Travel Idea Including Antarctica

Itinerary:

Please note: The below itinerary is the 11 day itinerary. The 10 day itinerary spends one less day exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, whereas the 12-day expedition will include an extra day in the Peninsula

Day 1. Ushuaia, Argentina

Note: This day is in port, not on your Antarctic Vessel. Arriving 1 day before your cruise is to ensure no flight delays ever prevent you joining your Antarctic cruise.

You'll be met at the Ushuaia airport by a Goway Representative and transferred to your Ushuaia hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore this quaint port city.

You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small, but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentinean 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 some hand crafted chocolate at a café in town.

Day 2. Embarkation Day

The Beagle Channel sets you on your way as the ship sails in the late afternoon. 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 in which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents many great photo opportunities to capture sea birds hovering overhead. BD

Days 3 & 4. Crossing the Drake Passage

The waters of the Drake Passage are unpredictable, so hope for clear skies and a calm ocean. You'll have plenty of time to stare out at the sea, get to know your fellow shipmates and chat with your Expedition Team.

Time over these two days will be spent preparing for the exciting days ahead, with numerous educational and informative lectures from your Expedition Team. You'll learn about everything from safety procedures to the history of whaling in Antarctica. BLD

Days 5 - 8. The Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

With the Drake Passage left in our wake, we make a final approach to Antarctica. Get your cameras ready, as the continent's coastline will make its first appearance, signaling the start of your adventure in the realm of the Antarctic. You'll see plentiful icebergs floating by and be fixated on the surface of the ocean as curious whales spout and breach before your eyes.

As exciting as it can be from onboard the ship, your true exploration occurs when you disembark and set foot on the great continent. There are several potential landing sites we may visit, including Neko Harbor, Orne Harbor or Paradise Bay. While weather dictates which specific landing sites we can visit, each one presents a new collection of wildlife and natural attractions.

Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the beauty of Antarctica. Watching penguins waddling on the beach and listening to the crackling and crumbling sounds of icebergs and glaciers will become your daily entertainment, while kayaking with whales and camping in Antarctica are a couple of optional activities available on selected voyages. BLD all days

Days 9 & 10. The Antarctic Circle

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach this far south, which is officially noted at 66° 33' S. You and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne!

Make a toast and take pride in knowing you've made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people. BLD

Days 11 & 12. Northbound Along the Peninsula

By now, your knowledge of Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur or Weddell seal. Terms like 'bergy bits' and pancake ice will seem normal too, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head back towards the Drake, Zodiac excursions will continue to fill your days, while the Expedition Team will help fill in any blanks that remain in your newly acquired knowledge of the Antarctic.

Days 13 & 14. Drake Passage to Ushuaia

Re-crossing the Drake, Antarctica fades away and you'll be left with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the time passing the Drake Passage fly by, independent of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up their series of lectures as well, perhaps with a slideshow of some of the great landing sites and wildlife you've visited over the course of your voyage. BLD

Day 15. Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina

Today you'll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and your fellow travelers. You'll disembark in the morning so that you may catch your homeward bound flights. B

PRICES FROM:

Due to the choice of vessels, seasonal considerations and available berths, pricing varies. Please call us for pricing based on your desired departure date and cabin choice.

NOTES:

Most flights to Ushuaia fly via Buenos Aires. The flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia is a domestic flight and as such you need to transfer from the International to Domestic airport - a journey of at least two hours. It is recommended that you allow for an overnight in Buenos Aires on your outward bound journey to avoid missed connections. Please see our Buenos Aires City Stop Over for options

Camping and Kayaking options are available on certain departures.

• Argentinean international departure tax $25 USD
• Argentinean domestic departure tax $12 USD
• Local currency is Pesos
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC -3
• Dialing Code: 54
• Electricity: 220V, 60Hz
• Weights & measures: Metric

PRICE INCLUDES:

• Day 1: A night of hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast.
• Day 2: Group transfer from a designated location in Ushuaia to the ship
• Shipboard accommodation with housekeeping
• Shipboard breakfasts, lunches and dinners
• Shore landings included in the daily program
• Professional Expedition Leadership.
• All Zodiac/RIB excursions and transfers included in daily program
• Formal and informal educational presentations by your Expedition Team
• An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
• Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage
• Loan of waterproof boots for the duration of the voyage
• Coffee, tea, and cocoa available around the clock
• Hair dryer and bathrobes in each cabin
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
• Comprehensive pre-departure package including a map and meticulously researched Reader
• All shipboard luggage handling
• Day 14/ 15: Group transfer from the ship to the Ushuaia airport upon disembarkation
• Day 1: Transfer from Ushuaia airport to the hotel
• On Sea Spirit only: complementary wine, beer, liquor and soft drinks
• 18 hour bridge access
• All meals as listed B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

NOT INCLUDED

• Domestic Flights
• Visa fees (if required)
• Passport & Visa Costs
• Vaccination Costs
• Personal Spending Money
• Meals where not listed
• Drinks (except Sea Spirit)
• International Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Airport departure taxes
• Border taxes or fees

Package Departures

These are the upcoming departures for this trip:

Wednesday, January 15th, 2014 - 14 days | Ship: Ocean Diamond | Price: $8,795 - $21,595

Sunday, February 16th, 2014 - 15 days | Ship: Sea Spirit | Price: $11,395 - $24,995

Saturday, February 22nd, 2014 - 15 days | Ship: Ocean Diamond | Price: $6,995 - $18,595

Visas:

At the time of booking we will advise you of any visas or other documentation that will be required prior to your arrival.

Costs relating to the issue of visas or related documentation are the responsibility of the traveler.

As visa requirements change it is your responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation and visas are obtained before traveling. Failure to do so may result in your not being able to join the trip.

 

Travel Insurance:

It is a condition of booking that all clients have comprehensive travel insurance. AI can offer Travel Insurance for your trip. Please request a quote when booking.

Disclaimer:

Prices based on per person, twin/double share, unless otherwise noted, and pre-set group minimum numbers. Prices & itineraries are correct at the time of printing. Itineraries & prices may change due to currency fluctuations, local conditions or events outside the control of A.I and her local operators. Please see our booking terms & conditions for full details.