Journey to Antarctica

Expert expedition team guide

The spectacular Drake Passage

Paradise Bay

5 breakfast, 6 lunches, 5 dinners

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Santiago, Chile
Depart on an overnight flight to Santiago. Framed by the snowy caps of the Andes, Santiago is a city of sun-mellowed facades and lush palms. Settle into your hotel before heading out on an afternoon tour of the city. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner. Grand Hyatt Santiago (L,D)

Day 3 — Santiago/Ushuaia, Argentina
Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel. Then set sail on the National Geographic Explorer. (B,L,D)

Day 4 — At Sea/Drake Passage
While crossing the spectacular Drake Passage, spot whales and other marine life that glide alongside the ship. (B,L,D)

Days 5 through 11 — Exploring Antarctica
With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, we have ample opportunity to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, the schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected—watching whales perform off the bow, taking an after-dinner Zodiac cruise, or heading out on an extra landing during the day. We anticipate making several Zodiac landings each day to hike, kayak among the icebergs, and experience close encounters with wildlife. (B,L,D daily) br>
Depending on weather and sea conditions, we plan to make the following stops:
Deception Island
One of the South Shetland Islands, this giant caldera measures more than four miles in diameter and is still volcanically active. Sail right inside the flooded crater center, passing through the narrow entrance known as Neptune's Bellows.

Paradise Bay
This pristine bay is edged by soaring ice-covered peaks. Hike to a summit for a breathtaking view, or kayak along a cliff-side rookery in search of blue-eyed shags.

Lemaire Channel and Petermann Island
Cruise through the Lemaire Channel between towering snowcaps and blue icebergs. Step ashore at Petermann Island to the cries of thousands of gentoo penguins standing along the shoreline as if awaiting your arrival. This is the site of the research group Oceanites, whose effort to inventory the region's many bird species is supported by National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions. Meet with the scientists and learn about their research.

Neko Harbor
Dock in Neko Harbor. Walk among the penguins on the beach or climb high onto an ice field for a panoramic vista of untouched peaks surrounding this idyllic bay.

Historic Port Lockroy
In 1944, the British government began a top-secret expedition code-named Operation Tabarin, creating a series of base stations in Antarctica. Base A, at Port Lockroy, is now a museum and Antarctica's only public post office.

Days 12 — At Sea
Enjoy the ship's amenities as the Antarctic coast disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America, and see the meeting of the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. Celebrate your voyage at a farewell dinner on board. (B,L,D daily)

Days 13 & 14 — Ushuaia/Santiago/U.S.
Disembark in Ushuaia. After lunch, fly to Santiago and connect with your overnight flight home. (B,L)

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
11/27/2010 - 12/10/2010	$10,270
12/7/2010 - 12/20/2010	$10,270
12/17/2010 - 12/30/2010	$10,270
12/27/2010 - 1/9/2011	$10,270
1/6/2011 - 1/19/2011	$10,270
1/16/2011 - 1/29/2011	$10,270
1/26/2011 - 2/8/2011	$10,270
2/5/2011 - 2/18/2011	$10,270
11/26/2011 - 12/9/2011	$10,580
12/6/2011 - 12/19/2011	$10,580
12/16/2011 - 12/29/2011	$10,580
12/26/2011 - 1/8/2012	$10,580
1/5/2012 - 1/18/2012	$10,580
1/15/2012 - 1/28/2012	$10,580
1/25/2012 - 2/7/2012	$10,580
2/4/2012 - 2/17/2012	$10,580
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.

Expedition Expert

Brian Skerry is a photojournalist and marine biologist who specializes in underwater and marine-related subjects and stories. Since 1998 Skerry has been a contributing photographer for National Geographic magazine, covering a wide range of assignments. While on assignment, he has lived on the bottom of the sea, spent months aboard fishing boats, and traveled in everything from snowmobiles to canoes to helicopters to get the picture. He spends months at a time in the field, and in the course of any given year frequently finds himself in environments of extreme contrast from tropical coral reefs to diving beneath Arctic ice. An award-winning photographer, Skerry continues to pursue stories that will increase awareness about the sea.

Expedition Cost 2010 (14 Days itinerary)
Category 1 $10,270
Category 2 $10,870
Category 3 $11,390
Category 4 $11,830
Category 5 $14,120
Category 6 $16,350
Category 7 $18,970

Expedition Cost 2011 (14 Days itinerary)
Category 1 $10,580
Category 2 $11,190
Category 3 $11,590
Category 4 $12,420
Category 5 $14,820
Category 6 $16,990
Category 7 $19,920

Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $2,720 in Category 2 and $2,850 in Category 3 in 2010/11. For a single cabin, add $2,800 in Category 2 and $2,900 in Category 3 in 2011/12

Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare between Miami and Santiago is estimated at $1,285, round-trip economy airfare from Santiago to Ushuaia is $490. (subject to change)

Deduct $500 per person from the expedition cost when you reserve at least nine months prior to departure.

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