Departures:
12/01/2013 12/01/2014
Ship(s):
Fram
Trip Highlights:
Explore spectacular Antarctica, the South Orkneys, South Georgia, and the Falklands aboard a spacious exploration ship with excellent panoramic lounges and great service.
Save up to 25% per person (up to $5,088 off).
Summary: Enjoy a voyage of exploration and discovery to the farthest reaches of the globe. Your journey from the Falkland Islands and South Georgia to the "White Continent" – Antarctica – will be filled with sightings of Elephant and Fur Seals, Minke whales, many of the world's 17 species of penguins and large flocks of seabirds. Highlights en route include lectures on Antarctic history, biology, and geology, as well as Zodiac landings for advantageous, close-up looks at penguin colonies, research facilities, and historical sites. Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes from the Fram'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.
Day 2: At Sea
Acquaint yourself with the ship and fellow travelers, follow the on board lecture series, enjoy fresh air out on deck or simply relax in the keep-fit area or panorama lounge as on the way south.
Days 3 - 4: The Falklands / Malvinas
Thanks to a unique Sub-Antarctic ecosystem, more than 70 animal and bird species live on these islands. The landscape is a majestic mix of craggy cliffs and gentle beaches, while the settlements themselves have a distinctly British feel to them.
Days 5 - 6: At Sea
As you voyage towards South Georgia, you will have a chance to learn more about the history and the spectacular wildlife of the island known as the “Serengeti of the Southern Ocean.”
Days 7 - 8: South Georgia
The island of South Georgia, with its alpine peaks, has a variety and density of wildlife that will amaze even the most blasé of visitors. The largest king penguin colonies in the world are flanked by large groups of fur and elephant seals, while all around, the history of South Georgia is very much in evidence. You will discover a heritage steeped in whaling and exploration, with long abandoned whaling stations sharing the island with the grave of Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, for many visitors one of the highlights of the visit.
Day 9: At Sea
En route towards the South Orkneys you will start feeling the cool, crisp Antarctic air on your face long before you arrive. The majestic wandering albatross follows in your wake, using the strong thermals around the ship to glide through the southern skies. There is also a good chance of spotting whales during this portion of the voyage.
Day 10: South Orkney Islands
First discovered in 1821, the remote South Orkneys provide you with a rare opportunity to visit these isolated islands, and the plan is to make a landing here before departure.
Day 11: At Sea
Set sail for the southernmost continent, learning more en route about this fascinating white land through a series of exciting lectures and talks.
Days 12 - 16: Antarctica
When you think you have seen it all, Antarctica turns around and shatters those beliefs. The last great wilderness left on Earth, with its crisp air, towering icebergs and endless white mountain ranges. 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 capture the feeling of being here, looking 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 the 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 17 - 18: Drake Passage
With the bow pointed north and an unforgettable collection of images and experiences safely stored in your memories, head back towards the South American mainland with a new understanding of the Antarctic Continent. Over the next two days, the Fram safely steers a course back across the legendary waters of the Drake Passage.
Day 19: Ushuaia / Disembark / Buenos Aires, Argentina
After a spectacular voyage with countless impressions, dock at the world’s southernmost town. Board a flight to Buenos Aires.
The above itinerary is a guide only, as the exact program depends on weather and ice conditions and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. ExpeditionTrips is not responsible for itinerary changes.
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 welcome gift and 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-resistant jacket; excursion to Ushuaia National Park.
Not Included:
International flights; travel insurance; luggage handling; optional excursions and gratuities; 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.