White Christmas in Antarctica

Transcription

1 White Christmas in Antarctica Buenos Aires - Falkland Islands - Antarctica- Buenos Aires Celebrate a traditional Norwegian Christmas among abandoned whaling stations in the South Georgia Islands - and spend New Year's Eve hiking with the penguins of Antarctica. Embark on an epic 20-day expedition through the South Atlantic Islands and into the last untouched continent on the planet, showcasing the region's amazing wildlife and extreme landscapes. Travel Period - 14 December 2017 Duration - 20 Days Ship - MS Fram

2 Take delight in a festive celebration in magnificent pristine settings Come ashore on isolated beaches, go kayaking and spend the night in a tent Join an all-encompassing and well-rounded expedition cruising to both the sub Antarctic Islands and Antarctica Spend a number of invigorating days in South Georgia where the wildlife is rich and landscapes are astonishing Starting in Buenos Aires, you have the opportunity to discover the Paris of South America before embarking on MS Fram in Ushuaia, the world s southernmost town, and setting course for the Southern Ocean. Christmas in South Georgia En route to Antarctica we first reach the Falkland Islands with its seamless horizons, vast open spaces, stunning white sand beaches and rich wildlife, with penguins walking by like you are no stranger at all. Then into open sea, where exciting and informative lectures await you on your way to South Georgia; we will arrive in time for Christmas Eve. In addition to a traditional Norwegian celebration on board the ship, we will explore abandoned whaling stations, the whaling museum, a Norwegian whaler s church

3 and the tiny graveyard in Grytviken where we can pay our respects to one of Antarctica s greatest explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Next on the route is The South Orkneys, every photographer's dream with majestic snow-capped mountains, blue icebergs and an endless wilderness. This is the last stop before we head on to Antarctica and some of the most remote places on earth. New Year's Eve in the Antarctic In Antarctica, the highlights queue up during our four days here. We will take our backpacks and hike the distinctive ring-shaped volcanic caldera of Deception Island, visit Half Moon Island, considered a jewel of diversity in the polar landscape, and navigate through the 48-kilometre Antarctic Sound that o ers the most impressive manifestations of icebergs that we will see on our voyage. On Brown Blu, Adélie and Chinstrap penguins, Kelp gulls and Cape petrels nest below spectacular cli s that rise 745 metres from the sea. And of course, there are majestic whales breaking the surface that you yourself may get even closer to by putting a kayak onto the water. Returning back, we will once again sail through the Drake Passage, notorious among the early polar explorers, before disembarking in Ushuaia. Price includes: Cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis One hotel night in Buenos Aires before the voyage including breakfast Return economy flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia Transfer in Ushuaia with orientation tour Wind and water resistant jacket Landings with Polarcirkel boats and activities onboard and ashore Professional English speaking Expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompanying landings and activities Free tea and co ee Not included: International flights Travel insurance Luggage handling Optional excursions and gratuities Note: Prices are in EUR ( ) per person All planned landings are subject to weather and ice conditions All itineraries are subject to change Medical questionnaire mandatory Free rubber boot rental service on board

4 The itinerary This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather, wind and ice conditions will determine our schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the final sailing itinerary during the voyage. Hence, this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience and why every expedition with Hurtigruten is unique. 14 December 2017 Departs From Buenos Aires, Argentina DAY 1 Birthplace of the Tango Location: Buenos Aires Explore Buenos Aires, also dubbed Paris of South America, on your own and get a taste of what the birthplace of the Tango has to offer.

5 DAY 2 All aboard Location: Buenos Aires/Ushuaia After a night in a first class hotel in Buenos Aires, you fly to Ushuaia where MS Fram awaits you. In the evening we set our course for the Southern Ocean and the Christmas adventure that awaits us. DAY 3 Across the open sea

6 Location: South Atlantic Ocean We set course for the Falkland Islands located 480 km (300 mi) east of the southern tip of Argentina and approximately 1,000 km (600 mi) north of the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica. We will begin our lecture series with a focus on the dramatic history and diverse wildlife of the islands as we keep a watch for wandering albatross and Dusky dolphins. DAY 4 Meet the penguins Location: Falkland Islands The Falklands are teeming with wonders of wildlife and nature. Penguins comes close to you, stop and take a glance, before continuing on their way in total disregard to your presence, giving you some great photo opportunities!

