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Antarctica

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$12,949.00

From $12,949* pp | 17 Days •  42 Meals  *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy. 


Antarctica adventure; bear witness to blue-white glaciers, dramatic icebergs, thrilling passages, and nesting penguins on this unforgettable voyage to the Last Great Frontier.

  • Explore Whalers Bay on Deception Island with its warm springs and black volcanic sand.
  • Discover multitudes of curious Antarctic wildlife including seals, whales, albatross and penguins.
  • Cruise into small harbours and islands in PolarCirkel excursion boats for in-depth discoveries and personal adventures.
  • Journey into beautiful Tierra del Fuego National Park, the “Land of Fire.”

Travel to the Bottom of the World

Discover the magic and wonder of the “White Continent” aboard the stylish and comfortable MS Fram. Jump off from Ushuaia, Argentina and explore vistas of blue white glaciers and busy penguin rookeries. See breaching whales crashing and scenes of pure ice walls. Cruise through the Lemaire Channel, where steep, sheer cliffs rise above the narrow iceberg-filled passage. Zip by PolarCirkel boats into small bays and harbours for personal and in-depth exploration. Make your way to Whalers Bay on Deception Island with its warm springs and black volcanic sand. Spend 3 nights in Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America.”

Itinerary

Day 1. Buenos Aires, Argentina – Tour Begins
Arrive this morning in Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America” and home of the tango. Enjoy a Porteños tour, viewing the Teatro Colon opera house; Avenida 9 de Julio honouring Argentinean independence; the Recoleta Cemetery, where “Evita” rests in her tomb; the Presidential Palace, the Casa Rosada; and the San Telmo barrio lined with cobblestone streets. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
icons_food  Dinner   icons_therma  High 29 Low 18   icons_hotel  Hotel Panamericano

 

Day 2. Buenos Aires

Today is at leisure to experience this lively city. Browse the boutiques of Calle Florida or visit one of the many renowned art museums. Or perhaps you’ll choose to cross the Argentine Pampas to experience the culture of Argentina’s gauchos at a typical estancia and enjoy a hearty asado lunch – a typical Argentine barbecue.

icons_food  Breakfast   icons_therma  High  29  Low  18   icons_hotel  Hotel Panamericano

 

Day 3. Buenos Aires – Ushuaia

This morning you fly to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, situated on the Patagonian peninsula overlooking the historic Beagle Channel. Explore the “Land of Fire” at Tierra del Fuego National Park. Walk the shores of Roca Lake and see evidence of the settlements of the now-extinct Yámana indigenous people, and visit Lapataia Bay where the Panamerican Highway ends.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma  High  14 Low  5   icons_hotel  Alto Andino Hotel

 

Day 4. Ushuaia – Embark Ship

The morning is yours to enjoy free time in this famous port town before boarding the state-of-the-art MS Fram expedition vessel.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma  High  24  Low  15   icons_hotel  Hurtigruten

 

Day 5. The Drake Passage

Cruise south through the fabled Drake Passage, named for the legendary Sir Francis Drake. Warmer waters of the north meet the colder, denser waters of the south here in the Antarctic Convergence, making the area rich in marine life. Spot whales and sea birds as you begin this voyage of exploration. Experts provide presentations on history, biology and geology throughout your adventure.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  icons_therma  High  24 Low  15   icons_hotel  Hurtigruten

 

Day 6. The Drake Passage – Antarctica

Arrive in Antarctica – the last great wilderness stretching across ice-covered desert and mountains for over five million square miles. The ethereal beauty and immense scale of the continent is like nowhere else on the planet. Follow in the footsteps of the great explorers…the privilege of witnessing this fragile, remote environment is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  icons_therma  High  24  Low  15   icons_hotel  Hurtigruten

 

Day 7. Antarctica

The next seven days are filled with discovery! Weather conditions determine each sailing’s final itinerary. Regardless, adventure awaits. First, cruise through the astounding, glacier-lined Lemaire Channel – “Kodak Gap” – and enter the majestic Neumayer Channel with its imposing cliffs. Humpback, Killer and Minke whales – and icebergs – are common sights. PolarCirkel (rugged excursion) boats take you to incredible locations along the Antarctic Peninsula, which could include: • Half Moon Island, a small island in the South Shetland chain boasting mountainous views and a nesting place for Chinstrap penguins, Kelp gulls and Antarctic tern.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  icons_therma High  24  Low  15   icons_hotel  Hurtigruten

 

Day 8. Antarctica

Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include: • Whalers Bay, Deception Island, featuring an active volcanic caldera. Zodiac into Whalers Bay where ruins from a 20th-century whaling station rest ashore. The black volcanic sand and waters upon the beach are warmed by geothermal vents.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  icons_therma  High  24  Low  15   icons_hotel  Hurtigruten

 

