JOURNEY TO ANTARCTICA: THE WHITE CONTINENT WITH FLIGHTS FROM BUENOS AIRES ABOARD THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER Antarctica DATES, FEES, & ITINERARY This classic Antarctica itinerary delivers huge tabular icebergs, sculptural bergs floating in pools of turquoise blue melt water, mountains rising some 9,000 feet straight up from the sea, penguins galore, abundant marine mammals and experiences like cruising through the solemn majesty of the Lemaire Channel, among many more. Spend your days and nights in a rapture of discovery. Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4 Category 5 Category 6 Category 7 Nov 26-Dec 9, 2017 $13760 $14790 $15230 $16390 $19720 $22540 $26240 Dec 6-19, 2017 $13760 $14760 $15230 $16390 $19720 $22540 $26240 Dec 16-29, 2017** $14860 $15970 $16450 $17690 $21290 $24340 $28340 Dec 26, 2017-Jan 8, 2018** $14860 $15970 $16450 $17690 $21290 $24340 $28340 Jan 5-18, 2018 $13760 $14790 $15230 $16390 $19720 $22540 $26240 Jan 15-28, 2018 $13760 $14760 $15230 $16390 $19720 $22540 $26240 Jan 25-Feb 7, 2018 $13760 $14790 $15230 $16390 $19720 $22540 $26240 Feb 4-17, 2018 $13760 $14760 $15230 $16390 $19720 $22540 $26240 *Prices based on double occupancy. Single Cat A: $18490 / Single Cat B: $19040, **Single Cat A: $19960 / Single Cat B: $20560
DAY 1: US/FLY TO BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA Depart U.S. this evening on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires. Overnight on flight DAY 2: OVERNIGHT HOTEL IN BUENOS AIRES We arrive this morning in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, set on the Rio de la Plata, and check in to the fine Sofitel Buenos Aires (or similar). In the afternoon, we have a guided overview of the city, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces, grand boulevards, and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron. Overnight in Buenos Aires DAY 3: FLY TO USHUAIA, ARGENTINA/EMBARK SHIP The morning's LAN charter flight offers some rare views as we fly over the vividly rugged terrain of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. We'll have lunch during a catamaran cruise of the scenic Beagle Channel before embarking National Geographic Explorer. DAY 4: AT SEA We awake this morning well into our journey across the Drake Passage. Lying between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake holds a unique place in maritime lore. Sometimes misty and gray, other times calm and clear, crossing the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable - a milestone in any adventurer's personal travel history. DAYS 5-10: ANTARCTICA With nearly 24 hours of daylight, we make the most of our six days, keeping a flexible schedule to take advantage of the unexpected perhaps watching a 40-ton whale surface off the bow. We are out daily. One day, you may take a Zodiac foray amid towering bergs under a bright sun, walk along the shoreline amid a huge penguin colony, hike to a summit for a breathtaking view, or kayak along a cliff-side rookery in search of blue-eyed shags. And the next, you ll have the thrill of watching the ship crunch through the pack ice, or step ashore to the cries of thousands of Gentoo penguins. You ll learn from our experts how to identify penguins and get photo tips from a National Geographic photographer while watching those same penguins. Back aboard, our Undersea Specialist may present video from that day s dive rare images taken up to 1,000 feet
below the surface using our ROV. Our expert staff will craft an expedition where you will learn more, see more and experience more. DAYS 11-12: AT SEA As we sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the avian escort of seabirds that cross our bow, and our spotters will keep an eye out for marine life. There ll be plenty of time to enjoy a wellness treatment, log some time in the gym, or catch up on the book you haven t had a minute to read. Talks from our staff will reflect on all you have seen and learned. DAY 13: USHUAIA/DISEMBARK/BUENOS AIRES After breakfast, we disembark in Ushuaia with some time to explore before proceeding to the airport for our LAN charter flight to Buenos Aires, and an overnight flight back home. DAY 14: ARRIVE HOME Please note: All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER The newly renovated National Geographic Explorer is an ice-class polar expedition vessel accommodating 148 guests in 81outside cabins, all with private facilities, climate controls, and windows or portholes. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. It has been freshly redesigned to provide travelers with the most innovative tools for exploring the undersea, the Polar Regions and key destinations around the globe. The ship houses technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Public areas include two restaurants, a lounge and bar, library, observation lounge, spa, fitness center, and sauna.
ACTIVITIES Kayaking (included) EXTENSIONS Buenos Aires / 2 days / Pre-trip / Price From $1890 Before embarking on your expedition, take time to explore one of the world s most intriguing cities. See its famous architecture, explore the most interesting neighborhoods, visit top museums, and take in a tango performance on an extension curated to provide the very best that Buenos Aires has to offer. Easter Island / 4 days / Post-trip / From $4390 Walk among the sentinels of a long lost culture in one of the most mysterious islands on Earth. See the 100-ton stone statues, all that s left of the ancient Rapa Nui culture that grew in isolation.
Iguazú Falls / 3 days / Post-trip / From $2790 Taller than Niagara and twice as wide, Iguazú Falls is situated in a beautiful subtropical forest, home to more than 450 species of birds, including toucans and parrots, and butterflies, orchids, and endangered jaguars. Charter flights round-trip Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires are not included. Deposit: $1500 per person Charter Airfare: from $990 (subject to change) Final Balance: Final payment is due 120 prior to departure. Cost Includes: All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary; meals indicated and nonalcoholic beverages; shore excursions; transfers to and from group flights; services of Expedition Leader, Naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes. Not Included: Air transportation; charter flights Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires; immigration/passport fees; extensions; scuba diving (where available); personal items such as alcoholic beverages, emails, laundry, voyage DVD etc.; discretionary tips to ship s crew. For more information, please call an Adventure Specialist at 1-800-543-8917