JOURNEY BELOW THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE 31 JANUARY – 16 FEBRUARY 2021

FROM £11,190 PER PERSON

Tour Leaders: Nick & Iris Van Gruisen Expedition Lecturer: Guest Lecturers: Nigel & Shane Winser JOIN US ON AN ENCHANTING EXPEDITION TO THE GREAT WHITE CONTINENT

There is nothing on this earth that can quite compare with the awesome beauty of Antarctica, and few of us have not dreamed of following Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen to these frozen wastelands at the bottom of the world. So why not turn those dreams into reality and join us on a very special journey to the Great White Continent?

Here, in this world of perpetual snow and ice below the 60th parallel, some of the world’s most enchanting creatures survive to bring colour and sound to an otherwise harsh and silent environment. Beaches resound to the raucous bellows of elephant, fur and leopard seals, humpback and minke whales glide effortlessly through the still, near-frozen waters, and colonies of Adelie, chinstrap, gentoo and king penguin congregate in huge numbers on the vast snow plains.

The RCGS Resolute is the ideal vessel for such an expedition with her unsurpassed ice classification, her excellent manoeuvrability and large indoor and outdoor viewing platforms. She is also extremely comfortable with all cabins having en suite facilities and excellent public areas. She has 154 berths, but we will be limiting numbers to around 95 guests to ensure even more personal service and space. Lastly, we have been fortunate enough to negotiate an excellent rate, so the expedition offers excellent value, especially the Single Supplement.

Zodiacs are used for the daily on-shore excursions and for the more adventurous, Kayaking is also available (limited numbers) and maybe even a chance to spend a night on the ice-shelf.

The Resolute is chartered from our good friends One Ocean who provide all the Expedition expertise and we will be travelling with their usual dedicated team of on-board guides and lecturers. Iris and I will also be on hand to look after you and share what will be a great adventure.

Nick Van Gruisen Managing Director, The Ultimate Travel Company 17-DAY ITINERARY, DEPARTING 31 JANUARY 2021

31 January / Santiago albatross. Giant petrels and smaller Island, which on a sunny day is Cape petrels are also constant a memorable experience. If the Suggested flight (not included in the companions on the journey south. weather conditions allow, we sail cost of the tour) British Airways BA Photographing these magnificent the ship into the flooded volcanic 251 departing London Heathrow birds takes patience and skill and the caldera at Deception Island. This is at 21.55 hrs. Subject to change. photography expert will be on hand to a very dramatic place and history is show you the best techniques. all around us as we explore the old 1 February Santiago whaling station, with the rusted old Arrive in Santiago at 07.30 hrs. Join the ship’s Captain on the bridge boilers and dilapidated wooden huts. Transfer to hotel Cumbres Lastarria. and learn about the operations At the far end of the beach is an Welcome dinner at the hotel. of the modern expedition vessel. old aircraft hangar. This is where Throughout the day the onboard Australian, Sir Hubert Wilkins, made experts will educate with a series of 2 February Santiago / the very first flight in Antarctica in presentations about the environment, Falkland Islands 1928. There is also an outstanding the and history of the hike, high up onto the rim of Morning departure from Santiago locations you will be visiting in the crater. airport on a special charter flight the coming days. Approaching the direct to Stanley, the small capital coastline of Antarctica, we start to of the Falkland Islands. Meet your Overnight we have navigated across encounter icebergs and anticipate the Bransfield Strait and aim for the guides on arrival and transfer into our first whale sightings. town. There will be time to explore the broad expanse of Willhelmina Bay. town or enjoy a guided visit to nearby This is a known whale ‘hot-spot’. It’s 5 - 6 February South Shetland Gypsy Cove, which provides the first a rich feeding ground for humpback Islands / Antarctic Peninsula opportunity for observing the local and minke whales and we hope to Exploration wildlife, including nesting Magellanic encounter these gentle giants penguins and other sea birds. We awaken today, and the from the ship or when cruising in Continue on to the port where you will magnificent snowy peaks of the Zodiacs. This is a spectacular board the expedition ship, RCGS Antarctica’s fringing islands are laid location, featuring sweeping views of Resolute in the afternoon. After out before us. Even our experienced the glaciers up to the mountainous settling into the cabins and exploring expedition staff, some with more ridge of the Antarctic peninsula. the ship, meet the expedition team than 100 journeys south, will take a Nearby lies the Errera Channel - home and fellow passengers. Excitement is moment to pause and reflect on this to several exceptional sites, including in the air as you enjoy a welcome incredible sight. Take a deep breath – Cuverville Island with its substantial cocktail and cast off to explore one of you have arrived. This is Antarctica. gentoo penguin rookery, Ronge Island the most remote regions on Earth. and the snow-capped dome of Danco The McFarlane Strait makes a natural Island. In the soft evening light, we entry point into the South Shetlands. 3 - 4 February At Sea – There are several landing sites in commence our journey south, Towards Antarctica the vicinity including Half Moon towards the Antarctic Circle. We chart a southerly course for Island, or the broad pebbly beach at Antarctica. The Drake Passage is rich Yankee Harbour, where we sometimes 7 - 10 February Antarctic Circle in bio-diversity and showcases a great encounter Weddell seals sunning Crossing And Exploration Of abundance of wildlife, hundreds of themselves. In the afternoon, we The Gerlache Coastline seabirds including the wandering cruise along the coast of Livingston We have covered substantial distance

