INTRODUCTION Start your journey in Sydney with this flight inclusive package to via Santiago! Discover the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula on this 12-day cruise aboard Le Boréal, an incredible journey to the heart of the ice wilderness at the end of the world. The vast landscapes of the polar desert will overwhelm you as you cruise between immense tabular icebergs, past towering snow-covered mountains and alongside imposing glaciers. Penguins are the emblem of this ice-bound region, enchanting visitors as they waddle over a beach or sail on a drifting ice flow. Neko Harbour will captivate you, one of the most beautiful site on the Antarctic Peninsula, with its spectacular scenery and incredible wildlife. This is a voyage that will be etched in your memory forever. After, your journey takes you to Argentina where you will have the chance to experience the buzzing capital, Buenos Aires, on a city tour followed by a tango show. ITINERARY DAY 1: Fly from Sydney to Santiago At the appropriate time, you will board your flight from Sydney to Santiago On arrival into Santiago you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
DAY 2: Transfer to the airport for onward destination You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time for the transfer to the airport for your onward flight from Santiago. On arrival from Santiago into Punta Arenas airport, you will be met and transferred to Punta Arenas cruise terminal for embarkation on Le Boréal. Embarkation is between 16:30 and 18:30 with the ship sailing at 20:30. Punta Arenas is the historic capital of the Magallanes Region and of the Chilean Antarctic. Once inhabited by several indigenous tribes, Punta Arenas has maintained an architectural style that remains true to its heritage. The city has many treasures, including the statue of Magellan at the centre of the Plaza Armas and the iconic Palacio Sara Braun. The city's public cemetery is adorned with beautiful gardens, whilst the Mirador Cerro la Cruz is a lookout point that offers a spectacular panorama of the city's colourful houses. DAY 3: Strait of Magellan, Garibaldi Glacier From Punta Arenas, the ship sails along the Strait of Magellan that separates South America from Tierra del Fuego and links the Pacific with the Atlantic Ocean. The Strait is named after the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who navigated the Strait during his circumnavigation of the globe in 1520. As we cruise along the 600 kilometres that separates the Atlantic from the Pacific, heading towards Ushuaia, we discover the sea route that was long nicknamed the Strait of All Saints because Magellan s ships first entered it on All Saints Day. The ship cruises along the narrow arm of Garibaldi Fjord with its stunning landscapes of thick green vegetation adorning steep mountains, before reaching the towering ice of Garibaldi Glacier, one of Chile s most beautiful glaciers. Keep a look out for sea lions and seabirds as we sail. At the north-west arm of the Beagle Channel is Glacier Alley, an endless chain of majestic glaciers that line the waters. España, Romanche, Alemania, Italia, Francia and Holanda are amongst the impressive and spectacular ice giants.
DAY 4: Beagle Channel, Drake Passage - Day 3 & 4 Together with Cape Horn and the Strait of Magellan, the Beagle Channel is one of the few shipping routes connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Measuring approximately 240 kilometres in length, it marks the border between Chile and Argentina and owes its name to the HMS Beagle, a British ship that carried out hydrographic missions in South America in the 19th century. The Beagle Channel is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, set against a backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. Situated at the latitude of the Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, the Drake Passage is the shortest route between South America and. It bears the name of the 16th century English explorer, Sir Francis Drake. It is a waterway that is often dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike but it is part of the adventure of reaching! At the Antarctic convergence where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, the Drake Passage harbours a diverse marine fauna. You may catch glimpses of the elegant albatross and Cape petrels, as they soar above the ship. DAY 6: Weddell Sea Amidst the eerie stillness and silence of the Weddell Sea, the ship weaves its way through a labyrinth of majestic table icebergs. Sweeping ice platforms sculpt an incredible and indescribable landscape, populated by fur seals, penguin colonies, wandering albatross, giant petrels and other imposing seabirds. The Weddell seal, king of this realm, has a haunting cry that pierces the surrounding silence. Recognisable by their dark grey coat and spotted underside, Weddell seals are able to remain submerged for more than an hour. To maintain access to the sea and be able to fish, Weddell seals have special teeth that allow them to make a hole in the thick ice.
