Antarctica Classic Package

9 nights on board the M/S Expedition

Flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia

Visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park

All meals included onboard the ship

Tango show and farewell dinner in Buenos Aires

Expedition staff and naturalists

scheduled visits to scientific research stations

all shore excursions and Zodiac cruises in Antarctica

Group Size

Max 120 on M/S Expedition in Antarctica

Group Leader

10 Expedition staff/naturalists and G.A.P Adventures representative in Buenos Aires.

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nts), On board M/S Expedition in triple, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with ensuite bathrooms and a port hole or window) (9 nts).

Please note that cabins consist of two beds and are outside facing. Double beds are available in suites, subject to availability.

Transport

M/S Expedition, zodiacs, local flights, bus.

Meals Included

All meals included onboard the ship, drinks at additional charge. Farewell dinner included in Buenos Aries.

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.

Meal Budget:

Allow USD100 for meals not included.

All meals included while on board. For additional expenses, see trip details. Drinks and tips while on the ship are not included.

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 is a responsible manner.

About the M/S Expedition
Continuing our tradition of ground-breaking polar expedition travel, we are proud to announce that we have acquired a new ship - the M/S Expedition! She will be taking G.A.P Adventures travellers to the destinations that have inspired bold explorers for centuries. Join her as she travels in a yearly cycle from the icy realm of the Penguins - the great white continent of Antarctica, to the remote islands of the North Atlantic and finally to the land of the Polar Bears - the Arctic.

At a nimble 105 metres (345 ft) in length, with a capacity to hold 120 guests, the M/S Expedition is an ideal vessel to ply polar waters. We will be investing $15,000,000 in refurbishment and retrofit to ensure that the ship is suited for our style of expedition travel. With a focus on top of the line safety, comfort and the unique demands of polar travel, we will be transforming the M/S Expedition into one of the world's leading polar expedition cruise ships.

Size and Speed Matter
The M/S Expedition is large enough to provide stability, speed, spacious cabins and ample public space. Yet she is small enough to maneuver in remote areas and get you close to the action. Ship stabilizers ensure a smooth ride in rough waters, such as the infamous Drake Passage, allowing you to enjoy more of your time at sea. A fleet of ten zodiacs allows passengers to get out and actively explore the remote shores of our destinations. The M/S Expedition is a speedy vessel. A top speed of 16 knots means you'll spend less time getting from A to B, and more time to explore your surroundings.

Cabins
To ensure that you have an extraordinary experience, we have limited the maximum number of guests to 120. The brand new top-of-the-line cabins provide a variety of affordable doubles and triples, higher end double cabins and luxurious suites. Singles are also available in all cabin categories. All rooms provide outside cabins with views (window or porthole) and full private en-suite bathrooms.

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 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.

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 to Ushuaia
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 1940s) 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, Argentina
We take a tour to Tierra del Fuego National Park before boarding our ship in the afternoon.
You will be boarding the ship on Day 3 of your tour. Please have your luggage in the lobby of your hotel by 8:00 am so it can be transfered to the ship. After breakfast, at 8:30am you will be picked up at the hotel for your morning tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city and take care of any last minute purchases. The town of Ushuaia is very small with the majority of services, including the pier, within walking distance from downtown.

Embarkation time is set for 4:00 pm and passengers will not be able to board the ship before that time due to refueling, provisioning, and preparing the ship for your stay. Please make your way to the pier for 3:30 pm to catch the bus at 4:00 pm to take you to the ship. Due to new port security regulations you are no longer allowed to enter the port area on your own so make sure you are on time for the bus.

On embarkation day, you should dress for changeable weather. Once aboard, you will find your luggage stored in your assigned cabin, please ensure that all your luggage is accounted for upon arrival.

Day 4-5 Drake Passage
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 & South Shetland Islands
This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! We normally attempt 2 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 6 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 6 different species including the giant King Penguin who can grow up to 1 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 5 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 5 others made the 1300 km voyage for help to South Georgia, arriving at Stromness Harbour whaling station on May 20, 1916.

Day 10-11 Drake Passage
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 to Buenos Aires
Disembark after breakfast and transfer by bus to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires (included in our Package).

Day 13 Buenos Aires
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
Depart Buenos Aires at your leisure.On disembarkation in Ushuaia, group transfers will be provided from the pier to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. Specific times and instructions will be advised onboard as they can change depending on weather and sea conditions.

When you arrive into Buenos Aires you will be met at the airport and transfered to your hotel by a tour Representative. You will have the next couple of days to explore the city and enjoy an included dinner tango show on the evening of Day 13. Your tour Representative is there to arrange any optional activities and to make sure that you are enjoying your stay.
The final day of the trip has no planned activities and you are free to leave at any time. Please note that checkout time is generally at 11 am however the hotel will be able to store your luggage should you have an afternoon flight. Please note that airport transfers are not included with the tour and can be made at the front desk of your hotel.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
3/11/2010 - 3/24/2010	$7,495
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.

Taking you to the Polar extremes aboard the newly retrofitted M/S Expedition, our expeditions will take you to places you never dreamed possible. From the great white wilderness of Antarctica to the Arctic Circle, and many points in between, these adventures deliver the very best in wildlife and nature, along with awe inspiring scenery.

Visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park

Tango show and farewell dinner in Buenos Aires

Scheduled visits to scientific research stations

All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises in Antarctica

Visit to vibrant Buenos Aires

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.

Prices show are based on Category 3 Twin share cabin. For other cabin category cabins please call 1-800-942-3301

Category 1 - 1 upper berth; 2 lower berths. Full ensuite washroom. Porthole view
Category 2 - 2 lower berths. Full ensuite washroom. Porthole view
Category 3 - 2 lower berths. Full ensuite washroom. Window view
Category 4 - 2 lower berths. Full ensuite washroom. Window view
Category 5 - Queen bed. lounge area. Full ensuite washroom. Large window views

Allow USD180 for meals not included. Drinks and tips while on the expedition ship are not included.

Allow USD100 for meals not included. All meals included while on board.

Notes
1. Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

2. Shared triple cabins are same sex cabins only. Males and females can not stay in triple cabins together unless their travelling party has booked all berths in the cabin.

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 G.A.P Adventures. 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.

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.

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.

Emergency Fund: Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

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.

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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