Antarctica Classic Package

A 14-Day Gap Adventures tour starting from $5,999

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Starting Price: $5,999 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 14 Days
Countries Visited: Antarctica, Argentina
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More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
 Expeditions
Tour Category: Expedition
Tour Operator: Gap Adventures
Tour Code: GAP-XPCASX-2011
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Cities Visited:
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Explore the rugged, remote South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, home to some of the continent’s most dramatic landscapes and impressive wildlife. See huge penguin rookeries rubbing shoulders with seal colonies, while Orcas and whales ply the waters offshore. Cap this unforgettable journey with a visit to vibrant Buenos Aires.

 
Meals Included
All meals included on board the ship. Farewell dinner included in Buenos Aires. Breakfast at the hotels.

Meals
Onboard our expedition ships you’ll find a diversity of gourmet international cuisines prepared and catered by professional chefs; all meals are included in the price of your expedition. Dining is casual, tables are unassigned and the dining room is capable of seating the entire passenger compliment at one time. There is always a selection of different meals available, and vegetarians will find plenty of options. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice, please advise us at time of confirmation. Coffee, tea and water are all provided free of charge. All other beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic are not included and can be purchased in the dining room or in the lounge throughout the expedition.

Transport
M/S Expedition, Zodiacs, local flights, and bus.

Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Please note that internal flights in Argentina generally allow less luggage than international flights.

Accommodation
Hotel (4 nts), on board the M/S Expedition in triple, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with ensuite bathrooms and a porthole or window) (9 nts). Please note that cabins consist of two beds and are outside facing. Suites have a queen bed, subject to availability.

 
Day 1 Arrive Buenos Aires
Today is an arrival day. There are no planned activities so make your way to the hotel and enjoy the city. The capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires is the ultimate cosmopolitan city. Travellers find that it has more in common with the cities of Europe than the rest of South America. Nearly 40 per cent of Argentina's 33 million citizens live in Greater Buenos Aires, and the Porteños are justifiably proud of their home. The city is comprised of a number of distinct neighbourhoods, some of which have become top tourist draws. For many, the highlight of their time in the capital is a visit to San Telmo for the weekend antiques market and street artistís displays. La Boca was originally settled by the successive waves of immigrants that contribute to the capital's unique character. Its brightly coloured walls and buildings draw Porteños and tourists alike, and it is here that the world-class football team, Boca Juniors, plies its trade. A Sunday afternoon match at the fabled Bombonera is not to be missed. Posh Recoleta, with its cafes, museums and cemetery, is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon. During colonial days Buenos Aires was the seat of the Viceroy of La Plata. Almost completely rebuilt since the turn of the century, the heart of the city is the Plaza de Mayo, with the historic Cabildo (Town Hall), where the Independence movement was first planned, the Casa Rosada (Government Palace) and the Cathedral where San Martín, the father of Argentine independence, is buried. When you are done exploring, settle your weary feet and enjoy a drink in one of the many sidewalk cafes and restaurants and you will begin to understand the contemplative Argentine way of life. Upon return, Buenos Aires will be your last chance to try the succulent bife and parrilladas, so dig in and enjoy! Please note: You should be especially careful when wandering about the capital city on your own, particularly at night. Tourists are easy prey for individual pickpockets or groups of two or more people working as a team on the streets. Pay particular attention to anyone who 'accidentally' spills anything on your clothes or belongings (mustard, etc.) and then apologizes and offers to help clean up. They will clean you out instead! Be safe and leave your passport, credit cards, travellers cheques and cash funds you won't be using immediately in the hotel's safety deposit box. Most Porteños are honest and genuinely helpful and friendly, but be safe and enjoy the city!

Day 2 Buenos Aires / Ushuaia (B)
Fly south to Ushuaia. (Your flight to Ushuaia is included with the package). The afternoon is free to visit the town and enjoy the world’s southern most city. Overnight in Ushuaia. Our journey begins in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world on the shores of the Beagle Channel. Ushuaia actually means 'the bay facing westward' in the language of the original Yamana inhabitants. Once a penal colony (the presidio was disbanded in the 1940's) for political prisoners as well as hardened criminals, Ushuaia is now a major tourist attraction, particularly for people such as ourselves cruising to Antarctica. The town of 40,000 is also a major ski resort area for both alpine and cross-country skiers and offers magnificent hiking in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, the only coastal national park in Argentina.

Day 3 Ushuaia / Tierra del Fuego National Park (B,D)
We take a tour to Tierra del Fuego National Park before boarding our ship in the afternoon (see joining instructions).