020 3411 4595 | [email protected] | THEULTIMATETRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK overnight as we head south. Our a continental landing opportunity. northwards on our return trip to objective is to cross the Antarctic There is a wonderful hike here, the Falkland Islands. Circle this afternoon, hoping for a up to a high point which provides shore landing at Detaille Island. jawdropping views. Zodiac cruising 12 - 13 February Drake Passage / An abandoned British science in the glacial amphitheatre of Falkland Islands station ‘Base W’ was established Skontorp Cove is also a possibility. in the 1950s and is in a remarkable We navigate north through the As we make our way back to state of preservation. For the history Gerlache Strait towards Spert Island Stanley and the Falkland Islands, buffs this is a fascinating place - a little-visited rocky outcrop with the educational presentations providing a glimpse into the harsh remarkable geology. The island is continue, and we enjoy an life of early Antarctic visitors. criss-crossed by narrow channels entertaining and memorable We toast our success on crossing which makes for fantastic Zodiac voyage recap by our Expedition the Antarctic Circle turning our cruising and sea kayaking. The Leader. Join our photography gaze northwards, viewing the cliffs are home to numerous nesting experts in the multimedia room spectacular chain of glacier-covered bird species and we often encounter and download and back up your peaks stretching as far as the eye whales here. Nearby Mikkelson precious images. Approaching the can see. This coastline begs Harbour also allows for another coast of the southern Falkland further exploration, which is off-ship excursion. After several Islands in the early evening light, we enjoy a special dinner attended exactly what we plan to do. busy days of exploration along the Peninsula, we head north, bound by the Captain of the ship. Heading north, the peaks of Mount for the South Shetland Islands. Shackleton and Mount Scott loom This is an important whale migration 14 February Falkland Islands / on the horizon. These towering corridor and we expect sightings of Santiago granite sentinels mark the southern humpbacks, or the resident pod of Arrive back in the port of Stanley. entrance to the Lemaire Channel. orca that inhabit this stretch of water. We say goodbye to our crew and Nearby Pleneau Island offers more after some free time in town, make opportunities for shore landings 11 February Aitcho Islands our way to the airport for our return and observation of the gentoo The adventure continues as we plan charter flight to Santiago. On arrival penguins who nest here in large visits to several additional landing in Santiago, transfer to Hotel numbers. Just offshore, in the sites in the South Shetlands including Cumbres Lastarria. Evening under shallow waters of the Penola Strait, the Aitcho Islands. There are some own arrangements. massive icebergs run aground. great hiking routes here showcasing Constant wind and wave action the colourful mosses and lichens 15 February Santiago / London sculpt these gargantuan chunks of found on the island. Gentoo and Transfer to the airport for the ice into fantastic shapes, revealing chinstrap penguins nest here, and, suggested flight (not included in the more shades of blue than you could on the beaches, we usually encounter cost of the tour) British Airways BA ever imagine. For many, a Zodiac seals coming and going from the 250 departing Santiago at 16.15 hrs. cruise here will be a highlight of surrounding waters. Fort Point Subject to change. the voyage. If ice conditions permit, situated on Greenwich Island is we aim to transit the Lemaire another favoured location for a visit. Channel on our way north towards Eventually we leave the snow-covered 16 February London Paradise Harbour, which provides peaks behind us, pushing Arrive at London Heathrow at 09.35 hrs.

