Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

This impressive Polar Circle voyage combines all the comfort and expediency of flying in both directions with extended time in Antarctica (7 full days). A 3-hour flight is all it takes to travel between Punta Arenas and King George Island. Then it's a choice of two outstanding ships and optional adventure activities including polar camping on the Peninsula.

Day 1 - Punta Arenas:

Your adventure begins in the most populated city in Patagonia, Punta Arenas. Depending on your arrival time, there are many museums, restaurants and shops for you to explore. In the early afternoon, an expedition guide will bring everyone together at your hotel, where you'll enjoy a welcome dinner and have a briefing prior to embarkation day.

Day 2 - Embarkation Day:

A charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica means you’ll be crossing the infamous Drake Passage in only a few hours. Way below, you might spot the ship approaching King George Island for your arrival. As your plane descends for landing in the South Shetlands, the dramatic Antarctic landscapes soon become visible. After landing, there’s some time to stretch your legs and explore the island before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship, where you’ll meet the rest of your shipmates and set sail for the Peninsula.

Days 3 and 4 - Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands:

As we approach the infamous White Continent, don't be surprised if you are overcome by feelings of excitement and awe; there are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. Your first sightings will be from the ship itself and the Captain and Expedition Team will be scanning for whales and seabirds, alerting you to any new sightings. A team of expert lecturers will also provide you with in-depth explanations of the wildlife, history and geology of the region.

It gets even more exciting as you start taking daily landing excursions; your first zodiac landing is something you'll never forget! Walking up to a beach that is dotted with penguins and seals is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities and each landing is different, particularly because of the weather. You might take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a chinstrap rookery the next day.

From the booming sounds of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting leopard seals and killer whales in action, you'll welcome each day with unlimited excitement and energy. The Expedition Team will be with you throughout, helping you get the most out of your expedition by providing insights into the places you visit and offering you photography tips.

Days 5 & 6 - The Antarctic Circle:

Most expeditions to the Peninsula never reach 66 degrees 33' S, so crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement. You can celebrate in style with your fellow travellers and enjoy a well-earned glass of champagne! Take pride in knowing you've made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people and raise a toast to the first explorers who ventured this far south. This is raw Antarctica, home to Weddell seals, the midnight sun, and some of the most magical, odd ice formations are seen anywhere in Antarctica.

Days 7 & 8 - Along the Peninsula:

We continue to soak up the incredible Antarctic wildlife and icebergs as we return to King George Island. During the journey we will still land by zodiac twice daily as we travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula and our Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded us on the journey south.

Day 9 - Disembarkation and return to Punta Arenas:

After a week of exploration, you'll say goodbye to the Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. The three-hour return flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas brings your adventure to an end. After transfers to the hotel, you can enjoy a final dinner in the city to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

Day 10 - Departure:

After breakfast, say goodbye to your fellow explorers and depart for home.

Please Note:

The 18-Dec-2019 departure is 11 days long and does not reach the Polar Circle.

This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Furthermore, it's important to understand that the charter flights to and from Antarctica are particularly prone to weather, which requires a flexible flight schedule.

Includes:

• Transfers as indicated
• Briefing dinner on Day 1
• 2 night's hotel stay with breakfast
• Return flights from Punta Arenas to Antarctica
• Online photo journal of the voyage
• Complimentary parka jacket
• Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
• Accommodation and meals during the voyage on full board
• Beer and wine during dinner, and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
• All shore excursions and zodiac activities
• Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
• Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
• Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
• Comprehensive pre-departure information
• Port taxes and any entry fees to landing sites

Excludes:

• Any flights to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation not listed as included
• Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
• Transfers not specified in the itinerary
• Optional non-complimentary adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
• Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
• Airport arrival or departure taxes
• Personal travel insurance
• Items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, beverages and communication
• Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
• Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)