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Antarctica. Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctic Expedition [Currently Not Active]

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Day 1: Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires airport reception and transfer to at the Moreno Hotel in the San Telmo neighborhood.


Moreno Hotel

Day 2: Ushuaia

Fly south over the rugged Patagonian landscape to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Sitting on the shores of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia actually means 'the bay facing westward' in the language of the original Yamna inhabitants. Once a penal colony (the presidio was disbanded in the 1940s) for political prisoners as well as hardened criminals, Ushuaia is now a major tourist attraction, particularly for those embarking on an Antarctica expedition. The town of 40,000 is also a major ski resort area for both alpine and cross-country skiers and offers magnificent hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park, the only coastal national park in Argentina.

After arrival and transfer to the hotel, in the afternoon embark on an active exploration of the city. The hike starts in the El Mirador del Beagle area, a neighborhood located in the highest point of the city and an example of the development of the city in recent years. The trail takes you along the edge of the forest, featuring amazing views of the many landmarks which played a part in Ushuaia’s interesting sea-faring history. Overnight at Tierra de Leyendas (or similar).


Tierra De Leyendas

Breakfast

Day 3: Ushuaia - Tierra Del Fuego National Park

Today is a full day exploration of the famed Tierra del Fuego National Park. Upon arrival in the park, we start a 7 km trek (3.5 hours) to a wonderful scenic point overlooking Lake Roca, Lagunas Verde and Negra, Rivers Ovando and Lapataia and Bahía Lapataia. Hiking through this beech forest keep your eyes peeled for the incredible birdlife including the Magellanic woodpecker (the largest in South America), Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles and Andean Condors. After lunch, embark on an easy, downstream kayak trip in the crystal-clear, quiet waters of the Ovando River, and into Green Lake, one of the most beautiful places in the park. Approaching our final destination at Lapataia Bay, you may encounter sea birds flying over, looking curiously at us: sea petrels, albatross, and steamer ducks, among others. At the end of the day, take in the gorgeous southern sunset at the end of the world. Overnight at Tierra de Leyendas.


Tierra De Leyendas

Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 4: Departure For Falkland Islands

Enjoy a free morning and early afternoon to explore Ushuaia on your own. Transfer to pier in afternoon for embarkation. Check-in with the Akademik Ioffe or Sergey Vavilov begins at 4:00PM where you will be greeted by the Expedition Leader and staff and shown to your cabin. Overnight aboard the Akademik Ioffe or Sergey Vavilov.


Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov

Breakfast, Dinner

Days 5 - 6: At Sea En-Route To Falkland Islands

Our guests have the chance to spend plenty of time with our onboard polar experts. They will be educating us as we go on the wonders of Antarctica. Sailing northeast, we will likely be joined by swooping seabirds including the wandering albatross, who we will come to know well on this journey. Overnights aboard the Akademik Ioffe or Sergey Vavilov.


Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 7 - 8: Falkland Islands

Arriving in the Falklands overnight, by morning we are all excited to make our first shore excursion. Our plan will be to explore the islands of the West Falkland Archipelago, home to a profusion of seabirds and migratory birds including the black-browed albatross. Our first penguin sightings will be on the island of West Point with its bustling rookeries of rockhoppers. On Carcass Island, we will observe nesting Magellanic penguins along with oystercatchers, geese and the flightless steamer duck who is a permanent Falkland resident. The next day we will make a stop in Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. As we wander through the charming streets of brightly painted houses, we will learn how this quiet harbour was once a major port in the 19th century for ships attempting to round the formidable waters of Cape Horn. We will also make a stop in Stanley's famed philatelic museum with its impressive collection of historic stamps. Overnight aboard the Akademik Ioffe or Sergey Vavilov.

Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 9 - 10: En Route To The South Georgia Islands

Now we sail southeast bound for the island of South Georgia. These days at sea are never dull. Much of our time is spent scanning the horizon in search of whales and other marine mammals as well as seabirds. Our friendly onboard experts continue to fill minds with heroic stories of some of the earliest daredevils to explore Antarctica. We will also learn about Polar conservation - a theme particularly close to the hearts of our One Ocean Expeditions' guides and crew. The anticipation grows particularly as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and notice a dramatic drop in temperature. Overnight aboard the Akademik Ioffe or Sergey Vavilov.

Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Days 11 - 13: South Georgia Islands

Majestic snow-covered mountains greet us on the island of South Georgia - the most rugged island in this region. We will cruise the protected waters of the eastern coast looking for suitable landing spots such as Salisbury Plain and St Andrews Bay. The highlight of both these excursions is the mind-boggling abundance of king penguin adults and young that live in these locations by the hundreds of thousands, covering every inch of the shore. That is not the only wildlife on display. Fur seals can be seen poking their heads above the water, skuas and giant petrels swoop in the skies above, and the albatross our constant companion is never far away. We hope to explore an old whaling station at Grytviken (Greet-vik-in) and visit the grave of the most famous Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Overnight aboard the Akademik Ioffe or Sergey Vavilov.

Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 14 - 16: En Route To Antarctic Peninsula

As we cross the Scotia Sea, sailing ever closer to Antarctica, we hope to visit the South Orkney Islands. Linked to the Antarctic Peninsula by an enormous sub-marine mountain range these islands, often shrouded in mist, are protected by large icebergs and sea ice. If we are lucky, there will be an excursion to Coronation Island to observe penguins nesting in moss beds alongside graceful snow petrels. We may also stop at the remote island of Laurie and visit the Argentinean meteorological station located there. Overnight aboard the Akademik Ioffe or Sergey Vavilov.

Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Days 17 - 20: South Shetland Islands & The Antarctic Mainland

Elephant Island, en route to the South Shetland Islands, will be our next destination if conditions are suitable. Here, we will learn more about the famous Antarctic adventures of Sir Ernest Shackleton. This island was a place of refuge in 1916 for Shackleton and his crew after his ship was destroyed by pack ice in the Weddell Sea. Next we will spend some time cruising among the South Shetland Islands just off the Antarctic Peninsula. Dazzling wildlife sightings await us on our excursions to some of these islands including King George, Half Moon, Barrientos or Livingston. Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins thrive here, as do several species of seal. We even hope to see the gentle humpback whale dining on krill off King George Island. Weather permitting, we will visit the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. With rugged scenery, great sites of geologic interest and an overwhelming display of whaling and scientific exploration history, Deception Island is a perfect museum of natural and exploration history. For those wanting to stretch their legs, a spectacular hike to the crater rim offers a challenge. Finally, after so much anticipation, we will arrive at the Antarctic mainland in Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay. The scenery here from the colossal icebergs to the seemingly endless Antarctic ice sheet is truly breathtaking. Weather permitting, we hope to undertake a shore excursion and set foot on the White Continent itself. Overnight aboard the Akademik Ioffe or Sergey Vavilov.


Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Days 21 - 22: Drake Passage

As we leave this magical place and make our way back, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn, we have no doubt that time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the last few days. Sailing up the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our Polar expedition at a special dinner. Overnight aboard the Akademik Ioffe or Sergey Vavilov.


Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 23: Disembark In Ushuaia & Buenos Aires

After an early breakfast, arrival in Ushuaia is around 9:00AM. Thus ends an incredible and unique expedition. You’ll be met at the dock and transferred to the airport for your afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, transfer for overnight at Moreno Hotel.


Moreno Hotel

Breakfast

Day 24: Buenos Aires & Departure

Spend the morning and early afternoon exploring one of the most atmospheric cities in South America - Buenos Aires. With our local guide, discover historical sites such as the Barrio Norte with its splendid old homes; San Telmo where the artist and musicians live and work; La Boca, a neighborhood of brightly painted Italian family homes and restaurants; and the Avenida 9 de Julio with its towering obelisk as much a symbol to Buenos Aires as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris On your own free time you may also take in a tango show or visit some of the more than 150 art galleries and museums. In the evening, transfer to airport for your international flight home.

Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives.
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