Silversea debuts 19 new and amazing Overland tours in 2012

From 2012 Silversea will offer passengers more than 50 specially tailored overland excursions.

Unlike a partial-day shore tour, these single- or multiple-day inland adventures offer travellers more time to enjoy an interactive and immersive experience with the people, history, wildlife and natural attractions that lie just beyond the ports of call.

"These extended off-ship programs are life-enriching opportunities that enable our guests to spend more time discovering the true culture, heritage and uniqueness of the places they visit," said Darius Mehta, Silversea's vice president of air and land programs.

A selection of tours Silversea offers

Perito Moreno & El Calafate

Glaciers National Park covers a staggering 8,500 square miles in Patagonia. Of its 47 major glaciers, the giant Perito Moreno is one of the world's few remaining advancing glaciers. Explore this glacial wonderland and glimpse nature's spectacular display of a thousand blue tones. Thrill to the experience of infinite peace, pure air and tranquillity, only interrupted when immense blocks of ice break off the glacier with a tremendous roar.

Chengdu Pandas & Tibet

China's giant pandas are not only a national treasure, they are beloved the world over. Only about 1,000 pandas remain in the wild and at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Center, you can observe these endearing animals close up. Then fly to Lhasa, capital of the Himalayan Kingdom of Tibet, to explore the fabulous Potala Palace, the Drepung Monastery and more.

Greeks, Romans & The Pharaohs

Immerse yourself in the culture of ancient and modern Egypt. In the bustling metropolis of Cairo, visit the Royal Mummies Room and admire King Tut's gold mask in the Egyptian Museum; at Giza, marvel at the wonders of the Great Pyramids. Discover the relics of Greek and Roman civilization in Alexandria, and learn about the past at the New Bibliotheca Alexandrina, built on the site of the original great library of the ancient world.

Ayers Rock & The Red Centre

Venture into one of Australia's most remote areas, the Red Centre, famous for its rugged beauty and the iconic monolith of changing colours, Uluru (Ayers Rock). Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is the spiritual heart of the Outback and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore this living museum and one of the world's last frontiers during a two-night stay at the Longitude 131° luxury wilderness camp.