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iBestTravel
May 19, 2017 • 5 min read
This round-up of adventures focuses on exploring the wilds of our planet, from searching for walrus, whales, and polar bears amidst Norway’s Arctic archipelago to riding the rails into Australia’s breathtaking outback or driving along Ireland’s rugged Atlantic coastline during long summer days.
If you’re also looking for some culture, why not hop between historic cities and cuisine capitals on a delightful Baltic cruise?
Discover bright lights, big bears, and clear seas in Svalbard, Norway
At Svalbard’s lofty latitude, opportunities for cruising are limited. The northernmost shores of this high-Arctic archipelago are ice-free for just a month or two, resulting in a narrow window for sailing into its remotest fjords. This limited opportunity, however, is well worth it. During July, the seas clear up, temperatures reach a pleasant 5°C (41°F), and the midnight sun allows for round-the-clock sightseeing.
Expedition cruise vessels navigate through the majestic mountains and cracking glaciers, with skilled guides actively searching for a diverse array of wildlife including walrus colonies, herds of reindeer, Arctic foxes, seals, whales, and, of course, polar bears. Svalbard is home to approximately 2000 of these magnificent mammals, which predominantly stay close to the coast during the summer when ice recedes. Inflatable Zodiac boats will take you ashore for a closer look.
Enjoy a warm, culture-filled Baltic cruise
The best way to traverse northern Europe’s magnificent cities is by boat. The Baltic Sea features a string of prominent ports, and during the warmer summer months, cruise ships navigate between them, showcasing the region under sunny skies.
Stockholm (Sweden) and Copenhagen (Denmark) serve as popular embarkation points and are cities worth exploring—dedicate time to island-hopping in Stockholm and savoring the culinary delights in Copenhagen. Additional stops may include Helsinki (Finland), with its lively waterfront; medieval Tallinn, Estonia’s enchanting capital; Warnemunde (Germany) for inland ventures to Berlin; and the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Riga (Latvia). For many travelers, St Petersburg (Russia) is considered the highlight—boats dock for multiple days to allow ample time for canal tours, the vast Hermitage gallery, and visits to the countryside palaces built by Peter the Great.
Take a trip on the Ghan for an epic outback rail ride
Named after the 19th-century Afghan cameleers who traversed Australia’s challenging Red Centre, the Ghan is considered one of the world’s greatest train journeys. It stretches for 1864 miles (3000 km) between Darwin (Northern Territory) and Adelaide (South Australia), cutting through the remote, sunburnt heart of the nation and connecting the tropical Top End with the temperate Southern Ocean.
The journey allows travelers to witness vast stretches of wilderness filled with wallabies, while the views from the train’s windows remain captivating. The scale, beauty, and starry night skies are mesmerizing. Along the route, there are opportunities for stop-offs that provide time for quick excursions—such as a cruise along the lush Nitmiluk Gorge or a nature walk along the dreaming trails of Simpsons Gap. July is an ideal period: the northern region is dry, the desert is comfortably cool, and the southern portions are pleasantly mild.
For lovely long days on the road, drive Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
Irish weather can be unpredictable, particularly along the Atlantic coastline where storms may appear in an instant. Nevertheless, July typically brings the warmest temperatures of the year, along with nearly 18 hours of daylight, allowing travelers to explore or enjoy pub-hopping well into the evening. This is the perfect time to embark on the Wild Atlantic Way, a 1490-mile (2400km) drive that stretches along the west coast, from Kinsale (County Cork) to the Inishowen Peninsula.
The well-marked route reveals some of Ireland’s most stunning scenery, including Mizen Head (the island’s most southwestern point), the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, fjord-side Killary Harbour, and Malin Head (the northernmost point). Travelers can also discover 157 ‘Discovery Points’ along the way to engage with local history and culture. Stop in Cork for fine dining or visit nearby Blarney Castle; explore the scenic Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula; enjoy live music in the bars of Galway; catch some surf in Sligo; and learn about Spanish Armada history in Grange.
