, April through October

TRIP COST From $4,199 Cruise-only Cost from $2,899 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

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Summer in the Isles ABOARD THE HEBRIDEAN SKY

Forming stepping stones into the Atlantic, Scotland’s Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, and Outer Hebrides offer enormous natural splendor along with an astonishing array of Neolithic archaeological sites, remains of defensive fortresses, and a fascinating human history. Our voyage also takes in the Isle of Man, with its magnificent Castle Rushen, the subtropical gardens of the Isles of Scilly, and the Channel islands of Guernsey and Herm.

DAYS 1-6 ORKNEY AND SHETLAND ISLANDS Embarking in Leith, cruise to the Orkney Islands, with their remarkable prehistoric archaeological sites, and on to the Shetlands, where you’ll discover prolific birdlife and rare Arctic-alpine plants, along with islands that have been inhabited for more than 5,000 years. DAYS 7-13 OUTER HEBRIDES / IRELAND AND WALES Explore the Callanish Standing Stones, dating from 3000 BC, and the Giant’s Causeway near Derry. On the Isle of Man, view the ruins of settlements from the Mesolithic Age, then visit botanical gardens in north Wales, Ireland, and the Isles of Scilly. Explore the tiny isle of

Herm, then depart on Day 13 via Portsmouth.

DATES Aug 17-31, 2017

TRIP COST From ₤5,995 (GBP) Price is per person and depends on cabin type

Portsmouth to Leith ABOARD THE SILVER EXPLORER

Experience the beauty of a British Isles spring! On your voyage through this magnificent realm, discover verdant countryside, stunning cliffs and sea stacks that are home to tens of thousands of nesting birds, and a wealth of human history, from the Neolithic sites of the Orkney Islands to the dramatic tales of the clans of the Scottish Highlands. DAYS 1-6 PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND, TO ISLE OF MAN In the Isles of Scilly, explore renowned Abbey Garden, and in Wales, visit St. David’s Cathedral and Skomer Island, with its large population of breeding seabirds. A tour of Kilkenny Castle is one of your options in Waterford, and you’ll discover Dublin before heading to the Isle of Man for a visit to Castle Rushen. DAYS 7-12 RATHIN ISLAND, IRELAND, TO ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND Explore Rathin’s huge bird colony and the Giant’s Causeway. Heading to Scotland, land on St. Kilda to learn about the human history of the Isles of Skye and Rum. Visit a wealth of prehistoric archaeological sites in the Orkney Islands, and end your journey in Aberdeen. Depart on Day 12 via Leith.

DATES Jun 8-19, 2017

TRIP COST From $6,950

Price is per person and depends on cabin type

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES, CALL, EMAIL, OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE!

16

Baltic Odyssey: Western Itinerary ABOARD THE ISLAND SKY

Explore five distinct countries that speak their own languages, have diverse cultures and cuisines, and yet are united by a single sea: the Baltic. On this voyage, you’ll discover Hanseatic port cities and villages that shelter a wealth of history, and stroll the winding streets of charming ancient towns, including storybook Visby, a World Heritage Site. DAYS 1-6 LONDON / SYLT ISLAND, GERMANY From London, board the Island Sky and cruise down the legendary Thames. Explore the northernmost point of Germany on Sylt Island, and cross the 61-mile-long Kiel Canal. DAYS 7-11 BORNHOLM ISLAND, DENMARK / GDANSK, POLAND / KLAIPEDA, LITHUANIA / GOTLAND ISLAND, SWEDEN Voyage to Hammershus Castle, Scandinavia’s largest medieval fortress, on Bornholm Island. The lively Old Town of Gdansk reveals a magnificent collection of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. In Lithuania, wander Klaipeda’s narrow streets between half-timbered houses and shops, and visit the fascinating Amber Museum. On Gotland Island, the largest island in the Baltic, visit the vibrant city of Visby. Depart on Day 11 via Stockholm.

