HIGHLIGHTS
- Learn
about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife with
an expert team of lecturers
- See
the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, often referred to as
‘the Galapagos of the Poles’; more than 30 species
of breeding birds, including four species of penguin
- Follow
in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages
to South Georgia and visit his gravesite
- Explore
the quaint British town of Stanley in the Falkland Islands (Islas
Malvinas)
- Cross
the Antarctic Circle
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
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| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
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Rates are listed per person
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| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
ITINERARY
Day
1: Ushuaia, Argentina
You
will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at
the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for
you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for
your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted
chocolate at a café in town.
Day
2: Embarkation Day
As
the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, you will begin your Antarctic
journey, passing through the Beagle Channel. The channel opens up to
the vastness of the Southern Ocean, where your next land sighting will
be along the Antarctic Peninsula. Named after the famed ship on which
Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities
to capture seabirds hovering overhead.
Day
3: At Sea
There
are many activities to keep you engaged while we’re at sea.
You can take advantage of the library of books available on your ship,
chat with your shipmates at the bar, or spend time out on deck,
admiring the sea. Your Expedition Team will also conduct a series of
presentations to familiarize yourself with how to prepare for Zodiac
cruises and shore landings.
Days
4-5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
The
Falkland archipelago contains two main islands, East Falkland and West
Falkland, which you will explore thanks to Zodiac excursions and daily
landings. These rugged islands have a frontier feel to them. This is
especially true of the largest settlement, Stanley, an interesting
British outpost–type place, where you could just as easily
wander into a pub as you could a church or museum.
Have
your camera handy, as your wildlife sightings in the Falklands
(Malvinas) should include at least three species of penguins, plus two
endemic bird species—Cobb’s wren and the
Falkland’s flightless steamer duck.
Your
team of lecturers and specialists will be sure to educate you on the
local flora and fauna so that you have the most memorable time.
Days
6-7: At Sea
En
route to South Georgia, you’ll cross the Antarctic
Convergence, an invisible biological boundary unique to Antarctica.
This meeting of oceans is what creates the abundance of krill and
marine life that attracts large cetaceans, such as humpback whales, to
the area.
Days
8-11: South Georgia
Evidence
of the old whaling and sealing heyday is still found throughout the
island. You’ll be surprised to learn that whale and seal
populations were once decimated here. Today, their populations are
strong, with massive rookeries to be seen.
One
significant and historic site that will be of interest is the grave of
the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Your visit to his gravesite
at the Grytviken settlement, also home to an old whaling station and a
research station, is a day for reflecting on what it must have been
like to be one of the first explorers of this unforgiving yet beautiful
environment.
Although
South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the
island, it is the wildlife that you and your shipmates will likely find
most captivating. Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles,
South Georgia contains an exceptional quantity of wildlife. Each
landing you make on the island will open your eyes to a new wonder: one
day you may see rookeries with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king
penguins waddling on a beach; the next day you may visit another beach
dotted with thousands of fur or elephant seals.
The
grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important
role in the breeding and survival of different bird and animal species.
Your Expedition Team will be happy to share its knowledge of how these
vulnerable relationships all play out on the island.
Days
12-13: At Sea
Antarctica
awaits, along with its own penguin and seal species. While
you’re at sea, you can enjoy quiet time or take in
presentations by your Expedition Team, who will cover everything from
the history and geology of Antarctica to tips on identifying different
species and what makes each of them unique.
Days
14-16: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The
experience is hard to put into words, but the most common reaction upon
reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The
experience is hard to put into words. You will discover that Antarctica
is a land of extremes: at one moment you’ll be overcome with
a feeling of complete silence and loneliness, and the next moment
you’ll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.
Glacier
hikes, visits to research bases and, of course, communing with seals
and penguins are sure to keep you smiling every day. Perhaps
you’ll catch sight of the fearless penguin eater, the leopard
seal, or maybe you’ll come eye to eye with a curious minke
whale while you are cruising in a Zodiac. Each day and each landing
will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep
your camera busy.
If
you find yourself wanting more, then perhaps you’ll treat
yourself by booking our kayaking Adventure Option (reserve in advance
when booking your trip); if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed,
a little shock therapy courtesy of a Polar Plunge might be what you
need!
Days
17-18: Antarctic Circle
Crossing
the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions
to the Antarctic Peninsula do not come close to reaching this far south.
As
you toast the first explorers who ventured here, you can raise a glass
of champagne and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a
part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica,
home of the midnight sun, where there is the potential for fantastic
iceberg sightings.
Days
19-20: Northbound Along the Peninsula
If
you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs
by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to
the Drake Passage. You will continue to journey onto land by Zodiac
twice daily as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula.
Your
Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of penguins,
seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
Days
21-22: Crossing the Drake Passage
After
more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey
home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage,
putting a final stamp of approval on your Antarctic adventure.
Day
23: Disembark in Ushuaia
Today
you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and fellow
travelers, disembarking in the morning to catch your homeward flights.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Shipboard
accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All
breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks on board
- All
shore landings per the daily program
- Leadership
throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
- All
Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- Formal
and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as
scheduled
- Photographic
journal documenting the expedition • Waterproof expedition
boots on loan for shore landings
- An
official expedition parka to keep
- Coffee,
tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Hair
dryer and bathrobe in every cabin
- Comprehensive
pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic
Reader
- All
miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All
luggage handling aboard ship
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 995
- Camping:
USD 295
- Paddling:
USD 295
