ANTARCTIC EXPRESS: FLY SOUTH, CRUISE ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLANDS ABOARD THE SEA ADVENTURER Antarctica DATES, FEES, & ITINERARY The most immersive and diverse expedition, this voyage offers a comprehensive Antarctic and Southern Ocean experience in significantly less time. You ll take a short three-hour flight to the white continent to see all the highlights, visit the wildlife paradise of South Georgia, as well as the distinct culture and charm of the remote Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). Exploring extremes is the hallmark of this voyage, which offers unprecedented pristine landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities. Conclude your once-in-alifetime experience with a flight back to Santiago, Chile. Triple Lower Main Deck Main Deck Superior Deluxe Suite Twin Deck Twin porthole Twin Window Feb 26-Mar 13, 2016 $19,995 $21,995 $23,995 $26,995 $27,995 $29,995 $30,995 *Rates based on double occupancy. Singles are 1.7 x double rate for twins. 2 x double rate for premium. DAY 1: PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE Your journey begins in Punta Arenas, Chile. This port city is situated at the southern tip of Chile, on the north bank of the Strait of Magellan. Once a Chilean penal colony, Punta Arenas has transformed into a vibrant city offering you plenty of attractions to explore including historic sites and museums. Explore the city by day, and then join us for an evening dinner to meet your fellow Antarctic fliers. Overnight in Punta Arenas DAY 2: EMBARKATION DAY
Today you board your chartered flight to Antarctica. The journey over the Drake Passage will take you less than four hours, whereas our ship-based travelers take two days to make the journey by sea. Your first glimpse of Antarctica comes into view shortly before the aircraft descends towards King George Island; hope for clear skies so you can appreciate the vastness of this great continent! You will have some free time to photograph parts of the island and stretch your legs before joining up with the ship, which will rendezvous with us later in the day, when you ll get your first trip in a Zodiac and begin your exploration of the Antarctic region. DAY 3-6: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA & SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS You ll get a sense that you ve arrived on a new planet during the start of your Antarctic voyage, as the pristine nature and dramatic environments are like nothing else on earth. From the vessel you can watch whales swim and feed in the nutrient-rich waters and spot penguins porpoising in the water and jumping aboard ice floes. Just as amazing as the wildlife are the soaring snow-covered mountains and glaciers of the Peninsula, which will be your playground for the next four days. As excitement builds from the ship, your first landing on a remote beach is when you ll feel that you ve officially arrived in Antarctica, giving you the opportunity to experience this wilderness up close. Every Zodiac excursion and landing presents new sights, sounds and smells. Some landings may be as relaxing as sitting on a beach, taking photographs of curious penguins. Other landings may provide exhilarating panoramic views of the Antarctic continent by hiking atop hill. Perhaps you ll catch a calving glacier crumbling into the sea at Petermann Island, or take a Zodiac cruise in search of Fur and Elephant Seals around Pleneau Island. Even common travel experiences like camping and mailing a postcard take on an extra level of excitement in Antarctica. While weather and sea conditions determine which landings we can make, your Expedition Team will ensure that each day of your Antarctic adventure leaves a lasting impression. DAY 7-9: AT SEA Spend your days at sea enjoying the view from the deck, or taking in presentations by the expedition team.