DAY 7: Port Lockroy, Neko Harbour We hope to make our first landing at Port Lockroy, a spectacular natural harbour nestled in the very heart of the Antarctic Peninsula on Goudier Island. Discovered by French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot in 1903, the site has served over the years as a relief and repair base for whaling ships, a British military base and later a research station. Here we visit the small museum that retraces the life of the base in the 1950 s. Since 1996, it has been open to the public during the short southern summer and is used for carrying out research on gentoo penguins. The base has a small store and post office, giving you the opportunity to send a postcard from the southernmost post office in the world. Neko Harbour is one of the most beautiful sites on the Antarctic Peninsula. It was discovered by Belgian navigator Adrien de Gerlache during his 1897-1899 expedition. It is a unique and magical site, with snow-covered mountains, ice and an incredible wildlife. You may encounter seabirds such as gulls, Cape petrels and cormorants and marine mammals such as seals, orcas, minke whales and leopard seals. We head out on Zodiacs that bring us close to the imposing and beautifully sculpted icebergs and we make a stop near a penguin colony.
DAY 8: Pleneau Island, Port Charcot, Paradise Bay Named after talented photographer Paul Pléneau, who accompanied Jean-Baptiste Charcot on his 1903 expedition, Pleneau Island has become a refuge for gentoo penguins, elephant seals and fur seals. Lying at the southern end of the beautiful Lemaire Channel, there is an imposing set of sculpted ice formations along the shores of Pleneau Island, ranging in colour from white to intense blue. On land, red algae provides a striking contrast against the snow and the gentoo penguin nesting sites, strewn across the island. Port Charcot is a natural harbour located in Salpêtrière Bay that was discovered by French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot. It was named after the explorer's father, famed neurologist Jean- Martin Charcot. A walk through the snow will take you to the remains of Charcot's stone cabin where he conducted studies on magnetism in 1903-5. Nearby there is a colony of gentoo penguins. If you continue further towards the summit, you will pass alongside the remnants of a cairn with an unobstructed view of the vast field of icebergs scattered over the bay. Surrounded and protected by towering glaciated mountains and ice cliffs that plunge into the icy Antarctic waters below, Paradise Bay is a stunningly beautiful wide bay and natural harbour. Discovered and named by whalers in the early 20th century, this protected natural site is home to a wide variety of fauna, from Antarctic cormorants and leopard seals to sheathbills and a colony of gentoo penguins on the long stretch of rocky beaches. Humpback whales are sometimes seen passing by. During the excursion, we explore the old Argentine base Almirante Brown, which is only occupied for a few weeks each year, during the austral summer. DAY 9: Wilhelmina Bay It was during the 1897-1899 Antarctic expedition led by Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache aboard the Belgica that this quiet, protected bay was discovered. It was named in honour of the Dutch queen, Wilhelmina of Orange-Nassau. Wilhelmina Bay is an enchanting and spectacular place, where towering mountains are reflected in the still waters. The bay is known for its abundant whale population with humpback whales being frequent visitors as they feed in the surrounding waters amidst a stunning seascape of ice floes and icebergs.
