Passage
through Siberia
A river cruise along the mighty River Lena to the Arctic aboard the MS Mikhail Svetlov
18th August to 2nd SEPTEMBER 2015
Scottintsy
T
he vast untouched regions of Siberia offer a unique travel experience
for the genuine traveller. The scarcity of roads and railways means
that the most common method of transportation is by river. The Lena,
one of the mightiest rivers in the Russian Federation, flows through the
Yakutia-Sakha Republic in north-east Siberia into the Arctic Ocean.
During this unique river cruise we will sail through unspoiled natural
scenery, taking a short detour to the Lena Pillars National Park before
continuing downstream to where the river meets the Arctic Ocean at the
polar harbour of Tiksi before heading back to Yakutsk.
From the comfort of your floating hotel, the MS Mikhail Svetlov, you
will see the landscape slowly change from verdant taiga to polar tundra
and enjoy the magical “white nights” in a place where the sun barely
sets in summer. One of the most fascinating aspects of the cruise will
be the opportunity to visit the people in riverside settlements along the
way. Their culture, lifestyle and language will be a constant source of
wonder especially their ability to thrive in the most hostile of environments. During the cruise there will be a
series of fascinating onboard lectures on the former USSR, icon painting, relations between Russia and her
neighbours and Russia’s great rivers.
Itinerary Highlights
• “White nights” in the Arctic Circle
• The legendary Lena Pillars
• Unspoiled tundra and taiga scenery
• The Lena River Delta and the Arctic Ocean
• Ethnographical open-air museum in Sottintsy
• Authentic folklore performances
Yakutian Children
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Tundra Wildflowers
Day 9 Tiksi. Today we will see the first ice floes,
evidence that we are approaching the Arctic
Ocean. In the morning you will learn about the
customs and traditions of the peoples of the Far
North and around lunch time we will slowly enter
Neelov Bay. After a walk across the barren tundra
we visit the port city of Tiksi, the northern-most
point on this cruise where we visit the polar
museum.
Day 10 Lena Delta. Today we sail through
the Lena River Delta, admiring its countless
tributaries, channels, lakes and over 1,500 islands
of varying sizes.
Day 11 Mouth of the Siktyakh River. In the late
afternoon, we arrive at the mouth of the Siktyakh
River, where you will visit a small settlement and
learn about the simple life of a fishing family in
the Arctic region. In the afternoon you will hear
the fairy tales and legends of the peoples of the
Far North.
Day 12 Out of the Arctic Circle. The Arctic
The Lena Pillars National Park
Circle is located at latitude 66°33’44. Today will
be the second time we cross this line and in the
afternoon there will be a King Neptune festival to
Day 5 Cruising. Today we arrive in central Yakutia,
celebrate.
a region characterised by numerous lakes and
Reindeer
marshes. The Lena is up to 20 metres deep here
Day 13 The 40 Islands. After leaving behind the
and the river bed significantly widens, causing the
expansive river delta, you will sail by the mouths
river to split into many different streams. From
of the Vilyuy and Aldan Rivers. Between Zhigansk
the ship’s deck you will also be able to enjoy
and the mouth of the Vilyuy there lies a natural
magnificent views.
boundary, the 40 islands. In fact, there are far
more than 40 islands here and the views are truly
The Itinerary
Day 6 Mouth of the Vilyuy River. Today we reach
Day 1 London to Yakutsk. Fly by scheduled flight
on the left bank of the Lena. Enjoy a picnic on the
Day 14 Cruising. Today we sail along one of
via Moscow to Yakutsk.
banks of the river and try some Ukha fish soup.
the loveliest stretches on the Lena. Weather
Day 2 Yakutsk. Arrive in Yakutsk this morning
Day 7 Zhigansk. Today we enter the Arctic Circle
where you will be welcomed by your tour guides
and visit the first settlement inside it, Zhigansk.
and escorted to your centrally located hotel for
This small rural town is home to 3,000 people,
Day 15 Sottintsy. Around lunchtime we moor
an overnight stay. After breakfast, join a city tour
who hunt, fish and breed livestock for a living. We
at Sottintsy. Join the excursion to the Druzhba
and visit the fascinating Mammoth Museum and
visit the local cultural and historical museum and
open-air Ethnographic Museum. This evening join
the Permafrost Institute. This evening join your
typical Yakutian wooden huts.
your fellow travellers for the Captain’s Farewell
spectacular.
the mouth of the Vilyuy River, the longest tributary
depending, we will walk along the banks of a wild
river. Later enjoy a typical Yakutian barbecue.
fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at the hotel
cocktails and dinner.
followed by a performance by a group of Yakutian
Day 8 Kyusyur. In the afternoon we arrive in
artists.
