ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA, AND THE FALKLANDS ABOARD THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER Antarctica DATES, FEES, & ITINERARY The ultimate Southern ocean experience, this expedition takes you into majestically spectacular wildness. Not even the vast migrations of Africa can rival the awesomeness of seeing a king penguin colony of tens of thousands of individuals stretching as far as the eye can see. Or albatross colonies that fill the windward edges of the remote islands they call home. You ll have other rare sightings here too: massive, in both senses of the word, herds of elephant seals: and a wandering albatross stretching its 11-foot wings. It s the impossible beauty of Antarctica exponentially increased by unimaginable numbers of animals. A not-be-missed polar experience, for those with the luxury of time. Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4 Category 5 Category 6 Category 7 Nov 7-30, 2016 $23,100 $24,100 $24,750 $25,910 $33,290 $38,420 $44,550 Feb 15-Mar 10, 2017* $23,100 $24,750 $25,910 $27,130 $33,290 $38,420 $44,550 +Prices based on double occupancy. Single Category A: $30,930 / Single Category B: $32,390 * This voyage visits Antarctica first, then heads to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands after. DAYS 1-2: US/FLY TO BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA/OVERNIGHT Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires. Check in to the local hotel. This seductive city set along the Rio de la Plata has been the gateway to Argentina for centuries. We have a guided overview, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces, grand boulevards and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron. Overnight on flight, BA Hotel DAY 3: BUENOS AIRES/USHUAIA, ARGENTINA/ EMBARK SHIP
This morning s charter flight offers some rare views of Patagonia en route to Ushuaia, the world s southernmost city. Take a catamaran cruise through Patagonia s scenic Beagle Channel before embarking our ship. DAY 4: AT SEA Awake well into our journey across the Drake Passage---a milestone in any adventurer s personal travel history---with time to hear talks preparing you for the exciting days ahead. DAYS 5-6: FALKLAND ISLANDS The Falklands boast the largest albatross colony in the world, irresistible Magellanic penguins in their burrows amid the green tussock grass and herds of enormous elephant seals. Stroll the photogenic tin-roofed, Victorian-style houses of Port Stanley. Visit the Anglican Cathedral with its organic archway of whalebones, and the Falkland Islands Museum. DAYS 7-8: AT SEA Whales beneath, birds above, as you head to legendary South Georgia Island. Our naturalists will prepare us for the exciting days ahead with presentations on the wildlife of South Georgia, and, of course, the inspiring story of Ernest Shackleton and the Endurance. DAYS 9-13: SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND This is the final resting place for explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and we ll hoist a toast at his gravesite. Teeming wildlife and breathtaking scenery greet our ship. Hundreds of Antarctic fur seals are on hand as our Zodiacs make landfall. And at a vast penguin colony you ll be surrounded by tens of thousands of king penguins! DAYS 14-15: AT SEA As we voyage south, head up to the Bridge to watch for icebergs and observe expert navigation at work as our skilled Captain and officers sail these historic waters. There ll also be time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, workout in the gym, and browse in the library. Each day our naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.
DAYS 16-20: ANTARCTICA With long hours of daylight, we make the most of our days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected. We ll sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel and land on the White Continent, exploring via Zodiac, kayak and on foot, and using our arsenal of tools for exploration. DAYS 21-22: AT SEA Enjoy our final days at sea, enjoy one last chance to view the marine life of these southern waters. Toast our epic voyage at the festive farewell dinner. DAYS 23-24: USHUAIA/DISEMBARK/BUENOS AIRES/HOME After breakfast, we disembark in Ushuaia with time to explore before our charter flight to Buenos Aires. Continue on an overnight flight 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 iceclass 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 / From $1,890 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 $4,190 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 $2,790
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: $1,800 per person Final Balance: Due 120 prior to departure Charter Flights: From $850 round-trip (subject to change) 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