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Shackleton's Antarctica: Alternative departure
Trace the steps of an epic and heroic journey. Let us take you on a fantastic voyage of discovery to the world’s last great wilderness, once the preserve of intrepid pioneers and explorers such as Sir Ernest Shackleton, in honour of whom this exciting journey is named.
Also included
- Return scheduled flights to Buenos Aires
- Transfers between airport, hotel and pier
- Internal flight Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
- 17-night cruise aboard MS Fram
- Your choice of cabin throughout the cruise
- Cruise itinerary as specified
- Hotel accommodation as specified, before and after your cruise
- Meals, entertainment and most leisure facilities aboard ship
- Port and airport taxes (except local departure tax from South America)
Accommodation
Hurtigruten’s latest addition to the fleet, MS Fram, is also one of the newest ships sailing the waters of the Antarctic. The name Fram has a strong legacy - it is the name of the ship that Roald Amundsen used for his 1910-1912 South Pole expedition. Aboard you will find everything you need to make your journey of discovery so much more special, from indoor and outdoor observation areas to a restaurant and even two Jacuzzis on the deck! The interior decoration of MS Fram has been inspired by the landscapes of Greenland, with works of art by Greenlandic and Norwegian artists adorning the walls.
Itinerary
Day 1 : UK/Buenos Aires
Depart on your overnight flight to Buenos Aires. Dinner is included.
Day 2 : Buenos Aires
Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. You will enjoy a tour of the city en route. The capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires is considered to be the most elegant city in South America and is often referred to as the ‘Paris of the Americas’. You will see such famous sights as Plaza de Mayo, where the Casa Rosada (Government House), the Cathedral of Buenos Aires and the tomb of General San Martin, the hero and liberator of Argentina, are situated. You will also visit the La Boca District, renowned for its brightly painted houses it has become an artists’ colony, and the Recoleta cemetery, famous for its beautiful family tombs and the burial place of Eva Peron. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 3 : Ushuaia
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ushuaia. On arrival, transfer to the port and board MS Fram for the start of your cruise of Antarctica in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the last great British Victorian explorers.
Born in 1874, Shackleton joined the Merchant Navy aged 16 and then in 1901 was chosen to go on Scott’s Antarctic expedition aboard Discovery. He returned to the continent in 1908 as the leader of his own expedition aboard Nimrod. On arrival back in Britain, Shackleton was knighted for his achievements. Shackleton’s crowning glory was perhaps his greatest failure - in 1914 he began his third Antarctic expedition aboard Endurance, planning to cross the continent via the South Pole. Early in 1915, Endurance became trapped in the ice, sinking 10 months later. Shackleton and his crew lived on the ice until setting of aboard three small boats in a hunt for land in April 1916. They found Elephant Island, where they camped before Shackleton and five of his crew boarded one of the boats and took 16 days to sail the 800 miles to South Georgia. This was not the end of their epic journey, however. The six men then had to trek across the island, scaling mountains that had never before been climbed, to reach a whaling station. The crew left on Elephant Island were finally rescued in August 1916. Throughout the expedition and all the hardship, not one man lost his life, testament to Shackleton’s skills as a leader. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 4 - 5 : Drake Passage
Cruise towards to the southern tip of Argentina, the Antarctic Peninsula crossing Drake Passage, named after the Elizabethan privateer Sir Frances Drake. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 6 - 8 : Antarctica
Discover the mysterious ‘white continent’ as you experience this spectacular and pristine landscape for yourself. Antarctica is a vast continent, that is more than 99% covered with ice, some of which is three miles thick in places. It’s unforgiving and harsh yet also an incredibly beautiful wilderness.
There will be plenty of opportunity for you to visit penguin colonies, see the majestic icebergs float by, watch seals basking in the sun and maybe spot passing whales. You’ll also learn more about Shackleton and other intrepid polar explorers such as Captain Robert F. Scott and Roald Amundsen. Visit old abandoned whaling stations or research stations manned by scientists, cruise past idyllic bays filled with ice and admire the majestic landscapes to be found at every turn. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 9 - 10 : Cruising at sea
Relax and enjoy the ship's facilities. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 11 - 12 : South Georgia
South Georgia, like the Falkland Islands, is a British Overseas territory. One of the places you can visit during your time here is Grytviken Whaling Station, where you will find the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, who died aboard his ship just off the coast in 1922 early in his fourth and final Antarctic expedition. There will also be plenty of opportunity to view the incredible range of wildlife found here - from seals and penguins to astounding bird life. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 13 - 14 : Cruising at sea
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 15 - 16 : Falkland Islands
Consisting of two main islands and around 700 smaller ones, the Falkland Islands are found just 300 miles from the coast of Argentina. Take the opportunity to join our shore excursions that will introduce you to the variety of wildlife on the islands. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 17 - 19 : Cruising at sea
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 20 : Buenos Aires
Disembark MS Fram in Buenos Aires after breakfast and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 21 : Buenos Aires/UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 22 : UK
Arrival in the UK.
