Departures:
11/04/2013 02/24/2014 11/01/2014 02/25/2015
Ship(s):
Fram
Trip Highlights:
This trip includes visits to spectacular South Georgia and the Falkland Islands aboard a spacious exploration ship with great service and excellent panoramic lounges.
Save up to 25% per person (up to $4,848 off).
Summary: Be captivated by the magic of this Antarctic voyage that includes the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, vital breeding grounds for seals, penguins, and albatross. To enrich your experience, MS Fram’s team of expedition staff and lecturers will offer presentations on the history, biology, and geology of Antarctica along the way. View mighty glaciers calving into the sea, flocks of thousands of excited penguins, pods of Humpback and Killer whales plying the icy ocean – encounters like these can be a part of the most memorable vacation of your lifetime.
Discover for yourself the Paris of the South and get a taste of what the birthplace of the Tango has to offer. Depart from the pier later this afternoon.
Days 2 - 4: At Sea
Over the coming days you have an opportunity to get more acquainted with the ship and your fellow travelers. Follow the lecture series, enjoy the fresh air out on deck, or simply relax on board as you sail south.
Day 5: At Sea / Falkland Islands
Thanks to a unique Sub-Antarctic ecosystem, more than 70 animal and bird species live on these islands. The landscape is majestic, with cliffs and gentle beaches, while the settlements themselves have a distinctly British feel to them.
Days 6 - 7: Falkland Islands
Explore the northwest part of the Falklands further. Continue to Port Stanley, the Islands’ capital, which makes a wonderful starting point for various excursions in the area. You can choose to take an optional excursion or explore the town on your own.
Days 8 - 9: 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 10 - 11: 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 huge groups of fur and elephant seals, while all around, the history of South Georgia is very much in evidence. Discover a heritage steeped in whaling and exploration, with long abandoned whaling stations lying alongside the grave of Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton - a spot that for many is one of the highlights of the island.
Days 12 - 13: 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 14 - 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, Antarctica is home to millions of penguins and its seas provide sustenance for whales. With no permanent human inhabitants, the continent is dedicated to scientific research and peaceful cooperation. Simple words cannot truly convey 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 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 17 - 18: 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. Your sturdy vessel safely steers a course back across the legendary waters of the Drake Passage.
Day 19: Ushuaia / Disembark / Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning. Ushuaia is the world’s southernmost city and the capital of the province of Tierra del Fuego. Your Antarctic voyage has come to an end, and the journey back continues with a 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.
Reverse Itinerary: 2/24/2014, 2/25/2015 departures operate in the reverse order.
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; shore landings as outlined; activities onboard and ashore; return economy class flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia; transfers in Ushuaia with orientation tour; wind and water-resistant jacket.
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.