June 18: Seattle, USA

From the prime location of Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, enjoy unfettered access to the Seattle Art Museum, world-class dining and shopping and Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operated public markets. Meet fellow travelers and expedition staff at a welcome dinner.

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

June 19 – 21: Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

Cross the international date line, losing a day before landing in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. No roads or railway lines connect the peninsula to the rest of the continent, making it one of the most remote places on the planet. Opt to climb aboard a six-wheel-drive Russian Kamaz vehicle for a cross-country jaunt to the foot of two spectacular ice-capped volcanoes, or alternatively, take a boat cruise along the coast where you can fish for local catch, view seabird colonies and observe indigenous marine animals. 

Bel-Kam-Tour Hotel

June 22: Vladivostok, Russia  

For more than a century, Vladivostok has played a strategic role in securing Russia’s Far East. Reflect on the city’s historic significance as you stroll through the complex fortifications at Vladivostok Fortress and visit a preserved Soviet S-56 submarine from World War II. This coastal city acts as the eastern gateway to the Trans-Siberian Railway, an incredible network spanning 5,752 miles between Moscow and Siberia. Get a birds-eye view of the city and Golden Horn Bay from Eagle’s Nest Hill before boarding the well-appointed Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express in the evening. 

Golden Eagle Train

June 23: Khabarovsk, Russia

Set on the banks of the picturesque Amur River near the Chinese border, Khabarovsk is our first stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Visit a massive monument commemorating the exploits of the city’s namesake—Yerofey Khabarov, a 17th-century who explorer helped Russia colonize the region. Take in the city’s well-preserved Tsarist-era architecture and wide boulevards, and examine the impact of World War II at a thoughtful memorial overlooking the river. Delve into the region’s unique history at the Khabarovsk Regional Museum before continuing your train journey.

Golden Eagle Train

June 24 - 25: Ulan-Ude, Russia

Spend a day and a night aboard the Golden Eagle train, chartered exclusively for our group, as it rolls through the lush Siberian taiga. Sample Russia’s famed vodkas in the full bar car, enjoy an afternoon tea filled with Russian delicacies and learn a few Russian phrases. The next day we reach Ulan-Ude, the capital of Buryatia. This unique region is home to both ethnic Russians and Buryats, an indigenous people who practice Buddhism. Step back in time at the Old Believer’s village, where a small Russian Orthodox community has maintained their traditional way of life for centuries, and enjoy a concert featuring local singers and showcasing authentic traditions. 

Golden Eagle Train

June 26: Irkutsk and Lake Baikal, Siberia

As the train approaches Lake Baikal, the world’s oldest and deepest lake, stop for panoramic views and a refreshing swim before enjoying a picnic on the shores. Lake Baikal is a UNESCO World Heritage site that contains one-fifth of all the freshwater on the planet. Transfer by boat to the village of Listvyanka and stop at the Lake Baikal Museum to learn about the area’s abundant flora and fauna. Opt to take a chair lift up Chersky Mountain for a spectacular view of the lake and its surroundings. Travel to Irkutsk and board our private jet for Mongolia.

June 26 – 28: Ulaanbaatar and the Gobi Desert, Mongolia

Nomadic people and wildlife dominate Mongolia’s rural areas. In the capital city Ulaanbataar, explore the Gandan Monastery, one of the few to survive the Communist regime’s religious purges of the 1930s. Venture into the Gobi Desert to experience dramatic landscapes along with time-honored Mongolian hospitality. Stay in a private ger, the traditional round, portable home of the nomads. Examine dinosaur fossils at the Flaming Cliffs, or hike in Yolyn Am, a spectacular gorge with steep walls that echo the sounds of the stream below.

Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar; Three Camel Lodge

June 26 – 28: Alternate: Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia

If you’ve already been to the Gobi and want to experience a different side of Mongolia, travel to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. An easy respite from the urban capital, the park is a protected area with alpine-like terrain, fascinating rock formations and local wildlife. Explore the spectacular valleys and stunning forests on a hike or on horseback. Marvel at the 131-foot-tall statue of Genghis Khan on horseback that stands on the banks of the Tuul River.   

Terelj Hotel

June 29 – 30: Riga, Latvia

Gothic spires, stunning Art Deco buildings and Soviet-style blocks harmoniously coexist in Latvia’s capital, Riga, which was founded in the 13th century. Take a walking tour of Old Riva and explore its wealth of art nouveau architecture, including many buildings by legendary architect Mikhail Eisenstein. Visit the Riga Art Nouveau Museum, once the apartment of famed Latvian architect Konstantins Peksens, and admire the stately neoclassical National Opera House. Experience Latvia’s somber World War II history at the Salaspils Memorial and visit the country’s only synagogue to survive Nazi occupation. 

Grand Palace Hotel

July 1 – 3: Helsinki, Finland

Finland’s vibrant capital comes to life during long summer days. Stroll down the Esplanade, a lush greenway flanked by lively streets filled with boutique and cafes. Peruse the stalls at Old Market Hall, which has operated since the 19th century. Discover an imaginative collection of contemporary art at the Kiasma Museum, which houses works by more than 4,000 international artists. Explore the unique Temppeliaukio Church, carved directly into the bedrock, and the Suomenlinna, a maritime fortress built on six islands and UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Hotel Kämp

July 3: Tallinn, Estonia

Take a day trip across the Gulf of Finland to Estonia. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of Tallinn’s medieval Old Town, past spired churches and red-tiled buildings, before exploring the contrasts of its modern city center. Return to Helsinki for a night. 

Hotel Kämp

July 4 – 6: Reykjavik, Iceland

In the summer, this colorful capital city enjoys 22 splendid hours of sunlight and café-lined streets remain lively well into the morning hours. The seemingly endless days allow for plenty of time to explore the city’s modern dining scene and embark on outdoor adventures. Soak in the natural hot springs of the Blue Lagoon. Marvel at Iceland’s famous geysers, refresh in the mists of Gullfoss, or enjoy the trails at Heidmörk Nature Reserve. Learn how Iceland harnesses its natural resources on a visit to a geothermal plant or try your hand at preparing local specialties in a Nordic cooking class. 

Hotel Borg

July 7 – 8: Ilulissat, Greenland

Land in western Greenland and take a charter flight to the remote town of Ilulissat, located more than 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Marvel at the scale of this endlessly white landscape on a flightseeing tour over the Ilulissat Icefjord—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and Disko Bay. Embark on an easy hike to a massive glacier, the source of many of Greenland’s icebergs. Cruise past the expansive Eqi Glacier for a rare opportunity to see icebergs in formation as they crash dramatically into the ocean, and explore the Inuit ruins at Sermermiut. 

Hotel Arctic

July 9 – 10: Boston, USA

The conclusion of your international adventure brings you to Boston. The gateway to New England, Boston offers numerous opportunities to explore history related to the creation of the United States, including the Freedom Trail. Sample Boston’s diverse culinary offerings, from classic oyster bars to family-owned Italian bakeries in the city’s North End. For a change of pace, shop on Newbury Street or stroll through the Public Garden. Relax overnight before catching your independent flight home. 

Four Seasons Hotel Boston