Day 4-5 The Drake Passage (2B,2L,2D)
Our journey across the infamous Drake Passage, named after the 16th century English navigator Sir Francis Drake, is an experience in itself. Our ship is accompanied most of the way by an impressive variety of seabirds that fly in our wake. We have a good chance of spotting whales and many different species have been encountered in these rich waters. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar waters sink beneath the warmer waters of the more temperate zones. When land is sighted (usually late afternoon on Day 5) we know we have reached the South Shetlands. This impressive group of islands lying roughly parallel to the Peninsula is a haven for wildlife. We visit vast penguin rookeries, and land on beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and wallowing elephant seals. We also hope to visit one of the many research bases and look for Antarctica’s two flowering plants that thrive here during the short austral summer.

Day 6-9 Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetland Islands (4B,4L,4D)
This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! We normally attempt two excursions per day. The Antarctic Peninsula is the most readily accessible part of the White Continent and has some of the best wildlife and scenery. There are enormous rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags, Kelp Gulls, Cape Petrels, Snowy Sheathbills and Antarctic Terns are just some of the many birds found here in abundance. We are also likely to see Weddell, Crabeater, Elephant and Leopard Seals, while Orca, Humpback Whales and Minke Whales are sometimes encountered at close range. The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Keeping a lookout from the Bridge or the deck of the ship, as we thread our way along the continent, you feel the same sense of excitement as many of those early explorers. Sailing around the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula we hope to navigate Antarctic Sound, or `iceberg alley’ as it is often called, where huge tabular icebergs drift north from the Antarctic continent. If we opt for this northerly route due to weather and ice conditions, we hope to land on Paulet Island to see its vast Adélie Penguin rookery. If the southern route is chosen we hope to visit aptly named Paradise Harbour, or nearby Neko Harbour, where glaciers fill the calm waters with a mind-boggling vista of icebergs; this is where we hope to set foot on the Antarctic Continent itself. Also on this route is Port Lockroy, home to thriving penguin colonies, and a possible visit to a former British scientific station that has recently been renovated to serve as one of the most isolated and intriguing museums in the world. The station also acts as a post office and we have a unique opportunity to send postcards home. During the voyage we hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways in the world (if they are not choked with pack ice and icebergs); two in particular, the Neumayer and Lemaire Channels, are narrow passages between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers that are so impressive they are a highlight of the trip for many people. On some voyages we sail south of the Lemaire (often called "kodak gap") Channel to Petermann Island where Adélie and Gentoo Penguins, skuas and Blue-eyed Shags nest close to the landing site. Antarctica is a continent of superlatives. It is the coldest, windiest, driest, iciest and highest of all the major landmasses in the world. It is the continent with the longest nights and the longest days and it is home to the world’s greatest concentration of wildlife. It is also one of the last true wilderness areas left on earth – largely unchanged since the early explorers and whalers first landed on its inhospitable shores less than two centuries ago. The continent itself is roughly circular with a spindly arm, called the Antarctic Peninsula, reaching northwards towards Tierra del Fuego. South America is the nearest landmass, some 600 miles away. Considerably larger than either the United States or Europe, and twice the size of Australia, the continent is surrounded by a frozen sea that varies in area from one million square miles in summer to 7.3 million square miles in winter. Beyond the ice are the waters of the vast Southern Ocean, which encircles Antarctica in a continuous ring several hundred miles wide. The Southern Ocean isolates the continent from the warmer waters of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans to the north and this meeting point, called the Antarctic Convergence, is the ecologically defined northern boundary of the region. The area abounds with wildlife activity. Penguins gather with their fast-growing chicks, whales are seen in great numbers, seals haul out onto ice floes and beaches, and numerous albatrosses and other seabirds trail in our wake. We visit scientists working in modern research bases, and there is plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains. Whales Thanks to the abundance of the small, shrimp like krill as the basis of the food chain, many species of whales make the water south of the Antarctic Convergence their summer home. Some of the species found in the frigid southern waters include: the Humpback Whale who consumes over a ton of krill each day; the Southern Right Whales easily identified by the whitish callosities on the jaws and forehead; the Sperm Whales made famous in Moby Dick; the Killer Whale which is actually not a whale at all but the largest of the dolphin family; the Sei Whale which can achieve speeds up to 55 km/h over short distances; the playful Minke Whales very common in the peninsula area; the Fin Whale who can attain a length of 25 to 27 meters making them the second largest whales; and the Blue Whale which is not only the largest whale in the oceans but also the largest animal that has ever lived. Penguins The common name for all flightless, aquatic birds, penguins are only found south of the equator. Penguins have been grouped into 18 species and six genera, with most making their homes in Antarctica and the sub Antarctic islands, though others are native to the coasts of Australia, South Africa, South America, and the Galapagos Islands. Penguins are speedy and agile swimmers, but extremely slow on land. The regions we visit aboard the ship are inhabited by six different species including the giant King Penguin who can grow up to one metre in height; the Adelie Penguin named after French explorer Dumont d’Urville’s wife; the Chinstrap Penguin identified by the distinctive black line connecting the black cap to below the chin; the Gentoo Penguin with its orange bill and white flash above and behind its eyes; the Macaroni Penguin who number roughly 12 million and are easily identified by the orange tassels meeting between the eyes; and the Rockhopper Penguin who are similar to the Macaroni in appearance but slightly smaller and have yellow tassels. HISTORICAL FIGURES Some of the bravest and best known explorers have sailed south in search of adventure and recognition. James Cook, the most travelled explorer of his time, was the first to circumnavigate Antarctica and the first to cross the Antarctic Circle. Roald Engebreth Gravning Amundsen, who led the first expedition to reach the South Pole and reached the pole on December 14, 1911. Captain Robert Scott, famous for being 35 days late, arriving at the South Pole on January 17, 1912 only to find the dark green tent and a note left by Amundsen. All five men in the Scott expedition perished on their way back from the pole. The best-known adventurer would have to be Sir Ernest Shackleton. On his attempt at the South Pole his ship, Endurance, was captured by pack ice in the Weddell Sea on January 19, 1915. The ship was destroyed by heavy ice, forcing he and his men to travel over the ice and sea to Elephant Island. However, because the island was uninhabited, Shackleton and five others made the 1300 km voyage for help to South Georgia, arriving at Stromness Harbour whaling station on May 20, 1916.

