ANT TARCT TIC EXPEDI X ITION N CRUIISE AN ND FLY ( TINE (I ERARY Y B) Aboar rd the M//V Antar rctic Dre eam
Itinerary Overview On this Antarctica Cruise & Fly 12-day itinerary you fly back over the Drake Passage from Antarctica to Tierra del Fuego with the advantage of less time at sea and more time to explore Patagonia, both before and after your Antarctic expedition. You ll have opportunities to visit Torres del Paine and Tierra del Fuego National Parks and discover the historic seafaring charm of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The Antarctic is one of the newest ice-strengthened expedition ships designed specifically for Antarctic exploration and recently refurbished to add the comforts and amenities of a small cruise ship. This is a true expedition experience, in the spirit of the early explorers, with multiple landings in the most pristine and impressive wildlife habitats amongst thousands of penguins, sea lions, and other marine and terrestrial animals amidst this spectacular beauty of the White Continent. There are even opportunities to kayak or camp! DAY OVERNIGHT Hotels MEALS Highlights 1 BUENOS AIRES Moreno Hotel Arrival into Buenos Aires 2 USHUAIA Tierra de Fly to Ushuaia, afternoon city B Leyendas tour and hiking 3 DRAKE PASSAGE Tierra del Fuego National Park tour and afternoon embarkation 4 DRAKE PASSAGE 5 DRAKE PASSAGE 6 7 8 9 VILLA ESPERANZA & BROWN BLUFF PAULET ISLAND & ASTROLABE PARADISE BAY & CUVERVILLE ISLAND DECEPTION ISLAND & HALF MOON BAY 10 PUERTO NATALES 11 PUERTO NATALES 12 DEPARTURE Singular Patagonia Singular Patagonia BD B On-board amenities and lectures, views from deck, Antarctic Convergence On-board amenities and lectures, views from deck, Antarctic Convergence Antarctica Sound, Esperanza Base, Gentoo and Adelie penguins Adelie penguin colony, Mt Flora, stone shelter for shipwrecked Antarctica Paradise Bay via zodiac, Gentoo penguins South Shetland Islands, land excursions Disembark, fly to Punta Arenas, transfer to Puerto Natales Choose from activities on offer including Torres del Paine NP Transfer for flight to Santiago, day room before intl flight -2-
Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: BUENOS AIRES Buenos Aires airport reception and transfer to at the Moreno Hotel. DAY 2: USHUAIA Fly south over the rugged Patagonian landscape to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Sitting on the shoress of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia actually means 'the bay facing westward' in the language of the original Yamna inhabitants. Once a penal colony (the presidio was disbanded in the 1940s) for political prisoners as well as hardened criminals, Ushuaia is now a major tourist attraction, particularly for those embarking on an Antarctica expedition. The town of 40,000 is also a major ski resort area for both alpine and cross-country skiers and offers magnificent hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park, the only coastal national park in Argentina. After arrival and transferr to the hotel, in the afternoon embark on an active exploration of the city. The hike starts in the El Mirador del Beagle area, a neighborhood located in the highest point of the city and an example of the development of the city in recent years. The trail takes you along the edge of the forest, featuring amazing views of the many landmarks which played a part in Ushuaia s interesting sea-faring history. Overnight at Tierra de Leyendas. [B] DAY 3: USHUAIA - TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK Prior to an afternoon embarkation of the M/V Antarcticaa, explore Tierra del Fuego National Park on foot and by vehicle. Upon arrival in the park, we start a 7 km trek (3.5 hours) to a wonderful scenic point overlooking Lake Roca, Lagunas Verde and Negra, Rivers Ovando and Lapataia and Bahía Lapataia. Hiking through this beech forest keep your eyes peeled for the incredible birdlife including the Magellanic woodpecker (the largest in South America), Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles and Andean Condors. Transfer to pier in afternoon for embarkation. Check-in with the M/V Antarctic begins at 4:00PM where you will be greeted by the Expedition Leader and staff and shown to your cabin. Overnight aboard the M/ /V Antarctic. [] DAY 4 & 5: DRAKE PASSAGE Wandering albatrosses, storm petrels and other seabirds willl escort our vessel as sailing south across this famous 400 mile passage named after Sir Francis Drake, the 16th-century English navigator. The ship continues towards the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar waters sink beneath the warmer waters of the more temperate zone creating a zone of upwelling knownn for its concentration and abundance of seabird, whales and other marine life. Late in the afternoon on day six you will sight land. These are the South Shetland Islands, a haven for wildlife including fur seals, penguin rookeries, and wallowing elephant seals. In 1819, the British explorer William Smith described the South Shetland -3-
