Antarctica Cruise - The Peninsula

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart / Buenos Aires, Argentina

Depart on your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Day 2: Buenos Aires

Arrive this morning and transfer to your hotel, where immediate check-in has been arranged with time to relax before this afternoon’s optional city tour. Meet your fellow adventurers this evening for a welcome cocktail reception. Overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel Buenos Aires.

Day 3: Buenos Aires / Ushuaia, Argentina

Fly to Ushuaia for a traditional Patagonian barbecue lunch. Later, arrive at your ship and settle in for your first night on board.

Days 4-5: Cruising the Drake Passage

The southward journey toward Antarctica is an exciting one, as you join the Captain on the bridge or spot wildlife from the deck-—these krill-rich waters are a particular favorite with marine mammals and seabirds.

Days 6-10: Exploring Antarctica

As the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands appear on the horizon, a sense of excitement and expectation begins to build. A first shore expedition is swiftly followed by others, all carefully planned by the Captain and Expedition Leader to take full advantage of each day’s possibilities. On most days, two landings are scheduled. Head out in swift and versatile Zodiacs, guided by expert drivers and accompanied by lecturers to a number of islands filled with penguins in the South Shetlands, just off the continental coastline, which may include Half Moon, Cuverville, Paulet, Penguin, Goudier and Deception. Photograph penguins and nesting grounds of seabirds, and cruise iceberg-strewn passageways of breathtaking beauty. Weather permitting, the ship will land on the Antarctic Peninsula. ‘Minerva’ also plans to sail through breathtaking Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, affectionately referred to as “Kodak Alley,” with other possibilities for exploration including a scientific research station and the remains of early-century whaling and sealing stations. After each evening’s leisurely dinner, there’s time to stroll the deck and gaze at the seascapes in the lingering light of an austral summer twilight.

Days 11-12: Drake Passage

The ship’s return through the Drake Passage is an interlude for recap and reflection, with time to compare notes with your lecturers, and bird- or whale-watch from the deck.

Day 13: Ushuaia, Argentina / Buenos Aires

Disembark after breakfast, and head out to explore Tierra del Fuego’s spectacular wilderness before transferring to the airport to board your flight home via Buenos Aires.

Day 14: Return Home

Arrive this morning and connect to homebound flights.Due to the nature of expedition cruising, this itinerary is subject to change based on weather, ice, wildlife and other conditions beyond your guides' control.

Trip Details

Ship	Minerva
Highlights	A comfortable expedition ship that normally holds 400 passengers, but brings 199 to Antarctica. Expect a full 5 days in Antarctica, large cabins, many public spaces and good naturalist staff.
Trip Notes	Photography Program: All departures will include a photography enrichment program led by Richard Harker, which will benefit all levels of photographers and will include individual one-on-one sessions to discuss specific camera questions/problems/issues and photo lectures throughout voyage.Included:Luxury accommodations and state-of-the-art comfort aboard the ship; meals; complimentary parka and backpack; open bar onboard (except premium wines, premium liquors and champagne); fully guided sightseeing as noted in the itinerary (including park and entrance fees); bottled water supplied during sightseeing; services of on-board lecturers; immediate hotel check-in on arrival in Buenos Aires; all gratuities; post-cruise journal of your voyage; transfers to/from hotel and airport, as long as your flight schedule corresponds with the above itinerary; photography enrichment program.Not Included: Air transportation (int'l and domestic); passport or visa expenses; laundry; meals, beverages or sightseeing not included in itinerary; premium wines and champagnes; communication charges; all items of a personal nature; transfers for passengers; travel insurance; excess baggage charges; optional excursions; departure tax; port charges ($285 per person); fuel surcharge may apply.
Payment Policy	A deposit of $1250 per person 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).

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-12-07	2008-12-20	+
2009-01-02	2009-01-15	+
2009-02-06	2009-02-19	+

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