DETAILED ITINERARY TOUR NAME Kamchatka Critters and Craters TOUR DURATION 7 days / 6 nights MINIMUM TRAVELLERS 6 people* REGIONS VISITED Kamchatka START CITY END CITY Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky SEASON June-August TOUR CATEGORY Combination tour, Summer season EXPERIENCES ON TOUR SCENIC FLIGHTS WILDLIFE WATCHING HIKING YAHTING& SAILING QUAD BIKING FISHING LOCAL ETHNIC LIFE TRADITIONAL FOOD TOUR OVERVIEW The very name Kamchatka is enough to stir the soul of the most intrepid adventurer. Few other places can create such a profound sense of stepping back in time and leaving civilisation far behind. Millions of years of volcanic activity have carved Kamchatka into a place of strangely prehistoric, undulating landscapes. Seen from the air, stark lava fields, gaping craters and mountainous tundra contrast with lush forests and shimmering lakes and rivers and the endless blue depths of the Pacific Ocean. With no roads or railways connecting it to the outside world, it s no surprise that Kamchatka is a haven for wildlife. This tour will get you closer than you ever imagined to the wild inhabitants of the peninsula. Kamchatka is one of the few places where you can walk among brown bears as they fish for salmon in the rivers. You ll also cruise along the Pacific coast to discover a spectacular abundance of marine mammals and birds. Climb to the summit of Avachinsky volcano, stroll through the Valley of Geyers and see Kamchatka s most spectacular natural monuments by helicopter. You won t go without your creature comforts though we wind down each day at a luxurious spa resort surrounded by Kamchatka s hot springs. DAY 1 Our group meet at the airport where we are introduced to our tour leader before transferring to Paratunka, a health resort zone 30km from the capital of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Our home base on this tour is the opulent 5 star Russo-Balt North Adventures, a boutique spa resort surrounded by nature and the healing thermal waters of Kamchatka s hot springs. Spend the day relaxing in and around the secluded resort and soak in the stunning geothermal outdoor pool. _, _, _. * Price may very for less then 6 travelers
DAY 2 Our Kamchatka adventure begins in earnest with a spectacular scenic flight to the Valley of Geysers. This iconic attraction is regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of Russia, renowned for its strange beauty and isolated grandeur. Approximately 90 geyers are scattered over 6km, making it the second largest concentration of geysers on earth. The geyers periodically erupt with dramatic jet streams that spurt high into the air. On the way, we soar over the summits of two active volcanoes before landing in the valley for an hour long trek. Trekkers follow a series of elevated boardwalks for safety, passing bubbling hot springs and seething steam vents. Our helicopter tour continues with a breathtaking flight over the enormous Uzon caldera. We re able to land in the caldera and wander through an ethereal landscape of mineral lakes, steam pillars and mud pots. Our final stop on the helicopter door is the Dzendzur tourist complex on the banks of the Zhupanova River. Bathe in the hot springs and enjoy a delicious lunch before our afternoon flight back. DAY 3 This morning an all-terrain 6X6 car will take us on a 2 hour drive to the foot of Mount Avachinsky, one of Kamchatka s most active volcanoes today is your chance to climb it! We convene at the Kamchatintour tourist base for a briefing and morning tea before beginning our ascent. Reaching the summit (2,751m) is not difficult and takes most groups around 9 hours there and back. No climbing equipment is necessary. Getting to the top is immensely rewarding incredible views of the surrounding peaks and the Avacha River open up before you, and the crater is filled with hardened lava shadowed by the rising clouds of fumaroles. Upon our descent, we return to base camp for a rest before heading back to the resort. DAY 4 This morning we transfer to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky sea port for an unforgettable day cruising the waters of Russkaya Bay. The bay is regarded as one of the most scenic areas in the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and is rich in marine and bird life. We board a comfortable modern motor cruiser to take us around the bay in style, with our own chef on board to provide us with a sumptuous lunch and sunset dinner and drinks. As we cruise, be on the lookout for the wild inhabitants of the bay whales, killer whales, sea lions and sea otters sunbathing on the rocks. You ll have the opportunity to fish in the pristine Pacific waters, targeting flat fish, greenling, bullhead, sea perch and halibut. During the tour, a local professional diver will bring gifts from the sea floor. Be sure to try the local delicacy, fresh sea urchin eggs!
