6th
Dec - 21st Dec 2009 - 091209; 17th Jan - 1st Feb 2010 - 100120
Day
1 - London/Buenos Aires
Depart from London Heathrow by overnight flight to
Buenos Aires.
Day 2 - Buenos Aires
On arrival in Buenos Aires, transfer to the hotel
for a two-night stay. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening you might
wish to take the opportunity to see a tango show or to enjoy some of
the city’s fine cuisine.
Day 3 - Buenos Aires
Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour of the 'Paris
of South America'. Visit the sights clustered around the city's
central plaza; the Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada, the Cabildo and the
Metropolitan Cathedral. See the beautiful parks and gardens of Palemo,
the old quarters of San Telmo, the bustling banking and business
centre and the historical Government House, Congress and the Recoleta
cemetery. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 4 - Buenos Aires/Ushuaia
Early morning transfer to the airport for the shared
charter flight southwards to Tierra del Fuego and the town of Ushuaia
at the southernmost tip of Argentina, for embarkation aboard the
Minerva. Time permitting, enjoy a traditional Patagonian barbeque
lunch and visit to Lapataia National Park.
Days 5 and 6 - Drake Passage
The journey southward from Cape Horn to Antarctica,
across the strait named after the famous British mariner and explorer,
is an exciting one. You will have time to settle in and enjoy the
facilities onboard the ship, as well as the opportunity to discuss the
expedition ahead with the on-board lecturers. There will also be the
chance to spot wildlife from the deck — these krill-rich waters are
a particular favourite with marine mammals and seabirds. Additionally,
a professional staff photographer will be on hand to assist you with
specific camera questions and lead lectures focusing on specific photo
skills throughout your cruise.
Days 7 to 11 - Antarctica
Our voyage brings us to the offshore islands and
spectacular icebound backdrop of the Antarctic Peninsula. During our
visit we enjoy scheduled Zodiac expeditions, each carefully planned by
the Captain and Expedition Leader to take full advantage of each
day’s possibilities. On most days we make two landings, heading out
in our swift and versatile Zodiacs, guided by our expert drivers and
accompanied by lecturers. Explore islands filled with thousands of
penguins, photograph the nesting grounds of seabirds and cruise
iceberg-strewn passageways of breathtaking beauty.
Conditions permitting, the ship plans to land on the
Antarctic Peninsula and on a number of islands in the South Shetlands.
These may include Paulet which is home to a large colony of Adélie
penguins and the historic remains of Dr. Otto Nordenskjold’s hut
which was the over-winter haven for 22 men from the Swedish Antarctic
Expedition; Half Moon; Cuverville; Penguin; Goudier; and Deception,
still considered an active volcano.
We also hope to sail through possibly the most
famous and visually stunning areas in Antarctica, the Lemaire Channel,
affectionately known as ‘Kodak Gap’. Other possibilities for
exploration include the huge mountains of ice near Paradise Bay; a
scientific research station; the remains of early-century whaling and
sealing industries and whale bones on the beach.
After each evening’s leisurely dinner, there is
time to stroll along the deck and gaze at the seascapes in the
lingering austral summer twilight.
Days 12 and 13 - Drake Passage
We leave the Antarctic Peninsula returning once
again to Ushuaia via the Drake Passage. As we sail northwards the
lecturers recap their presentations on the wildlife, history and
geology of the White Continent. Spend time on board with newfound
friends reflecting on the adventures you have experienced throughout
your journey of a lifetime.
Day 14 - Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
We disembark from the Minerva and transfer to the
airport for the shared charter flight to Buenos Aires. Overnight in
Buenos Aires.
Day 15 - Buenos Aires/London
Departure for the overnight flight to London. Arrive
London day 16.
The nature of expeditionary cruising means the
captain may change the itinerary based on local conditions.