Islands as barren and covered with snow, with seals in abundance. Overnight aboard Antarctic. [] the M/V DAY 6: VILLA ESPERANZA & BROWN BLUFFF In the morning you ll awake in Hope Bay with a view of Mount Flora on the Antarctic Sound. The Antarctic Sound was named after the vessel, the Antarctic, used in the Nordenskjoldd Expedition 1902 1904, the first to navigate these challenging waters. You ll disembark at the historic Esperanza Base, a research station built in 1952 which houses scientists year round. This is also your first opportunity for close encounters with Gentoo and Adelie penguins who nest close to the base. In the afternoon, you ll sail south to Brown Bluff, a dark rocky cliff surrounded by incredible glaciers. [] DAY 7: PAULET ISLAND & ASTROLABE Overnight, the vessel will sail to Paulet Island, home of a huge Adelie penguin's colony, one of the two penguin species considered truly Antarctic. You ll also encounter a colony of blue eyed shags on the volcanic screee slopes. At this site, are the remains of a stone refuge built by the shipwrecked Antarctic survivors, crushed by heavy ice at the Weddell Sea in 1903. During lunch time the ship will re position to Astrolabe Island, on the northern end of the Antarctic Peninsula, now outside of the Antarctic Sound. Astrolabe is a very rich site in wildlife with penguins & seals in abundance. Overnight aboard the M/V Antarctic. [] DAY 8: PARADISE BAY & CUVERVILLE ISLAND Today you ll visit Cuverville Island, site of the largest Gentooo penguin colony on Antarctica. Cruising into Herrera Channel up to Paradise Bay, on the north shore, highh mountains raise up to 3,000 ft on the south shore of the Andean Mountain extension range. Cruise in a zodiac following the coast line, contemplating these dramatic glaciers and cliffs rising thousands of feet above you. In the afternoon, visit Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Discovered in 1903 by a French expedition, it was used first as a whaling and military base and then a research station. On the island is a smalll museum and post office, surrounded by a Gentoo penguin rookery. Overnight aboard the. [] DAY 9: DECEPTION ISLAND & HALF MOON While enjoying dinner aboard the a, the Captain will navigate the Neumayer Channel and into Gerlache Straight. The next morning you ll explore the coast of the South Shetland Islands, a haven for wildlife including fur seals, penguin rookeries, and wallowing elephant seals. In 1819, the British explorer William Smith described the South Shetland Islands as barren and covered with snow, with seals in abundance. Depending on wind and swell conditions the Captain and expedition leader will coordinate a landing either on Deception Island or Halfmoon Island, Yankee Harbor or Robert Point. -4-
Flexibility and adaptability are key on this day the weather and seas will be the deciding factor in determining the days activities. Overnight aboard the. [] DAY 10: FLY TO PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE You ll disembark the at Fildes Bay and board a plane for Punta Arenas, flying north over the Drake for Punta Arenas. Transfer to overnight at Singular Patagonia Hotel. [BD] DAY 11: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK During your stay at Singular Patagonia, you can select among a broad menu of expeditions, ranging from visits to Torres del Paine National Park, horseback riding, trekking, kayaks, or bird watching. Or choose to relax and rejuvenate after your Antarctica adventure in the on-site spa. Regardless of your day s activities, you ll end the day with an exceptional meal, featuring authentic Patagonian ingredients such as Magellan lamb and King Crab and paired with the finest Chilean wines. Overnight at Singular Patagonia Hotel. [] DAY 12: SANTIAGO & DEPARTURE After a delicious breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago. You ll have access to a day room at the Santiago Park Plaza Hotel prior to your international flight departure. [B] Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. -5-
Accommodations The is an expedition vessel with ice strengthened hull, built specifically for Antarctica exploration and totally refurbished to add the comfort of a small cruise ship. This vessel allows a true expedition experience, in the spirit of the early explorers, with multiple landings in the most unique and marvelous settings of Antarctica. It has a capacity of 80 passengers, in 40 double cabins, all equipped with private bathroom, closed circuit TV, individual central heatin and with exterior views. Our ample dining room with its large windows looking out on the scenery can seat all passengers in one sitting (and it serves as a comfortable lounge between mealtimes). Breakfast and lunches are with a wide assortment of dishes. Dinner is more formal with full multicourse service by our professional Chilean wait staff. The cuisine is international with an appealing mix of famed Chilean fish and shellfish along with world famous Argentine