Please note: All routes and excursions are provisional and subject to weather conditions. Sea and ice conditions may affect itinerary.
Departues
23 Feb 2011 - £4,935
Find out More - Tel Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368
A Comprehensive grand voyage to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the South Atlantic and Antarctica
Highlights
• Ultimate Antarctic experience
• Rugged Sub-Antarctic islands
• Antarctic Peninsula & Lemaire Channel
20 days from £7,930
Falklands & South Georgia
The Falklands, an archipelago of some 400 islands, with thousands of penguins and albatross are a birder’s paradise. Mountainous South Georgia is covered in huge glaciers, scenic fjords and alpine peaks. The highlights for many are the huge king penguin colonies, as well as the fur and elephant seals. The islands are also of great historical interest and you will learn both about the Falklands War and Shackleton’s epic journey.
Antarctic Peninsula
Journeying south you reach Antarctica itself. Scientific research stations and abandoned whaling bases provide links to man’s presence but the main focus is exploring the amazing scenery and wildlife. Get close to whales in your Zodiac, bathe in the hot and cold water of Deception Island, be surrounded by penguins and watch vast chunks of ice calve off glaciers. Reluctantly you head into the Drake Passage to return to Ushuaia.
Lyubov Orlova
Towards the end of 2006, the spacious, ice-strengthened Lyubov Orlova underwent extensive renovations to the forward lounge, dining room and cabins. On your voyage southwards she is the ideal ship for a comfortable cruise, with 59 outside cabins, all with private facilities.
A spacious dining room will provide hearty and delicious food for your cruise, and there is a fully stocked library with polar-themed literature.
She is also equipped with several durable Zodiacs for cruising closer to the water and for any on shore landings.
Clipper Adventurer
The Clipper Adventurer, sister-ship of Lyubov Orlova, built in 1975, underwent a $13 million conversion in 1998. Carrying up to 122 passengers, she is prepared for a comfortable voyage with a fully equipped library, spacious lounge area and excellent restaurant facilities.
She has a proud reputation as a well-appointed, elegant expedition ship for softer adventures. The ship is equipped with Zodiacs for shore landings and ocean level, cruising, yet offers fine dining, and cabins with exterior views and facilities en suite.
Sergey Vavilov
Built for the Russian Academy of Science, the Akademik Serget Vavilov was designed to travel quietly for hydro-acoustic research. It has external stabilisers and a built-in trimming system which provides first-class stability too. An ice strengthened hull and open water cruising speed of 145 knots all help make this vessel great for Polar exploration.
The Sergey Vavilov has a capacity of 104 passengers who will be accompanied by 60 crew and staff, including experts on everything Polar; from the behaviour of walruses, to the movements of glaciers and the history of Polar exploration.
Onboard you can take advantage of the extensive facilities and services; there's a Polar library, panormaic lounge and bar; daily presentations, an exercise area with sauna, and excellent dining and sleeping arrangements. Each of the 50 cabins has an exterior view, so you can take in the stunning Polar landscape as you pass by.
Responsible Travel
All footwear is washed off on re-boarding the ship after an excursion to ensure that nothing is transported to the next location thereby maintaining the unique ecosystems.
Visit the Adventure Company Website for more information
South America & Patagonia - 19 days from £2198
If it's a little too chilly for you further South then why not consider this amazing cruise around the bottom half of South America
Enjoy a great adventure to the southernmost city of the world. Discover colourful Buenos Aires, Argentina’s lively capital and home of the tango, and explore the colonial charms and beautiful beaches in Montevideo. Meet the friendly kelpers in the remote Falkland Islands and marvel at Chile’s dramatic volcanic landscapes, glacial splendours and incredible wildlife with a chance to land on the mysterious white continent of Antarctica.