Baltic Odyssey: Eastern Itinerary ABOARD THE ISLAND SKY

Discover five enchanting countries of the Baltic, known as the great highway of northern Europe, as you explore the cobblestone lanes and medieval walls of Riga, Latvia, and Tallinn, Estonia. You’ll enjoy two full days exploring St. Petersburg, Russia, the Venice of the North, then navigate along verdant islands and rock outcroppings of Finland’s Turku Archipelago. DAYS 1-5 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, TO TALLINN, ESTONIA A short flight from Stockholm brings you to Visby, a charming port city. Tallin is a visual feast of soaring spires, towers, and turrets, and you’ll enjoy exploring its incredibly preserved architecture. DAYS 6-10 ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA / HELSINKI, FINLAND / TURKU In magnificent St. Petersburg, visit the incomparable Hermitage Museum, Peterhof, and other important sites. Stroll through Helsinki’s picturesque Market Square. Visit Turku, Finland’s oldest city and historic capital, and cruise the scenic Turku Archipelago. Depart on Day 11 via Stockholm.

DATES Jul 14-24, 2017

TRIP COST From $6,980

Price is per person and depends on cabin type

DATES Jul 21-30, 2017

TRIP COST From $7,980

Price is per person and depends on cabin type

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Jewels of the Cyclades ABOARD THE GALILEO

Aboard a classic 50-guest motor sailer, unravel the wonders of Greece’s Cyclades, an island group forming a rough circle in the blue Aegean Sea. The sea cliffs of Folegandros, the sacred isle of Delos, breathtaking Santorini, the whitewashed villages of Mykonos—they’re all on this journey, along with fascinating sites of antiquity, hidden coves (great swimming in beautiful bays!), postcard-perfect beaches, a fantastic cuisine born of the sea, and rich cultural diversity. DAYS 1-3 ATHENS / SANTORINI Embark and cruise to the tiny isle of Poliegos, known for its amazing beaches. After a swim and BBQ, sail to Folegandros, where you’ll dine at a traditional Greek taverna. In Santorini, explore Fira, the capital, with an optional excursion to the archaeological excavations at Akrotiti, and visit stunning Oia, known for its breathtaking view over the caldera. DAYS 4-8 DELOS / MYKONOS / SYROS / KYTHNOS Tour the ruins on Delos, Greece’s most sacred island, then stop at one of Mykonos’ beautiful bays for a swim before calling at Mykonos town. On Syros, enjoy its sandy beaches or stroll through town, then head to Kythnos to swim in Kolones Bay. Depart on Day 8 via Athens.

The Adriatic Odyssey ABOARD THE PANORAMA

This seaborne idyll reveals the striking beauty, multi-layered history, and cultural treasures of the enchanting Dalmatian Coast, one of the most spectacular in all the Mediterranean. In Croatia, explore Korcula Island, encircled by medieval walls, and in Montenegro, cruise Kotor Bay, Europe’s southernmost fjord. Taking a swing through the Ionian Sea, you’ll explore legendary Corfu, then discover the World Heritage Site of Butrint in Albania. DAYS 1-4 DUBROVNIK, CROATIA / PAXOS ISLAND, GREECE Embark in Dubrovnik, cruise to Korcula, with its graceful Venetian spires, and go wine tasting in a nearby village. At Bar, Montenegro, your explorations include the romantic mountain town of Cetinje. An overnight cruise brings you to Paxos Island, where you can enjoy a swim and BBQ lunch. DAYS 5-8 CORFU / KOTOR Explore Corfu’s impressive historic center, a World Heritage site, or take a scenic tour through old hilltop villages. Heading to Albania, visit charming Saranda and explore the nearby archaeological site of Butrint. A cruise across the fjord-like Bay of Kotor ends in Kotor, one of the most striking towns along the Dalmatian Coast. Depart on Day 8 via Dubrovnik.

DATES Multiple departures June through September

DATES Multiple departures April through October TRIP COST From $2,290 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

CRUISE COST From $2,350

Price is per person and depends on cabin type

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES, CALL, EMAIL, OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE!

18

Circumnavigation of Sicily ABOARD THE VARIETY VOYAGER

Sicily is an enchanting world all its own, and your circumnavigation of this beautiful island reveals its many wonders. Explore stunning Greek and Roman ruins, marvel at exquisite mosaics in ancient cathedrals, cruise past still-active Stromboli Volcano at sunset, walk on the slopes of Mt. Etna, and see the incredible Roman mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale. You’ll also enjoy wine tastings and attend a cooking demonstration of authentic dishes with a local chef.

