Departures:
11/07/2013 02/15/2014
Ship(s):
National Geographic Explorer
Trip Highlights:
Become captivated by the abundant wildlife and pristine landscape of the Antarctic from the comforts of a luxury, state-of-the-art vessel with kayaks and world-class guides.
Summary: Antarctica is a wild, pristine place with unlimited photographic opportunities. Penguins by the thousands are of course the real stars here. Their comical antics are truly captivating. A visit to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands is the perfect complement for a voyage to Antarctica. The Falklands, whose windswept terrain is reminiscent of Scotland, are a wildlife-rich area with species not seen elsewhere. Visit one of the largest albatross colonies in the world, and see gentoo, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins. This voyage has it all: the impossible beauty of Antarctic ice, over 100,000 king penguins in South Georgia and the Falkland's human history and amazing albatross colonies! All departures are Photo Expeditions, see end of page for details.
Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires. Check in to the Caesar Park Hotel. This seductive city set along the Rio de La Plata has been the gateway to Argentina for centuries. Enjoy a guided overview, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces, grand boulevards and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron.
Day 3: Buenos Aires / Ushuaia, Argentina / Embark Ship
This morning’s charter flight offers some rare views of Patagonia en route to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. Take a catamaran cruise through Patagonia’s scenic Beagle Channel before embarking your ship.
Day 4: At Sea
Awake well into your journey across the Drake Passage---a milestone in any adventurer’s personal travel history---with time to hear talks preparing you for the exciting days ahead.
Days 5 - 6: Falkland Islands
The Falklands boast the largest albatross colony in the world, irresistible Magellanic penguins in their burrows amid the green tussock grass and herds of enormous elephant seals. Stroll the photogenic tin-roofed, Victorian-style houses of Port Stanley. Visit the Anglican Cathedral with its organic archway of whalebones, and the Falkland Islands Museum.
Days 7 - 8: At Sea
Whales beneath, birds above, as you head to legendary South Georgia Island. Naturalists will prepare you for the exciting days ahead with presentations on the wildlife of South Georgia, and, of course, the inspiring story of Ernest Shackleton and the Endurance.
Days 9 - 13: South Georgia Island
This is the final resting place for explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton; hoist a toast at his gravesite. Teeming wildlife and breathtaking scenery greet your ship. Hundreds of Antarctic fur seals are on hand as your Zodiac makes landfall. And at a vast penguin colony, be surrounded by 300,000 king penguins!
Days 14 - 15: At Sea
As you voyage south, head up to the Bridge to watch for icebergs and observe expert navigation at work as your skilled Captain and officers sail these historic waters. Enjoy a massage in the wellness center, workout in the gym, and browse in the library. Each day, naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.
Days 16 - 20: Antarctica
With long hours of daylight, make the most of your days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands. Your schedule is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of the unexpected. Sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel and land on the “White Continent,” exploring via Zodiac, kayak and on foot, and using an arsenal of tools for exploration.
Days 21 - 22: At Sea
As you sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the escort of seabirds that cross your bow. There’s time to share photos with the onboard National Geographic photographer, catch up on the book you haven’t had a minute to read, and write emails home, saying “don’t want this to end.”
Days 23 - 24: Ushuaia / Disembark / Buenos Aires / U.S.
Disembark in Ushuaia with time to explore before your charter flight to Buenos Aires. Continue on an overnight flight to the U.S.
Reverse Itinerary: 2/15/2014 (Antarctica/South Georgia/Falklands)
Explore with Global Luminaries:
Explore Antarctica, the ultimate adventurer's destination with Peter Hillary, Polar Explorer and mountaineering royalty (11/7/2013), or former NASA glaciologist Robert Bindschadler (2/15/2014).
Photo Expeditions:
The photo team, a National Geographic Photographer and a Photo Specialist, will enhance your voyage by working with you on photo composition and exposure; helping you develop your own unique vision; showing you how professionals edit and store images while on the go; and sharing the stories behind some of their greatest images. Whether expert or interested beginner, you'll find added benefits such as walks ashore and Zodiac cruises dedicated to photography, presentations on the creative and technical aspects of photography, and one-on-one mentoring and coaching in the field.
Included:
Cabin accommodations; all meals and non-alcoholic beverages aboard the ship; some meals on land; one hotel night 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; expedition parkas.
Not Included:
International air transportation; round-trip charter flights between between Buenos Aires/Ushuaia (approx. $790 per person); passport and visa expenses; immigration fees; travel insurance; gratuities are left to the discretion of the passenger; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, email and laundry; fuel surcharge may apply.
Why does AntarcticConnection partner with ExpeditionTrips?
True experts with first-hand polar experience, the ExpeditionTrips staff has sailed on the ships they represent; with a combined amount of 100 Antarctic trips between them;and can help you thoroughly compare and contrast the expeditions.
Their approach to travel is highly personal and professional, offering unbiased travel assistance to ensure you choose the very best Antarctica trip to meet your needs!
ExpeditionTrips works only with the highest quality small ships-all under 200 passengers-ranging from a 48-passenger Russian research vessel to a 200-passenger luxury expedition ship.