Polar legends Why not brush up on some of Antarctica’s famous historic explorers, like Byrnes and Shackleton, to get a taste for this epic, icy adventure. Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North CHILE ARGENTINA Punta Arenas Ushuaia STYLE THEME TRIP CODE PHysiCAL ORIGINAL MARINE GQMW CUltURAL Drake Passage 9 days, Punta Arenas to Ushuaia King George Island Departs 16 February 2013 King George Island ITINERARY... Day 1 Punta Arenas Welcome to Chile’s less than two centuries ago. Spend time hiking across its icy gateway to Antarctica, the lovely town of Punta Arenas. surface, enjoying Zodiac cruises to historic and wildlife sites South Anvers Island Shetland While getting ready for the adventure ahead, enjoy the and a host of unique Antarctica adventures. Watch out for Islands city’s interesting museums and delicious eateries. If arriving chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins; and fur, crabeater ANTARCTICA early, the penguin colonies and Rey Jorge Island Natural and Weddell seals who call the South Pole home - as well as Sea Park, located out of town, are worth a visit. Day 2 remarkable minke and humpback whales. Days 7-8 Drake Embarkation Fly across the rough waters of the Drake Passage Discovered by accident by Sir Francis Drake in the • Fly across the formidable Drake Passage Passage in only a few hours, with wonderful views on a late 1500s, the Drake Passage is an 800 km wide passage • Walk the glaciated landscape of King clear day of the icy terrain below. Explore King George between South America and Antarctica, teeming with bird Island, a permanently glaciated landmass that depicts the and sea life like albatross, penguins, whales and dolphins. George Island harshness and beauty of this unforgiving land. Hopefully Spy wildlife from the decks of the ship or relax inside, joining • Zip through Antarctica’s icy, blue waters in spot a selection of seals and penguins before jumping in on fascinating presentations, reading tales of the high a Zodiac boat on a Zodiac and making our way to the ship. Days 3-6 seas or simply taking in the beautiful ocean vistas portside. Antarctic Peninsula/South Shetland Islands Experience Day 9 Ushuaia Arrive back on dry land in the world’s • See Antarctica's playful penguins Antarctica, a land of beauty in its most extreme form. It is southernmost city, the breathtaking Ushuaia. Take the time • Get up close to gigantic icebergs the continent with the longest nights and the longest days, to wander the quaint streets or head out to hike the Glacier yet this seemingly inhospitable terrain is home to one of the Martial, kayak in the Beagle Channel or participate in one • Spot slippery seals lounging on the rocks world’s greatest concentrations of wildlife. In Antarctica lies of the many adventure activities to be had outside of town. • Explore the picturesque streets of Ushuaia one of the last true wilderness areas left on earth, largely Perhaps stay on for a few extra days to take advantage of all unchanged since early explorers and whalers first landed this unique town has to offer. ACCOMMODATION Hotel (1 nt), cruise ship (7 nts) TRANSPORT Zodiac, plane, ship GROUP SIZE Max 122 MEALS 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners BUDGET Please see trip notes for any additional costs of meals not included, optional activities and personal spending I saw an albatross literally suspended, still in mid-air. I was DEPARTS 16 Feb 2013 GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed NOTES An increased non-refundable deposit of 20% or US$1000 (whichever gobsmacked - it looked like a jumbo jet... is greater) is required at time of booking. Full payment is due 120 days prior to departure. Adam Slatervic, Croatia Above left to right: Bird, Antarctica - Angela Phangsoa; On the Zodiac, Antarctica - Claudio Suter; Seal, Antarctica - Linda Borozan 10 Opposite clockwise: Meeting a penguin, Antarctica - Linda Borozan; Mountains, Antarctica - Nick Jacobs; Cute seal, Antarctica - Nick Jacobs.