Highlights Include
- Buenos Aires
- Montevideo, Uruguay
- Puerto Madryn, Argentina
- Falkland Islands
- Cape Horn
- Ushuaia, Argentina
- Beagle Channel
- Punta Arenas, Chile
- Strait of Magellan
- Chilean Fjords
- Patagonic Channels
- Canal Moraleda
- Puerto Chacabuco, Chile
- Puerto Montt, Chile
- Valparaiso, Chile
What's Included
On an NCL cruise, you’ll enjoy fine food and spectacular entertainment, magnificent on-board facilities and a huge range of activities. Go ashore and discover new cultures and experience new adventures, or just find a quiet spot with a good book. All you have to do is relax and enjoy your holiday. NCL’s award-winning Freestyle Cruising concept enhances your cruising experience even further.
- Dine whenever you want
- Dine wherever you want
- Dine with whoever you want
- Wear what you want
- Enhanced activities
- More service staff
- Flexible evening options
- Scheduled flights to Buenos Aires, returning from Santiago
- Transfers between airport, hotel and port
- Two nights’ room only accommodation in Buenos Aires
- Fourteen nights’ cruising aboard the Norwegian Sun
- Your choice of stateroom accommodation for the duration of your cruise
- Meals, entertainment and most leisure facilities aboard Norwegian Sun (cover charge applies in speciality restaurants)
- All port and airport taxes
Accommodation - Norwegian Sun
The impressive Norwegian Sun offers nine restaurants and dining rooms, 12 bars and lounges, two swimming pools and much more. Whichever ship you choose, you’re assured of a fantastic holiday, and NCL’s Freestyle Cruising concept will enhance your experience even further.Your Hotel
In Buenos Aires you will stay in a hotel such as the centrally located Americas Towers. Hotel amenities include a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. All rooms have private facilities, TV and telephone.
Itinerary
DAY 1 – UK/Buenos Aires
Overnight flight to Buenos Aires.
DAY 2 – Buenos Aires
On arrival transfer to your hotel for a two night stay.
DAY 3 – Buenos Aires
Take our included city tour and explore Argentina’s romantic and elegant capital, often referred to as ‘The Paris of the Americas’, with its wide boulevards, grand houses, lively cafés and tempting shops, where nightlife pulsates to the rhythms of the tango and the bossa nova.
DAY 4 – Buenos Aires
Depart 1800
Morning at leisure before embarking Norwegian Sun for your 14 night cruise.
DAY 5 – Montevideo, Uruguay
Arrive 0700 – Depart 1630
The towering hill of El Cerro guards the entrance to Uruguay’s charming capital. Stroll around the fine colonial architecture in the old town, along the sweeping waterfront with its parks and glorious white sandy beaches and visit the fabulous Estevez Palace. Browse through the shops and relax in one of the friendly bars or restaurants.
Day 6
Cruising at sea
Day 7 - Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Arrive 0900 – Depart 1800
Don’t be surprised by the Welsh street names, named by the 19th century settlers. Known as the ‘Galapagos of the East Coast’, the Peninsula Valdes reserve is a haven for unusual wildlife.
Day 8
Cruising at sea
Day 9 - Port Stanley, Falkland Islands †
Arrive 0900 – Depart 1600
Stanley is the smallest and most remote capital in the world, where the great sailing ships called on their voyages around Cape Horn. Visit the Whalebone Arch outside Christchurch Cathedral, the Magellan penguins in Gypsy Cove and the 1982 battlefields, and meet the sheep-farming ‘kelpers’.
Day 10
Cruise round dramatic Cape Horn
Day 11 - Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrive 0700 – Depart 1400
The world’s southernmost city stands on the edge of the stunningly beautiful Tierra del Fuego National Park with its incredible wildlife. This afternoon you’ll cruise the Beagle Channel.
Day 12 - Punta Arenas, Chile †
Arrive 0730 – Depart 1930
Situated between volcanic beaches and mountain peaks, you can take an optional trip and land on the mysterious ‘white continent‘ of Antarctica with its spectacular, pristine landscape and learn about the famous polar explorers.
Day 13
Cruise the Strait of Magellan
Day 14
Cruise the Chilean Fjords, Patagonic Channels and Canal Moraleda
Day 15 - Puerto Chacabuco, Chile †
Arrive 0700 – Depart 1400
This picturesque port is set on a narrow scenic fjord amidst some of Chile’s most stunning coastal scenery.
Day 16 - Puerto Montt, Chile †
Arrive 0800 – Depart 1800
Surrounded by stunning blue and green lakes, river rapids and waterfalls set against dramatic snowcapped volcanic peaks, you’ll find traditional sweaters and blankets in the handicraft markets.
Day 17
Cruising at sea
Day 18 - Valparaiso, Chile
Arrive 0800
Disembark Norwegian Sun and transfer to Santiago airport for your return flight to the UK.
Day 19
Arrival in the UK.
