Departures:
12/18/2013 12/28/2013 01/07/2014
Ship(s):
Corinthian
Trip Highlights:
Experience the beauty and wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula aboard a luxurious expedition ship with great guides and educational program.
Summary: Explore the Antarctic Peninsula during the austral summer, when the days are long and relatively mild, seabirds are courting, and massive icebergs thaw into beautiful sculptures of brilliant form and color. Each day presents a new discovery, whether cruising through ice-filled channels, observing crowded penguin rookeries or viewing minkes, humpbacks, and orcas in the sparkling waters. Zodiac landings provide up-close encounters with wildlife and the unique Antarctic landscape. Expert naturalists and lecturers ensure a rewarding educational journey.
Arrive in Ushuaia, located in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego, between the scenic Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel. Transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Ushuaia / Tierra del Fuego National Park / Embark
Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, the southernmost protected region of Argentina, celebrated for its beautiful scenery. Ride to Ensenada Bay and take a short walk to view Redonda and Estorbo Islands, backed by the snow-white mountains of Chile’s Sampaio Chain. Continue to Lake Roca, the Green and Black Lagoon, and Lapataia Bay. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the pier to embark on your vessel. As the ship navigates the Beagle Channel, enjoy a spectacular vista of glaciers and misted mountains.
Days 3 - 4: At Sea / Drake Passage
Attend lectures by your onboard team as the ship sails through the Drake Passage. Look for albatross, Cape Petrels, and whales that may accompany the ship on its passage.
Days 5 - 9: Antarctic Peninsula
Explore the pristine wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula, a narrow strip of land that separates the ice-choked waters of the Weddell Sea, and surrounding islands. Sail through scenic waterways, and witness a breathtaking panorama of icebergs, blue glaciers, and jagged, snow-capped mountains. Aboard the ship’s fleet of Zodiacs, cruise among ice floes, explore penguin rookeries, and if conditions permit, visit with scientists at research stations. Land at such places as Paradise Harbor, where humpback and minke whales can be sighted offshore, Petermann Island, the habitat of Gentoo and Adelie Penguins, and Deception Island, known for its volcanically-heated hot springs. Navigate through the magnificent Lemaire, Errera, Neumayer, and other protected channels.
Days 10 - 11: At Sea / Drake Passage
Reflect on your Antarctic adventure as you sail back to home port.
Day 12: Ushuaia / Disembark
Disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for flights.
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.
Included:
All ship board accommodations, one night hotel's stay in Ushuaia with breakfast; tour of the Tierra del Fuego National Park; daily zodiac landings; welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship; all meals aboard ship, including house wine with lunch and dinner; physician aboard ship; educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying study leaders and naturalist guides; services of tour staff; expedition parka, complete pre-departure materials, and detailed cruise log; transfers listed within itinerary; port and embarkation taxes.
Not Included:
Airfare to/from Ushuaia, Argentina; visa and/or passport expenses; arrival and departure taxes, if applicable; transfers, lodging and meals other than those offered in the program; mandatory evacuation insurance; recommended travel insurance; personal expenses, such as alcohol, laundry service, telephone calls, use of Internet or other means of communication, etc.; gratuity to ship's crew at the end of the voyage; 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.