• DESCRIPTION

    POLAR EXPLORATION
    THE UNTOUCHED

    At the top of many travel bucket lists is a journey to the Polar regions. Enjoy unique adventures around the most scenic natural wonders of the world including magnificent waterfalls, breathtaking sights of the fjords, enormous ice shelves and majestic mountains or to experience the most amazing moment of your lifetime under the sky watching the Northern lights or encounter with the world’s most endangered species on an active expedition tour.

    Absorb the rich culture and cinematic landscape of a country in style.

    Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries. And this expedition offers you the chance to discover why, with an unforgettable journey through the spectacular wilderness of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll encounter a world where nature creates the rules, her unpredictable temperament making each trip unique, exciting and personal.

    Imagine cruising in a Zodiac through crackling sea ice like shattered glass, witnessing penguins building their nests, or navigating through a maze of icebergs, each one uniquely shaped by its journey through the sea. You’ll enjoy iconic Antarctic highlights, exhilarating adventures and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.

    Highlights
    • Discover why this trip is perfect for first-time visitors to Antarctica
    • Explore highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
    • Travel safely and comfortably aboard any of Quark Expeditions’ three small, ice-strengthened expedition vessels
    • Learn about the environment and wildlife from on-board lecturers and specialists
    • Experience abundant wildlife: penguins, seals, whales and more!
    • On select itineraries, arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tango capital of the world, and let us take care of the rest of your journey

  • Inclusions

    1 night in Ushuaia at 4 star hotel,
    9 nights’ sailing on World Explorer expedition ship in a twin Infinity cabin,
    All meals and snacks on board, soft drinks & juices all the time,
    Camping and exploring highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
    On board wildlife & environment specialists and lecturers
    Arrival airport transfers.

  • Day 1

    Ushuaia, Argentina
    With a population of more than 63,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city has grown over the past few years, yet it has retained an easy going and accessible feel. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. If you arrive early, you can spend some time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoy some Argentinean wines and barbeques in the city, or visit the many boutique shops and cafés before you leave for your expedition to Antarctica.

    Day 2

    Embarkation Day
    Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This historic channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of excitement as you depart—the next time you see land you’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!

    Day 3 – 4

    Crossing the Drake Passage
    Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You’ll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates while your Expedition Team provides safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.

    Day 5 – 8

    South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
    Once the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.

    Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.

    The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Danco Island, affords us the opportunity to visit a penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here, you’ll have the choice between hiking to the island’s summit or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach, enjoying the antics of curious penguins. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets!

    Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbour.

    Each day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to entertain and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

    Day 9 – 10

    Crossing the Drake Passage
    The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

    Day 11

    Disembarkation in Ushuaia
    You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.

    Tour Ends

  • EXCLUSION

    Airfare
    Visa
    Zodiac excursions
    Travel Insurance
    All other services not mentioned under ‘Inclusions’

  • TERMS & CONDITIONS

    *Prices mentioned is starting from, per person based on 2 persons travelling together and sharing twin Infinity cabin, subject to seasonal surcharges and availability.

    ITL World reserve the right to amend the prices in case of currency fluctuations, changes in rates of exchange, and/or fuel costs, special or high season charges and hike in the airline/hotel/rail/land transportation charges before the date of departure.

    For convenience of passengers and / or feasibility of operations, ITL World or their service providers may sometimes amend the itinerary.

    International hotel check in time is between 2pm and 3pm and check out time is between 11am and 12pm. (Exceptions apply). Early check in and or late check-out is subject to availability of rooms and may be chargeable.

    It is the responsibility of the passengers to ensure they hold valid passport, visa, travel and medical insurance, vaccination etc., as applicable for each destination.

    City/tourist tax as applicable, must be paid directly at the hotel.

    To assist with visa application process, ITL World would provide copies of air tickets, travel insurance and other ground service vouchers for bookings made and fully paid for. Approval and issuance of visa is at the discretion of respective Embassies or Consulates and ITL World cannot in anyway influence this process. Certain nationals however receive visa on arrival in select countries, subject to prior online approvals

    Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.