Classic Antarctica

Highlights

• Group Zodiac excursions with expert lecturer/guides
• A&K cocktail reception
• One night's deluxe accommodation in Santiago
• Onboard lectures and activities
• 28 November 2012 to 9 December 2012
• 8 December 2012 to 19 December 2012

This is the quintessential voyage to the White Continent, departing during the peak of the Austral summer weather conditions when weather conditions and wildlife viewing are at their optimum. Cruise the whale-rich waters of the Drake Passage to the remote coastlines of the Antarctic Peninsula and shorelines teeming with penguins, seals and all manner of seabird. Go behind the scenes in a research station and enjoy magnificent onboard camaraderie with fellow adventurers.

Day 1 - Arrive Santiago
An A&K welcome on arrival into the Chilean capital and a private transfer to your hotel. This afternoon meet some of your fellow passengers and join a small group orientation tour of Santiago. This evening is a cocktail reception at your hotel.
Grand Hyatt Santiago

Day 2 - Santiago - Ushuaia
Transfer as a group to the airport for the charter flight* to Ushuaia, Argentina - the world's southernmost city. You are met and taken on a scenic drive followed by lunch, prior to embarkation. MV Le Boreal is a stylish passenger-friendly vessel and the first all-balcony stateroom and suite vessel to travel to Antarctica. Wander the decks, relax in the lounge and mingle with fellow adventurers in anticipation of your voyage (B,L,D).
M/V Le Boreal                                 

Days 3-4 - Cruising the Drake Passage
The journey southward towards Antarctica is an exciting one. An important trade route in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Drake Passage's stormy waters and icy conditions often made the journey around Cape Horn a difficult one, though the stabiliser-equipped 'Le Boreal' handles it easily. The krill-rich waters are a particular favourite with marine mammals and seabirds.

As you travel in the comfort of your luxury cruiser, enjoy several enriching lectures by leading experts on topics spanning Antarctic birdlife to photography. In the afternoons, join 'Le Boreal's' naturalists on deck to look for various species of whale and abundant seabirds. Evenings present opportunities to chat with experts about the wildlife spotted during the day and discuss the programme ahead (B,L,D).
M/V Le Boreal                                                            

Days 5-9 - Antarctica
As the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands appear on the horizon, a sense of excitement begins to build. Day-to-day itineraries depend on the weather, water and wildlife conditions, but two excursions are carefully planned for each day by the captain and expedition leader. Each day begins with an early breakfast. Afterward, venture out in swift Zodiacs, guided by expert drivers and accompanied by lecturers, to a number of sites, which may include the penguin-filled islands in the South Shetlands of Half Moon, Penguin or Deception; islands off the continental coastline such as Cuverville or Paulet; and, weather permitting, the Antarctic Peninsula. 'Le Boreal' also plans to sail through stunning Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, referred to as "Kodak Alley."

After a morning exploring native species and terrain, return to 'Le Boreal' for lunch. In the afternoon, set out for the day's second excursion, which may include a visit to a scientific research station and the remains of turn-of-the-century whaling and sealing stations. Return to your vessel for cocktails and dinner. Afterwards, recap the day's discoveries with your naturalist guides (B,L,D).
M/V Le Boreal                                 

Days 10-11 - Drake Passage
The ship's return through the Drake Passage is an interlude for recap and reflection, with time to compare notes with your lecturers on the wildlife, history and geology of the White Continent. While cruising through this historic passage, named in honour of Sir Francis Drake's voyage in the 16th century, you may be able to spot whale and seabirds such as albatross and skua (B,L,D).
M/V Le Boreal                                 

Day 12 - Ushuaia - Santiago
Disembark after breakfast, and transfer to the airport to board your flight* back to Santiago (B).

NOTE: Due to the nature of expedition cruising, itinerary is subject to change based on weather, sea, ice and wildlife conditions and is at the discretion of the Captain and Expedition Leader.

*Flights not included in pricing.

Departure Dates for 2012-13:

• 28 November 2012 to 9 December 2012
• 8 December 2012 to 19 December 2012

Antarctic Mission Trip
The 8-19 December 2012 departure is the A&K Philanthropy Mission trip. On this voyage, Mission trip leader will be Dr Jim McClintock. Travellers will meet scientists during the voyage and present equipment which has been funded through AKP.