Antarctica - Antarctica and the Polar Circle 12 Days/ 11 Nights

Antarctica and the Polar Circle

This voyage starts from Tierra del Fuego town of Ushuaia for an unforgettable expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula and its nearby islands and continue travelling to try and reach as far as the Polar Circle.

Cross the Drake Passage and sail through the protected waters to see impressive mountains more than 3,000 metres high, enormous glaciers and gigantic icebergs. You will visit islands with incredible wildlife and have a chance to walk on the Antarctic continent itself.

Travel to the less-visited islands on the way to through the scenic ice-filled channels between the mountains and glaciers as you head to the Polar Circle.

Day 1: USHUAIA (L, D)

Board the Polar Star and depart to begin your crossing of the Drake Passage.

Day 2–3: DRAKE PASSAGE (B, L, D)

As you travel through this passage, the guides will teach you about the different species of wildlife you will start to see including wandering albatrosses, storm petrels and other sea birds.

Day 4–8: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA (B, L, D)

You will attempt to cross to the Polar Circle, first accomplished by Captain James Cook in 1773 by cruising the narrow passageway of the Gullet. Pass the Gerlache Strait, an area where humpback whales are sometimes seen and stop at the British World War II base, Port Lockroy.

See the penguins at the Gentoo rookery on Petermann Island, see some sea lions, whale, cormorants and albatrosses. Your voyage includes excursions and landing by Zodiac points of interest including Paradise Bay, Prospect Point, Plenau, Fish Islands and Neko Harbour.

Day 9: SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS (B, L, D)

Discover the varied landscapes of this area, see the volcanic Deception Island where steam seeps from the black sand and crescent shaped remains of an ancient volcano on Half Moon Island.

Day 10-11: DRAKE PASSAGE (B, L, D)

Begin crossing this passage for your return voyage.

Day 12: USHUAIA (B)

This morning you will disembark in Ushuaia.

Departure Dates: 26 JAN 2011, 06 FEB 2011

Includes:

• Accommodation in selected cabin
• Excursions by zodiac
• Lecture program
• Meals as per itinerary
• Expedition shell (jacket)
• Onboard boot rental

Excludes

• Fuel surcharge
• Port charges
• Personal expenses
• Tips