Day 10-11 The Drake Passage (2B,2L,2D)
Today we leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by our expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.

Day 12 Ushuaia / Buenos Aires (B)
Disembark after breakfast and transfer by bus to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. (Flight is included in the package).

Day 13 Buenos Aires (B,D)
Today is a free day to explore Buenos Aires, known as the Paris of the Americas. Wander the plazas and museums, and in the evening get together for a farewell dinner and traditional tango show to mark the end of our Antarctic dream.

Day 14 Depart Buenos Aires (B)
Depart Buenos Aires at your leisure.

 
         
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Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Group Leader Description
A carefully chosen team will lead our voyage. Our expedition ships boast an international team of professional naturalists and lecturers. Their goal is to provide an informed and balanced interpretation of the destination, accomplished through stimulating lectures, day-to-day briefings, and informal discussions. Your lecturers and Expedition Leader will cover all aspects of the voyage including ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history and the environment, as well as practical things like photography. The expedition staff work conscientiously with you on deck and in the field, improving your observational skills to allow you to experience all that the destination has to offer. Their strong sense of ethics and ecological knowledge make for stimulating and mindful conversation whether onshore or at the dinner table. The expedition staff will pilot the Zodiac landing craft used for shore landings and Zodiac cruises; they are experienced drivers who operate the Zodiacs in a responsible manner.

Group Size Notes
Max 124 on the M/S Expedition in Antarctica.

Your Fellow Travellers
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Highlights
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula, amazing wildlife, immense icebergs, penguin colonies, leopard seals, glaciers, and lecture programs.

 

Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Important Notes
1. Flight Details: When packing your luggage please note that the weight restriction on the domestic flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia is only 15 to 23 kg (33 to 50 lbs) per person, depending on the airline. Please note that the airlines will generally charge for excess baggage. You are able to leave luggage that you do not need at the hotel in Buenos Aires. 2. Flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia are generally in the morning, however this is subject to change at the discretion of the airline. 3. Medical questionnaires are required for all passengers traveling to Antarctica 4. Join us November 4, 2010 for our special 16-day "Extended" Antarctica Classic Package, giving you two additional days of exploration for the price of 14 days.

Single Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

What to Take
Most airlines allow two checked bags and one carry-on per person. To avoid any problems at check-in and with possible excess baggage charges, please consult the airline for specific restrictions. Dress on board is informal. Plan to bring comfortable, casual clothing for all activities. Men may wish to bring one coat/tie and women one 'dressier' outfit for an 'evening out' pre-cruise and for the Captain's welcome and farewell dinner parties. Bring wind and waterproof outer layers. Beware of tight clothing that leaves no room for trapped air, which is an excellent insulator. Wool, silk and some of the new synthetic fibers, like polar fleece, retain heat better than cotton. When packing, we suggest that you do not weigh yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire that can be worn in layers. The two most important items that you will need to bring on your voyage are boots and a parka. It is possible to rent gear in Ushuaia for the expedition, but the quantity and quality of gear varies greatly depending on the demand. For the location of a rental shop consult with the front desk of the hotel where you are staying. If arriving on embarkation day you will NOT have time to rent the gear.

