EMBLEMATIC ANTARCTICA
__________________
EMBLEMATIC ANTARCTICA
ITINERARY SUMMARY
Day Place Highlights
1 Buenos Aires Enjoy a night in Buenos Aires
2 Ushuaia, Argentina Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia for embarkation and sail through the Beagle Channel
3-4 Drake Passage Giant petrels and birdlife, Antarctic presentations
5-9 Antarctic Peninsula Inflatable Zodiac Boats, Gentoo, Adélie and Chinstrap Penguins, Leopard Seals and Whales, Neko Bay, Paradise Bay, Port Lockroy, Deception Island
10-11 Drake Passage Cape Horn, Beagle Channel
12 Ushuaia, Argentina Disembark in Ushuaia and return charter flight to Buenos Aires
SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Le Boreal
Le Boreal (200 guests) was launched in May, 2010. She features elegant design and innovative state-of-the-art marine technology. The vessel boasts a convenient layout, aided by three passenger elevators. She offers a single seating dining room, al fresco dining, an outdoor heated pool, and a modern lecture facility and theatre, as well as an ample and comfortable gathering area and library.
L’Austral
L’Austral (200 guests) was launched in May, 2011 and is a sister ship to Le Boreal and Le Soleal. She features 132 staterooms offering elegant design as well innovative state-of-the-art marine technology. The vessel boasts a convenient layout, aided by three passenger elevators. She offers a single seating dining room, al fresco dining, an outdoor heated pool, and a modern lecture facility and theatre, as well as an ample and comfortable gathering area and library.
Le Lyrial
Following the signature Ponant style, the Le Lyrial is an elegant way to travel throughout the Antarctic region, effortlessly combining luxury and intimacy whilst focusing on guest’s well being. Exterior and interior lines combine to ensure that all of the 260 guests on board enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable journey, with no necessity spared. Featuring an onboard fitness and beauty area, communal spaces including a tea room, bar, live music programmes and a dance floor to enjoy on your nights at sea you will never struggle to fill in your days. The Panoramic room as well as providing breathtaking views, houses a library, hosts internet connection and direct access onto the panoramic terrace. Guests can enjoy the perfect balance between shore excursions and excitement on board to make your journey to the Southern most Continent simply unforgettable.
Day 1 Buenos Aires
OVERVIEW:
Today arrive in Buenos Aires and check into your hotel. You will have the day at your own leisure to explore this beautiful city.
Day 2 Ushuaia
After a morning flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia you will have some time to have a look around. Capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. Embark your ship to start your Antarctic adventure
Days 3-4 The Drake Passage
Use your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarise yourself with your ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will explain everything you need to know about the Zodiac outings. Lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic will be an opportunity for you to learn more about this magical region, where every cruise is a unique experience. From the ship’s bridge, you will experience exceptional sailing moments before joining the naturalist-guides on your ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.
Days 5 – 9 Antarctic Peninsula
Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. Depending on which sites you will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.
Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest Zodiac outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.
Days 10 – 11 Drake Passage
If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don’t forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.
Day 12 Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast disembark the ship and farewell the expedition team. You will be transferred to teh airport for your onward journey to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival at Buenos Aires your adventure is complete. You may wish to stay a few additional days to enjoy the splendour of the city.