Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

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    Cross the Antarctic Circle

    Cross the Antarctic Circle

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    Head to south to the rugged landscapes surrounding Punta Arenas

    Explore Chile’s quaint town of Punta Arenas

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    You'll be impressed by the ice-strenghtened Sea Adventurer

    You'll be impressed by the ice-strenghtened Sea Adventurer

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    Take Zodiac trips to explore the landscapes of Antarctica

    Take Zodiac trips to explore the landscapes of Antarctica

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    See Weddell seals and Antarctica's remarkable wildlife

    See Weddell seals and Antarctica's remarkable wildlife

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    Zoom off on the look out for whales

    Zoom off on the look out for whales

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    Marvel at the breath-taking icebergs and ice formations

    Marvel at the breath-taking icebergs and ice formations

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    Touch down on the South Shetland Islands

    Touch down on the South Shetland Islands

Group Tours

Duration(in days): 10

From: Punta Arenas

To: Punta Arenas

Price on request

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or Call +441273320580

See more ideas for: Antarctica

    This express, 11-day trip to the amazing icy climes of Antarctica gives you a big adventure but in a shorter amount of time. And it is one of the few Antarctic trips that fly over the Drake Passage, rather than spending two days navigating its unpredictable waters. So for those who want to avoid some serious seasickness, this is a perfect option. But this doesn’t mean that all the remarkable wildlife, landscapes and ice formations that make Antarctica so unique aren’t in abundance. Cross the Antarctic Circle, enjoy numerous Zodiac shore landings, see a host of whales, penguins and seals frolicking in and out of the water and soak up the incredible frozen atmosphere of this mind-blowing continent. Look for whales breaching the Antarctic waters

    • Explore Chile’s quaint town of Punta Arenas
    • Get a bird’s-eye view of the Drake Passage
    • Learn all about Antarctica from on-board experts
    • Explore King George Island
    • Take Zodiac trips to explore the landscapes of Antarctica
    • See Weddell seals, penguins, whales and an array for spectacular birdlife
    • Be mesmerised by the icy-blue hues of icebergs

    Day 1: Punta Arenas

    Travel to the southernmost town in Chile, Punta Arenas, and get ready for this icy adventure. Perhaps explore the city streets, climb La Cruz Hill for panoramic views or visit the nearby penguin colony before a trip briefing and welcome dinner in the evening.

    Day 2: Punta Arenas

    Be spared the unpredictability of the Drake Passage’s waters by taking a scenic flight over them. Touch down on King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, and spend some time exploring the area. Experience the first of many Zodiac rides to the ship, a comfortable home for the next seven days.

    Day 3-5: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

    Wake to the first sighting of the incredible, icy mass that is Antarctica. Spend the next few days learning everything there is to know about this frosty continent and its inhabitants from on-board experts, and speed away in Zodiacs to feel the ice below your feet, marvelling at the colours and wildlife this magical land offers. As Zodiac landings are weather dependent, every day will be a shivery surprise!

    Day 6-7: Antarctic Circle

    Raise a glass to the crossing of the Antarctic Circle, a feat achieved by very few people. Marvel at the breath-taking icebergs and ice formations that give off the most incredible hues of blue and white – they are seriously mesmerising – so be sure to have cameras at the ready. Weddell seals, cheeky penguins and a myriad of birdlife also call these waters their home, so be sure to have your eye-peeled for their antics.

    Day 8-9: Antarctic Peninsula

    Journey north along the western Antarctic Peninsula, heading towards the Drake Passage. Take twice-daily Zodiac trips to explore more of Antarctica’s frozen landscape, and be on the look out for whales, seals and penguins swimming in the icy southern waters.

    Day 10: Punta Arenas

    Return to King George Island, say goodbye to the crew and take to the skies over the formidable Drake Passage. Enjoy a final group meal in Punta Arenas, swapping stories and photos of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

    Day 11: Punta Arenas

    It’s time to say farewell to Punta Arenas. Although… since Patagonia’s so close, perhaps stick around and journey further north to explore the incredible national parks and landscapes of southern Chile.

    What's included
    • One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia, Punta Arenas or Buenos Aires as indicated in the itinerary
    • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
    • All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage
    • All shore landings per the daily program
    • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities
    • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
    • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
    • Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage
    • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
    • An Expedition parka to keep.
    • Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
    • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin.
    • Comprehensive pre-departure materials
    • A group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport
    • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
    • All luggage handling aboard ship.
    • Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000 per person.
    • Group transfers in Ushuaia from the airport to the joining hotel (conditions apply)
    • Group transfers from a designated location in Ushuaia to the ship on embarkation day
    • Post voyage accommodation in Punta Arenas (as listed on certain fly/cruise itineraries)

    Polar travel requires an amount of flexibility as weather, ice conditions and wildlife can all affect where your ship is able to access, and where your Expedition Team think you will get the best experience possible from your trip. On board, daily updates are given to advise what the specific itinerary will be for the next day based on local conditions. Published itineraries are subject to change when local conditions dictate.

    Tipping

    The voyage price does not include the customary gratuity to the ship’s personnel, which is divided amongst the crew, Expedition Team and Hospitality Team. We suggest this guideline for your convenience: aboard ship US $13 to US $15 per traveller, per day. The amount you choose to give is at your discretion. It can be added to your shipboard account.

    Departure tax

    Please allow USD 36 for international airport departure tax.

    Not included
    • Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary
    • Passport and visa expenses
    • Government arrival and departure taxes.
    • Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation and lunch on specified Fly and Cruise programs.
    • Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance. Excess baggage charges.
    • Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
    • Telecommunications charges.
    • The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew

    Designed to carry travellers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world, Sea Adventurer was built in Yugoslavia in 1976, refurbished in 1999 and had further upgrades in 2002. You will be impressed by this ice-strengthened ship, which carries up to 117 passengers and features a spacious forward lounge and bar, window-lined dining room and promenades.

    All passenger cabins have exterior views (except for 2 on the Ocean Endeavour), private facilities and climate control. Cabins are cleaned daily. Linen and towels are provided. There is a hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin.