Dates & Prices

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Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
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What's Included

9 nights on board the M/S Expedition

All meals included on board the ship

10 expedition and staff naturalists

Visits to modern scientific research stations & land excursions

Excursion to Moreno Glacier

Day hikes in Glacier National Park

2 night excursion to Torres del Paine National Park

Group Size

Max 12 in Patagonia. Max 120 on M/S Expedition in Antarctica

Group Leader

10 Expedition staff/naturalists, G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader while in Patagonia.

Accommodation

8 nights simple hotels (may be multi-share)

2 nights camping

9 nights on board M/S Expedition in triple, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with ensuite bathrooms and a port hole/windows).

Please note that cabins consist of two beds and are outside facing. Double beds are available in suites, subject to availability.

Transport

M/S Expedition, zodiac, local buses, flight.

All meals included while on board the ship (drinks at additional charge) and while camping in Torres del Paine.

Allow USD180 for meals not included. All meals included while on board. Drinks and tips while on the ship are not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

Onboard our expedition ships you’ll find a diversity of gourmet international cuisines prepared and catered by professional chefs; all meals are included in the price of your expedition. Dining is casual, tables are unassigned and the dining room is capable of seating the entire passenger compliment at one time. There is always a selection of different meals available, and vegetarians will find plenty of options. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice, please advise us at time of confirmation. Coffee, tea and water are all provided free of charge. All other beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic are not included and can be purchased in the dining room or in the lounge throughout the expedition.

About the M/S Expedition
Continuing our tradition of ground-breaking polar expedition travel, we are proud to announce that we have acquired a new ship - the M/S Expedition! She will be taking G.A.P Adventures travellers to the destinations that have inspired bold explorers for centuries. Join her as she travels in a yearly cycle from the icy realm of the Penguins - the great white continent of Antarctica, to the remote islands of the North Atlantic and finally to the land of the Polar Bears - the Arctic.

At a nimble 105 metres (345 ft) in length, with a capacity to hold 120 guests, the M/S Expedition is an ideal vessel to ply polar waters. We will be investing $15,000,000 in refurbishment and retrofit to ensure that the ship is suited for our style of expedition travel. With a focus on top of the line safety, comfort and the unique demands of polar travel, we will be transforming the M/S Expedition into one of the world's leading polar expedition cruise ships.
Size and Speed Matter

The M/S Expedition is large enough to provide stability, speed, spacious cabins and ample public space. Yet she is small enough to maneuver in remote areas and get you close to the action. Ship stabilizers ensure a smooth ride in rough waters, such as the infamous Drake Passage, allowing you to enjoy more of your time at sea. A fleet of ten zodiacs allows passengers to get out and actively explore the remote shores of our destinations. The M/S Expedition is a speedy vessel. A top speed of 16 knots means you'll spend less time getting from A to B, and more time to explore your surroundings.

Cabins

To ensure that you have an extraordinary experience, we have limited the maximum number of guests to 120. The brand new top-of-the-line cabins provide a variety of affordable doubles and triples, higher end double cabins and luxurious suites. Singles are also available in all cabin categories. All rooms provide outside cabins with views (window or porthole) and full private en-suite bathrooms.

Your Tour Itinerary Includes

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Day 1 Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Arrive in Ushuaia at any time, check into the hotel and enjoy 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 people such as ourselves cruising to Antarctica. The town of 40,000 is also a major ski resort area for both alpine and cross-country skiers and offers magnificent hiking in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, the only coastal national park in Argentina.

Day 2-3 El Calafate
A short flight takes us over the lofty peaks to El Calafate and the dynamic Moreno Glacier, within Glacier National Park. We may spot condors, eagles, flamingos and rheas in this beautiful landscape. Moreno Glacier is one of the few remaining advancing glaciers on the planet, and you will long remember the sound of ice crashing into the lake waters below.
Argentina is the second giant of South America, with a landscape nearly as varied as its people. Modern and sophisticated, cosmopolitan Argentina has much more in common with Europe than with the rest of its neighbours. If Buenos Aires is the heart of the country, Patagonia and the southern Pampas in Santa Cruz Province are its soul. This is the very region we explore, trekking within Glacier National Park for the grand rewards of the trail.