020 3411 4595 | [email protected] | THEULTIMATETRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK Superior Cabin

TOUR PRICES PER PERSON SAVE £500 PER PERSON RCGS RESOLUTE For a Limited Time Only Explorer Deck £11,690 £11,190 Single supplement £2,450

Twin Private £12,945 £12,445 Single supplement £3,450 Superior Twin £13,480 £12,980 Single supplement £4,450

Shackleton Suite £15,080 £14,580 Single supplement N/A One Ocean Suite £17,735 £17,235 Single supplement N/A Santiago/Falklands/ £825 Santiago Charter Flights Built in Finland and named after HMS Resolute, a British Royal Navy Arctic Kayaking £635 exploration vessel, as well as the Inuit town of Resolute, the RCGS Resolute is Limited to 30 participants designed for comfort, modern, well appointed, safe and ice-strengthened. From small group sessions to briefings for all passengers, we have public spaces on-board PRICE INCLUDES the ship ideally suited for each and every need. Two separate bars and lounge areas • Airport transfers featuring 180 degree views and a wonderfully stocked library provide ideal places to relax or catch up on some reading. • Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Santiago The sumptuous meals prepared for you by the culinary team are enjoyed in either of • Welcome dinner on the 1st our two dining rooms, one of which features our popular bistro menu offering quick in Santiago and easy meals for those prioritizing time out on deck. Both dining rooms have • Accommodation, meals (breakfast, ample and open seating paired with modern furnishings and large picture windows lunch, and dinner on board, with with 180 degree views. Other facilities include our theatre style presentation room, daily afternoon tea), 24-hour gift-shop, gymnasium, wellness centre, hot water spa, sauna and steam room tea, coffee, hot chocolate, guided and salt water pool. excursions, lectures on the One Ocean Antarctic cruise • One Ocean Foul Weather gear package comprising Wetskins® DECK 7 DECK 8 rain jacket, bib pants and Lacrosse gumboots • Pre-voyage information package including details to help you prepare for your trip • Experienced expedition leader and DECK 6 professional expedition team of marine biologists, naturalists, historians, adventure guides and photographers • Port fees and all permits to access visited areas DECK 5

PRICE EXCLUDES • International flights • Charter flights • Visa fees (British passport holders DECK 4 do not require visas. Other nationalities should check with us.) • Travel insurance (mandatory) • Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks • All other meals not indicated in • the itinerary DECK 3 DECK 2 • Personal gratuities (guidelines will be provided) • Excess baggage charges

The flight schedule will be available 11 months prior to departure. Premium Cabin upgrades will be available One Ocean Suite Shackleton Suite Superior Cabin but are subject to availability. As soon as the flight schedule has been Private Cabin Explorer Cabin released we will let you know prices. THE EXPEDITION TEAM

NICK & IRIS VAN GRUISEN TOUR LEADERS Raised in Northumberland, in the 1970s Nick spent five years as a professional guide in Botswana and southern Africa. He then joined the Tiger Mountain group, pioneering cultural, trekking and wildlife holidays throughout the Indian subcontinent. He founded Worldwide Journeys and Expeditions in 1991, from which The Ultimate Travel Company emerged in 1998.

His wife Iris was born in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), where she lived for a few years before moving to Papua New Guinea. In the 1980s, she too joined Tiger Mountain to work at their flagship lodge, Tiger Tops, in Nepal’s Royal Chitwan National Park. As well as co-leading trips with Nick, she has taken trekking groups on expeditions to Kilimanjaro, the High Atlas, Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains and the Himalaya.

ALASTAIR FOTHERGILL EXPEDITION LECTURER Alastair Fothergill joined the BBC Natural History Unit in 1983 and worked on a wide range of the department’s programmes, including the BAFTA award- winning , , The Natural World and the innovative Reefwatch before working on the BBC1 series with Sir .

From here he went on to produce , , and before leaving the BBC in 2012 to set up his own production company Silverback Films. In 2015, Silverback Films completed a new landmark series for BBC 1, The Hunt before producing the first landmark natural history original series for Netflix,.

Alastair is also fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, who awarded him their gold medal in 2012, and currently resides in with his wife Melinda, two sons and three Jack Russells.

NIGEL & SHANE WINSER GUEST LECTURERS Shane and Nigel Winser, both trained in Life Sciences, met during the Royal Geographical Society survey of the Gunung (Mt) Mulu National Park, Sarawak 1977/78. Both continue to work in the world of geography, Shane leading the RGS team supporting young geographers planning field research expeditions and purposeful travel while Nigel, after heading the expedition and fieldwork office for 30 years and leading the office of the Earthwatch Institute for ten years, is today working on a number of projects, including a Maasai led ecotourism project in North Kenya and field science programmes in the Sultanate of Oman. Nigel and Shane joined Nick and Iris on their 2019 Antarctic expedition and were a very popular addition to the team.

020 3411 4595 | [email protected] | THEULTIMATETRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK 25–27 VANSTON PLACE LONDON SW6 1AZ