Japan, the Aleutian Islands & Wilds of Alaska

Welcome to Otaru. Transfer to Scenic Eclipse where your journey into wonder begins with a warm greeting by the crew as you step on board. Raise your glass this evening and toast the start of your ultra-luxury cruise. Please book your flight to arrive into Sapporo prior to 12:00 PM.

Acquaint yourself with the exceptional range of facilities on board your ultra-luxurious Discovery Yacht. (B/L/D)

Set your alarm early this morning and head to the Observation Deck to be among the first to see the sunrise in the land of the rising sun, as we sail into Nemuro. In the Lake Furen area lush green fields meet more than 300 species of wild birds, particularly Sea Eagles and wild Japanese red foxes. See wild deer at Cape Ochiishi. (B/L/D)

Welcome to Kushiro, home to Japan's largest marshland, Kushiro Shitsugen, and some of the most pristine wildlife habitats in the country. Keep an eye out for the rare, graceful, and auspicious red-crowned crane. The most populous city in eastern Hokkaido was previously an industrial port and came to life thanks to its harbour and its status as the gateway to the National Parks close by. (B/L/D)

Your palate will be delighted as you explore the extensive range of dining options on board, or relax as a butler serves you your meal in-suite. (B/L/D)

Cruise the Bering Sea and over the International Date Line. Choose a class in one of the fitness spaces or relax in one of the therapy lounges in the Spa Sanctuary. Tempt your palate from one of the exceptional dining venues or try a wine tasting. (B/L/D)

Relax with a day at sea. (B/L/D)

The Aleutian Islands is a chain of small islands forming a segment of what is known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. One of the world's most beautiful and dramatic regions, journey along the sea-sculpted coastlines, admiring the rocky shores, windswept landscape and steep, bold mountains. Discovery: Learn from the expert on board Discovery Team, with historians looking back on World War II, to ornithologists teaching you of the multitude of bird species and the stories told by the rocky landscapes with the geologist. Kayak along the islands, join the Discovery Team for landings and explore by foot or discover secret inlets by Zodiac. (B/L/D)

One of the world's largest and most famous fishing ports, Dutch Harbour has a fascinating history. In 1942, Dutch Harbor was attacked by aerial bombardment from the Japanese. Take in the beautiful scenery of this remote and mountainous landscape much loved by tourists, and famed for its hiking, skiing, sportfishing, kayaking and wildlife. Freechoice: Join a guided hike to a WWII Bunker, passing by numerous WWII ruins, or learn of the cultural history at the Museum of the Aleutians and visit the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area. (B/L/D)

St Paul Island in the Bering Sea lies between USA and Russia, and has a land area of just 100km2 and uniquely has just one school, one post office, one bar, one shop and one church. Nature is abundant as the rugged landscape has been shaped by surrounding volcanoes and lava craters. Fauna has flourished with the region becoming well known as a breeding ground for more than 500,000 northern fur seals and millions of seabirds. Spend your day exploring the local museum and church with a local, before visiting the nearby seal colony. (B/L/D)

St. Matthew Island is said to be the most remote place in Alaska. This small, treeless island is protected in a wildlife refuge inhabited by Arctic fox and insular voles. At Hall Island, go ashore with the on board Discovery Team and be immersed in the feeling of seeing ocean in all directions. (B/L/D)

Relax with a day at sea. (B/L/D)

Your cruise ends this morning in Nome as you say farewell to your crew. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport. Begin your journey in Anchorage, where a world of spectacular natural landscapes and intriguing culture awaits. Settle in for a one-night stay. This evening you will join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. (B)

Your adventure starts today with a visit to Anchorage's Alaska Native Heritage Centre, a gathering place that celebrates, perpetuates, and shares Alaska Native Culture, language, heritage, and tradition. Sit back and watch Native artisans as they work on their crafts and enjoy live traditional dance performances before a private visit with an Alaskan native storyteller, who will bring you into their culture as they share the stories about their history and people.

Drive through the scenic Matanuska-Susitna Valley, considered one of the most important agricultural regions in Alaska. The valley is rimmed by three major mountain ranges: The Alaska Range, and the Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains. Indulge in expansive views of alpine peaks and valleys, rivers and streams, and vast spruce and birch forests before arriving at your lodge for the next two-nights. This evening you will have a unique opportunity to meet a local Alaskan, Howard Carbone. Revel in his stories of climbing Denali, nature in the area, and living in Alaska through photographs, videos, and stories. (B/D)

Freechoice: Enjoy a jet boat ride down the Susitna river with an onboard naturalist and visit a Dena'ina Indian Encampment. Alternatively, set out to explore Talkeetna's best hiking trails with a naturalist guide on a hike through old-growth forest, alive with songbirds, wildflowers, berries, and mushrooms. Watch for loons and kingfishers on the lakes, moose and bears in the woods and enjoy the view of Denali on the horizon.

Enrich: A classic Alaskan experience awaits. Fly into the heart of Denali National Park, soaring over glaciers and icebergs, keeping an eye out for moose, black bears, Dall sheep and mountain goats. Land on a snow field high on a glacier and take a walk in this remote environment before returning back to your lodge. (B)

Travel aboard luxury dome rail cars from Talkeetna to Denali National Park. Large, panoramic windows allow for mostly unrestricted views of the scenery around you and provide an excellent vantage point for photos. As you approach Denali National Park, journey along the snaking Indian River and enjoy expansive sights of Hurricane Gulch, and make sure to look to your left to view the highest mountain in North America, Denali, and the stunning Alaska Range. On arrival visit the Denali Education Centre and enjoy a talk from a local resident about what it takes to live life in Alaska, before checking into your lodge for a two-night stay. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Discover the spectacular wildlife that call Denali National Park home as you travel 62 miles towards the Stony Hill Overlook. Board a comfortable national park's tour bus and immerse yourself in a scenic journey of natural wonders, a narrated history of Park Road, and some of the best opportunities to view the park's inhabitants.

Alternatively, spend up to 8 hours exploring Denali National Park on a hiking adventure with your guide. Hike, identify the flora and fauna, capture photos and simply enjoy having a professional, local Alaskan guide take you on a sightseeing adventure. (B/L)

Today we journey back through scenic mountain scenery to Anchorage. Stop in the small community of Willow for a visit to an authentic sled dog kennel. Meet with a veteran Iditarod musher before an exhilarating and adorable dog sled ride through the property, while safely in an ATV. After your dogsled run, meet the canine athletes that pulled your ATV and interact with the puppies. Following lunch with Vern Halter the owner of the kennel and an Iditrarod champion, continue to Anchorage and your hotel, the Anchorage Marriott Downtown Hotel for a one-night stay. Tonight, relive your experiences at your farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

Sadly, it is time to bid farewell and take many wonderful memories with you. The itinerary on this page is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)