We start our land exploration in the province of Tierra del Fuego and the southern most city in the world, Ushuaia, with a flight to El Calafate, on the shores of Lago Argentino. The southern continental ice field, the second largest on the planet after that of Greenland, is the source of all the area's glaciers, including Moreno, Onelli, Viedma and Upsala. Moreno Glacier moves down from this massive river of frozen water, huge chunks of ice constantly crashing into the lake waters below. It is one of the most dynamic and only one of a few advancing glaciers left in the world. It is simply enormous: 1 km (half a mile) wide and 60m (196 ft) high, it occasionally chokes off the narrow Canal de los Tempanos (Channel of Ice Bergs), creating a dam of ice, through which the lake water eventually bursts in a spectacular display.

Day 4-5 El Chaltén / Glacier National Park
From our base in the town of El Chaltén, we take two full-day hikes within Glacier National Park’s northern end, where granite pinnacles spiral upward into the sky from the third largest ice field on earth. We hike to Laguna de Los Tres to fully appreciate majestic Cerro Fitzroy/Chaltén (3441m / 11286 ft) and to Laguna Torre for awe-inspiring views of the magical peaks and glaciers. A late afternoon bus returns us to El Calafate on day 5.

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares has some of the most spectacular natural sights you will see in your lifetime. The town of El Chaltén is located in the north end of the park. Hikers and climbers from around the globe congregate here, waiting for good weather, to undertake the challenges presented by nature. The atmosphere is laid back and the mountains and Beech forests here are very similar to Paine. The hikes to Laguna de Los Tres and Laguna Torre traverse spectacular glacial valleys to obtain awe-inspiring views of these peaks of ice and granite.

Day 6-9 Torres del Paine National Park (2B, 2L, 2D)
We travel south across the border into Chile to the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park. Hiking in this spectacular park is a real treat. The things that you may have heard about the rough beauty of Patagonia will be affirmed by the breathtaking views of the three pink granite “Towers,” French Valley and its glaciers, as well as the region’s unique wildlife, such as vicuña, rheas and Patagonian hares. Travel by boat on Lake Pehoe amongst the icebergs of Grey Glacier, one of the most beautiful glaciers of the Patagonia ice field. You can even hike on Grey Glacier with an optional lesson on ice hiking.

Encompassing a narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the high peaks of the Andes, approximately 180 km (112 miles) wide, but with a coastline stretching over 4300 km (14104 ft), Chile’s “geografia loca” (as termed by Benjamin Subercasseaux) includes the driest desert, the Atacama in the north, the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, snow-covered volcanoes, forests and tranquil lakes of the near south, and the wild and windswept glaciers and fjords of the far south.

It is within this last region that you’ll discover magnificent trekking country, where guanacos, ñandues (rheas), condors, pink flamingos and magellanic penguins abound. The region also boasts some of the world's finest salmon and trout fishing, and the cuisine at times rivals the natural setting. Hikes are moderate to difficult, along clearly marked trails. Participants should be prepared for hikes ranging in duration from 5-8 hours per day with unpredictable weather. A gold mine of undiscovered destinations and surprises, this country and its friendly and hospitable people will no doubt make a mark on your memories and leave you with a smile.

