Destination : Antartica
Program Type : Crossings on Sale

Duration : 20 Days / 19 Nights
Price : $9.495 / €7.216
(per person, based on triple occupancy) Taxes included

Ushuaia, Argentina – Falkland Islands – South Georgia – South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula – Drake Passage – Visit The Falkland Islands And South Georgia On A 20 Day Journey Encountering Penguins, Whales And Seals

This 20 day-expedition offers us interesting activities outside the boat. Three different environments, five species of penguins and diverse landscapes make this expedition an unforgettable adventure for travellers to Antarctica.

Day 1 – Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrive in Ushuaia. The town offers you a small-town feel that has many shops, museums, cafes and restaurants to enjoy before the start of your voyage situated on Tierra del Fuego. If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby national park and Martial Glacier offers hiking and outdoor activities. Accommodation provided.

Day 2 – Embarkation Day

As we embark, the anticipation and excitement grows. Trade your land legs for sea legs, meet and greet your fellow travellers and get acquainted with your ship. As every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, embarkation day is just as exciting for your Expedition Team as it is for you. They are onboard to ensure your comfort and safety, as well as help make your wildlife dreams come true.

Day 3 – At Sea

There is a full itinerary while you are at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship or attend illustrated presentations by your Expedition Team. You will be briefed on procedures for your Zodiac cruises and shore landings, as well as getting instructions for kayaking opportunities.

Day 4-5 – Falkland Islands

The Falkland archipelago contains two main islands – East and West, which we will explore by Zodiac excursions and daily landings. The landing at Port Stanley is a treasure. This unique British outpost has a ramshackle charm to it. You will spend your day here visiting churches, museums, wandering around town and mingling with locals at a typical British pub. In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to a variety of penguin species, including Magellanic, Gentoo and Rockhopper. If lucky, you may spot King Penguins here as well! black-browed Albatross and many other bird species around the islands, including an opportunity to see the two endemic species; Cobb’s Wren and the Falklands flightless steamer duck. Our team of specialists will be on hand to help you identify the local flora and fauna so that you have the most of a memorable time in the Falklands.

Day 6-7 – At Sea

Sailing south, we will enter Antarctic waters, crossing the invisible boundary, the Antarctic Convergence. Encircling the continent, cold, northward-flowing waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, creating the abundance of krill and marine life that attracts whales and other species to this part of the world.

Day 8-10 – South Georgia

This remote outpost has long been a centre for exploratory and commercial exploitation. Many of the original inhabitants arrived on the island to hunt whales and elephant seals. These animals were once hunted to near extinction, thankfully populations have increased and the hunting no longer happens. You will see many reminders of these past activities; including several whaling stations and other abandoned outposts. A site not to be missed is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, the museum and a small gift shop and church and a research station of approximately 20 scientists and support personnel. While South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the islands, it is the wildlife on South Georgia that you will likely find the most captivating. Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, South Georgia contains an abundance of wildlife. Each landing will bring new wonders. One day you may see rookeries with thousands of King Penguins waddling on the beach. Another day could take us to a beach with jousting elephant or fur seal beachmasters fighting to retain their harems. The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play their role in the survival of the different species, the Expedition Team will be there to keep you informed during your excursions on this impressive and unique island.

Day 11-12 – At Sea

Your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with seminars from your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will be greeting you upon your arrival in Antarctica. In between presentations, spend time getting to know your shipmates over a drink at the bar and enjoying the great food.

Day 13-17 – South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

The most common reaction to arriving at the white continent is a sense of awe. The experience is hard to put into words, as few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes from the feeling of complete desolation and silence, to the next moment being inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into the brilliant blue sea or a penguin comes waddling by to inspect your footwear. For the more adventurous try a guided hike with the Expedition Team. Trekking up a glacier, visiting a research station, or consorting with a penguin colony. Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adélie penguins are found here, along with Fur, Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard Seals. Curious whales, such as Minkes, are often attracted to Zodiacs, giving you a chance to get within reaching distance of these majestic animals. Each landing will present a new collection of creatures to excite you and keep your camera busy as exciting as the Zodiac excursions are. Why not treat yourself to an extra special Antarctic experience by partaking in a kayaking excursion.

Day 18-19 – Crossing The Drake

Now starts your journey home with the Crossing the Drake Passage your unofficial rite of passage, which will complete your Antarctic adventure. Relax and enjoy the final days with your fellow travellers.

Important Reminder

Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage.

There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.

• Rates valid during season 2013 and 2014
• Rates subject to the variations of the market

Includes

• One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast.
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage.
• 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 guest speakers as scheduled.
• Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage.
• A pair of 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 bathrobes in every cabin.
• Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic
• A group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport.
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
• All luggage handling aboard ship.
• Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of 100000 per person.

Not Included

• Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
• Passport and visa expenses.
• Government arrival and departure taxes.
• Any meals ashore unless otherwise specified.
• Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.
• Excess baggage charges.
• Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified.
• Telecommunications charges.
• The voluntary tip at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.