Adding to Silversea’s already broad selection of magnificent expedition voyages to the world’s most pristine and untouched locations, guests now have the option to participate in five new guided expedition land adventures in 2016 and 2017, to locations as diverse as the Ecuadorian Amazon, Lalibela “The Jerusalem of Africa”, Sri Lanka’s ancient settlement of Anuradhapura, the Bengal Tigers of Nepal and Bhutans breath taking “Tigers Nest” monastery. Silversea’s Expedition voyages and land adventures offer guests the opportunity to learn about local cultures unchanged for centuries, enjoy the wondrous beauty of the earth’s most precious, sometimes threatened landscapes, and witness how endemic animals interact in the wild.
Karen Christensen, Silversea’s General Manager and Director Sales/Marketing, Australasia says,
“The development of these unique land programmes, designed specifically to extend and expand the journey by way of a pre or post experience will allow Silversea’s guests to enhance an already extraordinary voyage. Silversea is constantly delivers expedition cruises which are informative, educational and unique and these programmes definitely adhere to this philosophy.”
Pre Voyage expedition land adventure:
Pre Voyage 9705 – “Where Tigers Roam” Chitwan National Park, Nepal.
5 nights / 6 days | Kolkata Roundtrip | 21 February 2017.
Explore Nepal’s Chitwan National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984, and experience a sunrise canoe ride in search of a variety of wildlife; enjoy a private lecture, traditional “Tharu” performance and dinner at an elephant camp at an exclusive jungle resort; accompany local rangers and naturalists on a safari riding elephants while searching for the elusive Bengal Tiger or one-horned rhinoceros; visit Kathmandu’s ultimate monuments Boudhanath Stupa, Garden of Dreams and Pashupatinath Temple; and Feast on an exclusive six course traditional Nepali dinner.
Post Voyage expedition land adventures:
Post Voyage 7624 – Amazon Experience, Ecuador.
4 nights / 5 days | Guayaquil to Quito | 31 October 2016.
Delving deep into the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, enjoy a stay at the Napo Wildlife Centre, the only lodge within the Yasuní National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the largest tract of rainforest in Ecuador. Wholly owned and operated by the Añangu Quichua native community, this lodge’s location is considered one of the top 10 birding sites in the world. Superlative nature attractions and endemic biodiversity awaits guests with access to two unique easy access parrot and macaw clay licks, 565 bird species, 11 species of monkey, giant Otter families and other large mammals, before returning to historic Quito with an expert guide.
Post Voyage 9627 – An Ethiopian Christmas at Lalibela(“Jerusalem of Africa”).
5 nights / 6 days | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 3 January 2017.
This unique itinerary allows guest to experience the Gena Ethiopian Christmas along with thousands of pilgrims who travel to this area to participate in colourful traditional Christmas Eve ceremonies. Guests will become immersed in the rich local culture only available at this time of year with a hosted Ethiopian Christmas feast in a private home, a visit to the Ethnographic and National Museums in Addis Ababa including a hosted dinner with Professor Shiferaw Bekele (A/Prof of History), and a private lunch in Lalibela with an Ethiopian priest. Guest will also see Lalibela’s rock-hwen churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and cruise Lake Tana, visiting island monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret and Azua Miriam. A truly unique and exceptional experience, hosted with unmatched comfort.
Post Voyage 9703 – Wildlife & UNESCO, Sri Lanka.
4 nights / 5 days | Colombo Roundtrip | 11 February 2017.
Experience Sri Lanka’s abundant wildlife in Wilpattu National Park which boasts an impressive variety of wildlife, including sloth bears, Asian elephants, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, buffalo & leopards. Guests will enjoy private lectures, private helicopter transfers and a walkabout tour with intrepid explorer, Mark Forbes. A private helicopter ensures a birds-eye view of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and for those who would like to take on the challenge, an archaeologist will accompany you up the 1200 steps to the top. Guests will also visit the ancient capital of Anuradhapura, and stay in boutique world-class hotels throughout their stay.
Post Voyage 9704 – The Mystical Kingdom of Bhutan.
4 nights / 5 days | Kolkata, India to Kolkata, India | 27 February 2017.
Experience life in the country that famously measures “Gross National Happiness”. Take part in an early morning Tshewang Ceremony where you will be taken to a monastery to pray with a group of monks for good health, peace and prosperity. Hike to the Tatktshang Monastery, also known as “Tiger’s Nest,” one of the most outstanding sites in Bhutan, perched 900 metres above the Paro valley on the side of a cliff. Experience life in rural Bhutan, visiting a farm in the village of Lango and participating in an archery contest. Enjoy expansive views of the Thimpu Valley and visit the 12th Century Changangkha Lhakhang all in exquisite comfort.
Prices available on request. For more information contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com
SOURCE: Silversea Cruises