Antarctica The White Continent (NAT)
14 Days
14 Days
DAY 1 — U.S./Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina
IMPORTANT NOTE: Guests on the Nov. 2010 through Feb. 2011 departures will fly to/from Santiago, Chile instead of Buenos Aires.
Depart U.S. this evening on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires. (We've
found that Miami is a convenient gateway for most, but other air
alternatives are available.)
DAY 2 — Buenos Aires/Overnight Hotel We
arrive this morning in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, set on the Rio de la
Plata, and check in to our fine hotel. In the afternoon, we have a
guided overview of the city, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces, grand
boulevards, and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron.
Return to our hotel for a relaxing dinner. (L,D) |
DAY 3 — Buenos Aires/Ushuaia, Argentina/Embark Ship The
morning's LAN charter flight offers some rare views as we fly over the
vividly rugged terrain of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia,
Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. We'll have lunch during a
catamaran cruise of the scenic Beage Channel before embarking National Geographic Explorer. (B,L,D) |
DAY 4 — At Sea We
awake this morning well into our journey across the Drake Passage.
Lying between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake holds a
unique place in maritime lore. Sometimes misty and gray, other times
calm and clear, crossing the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable - a
milestone in any adventurer's personal travel history. (B,L,D) |
DAY 5-10 — Antarctica
With
nearly 24 hours of daylight, we make the most of our six days, keeping a
flexible schedule to take advantage of the unexpected — perhaps
watching a 40-ton humpback whale surface off the bow. We are out daily.
One day, you may take a Zodiac foray amid towering bergs under a bright
sun, walk along the shoreline amid a huge penguin colony, hike to a
summit for a breathtaking view, or kayak along a cliff-side rookery in
search of blue-eyed shags. And the next, you’ll have the thrill of
watching the ship crunch through the pack ice, or step ashore to the
cries of thousands of gentoo penguins. You’ll learn from our experts how
to identify penguins and get photo tips from a National Geographic
photographer while watching those same penguins. Back aboard, our
Undersea Specialist may present video from that day’s dive — rare images
taken up to 1,000 feet below the surface using our ROV. Our expert
staff will craft an expedition where you will learn more, see more and
experience more.DAY 11-12 — At Sea
As
we sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the avian escort
of seabirds that cross our bow, and our spotters will keep an eye out
for marine life. There’ll be plenty of time to enjoy a wellness
treatment, log some time in the gym, or catch up on the book you
haven’t had a minute to read. Talks from our staff will reflect on all
you have seen and learned.(B,L,D)
DAY 13 — Ushuaia/Disembark/Buenos Aires After
breakfast, we disembark in Ushuaia with some time to explore before
proceeding to the airport for our LAN charter flight to Buenos Aires,
and an overnight flight to Miami. (B,L) |
DAY 14 — Arrive U.S./Home |
