Departures:
01/20/2013
Ship(s):
Fram
Trip Highlights:
Visit a remote region to discover historical sites and abundant wildlife from the comforts of a spacious ship with panoramic lounges and great service.
Summary: Your journey will take you across the Drake Passage, escorted by albatross and petrels, to the magnificent scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula and its abundant summer wildlife of seals, penguins and whales. This voyage will also enter the Antarctic Sound and sail into the Northern part of the Weddell Sea, to visit the historical sites in the area first viewed by the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-1904. To enrich your experience, Fram’s team of expedition staff and lecturers will offer presentations on the history, biology, and geology of Antarctica along the way. Marvel at the mountainous scenery and icebergs floating by from the comfort of the ship’s unique Passenger Bridge.
Your flight leaves Buenos Aires in the morning which gives a few hours for leisure in Ushuaia, the southernmost town in the world. The voyage departs from the island of Tierra del Fuego in the afternoon. After the included excursion to Ushuaia National Park, embark the Fram.
Days 2 - 3: Drake Passage
Named after Sir Francis Drake, the Drake Passage is one of the world’s great seaways, connecting the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Infamous and legendary, it is steeped in the history and lore of exploration and discovery and, as your vessel comfortably negotiates the way south, there will be a chance to enjoy some informative and educational lectures en route.
Days 4 - 10: Antarctica
Once you cross the Antarctic Convergence, you will start to feel the air getting crisper and colder. Antarctic penguins will hunt and play around you and icebergs are an ever present feature of the landscape. Dedicated to scientific research and with no permanent inhabitants, Antarctica is home to millions of penguins and its seas provide sustenance to thousands of whales. Simple words cannot truly convey the feeling of being here, looking out upon the vast emptiness of the Great White Continent. The ice, wind and weather dictate life in Antarctica, as well as your route. Every voyage is unique and your experienced crew endeavor to make each one an experience of a lifetime. The final choice of landings will be made in the course of the voyage.
Days 11 - 12: Drake Passage
With the bow pointed north and an unforgettable collection of images and experiences safely stored in your memories, you head back towards the South American mainland with a new understanding of the Antarctic continent. From here your sturdy vessel, the Fram, safely steers a course back across the legendary waters of the Drake Passage.
Day 13: Ushuaia / Buenos Aires, Argentina
After a spectacular voyage with countless impressions, dock at the world’s southernmost town before transferring to Ushuaia airport for your charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Mandatory Travel Insurance:
As a requirement of participation on this expedition, all passengers must purchase trip cancellation coverage and full medical and emergency evacuation insurance. ExpeditionTrips strongly recommends at least $100,000 Emergency Medical/Evacuation coverage for Antarctic trips which includes coverage for cancellation, trip disruption, baggage and personal property. ExpeditionTrips can assist you with this.
Included:
Voyage in cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis; suites include a selection of drinks with meals on board; coffee and tea; transfers as applicable; round-trip economy class flights between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires; wind and water proof jacket; excursion to Ushuaia National Park; CD log.
Not Included:
International flights; travel insurance; luggage handling; optional excursions and gratuities; fuel surcharge ($8 per person, per night).
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.