An Expedition to the Easternmost Point of Eurasia

Today, the vessel will sail across Anadyr Bay. On board, you’ll attend lectures by researchers, watch documentary and feature films, and visit the bridge. You’ll meet the captain, who will share stories about the vessel’s history and voyages across the world’s oceans. You’ll also visit the engine room — the heart of the ship — and learn how the vessel operates.

In the lounge, you’ll find books on the region and expedition-themed topics, as well as board games, and have a chance to get to know your fellow travelers. From the open decks, you can watch seabirds and marine mammals that often accompany the vessel as it sails between destinations.

On this day, you will land on Yttygran Island to visit the unique monument of ancient Yupik culture – Whale Bone Alley, a sanctuary made of whale skulls and bones embedded in the ground. Researchers believe it was created no later than the 16th century.

In Gilmimyl Bay, you will wander through the blooming tundra and take a dip in hot springs, where over 150 thermal water outlets can be found. Afterwards, you will return to the vessel and sail to Penkigney Bay. There, aboard Zodiac boats, you will search for gray and bowhead whales, getting close enough to see their water spouts.

Next, you will visit the village of Yanrakynnot, located on a hill overlooking the Senyavin Strait, near the mouth of the Marich River. In the surrounding area, you will visit the Whale Graveyard, where hundreds of massive bones stand as a testament to traditional Chukchi whaling practices.

Today, you will reach the easternmost point of mainland Russia and all of Eurasia – Cape Dezhnev. On clear days, you can see Alaska from here, just 86 km away across the Bering Strait.

You will visit a lighthouse monument dedicated to Semyon Dezhnev, who discovered the Bering Strait and proved that America was a separate continent. The actual tip of Eurasia lies 12 km from the monument. Like Dezhnev in 1648, you will not disembark at the cape itself, as it is surrounded by sheer cliffs.

Next, you will visit the village of Uelen, the easternmost settlement in Eurasia and a major hub for traditional ivory carving by northern Indigenous peoples. You will learn about the culture of the Chukchi and Eskimo communities and visit Chukotka’s first ivory-carving workshop, established in 1931. Then, you will sample local delicacies, including fish, caviar, and whale and walrus meat.

In the afternoon, you will land on Ratmanov Island, Russia’s easternmost island, located near the American island of Little Diomede. The two rocky islands are separated by the International Date Line and are often called “Tomorrow Island” and “Yesterday Island.” Nearby, you may also spot a walrus rookery.

Today, you’ll land on Ratmanov Island, Russia’s easternmost point, located just across from the American island of Kruzenshtern. The International Date Line runs between these two rocky islands. They are only about 20 minutes apart by boat, yet the time difference is 21 hours — hence the names “Tomorrow Island” for Ratmanov and “Yesterday Island” for Kruzenshtern.

Those who enjoy trekking can climb to the highest point of the island and see the wreckage of an American Douglas aircraft that crashed here on June 3, 1971.

If weather conditions prevent a landing, you’ll head out by Zodiac to a huge walrus rookery where around 6,000 animals gather. From a distance, the shore appears to be completely brown, but as you approach, it becomes clear that the entire slope is covered with walruses. These huge, ungainly animals may approach the boats out of curiosity, giving you the chance to observe them at close range and take photographs.

On the sixth day of the expedition, the vessel will enter Pénkigney Strait. Those who enjoy long hikes can set out on a 14-kilometer trek to the hot springs. You’ll be surrounded by almost otherworldly landscapes of vast, untouched tundra, where it seems that no human has ever set foot. The only sounds breaking the silence will be the wind, bird calls, and other signs of wild nature.

If a long trek isn’t for you, you can join another group instead: visit Merkinkan Island, known as Puffin Island, watch for whales from a Zodiac, and take a shorter 3-kilometer trail from Gil’mimyl Bay to the hot springs. At the end of the hike, you’ll be able to relax in a natural spa surrounded by stunning views of the national park.

Professor Khromov will set course for Anadyr, giving you time to relax after days full of adventure. You can enjoy the onboard sauna, unwind at the bar, or share experiences with fellow travelers in the cozy lounge.

Early in the morning, the vessel will arrive at the port of Ugolnye Kopi in Anadyr. Ashore, a transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel or the airport for your flight home.