Antarctic Quest
Itinerary
Days 1-2
The quest that calls
This extended adventure begins at the tip of South America, in Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival make your way to our local host hotel for overnight accommodation. Charles Darwin was the first to identify the indigenous trees in the region. Ushuaia is situated on a channel named for the ship that brought him there, HMS Beagle.
Days 3-5
The evolution of Darwin's inspiration
En route to the Falkland Islands, you learn more about Darwin. He visited the islands in 1833 on the voyage that led to his iconoclastic work, on “The Origin of Species”. The shipboard education program introduces the flora and fauna that you can expect to encounter during landings. Properly prepared, you are zipped from the ship to shore in a Zodiac to hike to a plain where geese graze and Magellanic Penguins guard their burrows. You'll comb beaches and socialize with local residents. There are activities for a diverse range of interests - historical, natural and physical.
Days 6-11
Welcome to a world of ice and birds
The published account of James Cook's voyage to South Georgia brought fortune seekers to the island for nearly two hundred years. Now there are only a handful of scientists studying the abundant bird life and the glaciers that cover the island. The Expedition Team plans a series of landings including King Penguin colonies, abandoned whaling stations and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Different activity levels will be accommodated during the landings. You can be as active as you like.
Days 12-17
Hang on, Shackleton's coming
As the ship sails south and west, watch for tabular icebergs, as you will, at last, be in Antarctic waters. Landings in the South Shetlands Islands are planned. The northernmost island in the archipelago is Elephant Island, where the crew of Endurance waited for rescue. While a landing there is not likely, no exploration of the Antarctic is complete without hearing of the exploits of Shackleton and his crew.
The Expedition Team will be planning as many as three landings a day. You'll climb craggy hills, cruise in Zodiacs along granite beaches choked with brash ice and take a polar plunge, if you dare. Wildlife viewing will be a priority ashore and from the deck. The optional activities - cross-country skiing, camping, or kayaking - are planned also. For all activities, included and optional, the Expedition Team consults weather reports and marine charts to find the best sites for a memorable experience.
Days 18-20
The Drake Passage. Lake, or shake?
This famous passage is notorious for its high winds and rolling seas. Crossing it is as much a part of the Antarctic experience as penguins and krill. All the great explorers have braved the Drake Passage. It is a most fitting end to your Antarctic quest. Upon your return to Ushuaia you are transferred to the airport for your outbound flight.