DAY 10: Deception Island, Half Moon Island Situated just above the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, Deception Island is easily recognisable due to its distinctive horseshoe shape. The crater of this former volcano caved in 10,000 years ago and the resulting caldera was flooded, creating a natural harbour. If weather conditions permit we will sail into the flooded volcanic caldera, surrounded by rugged and dramatic scenery. Deception Island still bears traces of its past as a hub of the whaling industry. The remains of abandoned sheds that formed part of the old whaling station line the black sands of the islands volcanic beaches and share space with the islands spectacular fauna. Deception Island is home to the Antarctic Peninsula s largest colony of chinstrap penguins, as well as numerous elephant seals and fur seals. Nestled among the South Shetland Islands in the icy waters of the Antarctic, Half Moon Island has a surreal and mystical setting. Long, jagged coastlines alternate with gently sloping bays, overlooked by petrified volcanic pipes. Camara, a former Argentine research station built at the centre of the island in 1953, still stands in the crook of a vast, crescentshaped beach of large ash-coloured pebbles battered by icy electric-blue waves. Half Moon's wild lunar landscape is home to a number of animal species, including chinstrap penguins, fur seals, Weddell seals and Antarctic terns. DAY 11: Drake Passage - Day 10 & 11 Leaving, we head north back across the infamous Drake Passage and the Beagle Channel towards Ushuaia. We again pass the convergence zone where cold currents meet warmer equatorial waters moving in the opposite direction, the nutrient rich waters attracting a range of marine fauna and seabirds.
DAY 13: Disembarkation in Ushuaia (Argentina) Capital of Argentina s Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia lies in a bay opening into the Beagle Channel, at the country s southernmost tip. Its colourful houses are framed against towering mountains, snow-capped throughout the year. We disembark the ship this morning and transfer to Ushuaia airport for the flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival into Buenos Aires you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Buenos Aires, Argentina s elegant, historic and cosmopolitan capital, is known as the Paris of the South due to its European atmosphere with glamorous avenues lined with fashionable shops and Parisian-style restaurants and cafes. Located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, Buenos Aires has many fascinating neighbourhoods to explore including the colourful and lively La Boca, home to art galleries and tango shows; San Telmo with its restored mansions and antique stores and Recoleta, the city s most exclusive area.
DAY 14: Highlights of Buenos Aires City Tour This morning at 0900 hours, you will be collected from your hotel for your 3 hour tour of Buenos Aires visiting the most important highlights of the city. At the first stop, discover the history of the Plaza de Mayo Square, the site of Argentina s most important historical events - see its surroundings and the most emblematic buildings and learn all about them. Then enjoy Mayo Avenue and wonder in awe at the oldest residential neighborhood in Buenos Aires: San Telmo. Live and feel the original Tango in the neighborhood of La Boca: walk along Caminito Street and enjoy the dancers and souvenir shops. See the mythical Boca Juniors soccer stadium. Contemplate the modernization of the city whilst traveling along Puerto Madero and its exclusive docks, full of excellent restaurants and large offices. Pass through the Retiro neighbourhood and move on to see Palermo and its most exclusive residential area before finally arriving at Recoleta. Once there, discover the final resting place of Eva Peron, Evita and wander through Recoleta Cemetery where she is to be found. Tonight you will visit the 1940s style Esquina Carlos Gardel club and enjoy a three course meal and a spectacular tango show. At the conclusion of the show a private vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel. DAY 15: Free day in Buenos Aires Today is free to enjoy the sights and sounds of this world famous city. Why not enjoy a day trip over the River Plate to the beautiful city of Colonia with its UNESCO World Heritage Listed historic centre, perhaps wander the streets of San Telmo antiques district (home to the famous Sunday markets), enjoy some of the world class shopping or soak up some of Buenos Aires Parisian atmosphere. DAY 16: Transfer to the airport for onward destination You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the domestic airport for your onward journey from Buenos Aires. Flight back to Sydney with short transfer in Santiago
Accommodation Inclusions INCLUSIONS & DETAILS Standard International flights from Sydney to Santiago return. All domestic flights. All accommodation throughout - superior room at Solace Hotel Santiago, superior state cabin onboard Le Boreal in and junior suite in Own Grand Palermo Soho in Buenos Aires. All airport transfers. All meals during 12 day cruise. All activities as per the itinerary. Accommodation with breakfast on your pre and post cruise dates. Shared city tour plus dinner and tango show in Buenos Aires. Difficulty Rating Single Surcharge Notes Price Dependent upon 2 (light adventure) Available upon request Contact us for more details 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 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 1998. 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 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 24-72 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. KEEP ANTARCTICA PRISTINE 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 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.