DAYS 1-8 VALLETTA, MALTA / AGRIGENTO / SELINUNTE / ERICE / SEGESTA / PALERMO / CEFALÙ Fly to Valletta, Malta, embark, and cruise to

for the Stromboli “fireworks” as darkness falls. Heading to 9,500-foot-high Mt. Etna, reach the main crater at 9,000 feet, with the opportunity for a short hike. A walking tour of charming Taormina includes the 3rd century Greco-Roman theater. Heading inland to Piazza Armerina, view the superb Roman mosaics in the Villa Romana del Casale. Highlights of Siracusa include the Roman amphitheater of Augustus, the Ear of Dionysius (a limestone grotto with an extraordinary echo), the massive 15,000- seat Greek theater, and the Piazza Duomo, built around the ancient Temple of Minerva. Depart on Day 13 via Valletta.

Doric temple. In Palermo, tour the fabled Monreale Cathedral, whose interior is covered with dazzling gold-leafed mosaics, and stroll through Palermo’s picturesque

Agrigento for a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples, dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries BC. At the sprawling 7th century BC site of Selinunte, visit the Sanctuary of Demetra Malophoros and the Acropolis. Step ashore in the thriving fishing port of Trapani, then

streets graced with Baroque churches and domed Arab mosques. A walking tour of Cefalù includes the splendid Norman-Arab cathedral, famous for its glittering Byzantine mosaics. DAYS 9-13 LIPARI, AEOLIAN ISLANDS / MT. ETNA / TAORMINA / SIRACUSA Explore

head to Erice, a charming village perched on a mountaintop with stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Alternatively, visit the ruins of Segesta, home to a magnificent

Lipari’s impressive 16th century fort, built upon the ruins of an ancient Greek acropolis, then cruise past active Stromboli Island’s volcano at sunset, with the chance to watch

DATES Sep 26-Oct 8, 2017

TRIP COST From $8,980

Price is per person and depends on cabin type

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Seychelles Cruise in the Garden of Eden ABOARD THE PEGASUS

Discover the idyllic tropical archipelago of the Seychelles in the best way possible: by yacht! Hop from island to island in perfect harmony with this unspoiled Indian Ocean realm, a natural paradise. Snorkel or dive to discover a colorful underwater world, swim at powder-white beaches fringing cobalt seas, and search for indigenous fauna and flora as you hike in centuries-old rainforests.

Port Louis to Mahé ABOARD THE SILVER DISCOVERER

DAYS 1-5 ST. ANNE TO VALLÉE DE MAI Embark and sail to St. Anne for an ocean swim, then visit Curieuse Island, home to giant land tortoises. On Cousin Island, visit a bird sanctuary where over 250,000 birds breed, then sail to Anse Lazio on Praslin Island to savor one

This voyage combines magical experiences with wellness and leisure as you cruise through mangrove-covered limestone islands with stunning wildlife above and below the water. Discover the unique lemur species of Madagascar, enjoy birding on Aride Island, relax on secluded beaches, and spend two days exploring Aldabra in the Seychelles, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that Jacques Cousteau considered the “last unprofaned sanctuary on this planet.” DAYS 1-8 PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS / LA POSSESSION, RÉUNION / TOAMASINA, MADAGASCAR From Port Louis, cruise to remote Réunion to visit the central highlands and volcano “La Fournaise.” In Madagascar, visit Masoala, Nosy Mangabe, and Maroansetra as you spend your days exploring forests filled with rare, endemic species and pristine shores with unspoiled golden beaches. DAYS 9-15 ALDABRA, SEYCHELLES / ST. JOSEPH ATOLL / ARIDE AND CURIEUSE ISLANDS / MAHÉ In the Seychelles, discover the enchantments of Aldabra, a haven of wildlife including giant tortoises, before heading to St. Joseph Atoll, whose lagoon is home to a massive population of stingrays. Aride and Curieuse are a birdwatcher’s paradise. Depart on Day 15 via Mahé.

of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Hike on Aride Island to look for Wright’s gardenia, found nowhere else on earth, and bird species including Audubon’s shearwater and the Seychelles warbler. Sail to St. Pierre Island for snorkeling and swimming, then to Baie St. Anne, Praslin, to visit the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a World Heritage Site. With luck, you may see rare black parrots here. DAYS 6-8 LA DIGUE TO MAHÉ Explore La Digue, a quaint community where ox-drawn carts and bicycles outnumber cars, and swim off the pink sand beach at Anse Source d’ Argent. Enjoy a tour and beach barbecue on privately owned Moyenne Island, a nature reserve, and visit Mahé’s Victoria Port. Disembark on Day 8.