The granite Towers of Paine National Park make a sudden and dramatic appearance on the horizon in the midst of a flat, dry, wind-swept plain. Despite the almost constant summer winds, this is some of the finest trekking country in Chile. Endowed with severe mountains, sparkling lakes, waterfalls and glaciers, as well as herds of guanacos, majestic condors, flocks of pink flamingos and large Patagonian hares, the park’s international attraction is immediately evident. Once a large sheep estancía, the park was established in 1959 as the Parque Nacional Lago Grey. Prior to this, baqueanos (cowboys) grazed their flocks here and fires occasionally burnt out of control. The devastation wrought near Lago Grey with large areas of burnt forest and charred logs remains visible to this day. More land was added to the park in 1962 and the name was changed to its present one. It is said that the Towers and Park were named after an early Welsh settler named Payne, although paine is also the Tehuelche word for blue. The Torre (Tower) Sur rises 2900m (9512 ft) above sea level, the Torre Central is 2850m (9348 ft) high and the Torre Norte measures 2600m (8528 ft). As spectacular as the towers themselves are the Cuernos (Horns) del Paine, massive blocks of various rock layers, visible from great distances.

Day 10-11 Ushuaia
Return to Ushuaia for one more night on the town, and prepare for Antarctica! Transfer on day 11 from the hotel to the port for the afternoon embarkation on to the expedition ship. After we have settled into our cabins, the ship sets sail along the scenic Beagle Channel- heading east towards the Drake Passage and beyond.
mbarkation will take place on Day 11 of your tour. The town of Ushuaia is very small with the majority of services, including the pier, within walking distance from downtown. The hotel will be no more that 10 blocks away from the pier and you are free to make your own way to the main pier for 3:30 pm. Your luggage will be transfered from the hotel for you, please have your luggage in the lobby of the hotel by 8:55 am on the morning of Day 1. Embarkation time is set for 4:00 pm and passengers will not be able to board the ship before that time due to refueling, provisioning, and preparing the ship for your stay. For information on activities, restaurants and services you can consult either the Antarctica Unit Office or your hotel. Due to new port security regulations you are no longer allowed to enter the port area on your own so make sure you are at the pier on time to catch the 4:00 pm bus to the ship.

On embarkation day, you should dress for changeable weather. Once aboard, you will find your luggage stored in your assigned cabin, please ensure that all your luggage is accounted for on arrival.

Day 12-13 Drake Passage
Our adventure begins with a 400-mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th-century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The MS Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. At some point on the second day we cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer equatorial water moving in the opposite direction. This mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species.
As we make the passage you have time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff. We also begin the lecture and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

Day 14-17 Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next 4 days we will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt 2 excursions per day while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.

The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Penguins gather with their fast-growing chicks, whales are seen in great numbers, seals haul out onto ice floes and beaches, and numerous albatross and other seabirds trail in our wake. We may visit scientists working in modern research bases, and there is plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains. The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Keeping a lookout from the Bridge or the deck of the ship, as we thread our way along the continent, you'll feel the same sense of excitement as many of those early explorers.

The continent itself is roughly circular with a spindly arm, called the Antarctic Peninsula, reaching northwards towards Tierra del Fuego. South America is the nearest landmass, some 600 miles away. Considerably larger than either the United States or Europe, and twice the size of Australia, the continent is surrounded by a frozen sea that varies in area from one million square miles in summer to 7.3 million square miles in winter. Ninety-five percent of the continent of Antarctica is ice covered and contains the freshest water on earth - about 70 percent of all fresh water on earth in fact. The highest point in Antarctica is Vinson Massif, with an altitude of 16,864 feet above sea level; the lowest point is the Bentley Subglacial Trench at 8,200 feet below sea level, located in West Antarctica. Antarctica has the highest average elevation of all the continents at about 7,500 feet about sea level.

Antarctica is a continent of superlatives. It is the coldest, windiest, driest, iciest and highest of all the major landmasses in the world. It is the continent with the longest nights and the longest days and it is home to the world’s greatest concentration of wildlife. It is also one of the last true wilderness areas left on earth – largely unchanged since the early explorers and whalers first landed on its inhospitable shores less than two centuries ago. The lowest temperature ever recorded anywhere on earth, -89.2°C, was recorded on July 21, 1983, at Vostok Station. Winds have been recorded at 200 mph in the interior of the continent and the average annual water precipitation in the interior is only about 50 mm.

