An expedition to 10 islands aboard a premium-class vessel

Today you will see Alaid, the highest volcano in the Kuril Islands, standing at 2,339 meters. Its perfectly symmetrical cone was admired by the Japanese as even more flawless than the famous Mount Fuji.

The island’s dramatic landscapes, including Alaid’s two side craters, offer breathtaking views from multiple perspectives.

Paramushir is known as the “kingdom of volcanoes,” with 23 peaks ranging from active to long-dormant.

Krasheninnikov Bay is framed by volcanic summits — including the towering Fussa Volcano, as well as Karpinsky, Lomonosov, Tatarynov, and Chikurachki. The surrounding landscape offers sweeping views of this rugged volcanic region.

In the afternoon, the ship will approach Antsiferov Island, the summit of an ancient extinct volcano. The island is home to large seabird colonies and one of the largest Steller sea lion rookeries in the Kurils.

Today you will explore Onekotan Island, home to one of the Kurils’ most striking natural wonders — Krenitsyn, the famous “volcano within a volcano.”

Inside the vast caldera of the ancient Tao-Rusyr Volcano lies Ring Lake, and in its center rises the perfect cone of Krenitsyn. The island’s dramatic mountain ridges and volcanic peaks make this one of the most unforgettable places of the entire expedition.

Alternative route will take you to Nemo Bay. Here stands the active Nemo Peak (1,018 m), one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the islands' north. Its cone rises from an ancient caldera, part of which has flooded to form Lake Chernoye (Black Lake).

Another treasure of Onekotan is Nemo Volcano, an active volcano and one of the most picturesque in the Northern Kuril Islands. Its cone (1,018 m) rises from an ancient caldera, part of which is filled with water — forming Lake Chernoye.

You’ll enjoy stand-up paddleboarding with views of the volcano and trekking through the pristine landscapes of Nemo Bay.

Fishing enthusiasts can also try their luck on Lake Chernoye. In its depths lives a rare relict form of char known as the Imperial Trout. According to local legend, this is the very fish that was once served at the table of the Japanese emperor.

This day will be dedicated to one of the most beautiful places in the Kuril Islands — Yankicha Island.

The flooded caldera of the Ushishir Volcano, known as Crater Bay, reveals a truly surreal landscape: two emerald islets lie in the middle of the bay, enclosed by steep crater walls that seem to protect it from the outside world.

Here you can enjoy the island’s geothermal features and observe local wildlife, including rare Commander Arctic foxes that inhabit the shores.

The Chirpoy and Brat Chirpoyev Islands together referred to as Chyornye Bratya (the Black Brothers).

Chirpoy impresses with its almost otherworldly landscapes. The island is shaped by two volcanoes — Chyorny (624 m) and Snow (395 m) — whose steep slopes are cut by deep ravines, covered with solidified lava flows and scattered dark volcanic stones.

The islands’ names come from the Ainu word chiripoi, meaning “small birds.” True to their name, thousands of seabirds — such as kittiwakes and thick-billed murres — nest on the coastal cliffs. In the surrounding waters, you may also spot fur seals, sea otters, and whales.

Today, your ship will call at the shores of Iturup, the largest island of the Kuril archipelago.

Here, the famous White Cliffs stretch for 28 kilometers along the coast. The cliffs are made of soft pumice from an ancient volcanic eruption. Over the centuries, wind and storms have carved intricate patterns into the rock, giving the surface a jagged, almost lace-like texture.

The scene is one of vivid contrasts: dark gray volcanic sand lies at their base, while lush emerald vegetation crowns their tops.

Nearby, at the foot of Baransky Volcano, natural hot springs form scenic pools, where warm water fills both untouched and lightly maintained spots.

Today you will explore the southernmost island of the Greater Kuril Chain. Its name, from the Ainu language spoken by the Kurils’ Indigenous people, means “Black Island” — likely inspired by its dense coniferous forests, the dark silhouette of Tyatya Volcano, and the volcanic sand along its shores.

Along the coast, Cape Stolbchaty is renowned for its striking basalt columns, created millions of years ago as lava slowly cooled and solidified. The result is a remarkable natural formation resembling the pipes of a giant organ.

Kunashir is home to several active volcanoes, including Golovnin, Mendeleev, Rurui, and Tyatya, and features dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. The island is rich in wildlife, with seals, bears, whales, and dolphins inhabiting its coasts and surrounding waters.

Today you will have a choice of adventures. One group will head toward the caldera of Golovnin Volcano. Inside the caldera lie two crater lakes — Hot and Boiling. Their waters shimmer with sulfur and minerals, and fumaroles hiss and steam along the shores. The ground beneath your feet feels alive — this is where the volcano breathes. Every step must be taken with care on this surreal, otherworldly terrain.

If you’d prefer a more relaxed day, you can join the second group for an excursion to Lake Peschanoe (meaning “Sandy”) — the largest freshwater lake in the Kuril Islands. Its calm surface reflects the surrounding forests and mountains, offering a moment of serenity in the heart of wild nature. Later, both groups will visit Cape Stolbchaty.

Your ship will arrive at Korsakov Port, just 35 km from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Along the way, you will pass one of the Far East’s iconic landmarks — Aniva Cape, crowned by a historic Japanese lighthouse.

After breakfast, you will bid farewell to the crew and disembark. Transfers will be arranged to your hotel or the airport.