Classic Antarctica: Discovering the Peninsula cruise holiday with The Imaginative Traveller

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 days

Itinerary 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 - EMBARKATION
In 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