VOYAGE TO THE NORTH POLE

Discover the World is delighted to offer a last minute opportunity, due to a cancellation, to experience one of the least explored and most spectacular areas on the planet during a truly unforgettable voyage.

We have one suite cabin on the Quark Expeditions voyage to the North Pole, aboard the icebreaker Yamal, departing from Heathrow on Thursday 14 th July 2005 (returning Friday 29 July 2005). This voyage is currently SOLD OUT FOR 2005.

This incredible expedition, based on a suite with private facilities (for two persons) normally costs £12195 per person excluding flights to Helsinki. However, we invite you to submit a bid for the cabin by emailing:

auction@discover-the-world.co.uk

The highest bid received by 4 pm on Monday, 20th June will be accepted (please ensure a daytime telephone number is included in your email). A reserve price of £6440 per person (based on two sharing) has been set but this INCLUDES international economy class flights*. Upgrade to business class available (approx. £610 per person return). This offer is subject to availability.

The Voyage

Few places have stirred the hearts and minds of explorers more than the North Pole. At the turn of the last century, voyages of discovery and adventure by sled, balloon, airship and ship set off for the top of the world - and failed. It was not until 1926 that the pole was seen for the first time and not until 1948 that anyone actually stood there.

But that is precisely what we hope to do on this historic voyage - our aim is to stand at 90° North. We sail on one of the world's most powerful icebreakers, the Yamal. Heading north from Murmansk, we cross the Barents Sea and break into the dense Arctic pack ice. Very few vessels have the power to negotiate such challenging ice conditions, yet we push northwards at speeds of up to 12 knots. Our journey takes us through an ever-changing panorama of wind-polished ice up to five meters thick, narrow channels of dark green water and aquamarine pools scattered across the frozen sea. We will be able to enjoy the immense polar landscapes from the Bridge or deck of the ship and from our expertly-piloted helicopter. And along the way, in this stunning setting of ice and snow, we expect to encounter a variety of Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, walrus and ivory gulls.

From the Geographic North Pole - we will be among very few people ever to have been there - we head south to the wild and wonderful world of dense pack ice, towering volcanic mountains, icebergs and glaciers of Franz Josef Land. Then it is back across the Barents Sea to Murmansk, where our amazing journey comes to an end. This itinerary is subject to weather and ice conditions.

Expedition Highlights

• Reach the North Pole - the ultimate goal for generations of explorers - and stand on the top of the world
• Experience our world-class icebreaker - one of the most powerful in the world - as it cuts through vast ice floes, pressure ridges and hummocks up to five meters thick
• Witness the frozen sea and immense polar landscapes from the ship and from an expertly-piloted helicopter
• Travel in comfort and safety on a ship with excellent accommodation and superb cuisine
• Encounter polar bears, walrus, ivory gulls and other rare and fascinating Arctic wildlife in a spectacular setting of snow and ice
• Visit the relatively unexplored Franz Josef Land
• Learn more about the Arctic with the help of an outstanding expedition team of naturalists, historians and other experts

The Vessel

The vessel accommodates passengers in 50 first-class outside cabins and suites, all with private facilities and large windows, as well as a desk, television and other comforts. Public areas include a large dining room (accommodating all passengers in one sitting), library, lounge, theatre-style auditorium, volleyball court and gymnasium, heated indoor swimming pool and sauna. Views are excellent from the Navigation Bridge (where we are almost always welcome) and there are large open decks on several levels. The Yamal also has a good polar library and a small infirmary.

For the further details about the voyage please visit our website at www.pole-to-pole.co.uk/voyage18 or contact our Pole to Pole team by phone on 01737 214250 or email auction@discover-the-world.co.uk