Start the exploration in Anchorage and fly to Nome, Alaska. Embark National Geographic Resolution in the afternoon.

Explore the naturalist’s paradise of Pribilof Islands. Home to three million seabirds and a million marine mammals each summer during the breeding season. Glide in Zodiacs beneath the cliffs of St. George, rocky outcrops that harbor one of the largest seabird colonies in the Northern Hemisphere. Spot horned and tufted puffins, red-legged kittiwakes, crested auklets, and rare Asian vagrant species seldom seen in North America.  Go ashore on St. Paul, home to the majority of the Pribilofs’ more than half a million northern fur seals.

Begin the exploration of wildlife-rich archipelago at the Baby Islands, east of Unalaska. Here, dynamic tides offer the chance to spot sea otters and fur seals, as well as rare seabirds. Watch from on deck as the ship navigates Baby Pass, and board Zodiacs for a closer look at the islands’ wildlife. Arrive at Dutch Harbor, site of a fierce WWII battle and now one of the world’s most important fishing ports. The westernmost tip of the Alaskan mainland gives way to a 1,100-mile-long string of islands that separate the Bering Sea from the northern Pacific: the Aleutian Islands

Spend four days exploring these rugged and remote volcanic islands—some of which still harbor active volcanoes. With 69 islands, countless islets, and tens of millions of seabirds, the Aleutians offer much to discover. Learn about the culture of the Aleuts, a fishing and hunting people who have inhabited these islands for millennia. Observe marine mammals such as northern fur seals, Steller sea lions, and a variety of whales, as well as prolific birdlife. Venture out by Zodiac or kayak to explore the wild shores of these islands. Among the islands you’ll visit are Attu and Kiska, both of which were occupied by the Japanese for nearly a year during World War II.

Study and learn from discussions with the naturalists as they set the stage for the time exploring the northern shores of Hokkaido. Join the naturalists on deck to identify the seabirds that follow the ship and the volcanic cones in the distance that make up the “Ring of Fire.” Attend a photo workshop with the National Geographic photographer, treat yourself to a massage or a wellness class, or snuggle up in the library and enjoy a good book. As youmake the way to Asia, you will lose a day crossing the International Date Line.

Explore Abashiri on the island of Hokkaido. After the ship’s clearance into Japan, visit the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples, dedicated to the cultures of the indigenous tribes of the Earth’s subarctic regions. Venture to Shiretoko —the “end of the Earth” in the native Ainu dialect. One of Japan’s most spectacular national parks, Shiretoko provides a habitat for numerous species of land and marine mammals, such as brown bears, Steller sea lions, and sperm whales. You’ll also be on the lookout for white-tailed eagles, Blakiston’s fish owls, and Steller’s sea eagles, which spend the winters here.

Cruise Hokkaido’s northeastern coast to Kushiro and head inland to explore Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Japan’s largest wetland and home to the endangered red-crowned crane, which was thought to be extinct in the early 20th century. Head to Akan Mashu National Park, known for its ethereal, mist-shrouded lakes, where you’ll delve into forests of Sakhalin spruce and visit a charming Ainu village.

Dock at Muroran and choose to drive to ShikotsuTōya National Park, filled with mirror-like lakes and forest-covered hills set against the silhouette of the snowcapped Mount Yotei stratovolcano. Drive to the lush town of Shiraoi to visit the newly opened National Ainu Museum and Park, an open-air museum where visitors can experience various elements of Ainu culture..

Explore Sendai’s lush greenery which earned it the nickname of “Forest City”. Wind your way to the hills above town to the site of Sendai castle. Built in 1600 by the powerful feudal lord, Date Masamune, the castle has survived antifeudal warfare, bombings of WWII and the powerful earthquake of 2011. Continue on to Zuihoden, the mausoleum of the Date clan— spectacular grounds and intricate design pay tribute to the powerful Masamune and his descendants. Explore the secluded bay on the shores of Matsushima. Known as one of Japan’s three most scenic views, this gorgeous bay is dotted with pine clad islets.

Head inland to Mito, a power base during the Edo period and best known today for Kairakuen garden, considered one of Japan’s three finest landscape gardens. Originally created in 1841 for the ruling lord, the park was also intended for the enjoyment of all. Walk through 3,000 plum trees, cedar woods and a bamboo grove. Learn about the treasures of the Samurai that went beyond swords and armor. The Tokugawa Museum houses exhibits chronicling the life of the powerful Tokugawa family, as well as those who lived under their rule.

Disembark in the vibrant city of Tokyo. Explore both the ultramodern and storied past of this amazing city. Visit the serene Meiji Jingu shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji, who ruled over Japan from 1867 to 1912 and helped transform the country into a modern power. Learn about the Tokugawa shogunate at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, the powerful military government that preceded the Meiji era. Delve into the bustling lanes of the Asakusa district and visit the iconic Sensoji temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple.

Disembark in the vibrant city of Tokyo. Explore both the ultramodern and storied past of this amazing city. Visit the serene Meiji Jingu shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji, who ruled over Japan from 1867 to 1912 and helped transform the country into a modern power. Learn about the Tokugawa shogunate at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, the powerful military government that preceded the Meiji era. Delve into the bustling lanes of the Asakusa district and visit the iconic Sensoji temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple.

After breakfast, depart for the airport to connect to your flight home.