Departures:
11/22/2013 01/04/2014 01/13/2014 02/15/2014
Ship(s):
Fram
Trip Highlights:
Enjoy spectacular views of the Southernmost continent from the panoramic lounges and wide decks of a spacious exploration ship with great service.
Save 5% per person (up to $656 off) on select departures.
Summary: Antarctica is the planet’s last great untouched wilderness. This incredible voyage will take you through the Drake Passage and down into the Southern Ocean, escorted by albatross and storm petrel along the way. Set against the backdrop of Antarctica’s magical white landscape, you will experience the best of this continent’s summer magic, discovering a wealth of wildlife that includes seal, penguin and whale. Visit research facilities, and historical sites. Marvel at mountains and icebergs on this unrivaled voyage of exploration and discovery!
The flight leaves Buenos Aires in the morning which gives a few hours for leisure in Ushuaia, the southernmost town in the world before 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 its way south, there will be a chance to enjoy a series of educational lectures en route.
Days 4 - 7: 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 convey the feeling of being here, looking out across 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 8 - 9: Drake Passage
As the bow points north, you carry with you an incredible collection of memories and, heading across the Drake Passage, the journey back permits an opportunity to share these with your fellow passengers.
Day 10: 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.
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.