Eleven new overland adventures in some of the world’s most exotic locales are among more than 60 extended mid-voyage excursions ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises will be offering in 2015. Unlike a partial-day shore tour, single or multiple-day inland adventures offer a more intimate, in-depth and personal encounter with the local community, history, wildlife, and natural attractions that lie just beyond the ports of call.
“We always strive to offer fresh, innovative programs that provide a variety of authentic onshore options,” said Karen Christensen, General Manager & Director Sales/Marketing, Australia. “These new mid-voyage adventures are carefully designed for travellers seeking one-of-a-kind experiences that will take them further into a region, giving them plenty of time to actively engage in its scenery, activities, and cultural heritage.”
From the soaring Andes to the glistening lakes of Patagonia, from the beaches of Polynesia to the glaciers of New Zealand, from the grasslands of Kenya to the monuments of India, Silversea’s new overland adventures offer rare access to transformational places and experiences. On these exciting overland tours, participants may come face-to-face with a giant tortoise in the Galapagos, track mountain gorillas in Africa, or marvel at unique marine life from the balcony of an overwater bungalow in Polynesia.
The following is an example of the new mid-voyage land adventures for 2015:
AFRICA
Tsavo East National Park Bush-Walking Safari
(2 Days / 1 Night – Depart / Rejoin Ship: Mombasa)
The Tsavo East National Park offers a vast and untapped arena of arid bush washed by the azure and emerald meandering of the Galana River. Visitors who explore the diversity of the park on foot may observe lions, cheetahs, serval cats, zebras, elephants, monitor lizards, and more. Two game drives are included. Available on Silver Whisper’s March 6 voyage (#4506).
Gorillas in the Forest
(6 Days / 5 Nights – Depart: Cape Town / Rejoin Ship: Luanda)
A truly inspiring experience awaits visitors to the Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. Nestled deep inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwest Uganda and home to half the world’s mountain gorillas, the sanctuary’s tented camp is the ideal base for launching guided safaris to track and interact with these amazing primates in the wild. Available on Silver Whisper’s April 5 voyage (#4508).
ASIA
Taj Mahal & Jaipur – A Magical Journey to India
(4.5 Days / 4 Nights – Depart: Phuket / Rejoin Ship: Colombo)
There are few places in the world that evoke such profound impact on its visitors as the Taj Mahal in Agra. Once the capital of the great Mughal Empire, Agra itself is well worth a visit for its repository of some of the Mughals most famous monuments. And there are few places in the world that compare with the Pink City of Jaipur, where guests stay on this magical journey into India’s wonders. Available on Silver Whisper’s March 6 voyage (#4506).
OCEANIA
Over-the-Water Overnight
(1.5 Days / 1 Night – Depart: Moorea / Rejoin Ship: Papeete)
Perched above the water on stilts, the overwater bungalows of Moorea’s InterContinental Resort & Spa offer a unique escape. They are iconic, thatch-roofed symbols of a tropical paradise. Guests can watch marine life from their balcony or climb down steps to snorkel directly in a Pacific lagoon. Available on Silver Whisper’s January 5 voyage (#4501) and Silver Spirit’s sailing of January 22 (#5502).
New Zealand Explorer
(4 Days / 3 Nights – Depart: Akaroa / Rejoin Ship: Milford Sound)
New Zealand’s highest peaks, longest glaciers, and many of its most beautiful lakes are revealed with scenic drives through its two famous national parks – Mount Cook and Fiordland – both located in the Te Wahipounamu area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Memorable highlights include a ski plane flight to the Tasman Glacier, a cruise on Lake Tasman, and a jet boat excursion on the Shotover River. Available on Silver Spirit’s February 12 voyage (#5504).
SOUTH AMERICA
The Andes & the Train to the Devil’s Nose
(5 Days / 4 Nights – Depart: Manta / Rejoin Ship: Callao)
Travellers can immerse themselves in the cultural and natural diversity of Ecuador’s majestic Andean region, witnessing up-close its grassy highlands, cloud forests, mountain lakes, active volcanoes, colonial towns, and haciendas. Highlighting the program is the Devil’s Nose, a thrilling train ride through the Andes featuring a 45-degree descent. Available on Silver Shadow’s January 7 voyage (#3501).
Galápagos Adventure
(5 Days / 4 Nights – Depart: Manta / Rejoin Ship: Callao)
There is no place on earth quite like the Galápagos Islands, carved out by roaring volcanoes and titanic geothermic upheavals. Visitors may come face-to-face with a giant tortoise, or admire blue-footed boobies and sunbathing sea lions. The program includes two days exploring the islands by boat, plus accommodations at the Royal Palm Hotel, located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Available on Silver Shadow’s January 7 voyage (#3501).
Patagonia Express
(3 Days / 2 Nights – Depart: Punta Arenas / Rejoin Ship: Ushuaia)
The southern cone of South America, known as Patagonia, is home to ice-clad mountain peaks, ancient forests, dazzling lakes, and immense glaciers. Visitors can experience this spectacular scenery in the national parks of Torres del Paine, in Chile, and Los Glaciares, in Argentina, both included in this tour. Available on Silver Shadow’s January 25 voyage (#3502).
The optional mid-voyage land programs feature deluxe accommodations (if overnight stays are required), all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals. Prices for the above-listed adventures range from AU$2,029 to AU$9,629per person, based on double occupancy.
For more information contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 or visit www.silversea.com
Source: Silversea