Whales

Thanks to the abundance of the small, shrimp like krill as the basis of the food chain, many species of whales make the water south of the Antarctic Convergence their summer home. Some of the species found in the frigid southern waters include: the Humpback Whale who consumes over a ton of krill each day; the Southern Right Whales easily identified by the whitish callosities on the jaws and forehead; the Sperm Whales made famous in Moby Dick; the Killer Whale which is actually not a whale at all but the largest of the dolphin family; the Sei Whale which can achieve speeds up to 55 km/h over short distances; the playful Minke Whales very common in the peninsula area; the Fin Whale who can attain a length of 25 to 27 meters making them the second largest whales; and the Blue Whale which is not only the largest whale in the oceans but also the largest animal that has ever lived.

Penguins

The common name for all flightless, aquatic birds, penguins are only found south of the equator. Penguins have been grouped into 18 species and 6 genera, with most making their homes in Antarctica and the sub Antarctic islands, though others are native to the coasts of Australia, South Africa, South America, and the Galapagos Islands. Penguins are speedy and agile swimmers, but extremely slow on land. The regions we visit aboard MS Expedition are inhabited by 6 different species including the giant King Penguin who can grow up to 1 metre in height (found only on South Georgia Island); the Adelie Penguin named after French explorer Dumont d’Urville’s wife; the Chinstrap Penguin identified by the distinctive black line connecting the black cap to below the chin; the Gentoo Penguin with its orange bill and white flash above and behind its eyes; the Macaroni Penguin (Only on South Georgia Island) who number roughly 12 million and are easily identified by the orange tassels meeting between the eyes; and the Rockhopper Penguin (Only in Falkland Islands) who are similar to the Macaroni in appearance but slightly smaller and have yellow tassels.

Historical Figures

Some of the bravest and best known explorers have sailed south in search of adventure and recognition. James Cook, the most travelled explorer of his time, was the first to circumnavigate Antarctica and the first to cross the Antarctic Circle. Roald Amundsen, who led the first expedition to reach the South Pole and reached the pole on December 14, 1911. Captain Robert Scott, famous for being 35 days late, arriving at the South Pole on January 17, 1912 only to find the dark green tent and a note left by Amundsen. All 5 men in the Scott expedition perished on their way back from the pole. The best-known adventurer would have to be Sir Ernest Shackleton. On his attempt at the South Pole his ship, Endurance, was captured by pack ice in the Weddell Sea on January 19, 1915. The ship was destroyed by heavy ice, forcing he and his men to travel over the ice and sea to Elephant Island. However, because the island was uninhabited, Shackleton and 5 others made the 1300 km voyage for help to South Georgia, amazingly arriving at Stromness Harbour whaling station on May 20, 1916.

Day 18-19 Drake Passage
Today we leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by our expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.

Day 20 Depart Ushuaia Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Our adventure comes to a close, as we say our goodbyes and disembark in Ushuaia.On disembarkation in Ushuaia, group transfers will be provided from the pier to the Antarctic Unit Office which is located at the entrance of the pier. For those passengers departing the same day on earlier flights, the bus will continue to Ushuaia Airport for all departures. Specific times and instructions will be advised onboard as they can change depending on weather and sea conditions; please do not arrange any same day departing flights out of Ushuaia before 12:00 p.m.

For passengers who will be spending extra time in Ushuaia after your expedition, the staff on board will have information for you on making transportation arrangements should you need them.