Checklist
When packing your luggage please note that the weight restriction on the domestic flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia is only 15 to 20 kg (33 to 44 lbs) per person. Please note that the airline will generally charge for excess baggage. Luggage not needed for your trip to Antarctica can to be stored at your hotel in Buenos Aires. BOOTS Rubber, waterproof boots that are mid-calf or higher (12-16" high or 30-41cm.) with a strong, ridged non-skid sole are essential for wet landings via Zodiac. You may have to step from the Zodiac into icy water up to 1 ft. or 30 cm high on some landings. Also, expect poor footing on the ice and ashore. Do not bring heavy, cumbersome boots that make it difficult to walk. Do not bring boots with metal cleats as they cannot be used for the landings. For maximum warmth, wear loose-fitting boots and two pairs of socks. Try out your boots before the voyage. PARKAS You should look for a lightweight, roomy, wind and water-resistant parka with some insulation. Bright colors are more visible - and thus - safer in polar environments. GLOVES Keeping your hands warm and dry can be a challenge. Thin polypropylene gloves can be worn underneath warm outer gloves. Thus, allowing you some protection from the cold when removing your gloves to operate your camera, etc. We strongly recommend that you bring more than one pair of gloves, in case one gets wet (or lost). HAT/CAP Warm, woolen hat/cap to protect your ears, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection. PANTS/TROUSERS Water-resistant pants/trousers of coated nylon or, even better, Gore-Tex® are essential for your comfort. They can be worn over your regular clothes to keep you warm and dry. We suggest that you purchase pants a few sizes larger than you normally wear as you will be wearing them over other clothing. Gore-Tex® or similar fabrics are excellent for keeping out wind and water without trapping excess heat. Rain gear and Gore-Tex® products can be found in any outdoor sport clothing store. In addition to your waterproof pants/trousers, warm ski pants are suggested if you have them, otherwise, bring any sturdy, warm pants/trousers that can be layered between your long underwear, such as jeans, sweatpants, corduroys, etc. SOCKS Warm, high wool or cotton socks worn over a thin pair of silk, polypropylene socks should provide enough warmth and insulation for your feet. Bring several pairs of socks, since you will inevitably get your feet wet. OUTER CLOTHING Woolen, knit or cotton sweaters/tops, polar fleece tops (medium weight), several cotton turtlenecks and T-shirts for layering on and off the ship. UNDERCLOTHING Silk or polypropylene underwear is highly recommended since it will keep you warm without adding bulk. Most polar travellers prefer a lightweight version - but this depends on your own personal thermostat. The electricity onboard is 220AC electrical outlets, with European 2 pin round holes, as well as 110-volt shaving sockets in the bathroom for electric razors only. You may wish to bring an international adapter. - Camera and film/memory cards - Something to protect the camera when out in the elements - binoculars (Very useful) - reading/writing material, - cover or plastic bags for day pack - Hat & sunglasses (Polarized highly recommended) - Sun block (PABA-free) - Money belt - Basic first aid kit - Alarm clock - Women’s sanitary products - Toiletries (biodegradable) - Water bottle, books - Flashlight with spare batteries and bulbs - A seasickness remedy is recommended for our Drake Passage crossing - Passport (and photocopies) - Travel Insurance documents - Airline tickets - USD cash and travelers checks - Credit card (see personal spending money) - Gap vouchers, pre-departure information - Any entry visas, or required vaccination certificates - To enter Argentina you will require a passport (with 6 months validity). - Please check all visa requirements at least one month in advance of travel. The electricity onboard is 220AC electrical outlets, with European 2 pin round holes, as well as 110-volt shaving sockets in the bathroom for electric razors only. You may wish to bring an international adapter.

Visas
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.

Departure Tax
USD18

Tipping
Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. It is an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your expedition. The industry standard and suggested amount is $10 - 15 USD per person per day spent on board. Of course, tipping is a personal choice and the suggested amount is set only as a guideline. The money is collected by the Hotel Manager and distributed amongst the crew. The Expedition Staff and the Officers choose not to participate in the tipping pool.

Health
Please consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We require all passengers traveling on any one of our expeditions to fill out a medical questionnaire. The questionnaire can be found online at: www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form. Passengers over the age of 70 or passengers with preexisting medical conditions are required to submit a medical form signed by a physician. It is very important that we are advised of any special meal requirements, food allergies, or prescribed medication when you confirm your tour. The ship is equipped with a small infirmary with typically required medications and limited equipment. The ship's doctor is available for visits during the day and is available 24 hours per day for emergencies. In case of an emergency, please bring with you a signed and dated letter from your physician (to be given our doctor on board, as well as for any medical authorities in case of an emergency) stating any health problems and dosage requirements. International health regulations do not currently require any inoculations for the countries that you will visit on our voyages to the Antarctic. If you are visiting certain parts of Asia, Africa or South America or any country that may be affected with yellowfever prior to joining this expedition, you will need a yellow fever inoculation. We suggest that you confer with your own physician to be sure your routine immunizations, such as tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A, are up-to-date before traveling. Older travelers, in particular, may wish to consider preventive measures against influenza and pneumonia.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

 

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