DAY 10-13: SOUTH GEORGIA With a rich history of exploration in the Antarctic, South Georgia has many stories to tell. You ll learn that the original inhabitants here arrived to hunt whales and fur and elephant seals to perilously low levels. Thankfully populations have rebounded and whaling and sealing ceases to exist today. You will also see many remnants of these days gone by; including several whaling stations and other abandoned outposts. Perhaps the most historic and famous site on the island is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to a museum, small gift shop, church and an active scientific research station.after that history lesson, you ll surely be ready for some wildlife encounters. South Georgia is sometimes called the Galapagos of the Poles as it is home to a captivating number of inquisitive and curious creatures. Indeed, the number of animals you ll see here will rival that of all the other days of your voyage combined. Each landing you make on South Georgia will open your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife; one day may be a beach filled with a hundred thousand pairs of king penguins, the next may present some close encounters with massive elephant seals or the smaller fur seals. Different penguin and bird species utilize the island landscape differently here, making it a fascinating destination teeming with wildlife from the shoreline to the top of the highest grassy hills. DAYS 14-15: AT SEA The next few days at sea can be as busy or as relaxing as you desire. Go on deck to spot whales and sea birds flying overhead, or attend lectures from our on-board specialists. Whatever you choose, remember to take a moment to reflect on the amazing creatures you ve met so far. DAY 16: PORT STANLEY, FALKLAND ISLANDS/DISEMBARKATION & FLY TO SANTIAGO, CHILE Upon arrival in the Falklands (Malvinas), you ll be greeted by a feeling of rugged remoteness. Disembark in Port Stanley, a unique outpost with a British country-charm. There are plenty of churches and museums to explore, as well as some friendly locals willing to chat over a drink at the pub. This afternoon, board a charter flight to Santiago, Chile. Overnight at airport hotel. Overnight at hotel DAY 17: DEPART FOR HOME
After breakfast, you are free to continue on your flight homeward. Overnight responsible by traveler Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.
SEA ADVENTURER The Sea Adventurer has a proud reputation as a wellappointed, elegant expedition ship for softer adventures. Built in 1975, she underwent a $13 million conversion in 1998. She accommodates 122 guests in 61 outside cabins, all featuring private facilities in a variety of categories. Cabins feature individual temperature controls, and in-room music. Comfortable public areas on the ship include a window-lined dining room, two bars and a lounge/presentation room. ACTIVITIES* Kayaking ($950/person) Camping ($250/person) *All activities not included in trip cost must be booked and paid for in advance as space is limited. Waivers must be signed. EXTENSIONS Experience Iguazú Falls One of the great natural wonders of the world, the grandeur of Iguazú Falls includes over 274 cascades spread over nearly two miles of the Iguazú River. This package includes a guided tour of the Argentinean side of the falls, with an option to visit the Brazilian side. You ll also experience a day in Buenos Aires, and be captivated by its European-inspired charm. Explore Easter Island Take a five-hour flight from Santiago to Easter Island, one of the world s most remote inhabited islands. A single, massive (though extinct) volcano rising over 10,000 feet from the Pacific Ocean floor, Easter Island is famous for its enormous statues carved from the tough stone of the Rano Raraku, the island s volcano. Your package includes tours of the statues, tombs, and volcanoes of the island. This luxurious package offers guests three nights accommodation at Explore Rapa Nui, where all meals, daily explorations, and drinks are included.
Deposit: 20% of trip cost (minimum $1000USD) Final Balance: Due 120 prior to departure Included: A group transfer from the airport to the pre-expedition hotel on day 1 of the itinerary; preexpedition night hotel in Punta Arenas including breakfast, groups transfers in Punta Arenas from hotel to airport, flight from Punta Areas to King George Island, group transfer from ship to airport in Stanley, group space on commercial flight from Stanley to Santiago, group transfer from airport in Santiago to hotel, one night post-expedition hotel and breakfast in Santiago, shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping, all breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage, all shore landings per the daily program, leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program, formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled, photographic journal on DVD, documenting the voyage, a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings, an official expedition parka to keep, coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock, a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin, comprehensive pre-departure materials, including an informative Antarctic Reader, all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program, all luggage handling aboard ship, Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person. Not Included: Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary, passport and visa expenses, government arrival and departure taxes, any meals ashore unless otherwise specified, baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance, excess baggage charges, laundry and other personal charges, telecommunications charges, the voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew. Note: Baggage allowance on charter flight is 33 lbs checked and 11 lbs carry-on. For more information, please call an Adventure Specialist at 1-800-543-8917