Sightseeing Highlights

Visits to modern scientific research stations & land excursions

Excursion to Moreno Glacier

Day hikes in Glacier National Park

2 night excursion to Torres del Paine National Park

Your adventure through Patagonia will be lead by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip.
Your voyage will be lead by a carefully chosen team. The expedition ship boasts an international team of professional naturalists and lecturers. Their goal is to provide an informed and balanced interpretation of the destination, accomplished through stimulating lectures, day-to-day briefings, and informal discussions. Your lecturers and Expedition Leader will cover all aspects of the voyage including ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history and the environment, as well as practical things like photography. The expedition staff work conscientiously with you on deck and in the field, improving your observational skills to allow you to experience all that the destination has to offer. Their strong sense of ethics and ecological knowledge make for stimulating and mindful conversation whether onshore or at the dinner table. The expedition staff will pilot the Zodiac landing craft used for shore landings and Zodiac cruises; they are experienced drivers who operate the Zodiacs is a responsible manner.

Your Fellow Travellers: As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

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Details & Specials

Category 1 - 1 upper berth; 2 lower berths. Full ensuite washroom. Porthole view
Category 2 - 2 lower berths. Full ensuite washroom. Porthole view
Category 3 - 2 lower berths. Full ensuite washroom. Window view
Category 4 - 2 lower berths. Full ensuite washroom. Window view
Category 5 - Queen bed. lounge area. Full ensuite washroom. Large window views

Allow USD180 for meals not included. Drinks and tips while on the expedition ship are not included.

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure.

Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year.

Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Notes:
1. Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.
2. Shared triple cabins are same sex cabins only. Males and females can not stay in triple cabins together unless their travelling party has booked all berths in the cabin.
3. Tipping: Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. It is an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your expedition. The industry standard and suggested amount is $10 - 15 USD per person per day spent on board. Of course, tipping is a personal choice and the suggested amount is set only as a guideline. The money is collected by the Hotel Manager and distributed amongst the crew. The Expedition Staff and the Officers choose not to participate in the tipping pool.

What to Take: Most airlines allow two checked bags and one carry-on per person. To avoid any problems at check-in and with possible excess baggage charges, please consult the airline for specific restrictions. Dress on board is informal. Plan to bring comfortable, casual clothing for all activities. Men may wish to bring one coat/tie and women one 'dressier' outfit for an 'evening out' pre-cruise and for the Captain's welcome and farewell dinner parties. Bring wind and waterproof outer layers. Beware of tight clothing that leaves no room for trapped air, which is an excellent insulator. Wool, silk and some of the new synthetic fibers, like polar fleece, retain heat better than cotton. When packing, we suggest that you do not weigh yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire that can be worn in layers. The two most important items that you will need to bring on your voyage are boots and a parka. It is possible to rent gear in Ushuaia for the expedition, but the quantity and quality of gear varies greatly depending on the demand. For the location of a rental shop consult with the front desk of the hotel where you are staying. If arriving on embarkation day you will NOT have time to rent the gear.

Visas: All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.

Emergency Fund: Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Tipping: Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. It is an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your expedition. The industry standard and suggested amount is $10 - 15 USD per person per day spent on board. Of course, tipping is a personal choice and the suggested amount is set only as a guideline. The money is collected by the Hotel Manager and distributed amongst the crew. The Expedition Staff and the Officers choose not to participate in the tipping pool.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Optional Activities:
All prices are per person in US dollar amounts. Prices subject to changed based on date and availability.

El Calafate:

Mountain bike rental $4/hour
Horseback riding $25 - $45
Hot air balloon ride $80- $100
Cruise Upsala Glacier $45 (10 Hrs)
Cruise Moreno Glacier $ 20 (45 mins)
Mayo - Moreno Trekking $ 40 (8 Hrs)

El Chaltén:

Horseback riding $25-$45 (half day)
Ice climbing (Tower Glacier) $65-$75 (full day)
Trip: Laguna del Desierto $20

Ushuaia:

Estancía Harberton $50
Horseback riding $35-$65
Ski lift $5 (return)
Entrance museum $7
Bus to Park entrance $10 (return)
(Tierra del Fuego Nat’l Park)

SPECIALS