Day 9. Antarctica

Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include: • Neko Harbour, part of the Antarctic mainland nestled in the fjord-like Andvord Bay, where penguins plus Elephant and Weddel seals are often spotted. • Antarctic Sound & Brown Bluff. Hear the tale of the 1903 Swedish polar expedition which met its fate here at “Iceberg Alley.” At Brown Bluff you may have the chance to stroll the beach with the cute Adélie penguins.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner icons_therma  High 24 Low  15   icons_hotel  Hurtigruten

 

Day 10. Antarctica

Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include: • Port Lockroy, a harbour on Goudier Island and former British base, hosting cormorants and surrounded by glaciers and ice shelves. Here you can mail home a postcard with a rare Antarctic stamp! • Wilhelmina Bay, where mountains and high glaciers create dramatic scenery. View the 1915 wreck of the Norwegian ship, Guvernøren.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   icons_therma  High 24 Low  15   icons_hotel  Hurtigruten

 

Day 11. Antarctica

Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include: • Yankee Harbour, on the South Shetland Islands, was once the base of operations for early sealers. Today it still provides a natural safe haven for sailors and explorers like you who come to see the large colony of Gentoo penguins.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  icons_therma  High 24 Low  15   icons_hotel  Hurtigruten

 

Day 12. Antarctica

Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include: • Cuverville Island, sitting on the scenic Errera Channel, offers up excitement before you even make landfall. Embark upon a thrilling passage through the channel amid dramatic icebergs. Once on shore you will be surrounded by throngs of nesting penguins. • Almirante Brown Research Station in Paradise Harbour, where Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins nest.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  icons_therma High  24  Low  15   icons_hotel  Hurtigruten

 

Day 13. Antarctica

Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include: • Petermann Island’s location on the picturesque Penola Strait makes it a great place to spot icebergs and whales. Marvel at spectacular views across the channel to the Antarctic Peninsula.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  icons_therma  High  24  Low  15   icons_hotel  Hurtigruten

 

Day 14. Antarctica – The Drake Passage

Leave Antarctica, crossing the southern waters of the Drake Passage. Participate in engaging lectures on Antarctica’s wonders.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner icons_therma  High 24 Low  15   icons_hotel  Hurtigruten

 

Day 15. The Drake Passage

Spend another day crossing Drake Passage. Enjoy many interesting discussions that reflect on the unforgettable images and experiences of this amazing continent.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   icons_therma  High 24 Low  15   icons_hotel  Hurtigruten

 

Day 16. The Drake Passage – Ushuaia, Argentina – Disembark Ship – Buenos Aires

Disembark the ship in Ushuaia, transfer to the airport and return to Buenos Aires. This evening, celebrate the end of your journey as you enjoy a dinner featuring Argentine favourites and a tango performance! Admire the passion and artistry of the show, meet the dancers and even try some steps of your own.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner  icons_therma  High 29 Low  18   icons_hotel  Hotel Panamericano

Day 17. Buenos Aires – Tour Ends

After breakfast your tour comes to a close as you board your overnight flight to return home and we say goodbye.

icons_food  Breakfast

INCLUSIONS

small tick-red-icon Accommodation

small tick-red-icon Meals as per itinerary

small tick-red-icon Tour guide

small tick-red-icon Activities as stated

Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.

EXCLUSIONS

small x red icon  Flights

small x red icon  Meals not indicated on the itinerary

small x red icon Drinks

small x red icon  Optional activities

small x red icon Visas

small x red icon  Comprehensive travel insurance

small x red icon  Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service

small x red icon  Tips and gratuities

  • Buenos Aires is 14 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
  • Highest elevation included on tour is 36 feet (11 metres), in Buenos Aires.
  • The currency in Argentina is the Peso.
  • Argentina is on 220 Volts.
  • Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.

This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.d.

March 2016.

Mar 3  – Mar 13.                $3,079

Mar 10  – Mar 20.              $2,829

Mar 17 – Mar 27.               $2,829

April 2016.

Apr 7 – Apr 17.                   $2,949

Apr 14 – Apr 24.                 $2,949

Apr 21 – May 1.                  $2,949

June 2016.

Jun 6 – Jun 26.                    $3,979

Jun 20 – Jul 1.                      $3,979

July 2016.

Jul 18 – Jul 29.                      $3,979

August 2016. 

Aug 8 – Aug 19.                   $4,299

Aug 15 – Aug 26.                 $4,299

September 2016. 

Sep 5 – Sep 16.                    $3,979

Sep 12 – Sep 23.                  $3,979

Sep 26 – Oct 7.                     $3,979

October 2016.

Oct 10 – Oct 21.                   $3,979

November 2016.

Nov 7 – Nov 18.                    $3,469

March 2017.

Mar 13 – Mar 24.                   $3,469

Mar 27 – Apr 7.                      $3,599

April 2017.

Apr 3 – Apr 14.                       $3,729

Apr 24 – May 5.                      $3,729

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