INTRODUCTION ITINERARY ANTARCTICA - CROSSING THE CIRCLE VIA FALKLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA TRIP CODE ACTSFSG DEPARTURE DURATION.

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1 INTRODUCTION This comprehensive journey sees you crossing the Antarctic Circle, further south than most travellers venture and takes you to explore the wildlife rich Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Stunning scenery, a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a taste of the history of Antarctic exploration - this cruise encompasses it all!. In brief: - Discover the Falkland Islands & explore the British town of Port Stanley - View the spectacular wildlife of South Georgia, the Galapagos of the South - Visit the grave of the epic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton - Learn about the geology, history and wildlife of Antarctica from polar specialists - Explore the White Continent by ship, Zodiac and on foot - Cross the fabled Antarctic Circle Please note this itinerary is also available on board the Sea Adventurer departing on 26/01/2018 starting in Ushuaia, please contact us for further details. ITINERARY

2 DAY 1: Ushuaia, Argentina Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, the small town of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, sits alongside the Beagle Channel in the shadow of the Martial mountain range. Explore the city and visit the award-winning Museo Marítimo y del Presidio de Ushuaia, (Maritime & Prison of Ushuaia Museum), located in Ushuaia s former prison in buildings dating back to Or head out to nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park that can be reached by the End of the World Train. Stroll along the main street of Avenida San Martin with its many cafes, shops and restaurants, explore the Argentinean leather markets and maybe taste a succulent lamb dish for which Patagonia is famous. DAY 2: Embarkation Day Embarkation begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. You will be greeted and welcomed on board by the Expedition Team and ship's officers. As the ship sets sail in the early evening along the Beagle Channel, look out over the mountainous scenery as the ship cruises past colonies of sea lions and penguins. DAY 3: At Sea As we sail towards the Falkland Islands, the Expedition Team will make a series of presentations with information on how to prepare for Zodiac excursions and shore landings. There is plenty to do on board including a well-stocked library, a bar where you can meet your fellow travellers and the opportunity to spend time out on deck scanning the horizon for wildlife. The team of lecturers and specialists will also teach you about the local flora and fauna that await you in the Falklands.

3 DAY 4: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) - Days 4 & 5 The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory, is an archipelago that lies 490kms east of Patagonia in the South Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by decades of controversy, the Falkland Islands (or Islas Malvinas as they are known in Argentina) have been settled and claimed by France, Spain, Britain and Argentina. The islands have much to offer with a wide variety of spectacular wildlife, beautiful rugged scenery as well as an interesting history. Five species of penguin breed on the islands (gentoo, king, macaroni, magellanic and rockhopper). There are two main islands in the Falklands archipelago - East Island and West Island, which we explore by Zodiac and shore landings. Port Stanley is the largest settlement on the islands, established in the 1840 s. It is an interesting town with a British outpost feel, with colourful houses, pubs, a church and a museum. The Falkland Islands also offer plenty of wildlife sighting opportunities and you may see at least three species of penguins and two endemic bird species - Cobb s wren and the Falkland s flightless steamer duck. DAY 6: At Sea - Day 6 & 7 Leaving the Falklands, we chart a course for South Georgia, stunningly beautiful and with more wildlife than virtually anywhere else on the planet. We cross the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible biological boundary unique to Antarctica, where the meeting of oceans creates an abundance of krill and marine life that attracts large cetaceans, such as humpback whales.