DAY 5 Today we travel by helicopter to Kamchatka s most revered lake, the magnificent Lake Kurilskoye in the south of the peninsula. This extraordinary place hosts Kamchatka s largest salmon spawning event, attracting about 2 million fish every summer. Our helicopter lands in the heart of bear territory for a once-in-a-lifetime experience getting up close and personal with enormous Kamchatka brown bears. You ll hike with an experienced armed ranger to a number of watch towers built to observe the bears as they swim, play and fish for salmon in the shallow waters of the lake. Next, we fly to Khodutka hot springs for lunch and a relaxing afternoon bathing in the Goryachaya River. The hot springs are located in the crater of a volcanic explosion and set against a panoramic mountain backdrop. DAY 6 This morning we journey to the ethnic Koryak village of Kainyran using one of Kamchatka s most popular forms of transport the quad bike. These brawny machines are great fun and able to conquer Kamchatka s rugged terrain with surprising ease. We start with introductory lessons and a safety briefing before the 3 hour drive to the village s cultural centre. On arrival, we ll witness a colourful Koryak dance performance in traditional dress (participation optional!) Hear some of the local legends, ride horses in the countryside around the village and taste an authentic Koryak dish, oukha (hot fish soup). From here we transfer to Ozerki hot springs. The springs contain trace amounts of radon which is said to help boost the immune system. After a soothing hot soak in the springs, reinvigorate yourself by plunging into the frigid waters of the neighbouring underground lake an intense sensation which the locals love! DAY 7 After breakfast, we depart for Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Airport, leaving faraway Kamchatka behind and returning with an incredible tale to tell. B, _, _.
ACCOMMODATION ON TOUR SPA RETREAT «RUSSO-BALT NORTH ADVENTURES» Russo-Balt North Adventures Kamchatka is a five star spa resort, designed for the secluded relaxation of a small number of guests. All the luxury amenities of a modern spa retreat are provided, yet the surreal Kamchatkan landscapes that surround the resort create a sublime sense of seclusion and exoticism unlike anywhere else on earth. The healing thermal springs of Kamchakta are integral to the resort the living waters of Kamchatka s volcanoes rejuvenate the skin and help restore health and wellbeing. Russo-Balt North Adventures offers seven luxurious two bedroom apartments, each with a private furnished terrace, a thermal plunge pool and elegant open plan interiors appointed in wood and stone. Whatever the weather, you can dive into the stunning open-air pool, filled with geothermal water of volcanic origin. A menu of sumptuous spa and beauty treatments are available for guests, all making use of Kamchatka s natural bounty, including curative muds, wild herbs and sea urchin caviar. No five star retreat is complete without exceptional cuisine, and the wholesome, natural and uniquely Kamchatkan food on offer is sure to awaken your hunger for adventure.
INCLUSIONS WHAT'S INCLUDED Highest quality selected accommodation Most meals All experiences in the detailed itinerary Helicopter scenic flights Entry fees to attractions and sightseeing Private transport on tour Group airport transfers English speaking guide Registration fee NOT INCLUDED International flights Alcoholic drinks Optional, Spa Items of personal nature Souvenirs Luggage porters Visa fees Insurance Airport Taxes Tips SUMMARY ACCOMODATION, TRANSPORT ANDAND MEALS SUMMARY ACCOMODATION, TRANSPORT MEALS TRANSPORT Privat car Helicopter Quadb bikes ACCOMODATION 6 nights at the «Russo-Balt North Adventures» SPA retreat in Paratunka 6 breakfasts 6 lunches 0 dinners MEALS WHAT TO KNOW VISAS AND PERMITS All foreigners require a valid Russian visa to visit Russia for tourist purposes. For most travellers, a tourist visa (single or double entry and valid for a maximum of 30 days from date of entry) is sufficient. Getting a Russian visa involves 3 steps: Invitation, Application and Registration. The simplest, most comprehensive online guide to getting a Russian visa is here: www.waytorussia.net This website will talk you through the process step-by-step, and you ll be able to purchase your Invitation letter and download the Russian visa application form from here. You ll need to deliver your invitation letter, visa application form, passport (with six months or more validity) and two passport-sized photos sized (3.5*4.5) mm to your nearest Russian consulate, either by post or in person.
INSURANCE You must have medical travel insurance to travel with 56th Parallel. You ll need to supply details of your travel insurance policy to your tour group leader before embarking on your Siberian adventure. It s extremely important that your chosen policy covers all aspects of the trip you re undertaking. We recommend contacting your insurance provider for advice if you re not sure which policy to take out. LOCAL TOUR LEADERS 56th Parallel employ local Siberian tour leaders, guides and drivers. This way, we re able to provide much-needed jobs within Siberia s fledgling tourism industry, while our guests benefit from our guides intimate knowledge of the regions we visit. All our key staff are English speaking, and we absolutely encourage you to engage them with your questions and cultural comparisons. A great rapport with your tour leader goes a long way to making your holiday experience truly memorable. TIPPING Tipping of guides, drivers and hotel/restaurant staff is up to your discretion. While it s not considered compulsory in Siberia, a tip of 5-10% is reasonable if you re happy with the service provided. Tipping is common in restaurants and makes up a significant part of the take-home pay for wait staff. RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL At 56th Parallel we are firm believers in sustainable tourism and responsible travel. Our tours and tour leaders are committed to an environmentally and culturally sensitive approach to visiting wilderness areas and local communities. Please visit our Sustainable Tourism page (http://www.56thparallel.com/we_travel/sustainable-tourism) for more information. ABOUT THIS INFORMATION All information here is provided in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, our itineraries and accommodation sometimes have to be adjusted according to booking availabilities, weather conditions and other factors. We do our best to keep all the information on our website and information kits up-to-date, but please be aware that things can change at the last minute. We encourage you to contact our customer service team if there s anything you need to be sure of we re always happy to help!