Here is our schedule:
14
December — 8:00 Pick up by Road Runner for transfer to airport for our flight
to Buenos Aires PTY 12:10pm EZE 9:18pm - check into Urban Suites Hotel http://www.lehotels.com/recoleta/
15
December — City tour with Pablo Piera & Esquina Carlos Gardel Tango show
& dinner http://www.yourfriendinbsas.com.ar/
http://www.esquinacarlosgardel.com.ar/
16
December — Estancia Santa Susana http://esantasusana.com.ar/english.htm
17
December — flight to Ushuaia AEP 4:40am USH 8:15am check into Albatros Hotel
(free day to knock around) http://www.albatroshotel.com.ar/en/index.php?lang=en
18
December —Ushuaia, Argentina - hike Tierra del Fuego National Park & Fin
del Mundo train http://www.trendelfindelmundo.com.ar/en/index.html
18 December
— Ushuaia, Argentina (this day is part of our Quark Expedition & their
descriptions of the expedition)
Nestled
within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia offers a surprising number of
shops, museums, cafes and restaurants. Great Argentinean steak and seafood
abound, as does plenty of tasty chocolate to enjoy after you work up an
appetite by exploring the nearby mountains or national park.
19 December
— Embarkation Day (Happy Birthday to me!)
As we
embark, the anticipation and excitement grows for what lies ahead. As every
Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, Embarkation day
is just as exciting for your Expedition Team as it is for you. They’re onboard
to ensure your comfort and safety, as well as help make your wildlife dreams
come true.
20 December
— At Sea
There are
many activities to keep you engaged while we’re at sea. You can take advantage
of the library of books available on your ship, hang out at the bar chatting to
other travelers or spend time out on deck, admiring the sea. Your Expedition
Team will also conduct a series of presentations to familiarize yourself with
how to prepare for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.
21 -22
December — Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
The Falkland
archipelago contains two main islands - East and West, which we will explore by
Zodiac excursions and daily landings. These rugged islands have a frontier type
feel to them, especially at Port Stanley - the largest settlement on the
islands. It’s an interesting British outpost type place, where you may just as
easily wander into a pub as you will a church or museum.
With your
camera at hand, our wildlife sightings in the Falklands should include at least
three species of penguins and two endemic bird species - Cobb’s wren and the
Falkland’s flightless steamer duck.
Your team of
lecturers and specialists will be sure to educate you on the local flora and
fauna so that you get the most out of a memorable time in the Falklands.
23 – 24
December — At Sea
En route to
South Georgia you’ll cross the invisible biological boundary unique to
Antarctica – the Antarctic Convergence. This meeting of oceans is what creates
the abundance of krill and marine life that attracts large cetaceans, such as
humpback whales.
25 – 28
December — South Georgia
Evidence of
the old whaling and sealing heydays is still found throughout the island.
You’ll be surprised to learn that the whale and seal populations were once
decimated here, as today their populations are strong, with massive rookeries
to be seen.
One
significant and historic site that may be visited is the grave of the great
explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. His grave at the settlement of Grytviken,
which is also home to an old whaling station and a research station, is a day
for reflecting on what it must’ve been like to be one of the first explorers to
this unforgiving, yet beautiful environment.
While South
Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the islands, it is the wildlife
on South Georgia that you and your shipmates will likely find the most
captivating. Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, South Georgia
contains an exceptional quantity of wildlife. Each landing you make on South
Georgia will open your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife. One day you may see
rookeries with a hundred thousand pairs of king penguins waddling on the beach.
The next day we may see another beach with thousands of fur or elephant seals.
The grasses,
mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the
breeding and survival of different bird and animal species. Your Expedition
Team will be happy to share their knowledge of how these vulnerable
relationships all play out on the island.
29 – 30
December — At Sea
Antarctica
awaits; along with its own penguin and seal species. While you’re at sea, you
can enjoy some quiet time or take in presentations by the Expedition Team,
which will cover everything from the history and geology of Antarctica to tips
on identifying different species and what makes them each unique. With good
weather conditions, a landing at the South Orkney Islands may mark your
official landing on Antarctica.
31 December
2 January — South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The most
common reaction to arriving at the white continent is a sense of reverence and
awe. The experience is hard to put into words. You will discover that
Antarctica is a land of extremes; at one moment you’ll be overcome with a
feeling of complete silence and loneliness, then the next you’ll be laughing at
the comical antics of a curious penguin. Glacier hikes, visits to research
bases and, of course, communing with the seals and penguins are sure to keep
you smiling each and every day. Perhaps you’ll catch sight of the fearless
penguin-eater, the leopard seal, or come eye to eye with a curious Minke whale
while out on a Zodiac ride. Each day and each landing will present a new
collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera shutter busy.
If you find
yourself wanting more, then perhaps you’ll treat yourself by booking our
kayaking adventure option (reserve in advance when booking your trip) or if
you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, a little shock therapy courtesy of a polar
plunge might be what you need!
2 to 4
January — The Antarctic Circle
Crossing the
Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the
Peninsula do not come close to reaching this far south.
With a toast
to the first explorers who ventured here, you can raise a glass of champagne
and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world still visited
by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, with
potential for some fantastic iceberg sightings.
5 to 6
January — Northbound Along the Peninsula
If you
haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely
be satisfied by the time we return to the Drake Passage. We’ll continue to
journey onto land and out by Zodiac twice daily. Your Expedition Team will also
be on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have
eluded you on the journey south.
7 to 8
January — Crossing the Drake Passage
After more
than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey home begins.
Crossing the Drake Passage is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final
stamp of approval on your Antarctic adventure.
9 January —
Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
After
breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to your
Expedition Team and fellow travelers. We will transfer you to the airport for
your flight. We have free time until our flight at
4:20. That evening we will check back into the Urban Suites Hotel in Buenos
Aires.
Important
reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of
expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we
set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must
bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic
Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to
others equally as interesting.
10 January —
flight to Iguazu Falls AEP 9:20am IGR 11:05am and check into the Sheraton Hotel
in the Park and self-tour. http://www.sheratoniguazu.com/
11 January —
take a taxi to the Brazil side of Iguazu Falls & return and finish the
Argentine side.
12 January —
finish exploring the Argentine side of the falls until our flight back to
Buenos Aires and check back into Urban Suites Hotel. IGR 9:30pm AEP 11:25pm
13 January —
Self-tour La Tigre Delta with a train ride then a boat ride and lunch
14 January —
Fly home at 11:40am returning at 5:04pm where Road Runner will drive us home.
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