meats. And naturally both lunch and dinner are accompanied by complimentary Chilean wines. In the freee time between landings, lectures and dinning, passengers can browse our small library, work out in our fitness room or hang out in our cozy pub. Our on board style is always casual. Finally there is the fascination of getting to know like-minded people from many countries around the world. Our sailings typically include at least 10 nationalities. SANTIAGO PARK PLAZA, SANTIAGO Right in the Heart of Santiago, the boutique Park Plazaa offers spectacular sightseeing opportunities in the city. It is just moments from national monuments, art museums, opera houses, the financial district, and a diversee array of entertainment options. The hotel itself is sylish and comfortable, with traditional British Charm and a helpful and friendly staff. HOTEL MORENOO A landmark art deco building restored into a posh playground, Morenoo perfectly captures the city s vibe and its brilliant reflection of haute bohemian heritage. Unique features include the 130 lounge seat on-site theater hosting live tango and music performances by renowned local and international artists, a dazzling bar and restaurant heart of Buenos Aires nightlife and 39 unusually large bedroom lofts. -6-
SINGULAR PATAGONIA HOTEL The Singular Patagonia Hotel is located in the restored Bories Cold-Storage Plant. Built in 1915 in true post-victorian industrial style, this industrial plant was fully operational for nearly seven decades, generating employment and contributing to the population growth in the Patagonia region. It was declared National Historic Landmark in 1996 by the Government of Chile. This heritage has been restored by The Singular Hotels preserving the architectural and cultural legacy by transforming them into a luxury hotel. Its ideally located for exploring the Chilean Patagonian landscape. A team of expert guides will host expeditions to the most nteresting places in Patagonia. These will be made through fjords, mountains, glaciers, farms and forest. Guests can choose different activities: horseback riding, trekking, kayaks, bird watching among many others. The hotel has a complete spa with therapies that blend the best of the original roots of Patagonia with the modern techniques of wellness. Heated pool, indoor and outdoor, it s the perfect rest after a day of incredible expeditions. The mix of native and international cuisine, will provide a unique dining experience. At the bar you will find the time to talk about the different experiences of the day or planning the next day sharing the best wines of Chile. 2012/2013 December 4-15 December 19-30 January 3-14 January 18-29 DEPARTURE DATES TIERRA DE LEYENDAS, USHUAIA Run by a well-traveled husband and wife team from the Buenos Aires hotel scene, Tierra del Leyendas attracts hedonists, foodies and coastal walkers and is widely considered one of the best (and least well-knownopen-plain ground floor invites boutique hotels in all of Argentina. An guest interaction in a spaciouss lounge and reception area overlooking the bay. The five rooms are named after local fables and indigenous artifacts, sheepskin throws, comfortable elegance and the surrounding mountains and water on the outskirts of Ushuaia make for a very Patagonia feel. Be sure to have dinner here the cuisine is excellent. 2012/2013 PRICING: : BASED UPON 2 PEOPLE SHARING RESTRICTIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE HOTEL HOLIDAY RATES & LAND COST CAPE HORN PER PERSON CABIN High Season $18,095 PILOTO SHACKLETON PARDO CABIN CABIN $16,800 $13,775 AMUNDSEN CABIN $11,995 Internal airfare* $650 $650 $650 $650 *A AIRFARE IS AN APPROXIMATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL TICKETS ARE ISSUED. -7-
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: 1.7 X THE DOUBLE OCCUPANCY COST Single supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. If you request single accommodations you will be charged the single supplement. If you are willing to share a room we will attempt to match you with another traveler of the same gender, in which case the single supplement will be waived. However, if we are unable to find another traveler with whom you can share a room in most cases you will be charged the single supplement. INCLUDED SERVICES Local airfare: Buenos Aires Ushuaia & Puerto Arenas to Santiago (listed as separate cost) One-way air Antarctica Punta Arenas Hotel and boat accommodations as indicated English-speaking naturalist guides Guided tours and excursions Airport-hotel transfers and land transportation Meals as specified [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Services of in-bound land operator for airline reconfirmation, and tour operations Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International airfare Airport taxes ($140 reciprocity fee arriving Argentina)). Airport taxes can be paid in Pesos or USD cash, or by debit card. Tips and gratuities Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions -8-