DATES Weekly Saturday departures, year- round TRIP COST From $2,290 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

DATES Jan 16-30, 2017

TRIP COST From $9,650 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES, CALL, EMAIL, OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE!

20

Papua New Guinea Explorer ABOARD THE SPIRIT OF ENDERBY

In remote Papua New Guinea, you’ll snorkel in some of the world’s best coral reefs systems, walk through untouched rainforests, and gain cultural insights through interactions with the locals. From the volcanic region of Rabaul, visit the Trobriand Islands, called the “Islands of Love,” explore pristine Louisiade Archipelago and unspoiled D’Entrecasteaux Islands, with countless species of marine and bird life. Cap off the voyage in the picturesque town of Madang, a diver’s haven.

watching on Tagula Island, home of the endemic Tagula honeyeater and white- chinned myzomelo. DAYS 7-10 D’ENTRECASTEAUX ISLANDS / DOBU / TUFI FJORDS / KAMIALI Spend two full days exploring this unique island group, from the highlands of Mt. Lamanai to the protected harbor at Sewa Bay. Highlights include the geothermal area, with its hot springs and bubbling mud pools surrounded by lush vegetation,

spectacular views of Tufi Fjords (the only fjords in Papua New Guinea) as you cruise by Zodiac. Walk in the surrounding rainforest to look for the world’s largest butterfly, the Queen Alexandra bird wing. A special visit brings you to the prehistoric rainforest of Kamiali, and, with luck, you may spot the iconic Raggiana bird-of- paradise. DAYS 11-13 ARAWE ISLANDS / TUAM ISLAND / UMBOI ISLAND / MADANG Cruise past white

DAYS 1-3 KOKOPO / RABAUL, PAPUA NEW GUINEA / JACQUINOT BAY Explore the welcoming port town of Rabaul, surrounded by six beautiful cone-shaped volcanoes, then board the ship and set sail for Jacquinot Bay. DAYS 4-6 TROBRIAND ISLANDS / NARUTU ISLAND / LOUISIADE ARCHIPELAGO / TAGULA ISLAND In the lovely Trobriand Islands, watch traditional dances that celebrate fishing and the seasonal yam harvest. These islanders are renowned for the exquisite ebony wood-carvings, often decorated with mother-of-pearl shell inlays. Snorkel amid a kaleidoscope of coral reefs full of brilliantly- hued fish, then head to the enchanting Louisiade Archipelago for excellent land and sea excursions, including fantastic bird

limestone cliffs up the Pulie River. In riverside villages, watch locals perform their traditional welcome dances and savor warm hospitality before joining a nature walk and enjoying snorkeling at Umboi Island. In Madang, set on a

and a visit to a small village on Dobu Island

with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants. Take in the

peninsula within one of the South Pacific’s most beautiful harbors, explore the amazing diversity of wildlife, with optional diving excursions, before returning to the city to visit the vibrant markets. Depart on Day 13.

DATES Apr 17-29, 2017

TRIP COST From $6,500 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

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Incredibly on the Ganges ABOARD THE BENGAL GANGA

Revered by millions, the holy Ganges River is the spiritual heart of the ancient land of India. Aboard the Bengal Ganga , a comfortable 28-cabin vessel reminiscent of the colonial river steamers of the British era, enjoy a vivid cultural experience, with highlights including the ornate palaces of Mughal capitals, the Buddhist pilgrim site of Bodhgaya, and the evocative riverside ghats at Varanasi. Reverse departures are also offered.

DAYS 1-5 KOLKATA / SAMTAGHAT Embarking in Kolkata (Calcutta), head upriver and explore the old temple town of Kalna, the brass-making village of Matiari, and the fascinating 19th century Hazarduari Palace Museum. A journey on the feeder canal to the Farakka Lock Gate gives you a chance to see a myriad of birdlife. DAYS 6-12 SAMTAGHAT / VARANASI Visit Vikramashila, a Buddhist university established in the 8th century, and Nalanda, perhaps the oldest seat of learning in India, and explore Rajgir’s fine complex of temples

and monasteries. Head to Bodhgaya, where the Buddha gained enlightenment, then enjoy the cultural whirl of Varanasi, with its golden temples, ashrams, and burning ghats . Witness a candle-lit evening aarti ceremony on the Ganges and visit Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Depart on Day 12.

