South America Touring, Amazon River Cruise, Brazil, Chile, Galapagos Islands, Peru, Antarctic Cruising
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99 ANTARCTICA CRUISING Days 13-14. Drake Passage. Over the course of the next two days, you'll cross the Drake Passage, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands. During this time, you'll learn about the adventures ahead as you participate in a range of informative and interactive presentations on the wildlife, history and geology of Antarctica. Along the way, watch for the whales, dolphins, giant petrels and albatross you may encounter en route. BLD Day 15-19. South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Over the next five days, you'll explore the South Shetland Islands, where around 90 per cent of the land area is permanently glaciated. You'll also cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula, the northernmost part of mainland Antarctica and home to the continent's mildest climate. During this time, you'll experience some of the world's most unique wildlife viewing as you're taken to visit gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries. You're also likely to encounter Weddell, crabeater, leopard and Antarctic fur seals, as well as orca, humpback whales and minke whales, all of which frequent the chilly waters. Although landing sites will vary depending on conditions, the route will showcase the most scenic bays and channels of the islands and the peninsula. You'll hopefully enjoy the chance to stop at an active scientific base, such as Poland's Arctowksi or the Ukraine's Vernadskiy, as well as an historic base such as the United Kingdom's Port Lockroy or Wordie House. BLD Keep an eye out for whales breaching during your cruise Marvel at Rio de Janeiro as you ride a cable car to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain Day 8. Buenos Aires (Argentina). Today, board your flight to the enthralling capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires. Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel, where you'll enjoy time at leisure. Three Night Stay: Buenos Aires, Alvear Palace Hotel. B Day 9. Buenos Aires. Enjoy a tour of Buenos Aires today then visit Café Tortoni, an elegant literati coffeehouse, for coffee and a snack. Afterwards, visit the city's oldest barrio (district), San Telmo; explore La Boca, with its colourful houses and picturesque pedestrian street, the Caminito; drive along one of the widest avenues in the world, Avenida 9 de Julio; and pass the parks, gardens and tree-lined streets of Palermo; and see La Recoleta Cemetery. Tonight, head to the Philippe Starck-designed cabaret, Rojo Tango, to enjoy dinner, drinks and the city's most exclusive show. BD Day 10. Buenos Aires, Freedom of Choice. Today, perhaps head to the island town of Tigre where you can enjoy a cruise over the waterways of the Paraná Delta. You may instead like to explore the Parisian influence on Buenos Aires during a walking tour, or perhaps head to Teatro Colón to absorb the ambience and grandeur of one of the finest opera houses in the world. After your chosen activity, the rest of the day is yours to relax or perhaps further explore this magnificent city at your leisure. B Day 11. Buenos Aires, Ushuaia. Board an included flight to Ushuaia, regarded by many as the world's most southerly city. On arrival, be met and transferred to your luxurious hotel, which has views of the Beagle Channel. Enjoy the surrounds before your Antarctica orientation and briefing this evening. Stay: Ushuaia, Arakur Resort & Spa. B Day 12. Ushuaia, Embark Antarctic Cruise. After some time at leisure to explore Ushuaia, this afternoon you'll board the Sea Explorer to be greeted by your Expedition Team and the ship's officers at a safety and orientation briefing. Settle in to your suite, then enjoy the Captain's Welcome Dinner. Later, take in the mountainous scenery as you cruise down the Beagle Channel, passing Magellanic penguins, Rock Cormorant, and sea lion colonies. 10 Night Cruise: Sea Explorer. BD 4 Ushuaia Santiago Buenos Aires Rio de Janeiro Lima Iguassu Falls ARGENTINA PERU CHILE BRAZIL 2 1 Cusco Sacred Valley Machu Picchu 2 2 2 2 Cruise Flight (included) Coach Rail No. of nights 4 South Shetland Islands Sea Explorer 10 1 ANTARCTICA