GRAND ANTARCTIC HOLIDAY

ITINERARY

Day 1  Ushuaia, Argentina    Depart: 6:00PM
Although its nickname the “End of the World” – derived from its location along the southernmost tip of South America among the Tierra del Fuego archipelago – Ushuaia is far from the end of any adventure. Where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel and the snow-capped Martial Mountains sit behind a sprawling city of colorful buildings, lies a lively town ready and waiting to take you on the thrill ride of a lifetime. Scenes like Parque Yatana give you the chance to immerse yourself in the rich, indigenous culture.

Day 2-3  Drake Passage Navigation  
Navigating the intrepid Drake Passage is made for the boldest of explorers. Petrels and albatrosses that glide across the skies guide the way. To witness its awesome power makes the journey to Antarctica all the more triumphant.
The Drake Passage leads you from the southernmost region of the Americas to the Antarctic Peninsula, the northern point of The White Continent. This waterway where cold southern ocean meets warm northern sea water creates powerful currents that test your mettle.
But the rewards for the journeyer that braves these waters do not compare. The meeting of warm and cold waters creates an environment that attracts extraordinary wildlife. Drake Passage offers the chance to witness the likes of humpback whales and hourglass dolphins that accompany the voyage. The soundtrack of the 48-hour journey through the Drake Passage includes the crash of the ocean against the ship and the cry of petrels, skuas, and gulls.
While the waterway is famous for its challenging navigation, you may still get another side of the Drake Passage. On some occasions, the channel is calm and tranquil, making for a pleasant voyage into Antarctica. That’s one of the more splendid characteristics of the Drake Passage – you never know what you will get.
As you emerge from the Drake Passage, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead, greeting you on your victorious landing. You have completed the rite of passage to explore the seventh continent.

Day 4-5  Exploring Antarctica- Captain’s Choice  
Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.

Day 6  King George Island, South Shetland Islands   Arrive: 7:00AM Depart: 3:00PM
Your charter flight lands in or departs from Eduardo Frei Montalva Station on King George Island, the Chilean air base for Antarctica expeditions with flight options over the Drake Passage. Lying within the Fildes Peninsula, where Chile laid claim to Antarctic territory, the base is an important research station. Made up of over 40 buildings that include a school, bank, hospital and post office, it resembles more a small village than a base. King George Island has come to be known as the unofficial capital of Antarctica with its various research stations located on the island. As a haven for an incredible amount of wildlife, including chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and elephant, leopard and Weddell seals, it’s a prime locale for scientific research.

Day 7  At Sea
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Day 8  Exploring the South Orkney Islands – Captain’s Choice, Antarctica
In 1821, British and American sealers George Powell and Nathaniel Palmer discovered the South Orkney Islands, lying south of the Antarctic Peninsula. While snow falls on the islands for most of the year and the landscape consists mostly of rock and ice, these islands are still rife with wildlife. Seabirds are found in abundance here, especially the beautiful snow petrel, a species that can be elusive, so keep a close eye on the skies for this enchanting bird. If you land on Coronation Island, you may catch sight of the snow petrel, as this is its main breeding ground. From December to January, Weddell seals can be found swimming throughout the icy surrounding waters. Other possible landings may include Laurie Island, Signy Island and Shingle Cove.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Captain’s Choice landings add to the sense of exploration and an element of surprise. Your Captain takes you to the best areas for wildlife viewing and expertly navigates to remote and hidden landings for a more intimate destination immersion. All expedition itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions to ensure a safe expedition

Day 9   At Sea
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Day 10-11  Exploring South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
From the extraordinary wildlife found in Gold Harbor, such as elephant seals and hundreds of Gentoo penguins, to the lush scenescapes of Stromness Bay, Salisbury Plain and Cooper Bay, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands offer diverse environments that invite you to discover the world anew. Fields of tussock grass and rugged cliffs offer the perfect hiking grounds to get your blood pumping and be rewarded with impossible views. They’re also ideal locations to bird watch and find the many species of Antarctica, such as the graceful albatross as it glides through the sky.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.

Day 12-13  At Sea
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Day 14  Port Stanley, Falkland Islands Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 5:00PM
Although small, Port Stanley contains a big personality. Its signature landmark, the famous whale bone arch, speaks volumes about this eccentric and rarely visited destination. The colorful, small town lies on the Falkland Islands, a hot spot and haven for watching Magellanic penguins. The Malvinas call to every adventurer with an abundance of pubs, eateries and historic attractions to explore. Visit the Historic Dockyard Museum, a one-stop site to learn about life in the camp, Antarctic connections and the 1982 war with Argentina.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Captain’s Choice landings add to the sense of exploration and an element of surprise. Your Captain takes you to the best areas for wildlife viewing and expertly navigates to remote and hidden landings for a more intimate destination immersion. All expedition itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions to ensure a safe expedition.

Day 15  New Island, Falkland Islands Arrive: 9:00AM Depart: 5:00PM
Among the seaside cliffs of Settlement Rookery, black-browed albatrosses, king cormorants and rockhopper penguins make their homes. From peregrine falcons to skuas to thin-billed prions, the island is the breeding ground for more than 40 species of birds. Around the island, sea lions and fur seals can be found aplenty. Swimming in the inshore waters you can find Peale’s dolphins as they breed. Sweeping scenes of tussock, cinnamon and blue couch grass create expansive landscapes that inspire a sense of wonder.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Captain’s Choice landings add to the sense of exploration and an element of surprise. Your Captain takes you to the best areas for wildlife viewing and expertly navigates to remote and hidden landings for a more intimate destination immersion. All expedition itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions to ensure a safe expedition .

Day 16  At Sea
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Day 17  Ushuaia, Argentina   Arrive: 8:00AM
Although its nickname the “End of the World” – derived from its location along the southernmost tip of South America among the Tierra del Fuego archipelago – Ushuaia is far from the end of any adventure. Where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel and the snow-capped Martial Mountains sit behind a sprawling city of colorful buildings, lies a lively town ready and waiting to take you on the thrill ride of a lifetime. Scenes like Parque Yatana give you the chance to immerse yourself in the rich, indigenous culture.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

ALWAYS INCLUDED

FREE cultural immersion on every voyage (Tierra del Fuego National Park)
FREE dining venues with ever-changing menus
FREE unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
FREE open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapés
FREE stocked in-room minibar
FREE specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
FREE afternoon and high tea
FREE champagne and gourmet canapés during meet and greet
FREE 24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
FREE L'OCCITANE bath amenities
FREE pre-paid gratuities
FREE use of walking sticks and binoculars
FREE reusable water bottle
FREE butler service and expanded room service menu in suites

EXCLUSIVELY ON POLAR EXPEDITIONS

FREE private charter jet service between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
FREE 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay on Antarctica Expeditions
FREE private group transfers between airport and yacht
FREE enrichment lectures and destination briefings
FREE shore landings led by expert field guides
FREE escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac
FREE polar plunge
FREE Atlas parka and vest
FREE use of rubber boots


Trip delay and medical evacuation coverage included at no additional cost