Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia (2009 - 2010)

Itinerary

Days 1-2: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

Arrive in Ushuaia, a small town at the "end of the world" surrounded by rugged peaks and glaciers, and transfer independently to your conveniently located hotel. The following day, in the afternoon, the Expedition Team gets you settled aboard your ship as you sail into the Beagle Channel to start your Antarctic expedition.

Days 3-5: Exploring the Falklands (Malvinas)

En route to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), you learn about Charles Darwin, who visited the islands in 1833. Join your fellow adventurers for an in-depth education program introducing the flora and fauna that you can expect to encounter while visiting the archipelago. Properly prepared, you cruise safely from the ship to shore in a Zodiac to stroll the streets of Stanley or wander through the nesting grounds of the Black-browed Albatross. Sip a leisurely cup of tea with local residents, before you depart for South Georgia.

Days 6-11: South Georgia

A toast to "iron men in wooden ships." On landing in Grytviken, South Georgia, history is on your minds. South Georgia is synonymous with Sir Ernest Shackleton’s rescue of the crew of Endurance. In 1904, Grytviken was established as a whaling station. Your exploration includes a visit to the chapel and museum that depicts how life was lived in this sheltered cove until it was abandoned in 1966. The second-largest King Penguin colony in the world is on Salisbury Plain. Have your camera ready, it is an unforgettable sight. Later, after supper, share your shots with new friends in the lounge, library or bar.

Days 12-17: South Shetlands to the Peninsula

Antarctica, scenery, history and wildlife! As the ship steams south and west, watch for tabular icebergs. When you arrive in the South Shetland Islands, the Expedition Team will attempt an average of two landings a day, subject to permissions, weather, wind and ice conditions, of course. It is here that you may visit an active research station, where scientists track the life cycle of birds and icebergs. You’ll walk with penguins at a rookery, and cruise rocky coastlines where birds rest after a day on the wing. Amundsen’s quote captures the majesty of Antarctica quite nicely. It is vast, pristine and glorious. Massive glaciers, many covering an area equal to that of a small city, are reflected in still, black water. The sheer scale is humbling. Setting foot on the Peninsula, remember the brave and determined explorers that have proceeded you--Ross, Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen. They too were captivated by the antics of penguins, curiosity of seals, and the grace of whales swimming.

Days 18-20: Back across the Drake to Ushuaia

Crossing the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will recap your adventures and recall the explorers in whose wake you have sailed. You will have gazed at the same shorelines, and marveled at the same stars. As they were, you will be transformed. After docking at Ushuaia, disembark after breakfast and transfer into town for further exploring or head straight on to the airport to catch a flight.

Trip Details

Ship	Clipper Adventurer (2009/2010)
Highlights	A fantastic expedition on a truly beautiful expedition ship. Expect great food, very comfortable cabins and wonderful guides. She is one of our favorite ships!
Trip Notes	Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Included: Emergency evacuation coverage with a maximum benefit of $100,000 (for 12/1/2009 - 2/21/2010 only); one pre-cruise night hotel night with breakfast (The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel.); Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; All meals on board throughout voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.); All shore landings and Zodiac excursions per the daily program; Leadership throughout voyage by an experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities; Formal and informal presentations by Expedition Team and guest speakers; Photographic Journal on DVD; A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; Hair dryer in every cabin; Expedition parka to keep; 24-hour coffee, tea, cocoa, and bottled water; Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader; Group transfers from the hotel to the ship at the embarkation port, and from the ship to the local airport on disembarkation – plus all baggage handling aboard ship; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program. Not Included: All airfare; fuel surcharge may apply; Passport and visa expenses; Government arrival and departure taxes; Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation; Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance; Excess baggage charges; laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges; Telecommunications charges; Customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for the Hospitality Team members, ship's crew and Expedition Team members (guidelines will be provided).
Payment Policy	2008/2009 Season:A deposit of $1000 per person (11-15 day Antarctica expeditions and Arctic Adventure ships); $1500 per person (20 day Antarctica expeditions); or $2000 per person (on board the Kapitan Khlebnikov and Arctic Icebreaker Adventures) is required to confirm your reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.* Payment Methods: Deposit: credit cards are accepted (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover). Final payment: check or wire.WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS FOR FINAL PAYMENT.* Final payment due 120 days prior to departure for the following sailings: 12/30/2008 (Ocean Nova), 1/5/2009, 1/14/2009 (Orlova), 1/24/2009 (Clipper Adventurer), 2/2/2009, (Ioffe).2009/2010 Season:A deposit of $1000 per person (11-15 day Antarctica expeditions and Arctic Adventure ships); $1500 per person (20 day Antarctica expeditions); or $2000 per person (on board the Kapitan Khlebnikov and Arctic Icebreaker Adventures) is required to confirm your reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Payment Methods: Deposit: credit cards are accepted (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover). Final payment: check or wire.WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS FOR FINAL PAYMENT.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2009-12-01	2009-12-20	+
2009-12-28	2010-01-16	+
2010-02-21	2010-03-12	+

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