Kyusyur, a small settlement inside the Arctic Circle.
Day 16 Yakutsk to London. Disembark after
The men here breed reindeer, while the women
breakfast and transfer to the airport for your
Day 3 Yakutsk. Today we visit the Treasures of
create clothing decorated with fur and beads. In
return scheduled flight to London via Moscow.
the Sakha Republic museum and the Museum of
this idyllic setting we will enjoy a performance by
Archaeology and Ethnography. Before transferring
local musicians.
to the MS Mikhail Svetlov for embarkation. Settle
into your cabin as we cast off heading upstream
towards the Lena Pillars.
Day 4 Lena Pillars. This morning we reach the
Lena Pillars National Park with its impressive rock
pillars measuring up to 200 metres in height.
Take part in a shamanic welcome ceremony with
ritualistic dancing and traditional purification rites.
The ship will then set a course northward and
head downstream.
Prices per person based on double occupancy CAT
CABIN DESCRIPTION
DOUBLE
OCCUPANCY
SOLE
OCCUPANCY
1
Main deck twin cabin
£5695
£6995
2
Boat deck twin cabin
£6195
N/A
Price includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, overnight hotel accommodation in Yakutsk, 13 nights
aboard the MS Mikhail Svetlov on full board basis, shore excursions, tour manager, airport taxes, port taxes,
transfers, gratuities to local guides, drivers and porters.
Not included: Travel insurance, visa.
NB: Ports subject to change. Water levels may affect the itinerary.
+44 (0)20 7752 0000
Cabin
Restaurant
MS Mikhail Svetlov
or this unique exploration of the Lena River we are working with Lernidee, our German associates and the
MS Mikhail Svetlov which accommodates 136 passengers and is perfectly suited for navigation of the Lena River.
Your Cabin
Life Onboard
All cabins are equipped with comfortable
furniture and measure approximately 10.66
square metres (single cabins 6.8 square metres),
have individually controlled air conditioning/
heating and are appointed with a wardrobe,
chest of drawers, table, chair and sofa. Cabins
also feature a private en-suite shower and toilet
facilities. There is a large picture window in each
cabin and all sleeping quarters are equipped with
two-pin electrical outlets.
There is a diverse programme of onboard
activities including various small exhibitions
to familiarise you with the peoples of the Far
North and their handicrafts, famous icons, and
Russian authors and composers. There will also
be a series of fascinating presentations on topics
such as the Cossacks’ conquest of Siberia, Arctic
Ocean expeditions, life on the Lena today and
in Soviet times, and the taiga and tundra in
addition to Russian language classes. You will
also have the chance to experience food and
drink specialities of the region, enjoy a traditional
Siberian teatime, local delicacies and of course,
caviar and vodka.
OPEN AIR GALLERY
CINEMA
201
203
200
205
HALL
202
207
204
209
206
208
211
212
210
215
216
214
213
219
220
218
217
223
224
222
221
227
228
226
225
231
229
230
233
234
CONCERT HALL
232
BOAT DECK
Your Dining
MAIN DECK
CATEGORY 1
107
105
103
101
106
104
102
100
109
108
113
112
111
115
114
110
119
118
116
117
123
122
120
121
127
126
125
131
129
128
133
RESTAURANT
130
SALON
132
The spacious restaurant in located on the Main
Deck and serves a combination of local and
international dishes and tea and coffee are
included with your meals. Special requests can
be catered for, please let us know at the time you
make your booking.
Lounge
SUN DECK
135
There is plenty of space to relax onboard and
admire the passing scenery. There is a panoramic
salon where you can relax with a book, play
chess, socialise with fellow travellers or simply
admire the picturesque surroundings of the Lena
river and its banks from the comfortable armchairs. There is also a spacious sun deck. The
reception is conveniently located and manned at
all times as is the onboard medical centre.
137
Your Space
124
F
CATEGORY 2
2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE
+44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk
All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request.
Cover image: The Lena River’s Unspoilt Natural Landscape.
SPA
H