† Land by tender
Dates, Prices & Departure
holiday ref: ONA91
25/03/10 £2198
Deposit £150 per person
Visit the Travelsphere Website or Tel. 0845 358 2368 to find out more
GAP Adventures Antarctica Expedition tours are over 90% sold out for the season but they have one very special offer for their first departure. Travel on the October 31st departure of the Grand Voyage to Antarctica and they'll offer you 2-for-1 savings! That's right, one person goes to Antarctica for free!This 24-day tour is the mother of all Antarctica tours and covers all the highlights you'd want to see. Quote promo code GV241 at the time of booking to redeem this offer.
24 days - Trip code: XVGVSX
GAP Adventures most extensive voyage to the world's remote wilderness! This 24 day trip gives extended times in the seldom visited Falkland Island, South Georgia Island and in the mystical continent of Antarctica. Spending a full day at a King Penguin rookery and slowly exploring the untouched coastlines of these remote sub Antarctic islands. Making your way south to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, home to some of the planet's most impressive wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
Visit the GAP Adventures Website now for more information
Classic Antarctica: Discovering the Peninsula cruise holiday with The Imaginative Traveller. Join an expedition that allows you to travel in the wake of some of history’s greatest explorers to Antarctica - the Great White Continent.
Departing from the port of Ushuaia in Argentina we take in the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula, and experience the remarkable wildlife that lives amidst this spectacular scenery of glaciers, icebergs and mountains. We make an average of two landings each day depending on the conditions, and also have time to take leisurely sightseeing cruises using our onboard fleet of Zodiac dinghies.
After a long day of exploration there is time to take advantage of the in-depth education programme offered by our expedition team, enjoy the excellent food in the ship’s restaurant or relax with a drink at the bar. Visit the Imaginative Traveller Website for more details- Discover one of the world's last frontiers - the Great White Continent
- Enjoy fabulous wildlife experiences amonst the penguins, seals and whales
- Witness the haunting scenery of icebergs, snow-capped mountains and old whaling stations
Visiting: Antarctica
Activities: Lectures on board by specialist scientists and lecturers, Zodiac expedition and shore landings
Highlights: Argentina, Patagonia, Drake Passage, Antarctica, whales, penguins, icebergs
Exertion Level: Medium
Tour Duration: 11 daysItinerary Day 1 - USHUAIA
Arguably the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, the capital of the Argentinean province of Tierra del Fuego sits in a beautiful setting at the foot of the Andes mountains. Take time to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this frontier town at the ‘end of the world’ in one of the many excellent cafes and restaurants.
Day 2 - EMBARKATIONIn the late afternoon we board our ship and begin our voyage through the Beagle Channel to the Drake Passage. This famous route between the tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica is named after Sir Francis Drake.
Day 3 to Day 4 - THE DRAKE PASSAGE
Navigating the Drake Passage we may have the chance to see whales and dolphins, and our ship will be escorted by wandering albatrosses, storm petrels and other seabirds. During our passage we will also enjoy an incomparable education programme from our expedition team to ensure that we are fully prepared to get the most out of our time in Antarctica.
Day 5 to Day 8 - ANTARCTICA
We reach the Antarctic Peninsula and begin to explore its amazing scenery and wildlife. Our expedition team will attempt an average of two landings per day using the onboard fleet of Zodiac dinghies. When not taking part in landings, you can don your parka and join fellow travelers on the deck as you sail through the Gerlache Strait or along the Danco Coast, past towering glacier-covered mountains, seals sunning themselves on an ice floe or a raft of feeding penguins. As part of our expedition team, we are accompanied by a historian, who will tell us about the development of the region, an ornithologist who will accompany groups ashore to help identify the many different species of birds and a glaciologist to explain some of the area’s geographical features.
Day 9 to Day 11 - DRAKE PASSAGE
We begin our return to Ushuaia through the Drake Passage, and have some time to reflect on our Antarctic adventure. Tour ends on arrival in Ushuaia. Visit the Imaginative Traveller Website for more details
Itinerary Notes
PLEASE NOTE: The price of the tour will vary according to the style of cabin chosen
FLEXIBLE
You should regard this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and programme vary according to the weather conditions we encounter. Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel, and flexibility is the key to success for all expeditions to Antarctica.
DEPOSIT
A deposit of GBP800 per person is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. Please refer to booking conditions for details.
LONGER ITINERARY
Some departures are one day longer, with the extra day being spent in Antarctica. Please see departure dates for details (marked with an asterisk). Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
2009 Dates Fri 20th Feb - Mon 2nd Mar Mon 2nd Mar - Thu 12th Mar Price will vary according to the style of cabin chosen and the date of travel. Please check with us for the price of your chosen cabin and departure date.
