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polar regions: antarctica

National Geographic Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands

Decades of exploring Antarctica and the surrounding region have given your expedition staff the expertise and time needed to uncover important landing sites beyond the Antarctic Peninsula that we now call on with ease: the South Orkney Islands, the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands and South Georgia, perhaps the ultimate destination for jaw-dropping scenery, boundless wildlife and the captivating history of Ernest Shackleton and his crew. Walk wild beaches as a hundred thousand king penguins go about their busy lives: calling for mates, flashing their bright colors in their courtship ritual. Take a rugged hike and go by Zodiac and kayak where few have gone before. This voyage will affect the way you tell stories about travel and wildlife adventures for years to come.

Day 1 - U.S./Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina

Depart Miami 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.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: n/a

Day 2 - Buenos Aires/Overnight Hotel

Arrive this morning in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, set on the Rio de la Plata, and check in to the fine Caesar Park Hotel. In the afternoon, we have a guided overview of the city, seing it's Beaux Arts palaces, grand boulevards, and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron.

Accommodations: Caesar Park Hotel
Included Meals: lunch

Day 3 - Buenos Aires/Ushuaia, Argentina/Embark Ship

The morning's LAN charter flight offers some rare views of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. We'll have lunch during a catamaran cruise of the scenic Beagle Channel before embarking our expedition ship and setting sail.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - At Sea

Awake this morning well into our journey across the Drake Passage - a milestone in any adventurer's personal travel history. Hear talks preparing you for the exciting days ahead.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 5-6 - Falkland Islands

The Falklands boast the largest albatross colony in the world, blue-eyed shags, nesting rockhopper penguins and irresistible Magellanic penguins in their green tussock grass burrows. Stroll the photogenic Victorian-style town of Port Stanley and visit the Anglican Cathedral with its archway of whale bones.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 7-8 - At Sea

Whales beneath, birds above, as you settle in to shipboard life. Spend time on deck or the bridge watching the sea. The ever-changing light presents endless photo possibilities.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 9-13 - South Georgia Island

This is the final resting place for explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and we'll hoist a toast at his grave site. Teeming wildlife and breathtaking scenery greet our ship. Hundreds of young Antarctic fur seals are on hand as our Zodiacs make landfall. And at a vast penguin colony, you'll be surrounded by 300,00 King penguins!

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 14-15 - At Sea/Elephant Island

As we follow in Shackleton's wake en route to Antarctica, our experts will regale us with his fascinating story. Condistions permitting, we pass legendary Elephant Island, an unforgettable part of the Shackleton story, where the crew of Endurance finally landed on April 24, 1916. From here, "the Boss" and five men set sail for one of the most incredible stories of survival at sea: 800 miles across the Southern Ocean in a 22' long wooden sailboat.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 16-20 - Antarctica

With long hours of daylight supplied by the midnight sun, we make the most of our days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected. We'll sail throught the incomparable Lemaire Channel and land on the "White Continent," exploring via Zodiac, kayak and on foot, and using our arsenal of tools for exploration.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 21-22 - At Sea

These days at sea give us a chance to reflect on all that we have seen iand experienced n South Georgia , and prepare for the exciting days ahead in the Falkland Islands. There'll be time to hear talks from our staff, read in the ship's cozy library, and search for whales from the Bridge. For the more indulgent, enjoy a rejuvenating massage with our licensed therapist, work out in the gym--or simply relax.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 23 - Ushuaia, Argentina/Disembark/Fly to Buenos Aires

Disembark in Ushuaia and have some time to explore before boarding our exclusively chartered LAN flight to Buenos Aires, and the subsequent overnight flight to the U.S.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 24 - Arrive Home

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: n/a

Photo of penguins courtesy of Ralph Lee Hopkins
Photo of vessel courtesy of Linblad Expeditions

Notes on Itinerary: 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.

Single Travelers: We will make arrangements for roommate shares for solo travelers at the double occupancy rate in categories 1 and 2. We match you with a cabin mate(s) of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged.

Children Age Requirements: There are no age requirements for children. Children under the age of 17 are eligible for $500 off the cost.

Cost Includes: One night pre-cruise hotel in Buenos Aires; Shipboard accommodation, meals, shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage; Leadership by experienced expedition staff; Presentations by noted naturalists and other experts; Zodiac cruising and transfers to and from the ship for shore excursions; Comprehensive pre-departure information kit and Antarctica handbook; Group transfers and baggage handling as per itinerary; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges; Sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits; use of kayaks (where available); taxes and service charges; services of a ship physician on most voyages.

Not Included: Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, and laundry. Gratuities to ship's crew at your discretion.

Arrival/Departure: The National Geographic Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Island cruise begins and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina; including a charter flight from Ushuaia back to Buenos Aires for flights home. Embarkation time may vary as it is based upon arrival of group flights from Los Angeles, California. Disembarkation is after breakfast on day 23 of the outlined itinerary.

Family Cruises: Travelers aged 17 years old and under save $500. Specially skilled staff who are trained in organizing activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. These staff members have gone through a course designed by travel experts with years of experience in childhood and environmental education. This course has also been created in conjunction with the National Geographic Education department and NG Kids Magazine. And don't worry – even though these are educational travel gems, the primary emphasis is on "fun". After all, you are on a family cruise vacation!

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A deposit of $1800 per person is required to confirm a reservation with final payment due 90 days prior to departure. All prices and payments are in US dollars and no other currencies can be accepted. A special cancellation policy applies to all Antarctica trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. All requests for cancellations must be received in writing.

Cancellations received 120 days prior to departure are fully refunded less an administrative fee of $250 per person ($150 of which is a Travel Certificate).
Between 119-90 days, per person deposit amount is forfeited.
Between 89-60 days, per person cancellation fee of 25% of trip cost.
Between 59-30 days, per person cancellation fee of 50% of trip cost.
Between 29-0 days, no refund.

For your party of 8 or more, you will each receive 5% off your expedition. A 10% deposit is due at time of reservation, and an additional 25% is required 120 days in advance. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is required for this trip. Consider Travelex Select or Max policies to ensure the best level of coverage. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Accommodations Aboard: The Explorer accommodates 148-passengers in comfortable twin and triple cabins each with a desk and ample storage space. Public areas include a Lounge and bar with facilities for slide shows and lectures; Library; Swimming pool; Fitness Center; Sauna; Hair Salon; Gift Shop. Views are excellent from the large, open decks and the navigation bridge, where we are always welcome. The chefs produce a varied menu and the comfortable bar is stocked with a good selection of wine. The ship officers and crew are all highly experienced in ice navigation. The atmosphere aboard is relaxed and informal, more like a private expedition than a cruise.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health, has full mobility and leads an active life. Passengers must be able to navigate the 30-stair gang-way un-assisted both down and up. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com