ANTARCTIC EXPRESS – FLY SOUTH, SAIL NORTH
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ANTARCTIC EXPRESS – FLY SOUTH, SAIL NORTH
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Punta Arenas, Chile | Day at leisure, explore museums, restaurants and shops |
| Day 2 | Punta Arenas to King George Island | Fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island, before embarking the ship |
| Days 3 - 6 | Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands | Thousands of penguins, many species of seals and whales, incredible ice and glaciers |
| Day 7 - 8 | At Sea | Crossing the Drake Passage |
| Day 9 | Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, Argentina | Disembark in Ushuaia before flying to Buenos Aires |
SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
World Voyager
Launched in 2021, the World Voyager is a modern expedition ship. Taking 168 guests every cabin has a balcony. There are plenty of public areas to relax after a day filled with excursions including the presentation theater and Science Hub, embody the spirit of discovery. The health and wellness facilities include spa, sauna, swimming pool, Jacuzzis and outdoor running track.
Two Rolls-Royce hybrid-electric engines provide comfortable, fuel-efficient sailing experience as World Voyager navigates the Antarctic waters.
Day 1 Punta Arenas, Chile
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days. By early afternoon, a Quark Expeditions representative will meet you at the official starting point hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.
Day 2 Punta Arenas to King George Island
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will enable you to cross the legendary Drake Passage in only two hours, while far below, the ship will approach King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends onto the South Shetland Islands. After landing, make your way to the shore, before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula.
Days 3 – 6 Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. The Antarctic Continent is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes. As your Captain and Expedition Team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert presenters will deepen your experience with explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region, and presentations on photography to help you take memorycatching images. Even more exciting are your daily excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget. Walking on a shore inhabited by thousands of penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities, and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins. You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and orcas in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore during this unrivaled wilderness experience. Your Expedition Team will accompany you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.
Day 7 – 8 At Sea
A rite of passage for any Antarctic adventurer, crossing the Drake signals the end of your journey. No matter the sea conditions, you will benefit from having developed your sea legs over the course of the previous four days. While the journey home has begun, your wildlife spotting continues. Your Expedition Team will be available on deck and on the ship’s bridge to help you spot the majestic wandering albatross and a number of whale species, such as minke and humpback. When you’re not looking at photos and reminiscing about the previous days, the Expedition Team will conclude their series of engaging presentations on subjects such as marine biology, polar history and glaciology.
Day 9 Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, Argentina
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. You will then make your way towards your group charter flight to 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.
We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.
Extend your trip to Patagonia
To make the most of your time in South America we can tailor a holiday to Patagonia to suit your voyage dates. If you have a bit more time we can create a tailor-made itinerary to some of the highlights of South America. Take a look at the Patagonia sample itineraries below and contact us to begin creating your perfect holiday.
