The Pacific Ring of Fire, a fascinating natural world that people rarely experience, will bring new surprises every day – for example, right at the beginning of this expedition when you discover the Japanese volcanic island of Rishiri.

The island of Sakhalin in the Sea of Okhotsk marks the border between Japan and Russia. Korsakov is steeped in history: there used to be a penal colony here, which gained literary notoriety thanks to Anton Chekhov. Nowadays this isolated area is home to an impressive range of wildlife: Tyuleny means “isle of seals” and, as the name suggests, it is home to a large number of fur seals and Steller sea lions.

The Kuril Islands extend over 1,200 km (746 mi.) in the Pacific Ocean. Overgrown mountain peaks shimmer through the mist. Spray thunders against steep cliffs. Time and again, the landscape will take your breath away – for example, when you reach the interior of the steep caldera on Yankicho (Ushishir) by Zodiac, weather permitting. The highest volcano of the Kuril Islands rises up on Atlasova; behind it the coast of the Ptichiy Islands spreads out before you. With a bit of luck, you will see seals and sea otters in the kelp forests.

Mighty volcanoes, geysers and great forests: Kamchatka offers a landscape of monumental dimensions. Your route is adjusted daily according to the weather and the expected sightings – for example, so that you can land at Tikhirka Bay and discover the stunning natural scenery. The Zodiacs turn even the Chazma salmon river into expedition territory. Will the Kamchatka brown bear put in an appearance here? Keep a constant lookout for bears and Steller’s sea eagles – for example, at the mouth of the Zhupanova River. To marvel at the volcanic landscape from a bird’s-eye view, take off from Petropavlovsk on a helicopter flight to the Valley of Geysers*, which formed 20,000 years ago. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is shaped by columns of water that shoot up every minute and steaming sulphur springs. The flight to Nalychevo Nature Park* also promises breathtaking panoramas and the opportunity to bathe in the wilderness upon arrival. A hike up the Avacha volcano* will reward you with fantastic views of the dramatic landscape.

At the point where the North American Plate and Pacific Plate meet, you will explore one of the most exciting expedition territories of all time: the Aleutian Islands. Experience the exceptional beauty of the island chain in the Bering Sea fully from the many open deck spaces or on exciting shore visits. Marvel at the seabird colonies off Kiska Island from the spirit Walk at the very front of your expedition ship, for example. Go ashore with your experts to trace the history of Adak Island, a former military base that is now practically a ghost town. Things get a little livelier as you cruise off Chagulak Island in the company of thousands of petrels. With a little luck, you’ll spot orcas and humpback whales on your flexible route through the tangled maze of the Aleutian Islands. Learn about the history of Russian America, as Alaska was called until the mid 19th century, in Dutch Harbor on Unalaska Island. A hike with your experts on Popof Island takes you into the home of bison.

When you arrive on the Alaska Peninsula, meet the locals and gain insights into the life of the residents in the small fishing town of Chignik. Your expedition slowly draws to an end as you cruise off Kak Island. You’ll have another chance to see Steller sea lions and horned puffins on the cliffs that are home to many birds. The wonders of a wilderness that will remain vivid in your memory for a long time to come.