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Rates:
$13,380 to $24,670
Summary:
Famed for its astonishing number of king penguins ? literally, hundreds of thousands ? South Georgia is the ultimate destination for jaw-dropping scenery, boundless wildlife and captivating history, and it will affect the way you tell stories about travel and wildlife adventures for years to come. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend a week on the island as part of a South Georgia & the Falklands voyage. Decades of exploring South Georgia has given your guides the expertise and time needed to survey the island's terrain for hiking routes and landing spots. Sail aboard a beautiful, state-of-the-art expedition ship, complete with a fantastic observation lounge, Undersea Specialist, Spa and gym, sun decks, and kayaks. Select departures are Photo Expeditions, see end of page for details.
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Trip
Itinerary
Day 1: U.S. / Buenos Aires, Argentina
Depart the U.S. and fly overnight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Day 2: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arrival, check in and relax at the Caesar Park Hotel in fashionable La Recoleta, with its cafes, galleries and elegant shops. Buenos Aires undoubtedly resembles the aristocratic atmosphere of the big European capitals. But beyond this Buenos Aires, there is another one: the bohemian neighborhood of La Boca and the popular Tango that lives in San Telmo streets. This is the mixture that makes Buenos Aires original and irresistible.
This afternoon, enjoy an overview of Argentina's spirited capital with an Old World languor, visiting the Plaza de Mayo, the pink Presidential Palace, whose famous balcony hosted national myths since Peron times, the old quarter of San Telmo, and La Boca, with its striking pink, blue and green houses. A special private event follows at El Zanjon, an unusual historical site that gives you a cross-sectional look into the archaeological history of Buenos Aires. This beautifully restored residence encapsulates three centuries and as you go below ground, you will see how the building has changed throughout the centuries, and also enter the underground tunnels where you meet the owner for a wine toast. Your evening is at leisure.
Day 3: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Early risers may want to join an optional birding outing at the nearby Costanera Sur Nature Reserve, where 70 species of birds can be seen.
Today, you explore the city's cultural heritage. Portenos, as the multi-national people of Buenos Aires are known, possess an elaborate and rich cultural identity. They highly value their European heritage, lifestyle and architecture. You begin at the origins of the South American Paris, focusing on the lifestyle of the old upper classes: their Beaux Arts palaces on grand boulevards lined with trees; the art chosen by them, their parks and renowned monuments. A short morning walk through the famed Recoleta Cemetery shows you local history in a snapshot: presidents, artists and influential Argentineans lie in this eclectic landmark. Continue to the magnificent museum of Latin American modern and contemporary art. And you explore Peron history everywhere: in buildings, squares and in the Evita Museum, focusing on its major figure, Eva Peron, a story that helps you to understand contemporary Argentina.
This evening explore another of the city's cultural icons is the Tango. Located in the bohemian neighborhood of San Telmo, El Viejo Almacen has housed stories of treachery and furtive love, singers and dancers, knives and poems. You begin with a delicious dinner, sampling the renowned Argentinean beef, matched with good Argentinean wines. Then you cross the cobbled street to the most authentic tango venue in Buenos Aires, which still maintains its original colonial architecture. The show gathers the best musicians and dancers in town, and you will have ringside seats.
Day 4: Buenos Aires / Embark Ship
A day at a former Argentine estancia is a wonderful way to see and enjoy the countryside and the landscapes of the picturesque gauchos. Travel to La Carabassa, a beautiful private ranch dating to 1840. Learn about the history of the private house and grounds, savor a typical Argentine barbecue of the local beef and wines, and relax in the soothing views. Perhaps it?s due to the flat pampas, or the blessed climate, that horseback riding and polo are associated with Argentina. At La Carabassa, special arrangements have been made for you to attend a private polo match to learn about the game and the behind-the-scenes work involved in the making of a horse and good player. Your day ends aboard National Geographic Explorer as you chart a southerly course.
Days 5-6: At Sea
With whales beneath and birds above, settle in to shipboard life and hear talks from your staff preparing you for the exciting days ahead in South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. There?s time to take full advantage of the ship?s amenities.
Day 7: Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia
Your staff has been longing to return to the Valdes Peninsula since 2005. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valdes Peninsula is a wildlife haven where the endangered southern right whales come to breed, mate and calve their young. You will be there at the absolute peak of the migration season, and at this time of year the cows and newborn calves can be seen, often in water as shallow as 15 feet. You take smaller boats out to the bay and look for these behemoths, loaded with the characteristic barnacles and callosities on their heads.
Day 8: At Sea
At sea, sailing the South Atlantic.
Days 9-10: Falkland Islands
Your first impression is likely to be: Scotland, until you see grazing sheep juxtaposed with penguins. Lace up your walking shoes and hike the tussock grass-covered landscape, observing Magellanic penguins emerge from their burrows. Join your keen birders to the nesting albatross site, or compare aperture settings with a National Geographic photographer. The relationships your staff has built over the years ensure you see another side of the Falklands: meeting the rugged, friendly islanders who live in this isolated outpost of the U.K.
Days 11-12: At Sea
These days are spent relaxing at sea in the Southern Ocean, enjoying the amenities of the ship, hearing talks from the expedition staff, and absorbing all that you've seen and heard so far.
Days 13-18: South Georgia Island
Most of our Naturalist's name South Georgia as their favorite southern destination. After your first landing, youfll understand their passion. Walk the wild beaches, yards away from herds of snorting, belching four-ton elephant seals. Paddle a kayak as curious fur seals play in the seaweed. Hike mountain passes along Shackleton's epic route. At St. Andrew's Bay you'll be surrounded by 100,000 king penguins!
Days 19-20: At Sea
These days are spent at sea sailing towards the Falkland Islands.
Day 21: Falkland Islands
Visit the photogenic, Victorian town of Port Stanley. Hoist a few at the local pub and stop at the Anglican Cathedral with its archway of whalebones.
Day 22: At Sea
At sea sailing towards Ushuaia, Argentina.
Day 24: Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembark / Santiago / U.S.
Disembark in Ushuaia with time to explore before your LAN charter flight to Santiago. Fly on an overnight flight to the U.S.
Notes:
Explore with Global Luminary: 10/18/2010
Travel with NASA legend Buzz Aldrin
Included:
Accommodations and all meals aboard the ship, some meals ashore; two hotel nights in Buenos Aires; All shore excursions and sightseeing; transfers to and from group flights; tips (except to ship's crew), taxes and service charges; services of a ship physician and natural history staff.
Not Included:
International air transportation, home city/Buenos Aires and Santiago/home city; one-way charter flight Ushuaia/Santiago ($295 per person); passport and visa expenses; baggage/accident/cancellation insurance; items of a personal nature; gratuities to ship's crew at your discretion; fuel surcharge may apply.
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