Included in the Price
Group Size - Max 110
Activities - Zodiac expeditions and shore landings, lectures on board by specialist scientists and lecturers
Accommodation - 1 night hotel, 9 nights in triple share cabins
Transport - Fully equipped ice reinforced Antarctic vessel, equipped with Zodiac boats for shore expeditions
Fully Escorted - By Antarctic expedition leaders, naturalists and lecturers, Zodiac pilots and ship’s crew of around 40
Meals - All meals are included while on board the boat
Not Included - International Flights - Visas - Border taxes
The Imaginative Traveller
Established in 1991, The Imaginative Traveller has grown steadily to become one of the world's leading operators of small group adventure tours. Our aim has always been to provide exceptional travel experiences. We believe that travel should be stimulating, and that it should give you an authentic experience of a place. We want our travellers to relish the amazing diversity of countries and cultures the world has to offer. Our focus is on innovation, not imitation. Visit the Imaginative Traveller Website for more details
Date: 2008: 18th Dec, 27th Dec; 2009: 5th Jan, 1st Feb, 10th Feb, 20th Feb, 2nd Mar
Duration: 11 Days
Price range: From: £1845 - £3950
Price excludes: Flights, travel insurance, some meals, personal expenses
View this holiday on inspiringholidays.com
Antarctica Classic - M/S Expedition - Holiday with GAP Adventures. A true adventure to the world's most remote wilderness! Our 11-day Antarctica Classic expedition focuses on the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, home to some of the planet's most impressive wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Throughout our voyage, our team of lecturers and guides will share their knowledge of the region's remarkable natural history.View this holiday on inspiringholidays.com
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, amazing wildlife, immense icebergs.***Please note departures starting in or after November 2009 will be 1 day longer
11 days ex Ushuaia
Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the worlds most southerly city. Arrive in Ushuaia at any time.
Day 2 Embark upon the M/S Expedition
Embarkation on the Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. We enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.
Day 3-4 Drake Passage
Our adventure begins with a 400-mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th-century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Take in daily lectures from your expedition team and keep an eye out for the first sightings of icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the ship's wake.
Day 5-8 Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
Experience some of the most unique wildlife viewing and inspiring scenery in the world as you set foot on the Antarctic continent. Take two excursions per day (conditions permitting), and encounter Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries, Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard seals, and Orca, Humpback and Minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The Peninsula also has a remarkable human history. During the voyage we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.
Day 9-10 Drake Passage
Today we begin our journey north to our home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of our Antarctic experience with our lecturers and staff, and keep your eyes open on the observation deck for some final whale sightings.
Day 11 Depart Ushuaia Included Highlights- 9 nights on board the M/S Expedition
- all meals included on board the ship
- 10 expedition staff and naturalists
- Scheduled visits to modern scientific research station
- all shore excursions and Zodiac cruises in Antarctica
- 1 night accommodation in Ushuaia
Group Size - Max 120 on M/S Expedition in Antarctica
Group Leader - 10 Expedition staff/naturalists.
Accommodation - Twin Share Hotel (1 night), On board M/S Expedition in triple, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with ensuite bathrooms and port holes or a window) (9 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of two beds and are outside facing. Double beds are available in suites, subject to availability.
Transport - M/S Expedition, zodiac.
Meals Included - All meals included onboard the ship, drinks at additional charge.
Meal Budget - All meals included while on board. Drinks and tips while on the ship are not included.
Notes
1. Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.
2. Shared triple cabins are same sex cabins only. Males and females can not stay in triple cabins together unless their traveling party has booked all berths in the cabin.About G.A.P AdventuresIn 1990 Bruce Poon Tip launched G.A.P Adventures with the belief that other travellers would share his desire to experience authentic adventures in a responsible and sustainable manner. We've grown from a one-man show to a company of over 500, and from a handful of trips in Latin America to hundreds of adventures spanning the globe... and beyond! Over 70,000 travellers experience the real world with us every year. What hasn't changed is our passion for making sure you get behind the scenes to experience the real world in an authentic and sustainable manner.
Date: 2009 - 22nd Nov, 1st Dec, 10th Dec. 2010 - Jan 6th, Feb 2nd, Feb 11th, Feb 20th, Mar 12th
Duration: 11 days ex Ushuaia
Price range: From: £1995
Price excludes: Flights, Meals, Travel Insurance, Visas, Personal Expenses
View this holiday on inspiringholidays.com
