Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia

Itinerary

Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina / Ushuaia / Embarkation

This morning in Buenos Aires, transfer independently from your hotel to the airport for your charter flight to Ushuaia (flight included in rate). Tierra del Fuego might well be considered the “Land at the End of the World” but, for today, it is only the beginning. A spectacular jumping off point and return port for your Antarctic expedition. Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you are met and transferred to the Prince Albert II for embarkation. This evening, meet your Expedition Leaders.

Day 2: At Sea

As you set sail on the first leg of your journey, the welcoming expedition staff will give talks and presentations that will prepare you for the exciting adventures that lay ahead. Learn about the interworkings of the Prince Albert II and interact with our officers regarding navigation techniques. Tonight, you are invited to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party whereat the Captain will introduce his senior officers and various members of the Prince Albert II crew.

Day 3: West Point Island, Falkland Islands

Watch for the distinctive black and white markings of the Commerson’s dolphin as you approach West Point Island. Upon arrival, walk across rolling moorland and admire colonies of Black-browed albatrosses that nest side-by-side with feisty Rockhopper penguins. Learn about the island’s unique vegetation including the rare Felton plant. The hospitable island owners are always happy to answer your questions and share their stories. As your Zodiac lands at Leopard Beach on Carcass Island, you will be pleasantly surprised by the white sands, verdant tussock grasses and the large variety of land birds seen during your time ashore. The island is home to Magellanic and Gentoo penguins as well as the endemic Falkland flightless steamer duck and the rare Ruddy-headed goose. November offers the great opportunity to witness the courtship rituals of penguins and seabirds, plus view native wildflowers in full bloom. Before heading back to the ship, enjoy a cup of tea with the island owners.

Day 4: Stanley, Falkland Islands

Stanley is the capital of the remote Falkland Islands, and has a distinct British ambience and feel. Stroll through the charming streets of this colourful little town, lined with quaint cottages and a variety of traditional pubs. Visit a 19th-century Anglican cathedral, wander through the small local museum, and see the lingering reminders of the 1986 Falklands War.

Days 5-6: At Sea

As we begin to venture further south, take full advantage of spectacular midnight sunsets on deck, or bring your camera and binoculars to capture the entirety of nature’s splendor. It is very possible to witness Humpback and Killer whales in their native habitats, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the Wandering albatross, easily recognized by its black wingtips and large wingspan.

Days 7-8: South Georgia Island

This breathtaking destination of towering snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands attracts an astounding concentration of wildlife: Southern fur seals, Southern elephant seals and a variety of albatross species including Black-browed, Light-mantled sooty, Grey-headed and the spectacular Wandering albatross, plus thousands of King and Macaroni penguins. South Georgia is also linked to many early Antarctic explorers. Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1775, but perhaps more famous is the 1916 arrival of Ernest Shackleton to the island following the sinking of his infamous ship, the Endurance. Visit Shackleton’s grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken.

Day 9: At Sea

Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s distinctive wildlife and nature. Lectures and seminars are presented by knowledgeable experts in a variety of scientific fields. Onboard diversions may include wine tastings, photographic workshops, spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Day 10: South Orkney Islands

Long known as the ‘Inaccessible Islands’, the South Orkneys remain one of the globe’s most remote land masses and are the habitat for almost 200,000 pairs of Adelie penguins, 600,000 Chinstraps, approximately 11,000 Gentoos giants, Cape petrels, Blue-eyed shags, as well as a large population of Kelp gulls which are found nesting in the nearby cliffs. The South Orkney Islands also have two scientific stations, Orcadas, on Laurie Island, belonging to Argentina, and Signy, a British station.

Day 11: Elephant Island, South Shetland Islands

Awesome glaciers flecked with pink algae surround you as your ship approaches Elephant Island – so named for its abundance of Elephant seals. When Ernest Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance, was enveloped by pack ice in the Weddell Sea during his infamous 1916 voyage, the crew was stranded here for 105 days. Elephant Island is home to several Chinstrap penguin rookeries, as well as 2,000-year old moss colonies. Weddell Seals, Gentoo, and Macaroni penguins can also be found on the spit of land Shackleton’s men named ‘Point Wild’.

Days 12-14: Antarctic Peninsula

Past the furthest reaches of Tierra del Fuego and beyond your wildest imagination lies the last great frontier – Antarctica’s vast white wilderness. Landscapes formed by the harshest wrath of mother nature, yet blessed by an isolated independence and tranquility await. A place where remarkable natural beauty and wildlife species exist and, in fact thrive despite the harsh climate. Witness the dramatic splendor of spectacular iceberg sculptures, marvel at calving glaciers and experience up-close encounters with marine mammals. Watch for seals sunbathing on slow-moving ice floes and for Humpback, Minke, and Orca whales breaching from below the frigid waters. Each day you will have the opportunity to partake in at least two Zodiac departures, and, if conditions permit, will visit a variety of penguin rookeries and scientific research stations. Perhaps a Zodiac cruise amidst colorful icebergs or a special excursion with your expert guest naturalist will be the highlight of your day’s agenda.

Days 15-16: Drake Passage

The Drake Passage has a notorious reputation for its turbulent seas due to the Antarctic Convergence, a natural boundary where cold polar water flowing northward and warmer equatorial water moving southward mix. When they meet, nutrients are pushed to the surface, often attracting a multitude of seabirds and whales. Spend some time on deck watching the horizon and the variety of seabirds that float in the air currents of the ship’s wake such as the Black-browed albatross, Sooty shearwaters and White-chinned petrels. As you return to Ushuaia, take advantage of the opportunity to listen to additional presentations offered by onboard specialists and swap prized photos with new found friends.

Day 17: Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembarkation / Buenos Aires

After breakfast, disembark the Prince Albert II. You are then transferred to the airport for your return charter flight (included) to Buenos Aires.

Trip Details

Ship	Prince Albert II
Just Released Offer	Special Inaugural Promotion:Members of ExpeditionTrips.com save up to 25% per person on regular cruise rates. Offer based on availability and subject to change. Call your Program Manager for exact pricing.Applicable Date: 11/14/2008
Highlights	Luxury expedition ship with fantastic service and cuisine, most cabins have a veranda, and great expert naturalists. A beautiful ship!
Trip Notes	Included: Charter flights, Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & Ushuaia-Buenos Aires; transfers in Ushuaia between airport/pier on day of embark/debark; All ocean-view suite accommodation; complimentary beverages served throughout the ship (a premium assortment of complimentary wines, champagne and spirits are stocked in one of the finest cellars at sea; in-suite beverage cabinet stocked with your preferred assortment of complimentary beverages; all onboard gratuities; no assigned dining time, no assigned table; complimentary in-suite dining and 24-hour room service; complimentary shore side; a full spectrum of entertainment and onboard enrichment from renowned authors to destination specialists; expedition parka and backpack.Not Included:Airfare; government fees and taxes; port charges and handling fees of $100 per person; passport expenses; items of a personal nature.
Payment Policy	A 10% deposit of the total cruise fare is required to confirm your reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Payment Methods: Credit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover, Diners Club).

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-11-14	2008-11-30	+
2009-02-09	2009-02-25	+

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