DATES Multiple departures October through March

TRIP COST From $7,295 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

Golden Treasures of Myanmar ABOARD THE AMAPURA

On this wonderful tropical journey, cruise up the fabled Irrawaddy River from Yangon to Bagan, visiting sacred sites, traditional villages, craftsmen’s workshops, and Buddhist monasteries. Enjoy a full-day tour of Bagan and its rich collection of stupas, temples, and pagodas, take in the stunning view from atop Mt. Popa, and visit the Golden City of Mandalay, with its fascinating markets and monuments, before returning to Yangon for a final overnight.

DAYS 11-14 SAGAING / MINGUN / MANDALAY Explore Sagaing, with its hundreds of monasteries, and Mingun’s Pathodawgyi Pagoda. In Mandalay, walk up Mandalay Hill and visit Shwenandaw Monastery. Depart on Day 14.

DAYS 1-3 YANGON / EMBARK In Mynamar’s former royal capital, visit the bustling Sule Pagoda, the Bogyoke Aung San Market, and the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda. On Day 3, travel to Pyay and embark. DAYS 4-10 MT. POPA / BAGAN Climb Mt. Popa, and in Bagan, one of the world’s most inspiring archeological sites, join in a candle- lighting ceremony with monks and watch sunset from atop a temple.

DATES Multiple departures September through April

TRIP COST From $5,339 Cruise-only Cost from $4,499

Price is per person and depends on cabin type

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES, CALL, EMAIL, OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE!

22

Vietnam, Cambodia & the Riches of the Mekong ABOARD THE AMADARA

Explore Hanoi, Vietnam’s ancient capital, enjoy an overnight in breath- taking Halong Bay, and fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, for three days amid the wonder of Angkor Archaeological Park, a World Heritage Site. Begin your Mekong cruise at Tonle Sap Lake and visit rural vil- lages, floating markets, and a Buddhist monastery. After an overnight in Phnom Penh, fly to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) for a two-night stay. Reverse departures are also offered.

DAYS 1-3 HANOI, VIETNAM / HALONG BAY In Hanoi, visits include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the elegant Temple of Literature, and the infamous prison known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” and you’ll explore by rickshaw in the Old Quarter. Spend an overnight aboard a traditional wooden junk to savor the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay, a World Heritage Site. DAYS 4-6 HANOI / SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, gateway to Angkor, one of the most renowned archaeological sites in the world. Highlights include Angkor Thom, the newly restored Baphuon Temple, Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Travel through the rural countryside to visit the pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei, the “jewel of Khmer art,” and return to Siem Reap to savor the most iconic of all Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat. Your river cruise brings you to the lakeside wetlands along the Tonle Sap River to see the stunning birdlife, then to Koh Chen village and its artisan workshops. Explore Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia, with a special visit to a monastery, and in Kampong Tralach, ride an oxcart through the rice paddies. Arrive in Phnom Penh on Day 9 for an afternoon walking tour. DAYS 7-9 TONLE SAP LAKE / EMBARKATION / RIVER CRUISE

DAYS 10-15 PHNOM PENH / TAN CHAU, VIETNAM / CAI BE / SAIGON (HO CHI MINH CITY) After an excursion to Cambodia’s Killing Fields, enjoy the highlights of charming Phnom Penh, famous for its French colonial architecture, busy cafés, and colorful nightlife. Cruise the Mekong River to enter Vietnam on Day 11. In Tan Chau, take a trishaw ride around town or enjoy a boat ride on the Mekong to a small village. Visit Sa Dec, the town where

French writer Marguerite Duras spent many years in her youth. Visit a colorful local market, and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras’ Chinese paramour. Make an excursion to Xeo Quyt, once used as a base during the French and U.S. wars and now an important ecological site. A local boat will take you to Cai Be’s spectacular floating market. Disembark in Saigon on Day 14, explore the city, and depart on Day 15.

DATES Weekly departures year round

TRIP COST From $4,498 Cruise-only Cost from $2,299 Price is per person and depends on cabin type

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