Travel East Russia

World Wise Ecotourism Network while dedicated to providing travel information and organizing tours to Eastern Russia has also recently added expedition travel to the Polar Regions to our areas of interest. Travel to these areas; similarly focus as in our East Russia tours on immersion in their natural environments, culture, heritage and history.

Because we wish to operate in a sustainable manner, we use ecotourism standards that we incorporate in all our programs. We work closely with the travel trade, because they are the backbone of our operations. We have been in business for more than twenty years working with a variety of travel partners both in the US, as well as Europe, Australia, and Japan.

Travel to the areas we focus on, still is quite complicated and thus we focus on group tours with an experienced leader who handles all those little details, you do not wish to worry about.

Need more info about East Russia or other exotic destinations and our travel philosophy please visit our blog site www.myworldwise.com. Some of these stories are also featured at the bottom of our Web Site.

Historically, geographically, both Polar Regions are mesmerizing places to explore. While the Arctic lends itself more to active oriented travelers, the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia combine reflection and utter awe for their natural riches and do require an exploratory spirit. Both though are extraordinary places to observe wild and marine life and require a deep and abiding spirit for nature in its most elemental form.

Because travel to all these regions is relatively difficult, we offer a few expeditions that are accompanied by Aaltje, an intrepid explorer, who has traveled to more out of the way places, than most. For the Arctic this year we have chosen a trip that covers the northern part of Spitsbergen organized by Oceanwide Expeditions, from June 28 through July 07, on their new ship the Plancius. Special activities, including a focus on conservation and protection of natural areas in the world, will be the focus of this particular trip. Contact us by e-mail eastrus@gmail.com for more information or visit Travel with Aaltje for more information on our escorted tours for 2010/2011.

Our 2010 winter departure to Antarctica and South Georgia, offers unimaginable fields of penguins, literally thousands of different types of seals and wide open places that beg to be explored. This will be a longer expedition, which allows us to reach nearby regions of historical and natural significance. This time our focus will be aimed at historical and natural significance of the places we visit but also includes talks and get-togethers, focusing on how in our own small way, we can contribute to the health of our earth and the people who live in it. This exploration takes place from November 4-22, 2010. For more information, please contact us at eastrus@gmail.com or visit Travel with Aaltje for more information on Escorted tours/cruises for 2010/2011.

There is nothing better than to celebrate Christmas and New Year in Antarctica among the penguins

Special airfare from Miami to Ushuaia our Antarctic Peninsula voyages PLA24A (20 - 29 December 2010) and PLA24B (29 December 2010 - 07 January 2011) from Miami to Ushuaia with Aerolinas Argentinas.

Explore Antarctica your way! Hike, trek, kayak or snowshoe. It is your choice!

This is a totally new way of exploring Antarctica. Use the ship as your base and explore the frozen continent in many different ways. Not interested in taking advantage of these opportunities? Join an exciting zodiac cruise, or participate in a photography workshop. There is no better place on earth, to use your photos as a means to communicate the wonders of Antarctica to your family and friends.

The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve as a base camp for our active travelers. Will you miss anything by not moving to other locations? Hardly! Each place is spectacular in its own way yet, all places share an ever changing view relative to weather conditions and times of day. Each type of activity can be enjoyed once free of charge. Should you wish to partake in more of the same, there will be a small charge. Contact us at eastrus@gmail.com and reserve a space now.

For over twenty years now, we have been exploring the fascinating regions of the Russian Far East coastline. Largely left alone over centuries, its wealth of pristine, untouched nature, marine and wildlife is largely unknown. Far away and difficult to reach, expedition cruising is one of the best ways to explore Sakhalin, the Kurile Islands, Kamchatka and Chukotka, and including Wrangel Island. For those in search of isolated places, where few explorers have left their footprints, this is the place, to immerse oneself in its pristine environment and explore the innate beauty of nature in all its aspects. For more information, contact us at eastrus@gmail.com or visit Travel with Aaltje for more information on Escorted tours/cruises for 2010/2011.

Kamchatka

Kamchatka by far is one of the most exciting ecotourism destinations in East Russia. Its rich biodiversity is known all over the world. Active and dormant volcanoes dominate the landscape. The biggest brown bear in the world roams alongside fast, running rivers that abound with different types of fish World class fishing is one of the main stays of Kamchatka's tourism.

The region also is home to the famous Kronotsky reserve and the wondrous Valley of Geysers, smaller than Yellowstone, but perhaps more picturesquely located. Three additional protected areas offer unique wilderness experiences, the Yuzhno-Kamchatsky Reserve, Nalychevo and Bystrinsky Nature Parks. Further north, Kluchevskoye park, nearby the volcano with the same name, offers experiences for scientists, hikers and climbers. Esso and Anivgai, nearby villages, located in Kamchatka Switzerland, are home to the Even and Koryak reindeer herders.

The latest figures about the number of Amur Tigers in East Russia fortunately show that their number has stayed the same. Researchers from WWF report that approximately 334-417 adult tigers remain and about 100 cubs. The numbers reflect the work on tiger preservation that has been done by organizations, such as World Wildlife Fund, the Save-the-Tiger Fund, U.S. National Wildlife Foundation and others, who have established a protective network to save these magnificent animals from extinction.

For those interested in observing Amur Tigers in the wild, that is virtually impossible, the tigers are extremely elusive and difficult to observe in the wild. However, there are various projects that are dedicated to Amur Tiger conservation and these projects are accessible year round. We offer various trips to the Primorsky Krai

Volunteer opportunities in East Russia

National parks, preserves and reserves are Russia's treasures. However, there is limited expertise and insufficient money available to protect and preserve these unique natural areas.

Trail building, offering western style guidance, understanding different types of markets and what they need, and how to assure that the term "ecological" tourism is clearly represented in their operations, are some of the areas, in which international expertise might make a difference.

Currently, we are exploring opportunities for 2010. Please let us know if you are interested and what area of expertise you represent.

World Wise Expeditions

East Russia is a magical place. A place where wilderness still reigns and life in outlying areas still has a rhythm all of its own. A place that has changed significantly over the past ten or so years, but where people remain the same, always kind, curious and open towards travelers of all kinds.

East Russia is also the last place on earth, where we have a chance to do it right. To nurture, conserve and protect its boundless natural resources that sustain all life and to appreciate and respect small indigenous communities ways of life and to always journey with an open mind and a gentle heart.

We are the experts in Russia's ecotourism development spanning over 20 years of involvement. Our programs offer you well researched authentic experiences. Our aim it to expose you to areas that are nearly void of other travelers, where you and your friends can get back to the things that are important in life. Join us as we explore these fascinating places, stay with local people and explore Russia’s incredible wealth of culture and nature.

Download Our 2010 Travel Schedule
Download Our Newsletter

World Wise Ecotourism NetworkYour destination guide for East Russia, Siberia and the Polar regions

Kamchatka

Volunteer opportunities in East Russia

World Wise Expeditions

World Wise Ecotourism Network
Your destination guide for East Russia, Siberia and the Polar regions