4 DAY 8: South Georgia - Day 8 to 11 South Georgia has been a British Overseas Territory since It is the largest island in the territory and one of the wildest and most remote places on earth with dramatic scenery of snowcapped mountains, huge glaciers, deep fjords and low-lying grassland. In the 19th century South Georgia was a prominent whaling base, but whaling ceased in the 1960 s and the only remnants are museums and well-preserved buildings. South Georgia teems with wildlife due to the currents that bring nutrients to the island from the Atlantic. Huge numbers of penguins and seals breed here. During our time on South Georgia we visit the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, in the whaler s cemetery in the settlement of Grytviken. Grytviken is also home to an old whaling station and a research station, giving you an insight into the history of South Georgia. The wildlife on South Georgia is captivating and it abounds in exceptional quantities, which is why South Georgia is often referred to as the Galapagos of the South. There are rookeries with a hundred thousand pairs of king penguins waddling on the beach and thousands of fur seals and elephant seals. The landscapes of South Georgia from the grasslands and mountains to the beaches, all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different bird and animal species. The Expedition Team will explain how these vulnerable relationships all play out on the island. DAY 12: At Sea - Day 12 & 13 Setting sail again, we cross the Scotia Sea bound for Antarctica, with its own penguin and seal species. Enjoy some quiet time scanning the horizon for wildlife as you reflect on your days on South Georgia, or take in the presentations that will cover topics ranging from the history and geology of Antarctica to identification of different species. If weather conditions are favourable, a landing at the South Orkney Islands may mark your official landing on Antarctica.

5 DAY 14: South Shetland & Antarctic Peninsula- Day 14 to 16 As we reach Antarctica you will be in awe of the pristine wilderness of snow, ice, glaciers, mountains and waterways stretching out before you. Our time spent here will be filled with unforgettable experiences - glacier hikes, visits to research stations, Zodiac cruises and of course incredible wildlife viewing. From chinstrap, gentoo and Adélie penguins to crabeater, leopard, Weddell and fur seals, to minke, orca and humpback whales and a plethora of seabirds - the list is endless. Each day and each shore landing will present a new collection of wildlife and vistas. For the more adventurous you may like to book a kayaking adventure option (reserve in advance at time of booking your trip) or take a polar plunge! DAY 17: The Antarctic Circle - Day 17 & 18 Continuing south we aim to cross the Antarctic Circle, a point further south than most expeditions reach, a part of the world visited by few people and an impressive achievement. We make a champagne toast to the first explorers who ventured this far south. There is the potential for sightings of impressive icebergs in this part of Antarctica, home to the midnight sun. DAY 19: Northbound Along the Peninsula - Day 19 & 20 After crossing the Antarctic Circle we head north towards the Drake Passage and Ushuaia. More wildlife and icebergs await as we continue our daily programme of shore landings and Zodiac cruises. Keep on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south. DAY 21: Crossing the Drake Passage - Day 21 & 22 We cross the Drake Passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. We will again cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer equatorial water moving in the opposite direction. This mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species and providing more wildlife viewing opportunities.

6 DAY 23: Disembark in Ushuaia After breakfast on board the ship, we disembark in the port of Ushuaia, saying goodbye to the Expedition Team and our fellow travellers. There is a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Please Note: The above itinerary is a guide only as the exact route and daily schedule will depend on the weather and ice conditions. Accommodation INCLUSIONS & DETAILS Cabin on ship. Inclusions - Chef-prepared meals (all meals and daily snack included) - One dining room with unreserved seating - Bar staffed by a professional bartender - 24 hour beverage service - Polar Library with a large collection of polar books and DVDs - Polar Boutique - Multi-purpose lounge and presentation room - Exercise Room - Ship-to-shore satellite communications with , and wireless, Internet access Activities - Zodiac Cruising - Hiking & snowshoeing Difficulty Rating Single Surcharge 2 (light adventure) Available Upon Request Notes This itinerary is subject to change according to climactic conditions. We can place a hold on a cabin without deposit for up to 4 days.