7 DAY 5 Explore Stanley on foot Location: Falkland Islands Stanley, the islands capital, makes a wonderful starting point for the various excursions we offer in the area. The town is easy enough to discover on foot as most shops and services are centred on the port. DAYS 6-7 Southward to South Georgia

8 Location: Southern Ocean We spend two days cruising southward to beautiful South Georgia. En route you can participate in a number of presentations about the area s wildlife, as well as whaling and polar history. Our expedition team is well versed in every facet of South Georgia, from its geology and glaciology to the mating rituals of the sooty albatross and the legends of the Norwegian whalers. One of the fascinating stories that will be told is that of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the men of the ill-fated Endurance and the amazing feats of bravery and seamanship that saved them all. DAY 8 Christmas Eve Location: South Georgia South Georgia is a superb place to celebrate Christmas Eve! There is nowhere, in any latitude, quite like South Georgia. It offers magnificent mountain scenery with majestic glaciers and beaches teeming with wildlife.

9 DAY 9 Christmas Day Location: South Georgia South Georgia is a superb place to celebrate Christmas! Explore abandoned whaling stations, the whaling museum, a Norwegian whaler s church and the tiny graveyard in Grytviken where we can pay our respects to one of Antarctica s greatest explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton. DAY 10

10 Leave nothing but footprints Location: Southern Ocean As we continue to Antarctica, we learn more about the wonders of the Deep South. In addition to spotting for the magnificent wandering albatross and other seabirds, we continue our lecture series focusing on the history, environment, and wildlife of Antarctica. Our series includes a thorough introduction to the Antarctic visitor guidelines from the Antarctic Treaty and International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). DAY 11 grapher's dream Location: South Orkneys The deserted South Orkney Islands are every photographer's dream, with majestic snow-capped mountains, blue icebergs and an endless wilderness. We spend one day exploring these islands.

11 DAY 12 Closer than ever Location: Washington Strait We will cruise by the Washington Strait and Coronation Island before setting course towards Elephant Island and Antarctica. DAYS Unforgettable experiences

12 Location: Antarctica Antarctica is different from anything else you will ever experience! Once we have crossed the Antarctic Convergence you will start feeling the air getting crisper and colder. You will begin to see Antarctic penguins in the water, and don t forget to be on the lookout for the first iceberg. Among the highlights of our days in Antarctica is Deception Island, one of the South Shetlands; a distinctive ring-shaped volcanic caldera. This is one of the few places in Antarctica where we can take our backpacks and hike. Hiking on an active volcano is a rarity, and being in Antarctica makes it even more special. You can also look forward to visiting Half Moon Island, considered a jewel of diversity in the polar landscape. It can be difficult to navigate through the 48-kilometre Antarctic Sound due to ice, but it offers the most impressive manifestations of icebergs that we will see on our voyage. On Brown Bluff, adélie and chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and cape petrels nest below spectacular cliffs that rise 745m out of the sea. The stony beach is suitable for shore landings outside of nesting season. When opportunities arise we will launch our kayaks, pitch tents ashore and take you on unforgettable hikes to explore the most beautiful, untouched places on the planet. DAYS Headed north Location: The Drake Passage After some magnificent days exploring Antarctica, MS Fram heads north and we make our way back to the South American continent. The voyage from the

13 Antarctic Peninsula to Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina is roughly 950 km (600 mi) or 40 hours sailing time in good weather. During the voyage north, we will continue our lecture series and recap our experiences of Antarctica, the Falkland Islands/Malvinas, and wonderful South Georgia and South Orkneys. DAY 20 The end of the adventure Location: Ushuaia/Buenos Aires If you want some sun and warmth after spending time in the coldest place on earth, we recommend you participate in one of our post-voyage programmes in Buenos Aires. 2 January 2018 Location Buenos Aires, Argentina 130 B Jodhpur Park, Ground Floor, Kolkata W.B.INDIA * info@expeditionvoyages.in ( / John: / Shanthini :