Board one of Antarctica's best ships, the MS Expedition.This stunning and unique 21-day adventure takes you to penguin rookeries and seal colonies, to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, and beyond. There are many excursions by Zodiac small vessel allowing you very close proximity to wildlife and feature landmarks. A fascinating voyage to one of the lesser-visited parts of the world, this Spirit of Shackleton tour visits the historical sites of past explorers and will amaze and inspire you from the first day to the last. If you want a real modern 21st century expedition, this is it. (GM)
Highlights:
Be one of the few to set foot on Antarctica
19 nights on board the MS Expedition ship. Choice of 3 types of cabin.
Zodiac boat and on shore landings throughout the trip
Expert lectures and educational programs on board during the journey
Walk quietly amongst Kind Penguins (you couldn't get closer)
Unique wildlife, scenery and history of the Falkland Islands
Visit former whaling stations and penguin colonies in South Georgia
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and its breath taking landscape
Journey through Drake Passage – an outstanding section of the tour
A very personal trip with a staff ratio of 1:10.
Departure Dates: 10Jan 2015 / 10Jan 2016. Book now.
Arrive into Ushuaia and transfer to your hotel (arrival transfer included). Spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights in the world's most southerly city. There will be a welcome desk in the hotel providing more information on the upcoming Expedition.
Day 2
Ushuaia
Spend the morning exploring some more of Ushuaia before embarking the MS Expedition at around 4pm at the port in Ushuaia. Take a guided hike in the Martial Glacier or the Tierra del Fuego National Park or if you prefer do some shopping before boarding. The rest of the day can be spent getting to know your way around the ship and enjoying the sunset over the Beagle Channel from the deck in the evening.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 3
At Sea
Today will be spent at sea as you make your way east. Begin lectures and gain information about the biology and history of this area from the team of highly professional and skilled historians, marine biologists and naturalists who will offer a unique insight to the area.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 4-5
Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands combine unique scenery and biological diversity – from the penguins, elephant seals and albatross colonies to the colourful houses and stark landscapes, you will explore this rare area over the next two days. You’ll also learn about the history of this area which has a diverse and rich heritage. Stop off at Port Stanley to meet some of the locals and explore the shops in this area.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 6-7
At Sea
Sailing east, you'll travel onwards for South Georgia. Days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare you for landings - keep a lookout for the many whales that inhabit these waters and continue to receive daily lectures, providing you with a wealth of information about this area!
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 8-11
South Georgia
South Georgia is the resting place of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton and the home of many fascinating sites. You’ll visit the former whaling stations and seek out the amazing wildlife found here, as well as visit the vast colony of king penguins which will serve as one of the major highlights of this trip. Weather permitting, you’ll have three full days to explore the island.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 12-13
At Sea
Over the next two days, you’ll be at sea heading south and retracing Shackleton’s route backwards on your way to Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 14-18
Antarctica
Step foot on the Antarctic continent where you’ll experience some of the most awe-inspiring scenery and fascinating wildlife of your life. You’ll attempt two shore landings each day (weather permitting) and encounter Weddell and leopard seals, various penguin species, and humpback and minke whales. Along the way, you’ll also take part in informative and interesting lectures where you can learn more about the human history and past expeditions to this beautiful part of the world. Take a chance to visit scientists working in modern research bases, with plenty of time to enjoy this sheer beauty and breath-taking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 19-20
Drake Passage
Reflect on your memorable adventure and take in some final lectures as you head back to Ushuaia. There may even be some last minute chances to see some whales. Make sure to ask the experts on hand all of your unanswered questions – we’re sure you’ll have many and there’ll be more than happy to provide you further insight.
International flights and arrival and departure transfers
Internal travel: MS Expedition; Zodiac; private bus
Twin-share hotel (1 night); Aboard the MS Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en-suite bathrooms and porthole or window) (19 nights). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing; Suites have 1 queen-size bed
All meals included aboard the MS Expedition; Breakfast included at the hotel. Drinks and tips not included.
Zodiac cruises and shore landings with our expert expedition team. Lectures and educational programmes; Waterproof boots supplied for men's sizes 8-14 and women's sizes 3-9; Expedition parka; Antarctica destination guidebook
1 Expedition team member per 10 guests
MS Expedition Cabin Categories
There are 5 category of cabin.
Category 5: Double Suite, floor to ceiling windows, separate living and sleeping areas. Approx 30sqm. Located on deck 4
Category 4: Twin with private en suite facilities. Approx 15 sqm. Located on deck 4
Category 3: Twins with private en suite facilities and a large window. Approx 15 sqm. Located on deck 3
Category 2: Twins with private en suite facilities and a porthole window. Approx 15 sqm. Located on deck 2
Category 1: Quad Room 2 Lower berths, 2 Upper berths with private en suite facilities and a porthole view. Approx 15sqm. Located on deck 2
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