7 Price Dependent upon Season and availability. SUSTAINABILITY GUIDANCE FOR VISITORS TO THE ANTARCTIC RECOMMENDATION XVIII-1, ADOPTED AT THE ANTARCTIC TREATY MEETING, KYOTO, 1994 Activities in the Antarctic are governed by the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and associated agreements, referred to collectively as the Antarctic Treaty System. The Treaty established Antarctica as a zone of peace and science. In 1991, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties adopted the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, which designates the Antarctic as a natural reserve. The Protocol sets out environmental principles, procedures and obligations for the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment, and its dependent and associated ecosystems. The Consultative Parties have agreed that as far as possible and in accordance with their legal system, the provisions of the Protocol should be applied as appropriate. The Environmental Protocol was ratified in January The Environmental Protocol applies to tourism and non-governmental activities, as well as governmental activities in the Antarctic Treaty Area. It is intended to ensure that these activities, do not have adverse impacts on the Antarctic environment, or on its scientific and aesthetic values. This Guidance for Visitors to the Antarctic is intended to ensure that all visitors are aware of, and are therefore able to comply with, the Treaty and the Protocol. Visitors are, of course, bound by national laws and regulations applicable to activities in the Antarctic. PROTECT ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE Taking or harmful interference with Antarctic wildlife is prohibited except in accordance with a permit issued by a national authority. Do not use aircraft, vessels, small boats, or other means of transport in ways that disturb wildlife, either at sea or on land. Do not feed, touch, or handle birds or seals, or approach or photograph them in ways that cause them to alter their behavior. Special care is needed when animals are breeding or molting. Do not damage plants, for example by walking, driving, or landing on extensive moss beds or lichen-covered scree slopes. Do not use guns or explosives. Keep noise to the minimum to avoid frightening wildlife. Do not bring non-native plants or animals into the Antarctic, such as live poultry, pet dogs and cats, or house plants. RESPECT PROTECTED AREAS A variety of areas in the Antarctic have been afforded special protection because of their particular ecological, scientific, historic, or other values. Entry into certain areas may be

8 prohibited except in accordance with a permit issued by an appropriate national authority. Activities in and near designated Historic Sites and Monuments and certain other areas may be subject to special restrictions. Know the locations of areas that have been afforded special protection and any restrictions regarding entry and activities that can be carried out in and near them. Observe applicable restrictions. Do not damage, remove, or destroy Historic Sites or Monuments or any artifacts associated with them. RESPECT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Do not interfere with scientific research, facilities or equipment. Obtain permission before visiting Antarctic science and support facilities; reconfirm arrangements hours before arrival; and comply with the rules regarding such visits. Do not interfere with, or remove, scientific equipment or marker posts, and do not disturb experimental study sites, field camps, or supplies. BE SAFE Be prepared for severe and changeable weather and ensure that your equipment and clothing meet Antarctic standards. Remember that the Antarctic environment is inhospitable, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous. Know your capabilities and the dangers posed by the Antarctic environment, and act accordingly. Plan activities with safety in mind at all times. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife, both on land and at sea. Take note of, and act on, the advice and instructions from your leaders; do not stray from your group. Do not walk onto glaciers or large snow fields without the proper equipment and experience; there is a real danger of falling into hidden crevasses. Do not expect a rescue service. Self-sufficiency is increased and risks reduced by sound planning, quality equipment, and trained personnel. Do not enter emergency refuges (except in emergencies). If you use equipment or food from a refuge, inform the nearest research station or national authority once the emergency is over. Respect any smoking restrictions, particularly around buildings, and take great care to safeguard against the danger of fire. This is a real hazard in the dry environment of Antarctica. KEEP ANTARCTICA PRISTINE Antarctica remains relatively pristine, the largest wilderness area on Earth. It has not yet been subjected to large-scale human perturbations. Please keep it that way. Do not dispose of litter or garbage on land. Open burning is prohibited. Do not disturb or pollute lakes or streams. Any materials discarded at sea must be disposed of properly. Do not paint or engrave names or graffiti on rocks or buildings. Do not collect or take away biological or geological specimens or man-made artifacts as a

9 souvenir, including rocks, bones, eggs, fossils, and parts or contents of buildings. Do not deface or vandalize buildings or emergency refuges, whether occupied, abandoned, or unoccupied.