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Antarcitic Explorer: The Classic Adventure

A 12-Day Quark tour starting from $10,995

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Brochure Price
$10,995

Tour Overview

Tour Type:
 Expeditions
Tour Category: Antarctica
Tour Operator: Quark
Tour Code: QK-CA01
Tour Highlights

Countries Visited

Antarctica, Argentina, South America

Cities Visited

Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, & Antarctic Peninsula
Sightseeing Highlights
Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica.

Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula

Be aboard one of Quark’s specially designed ice strengthened vessels

Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists

Witness the abundant wildlife - penguins, elephant seals, whales and more!

Overview

This expedition offers the perfect chance to discover the best of the Antarctic Peninsula, the last continent’s most northern region. You’ll be delighted by penguins, seals and seabirds as they accompany you on your journey along the Antarctic coastline. Landing on the continent itself is a memorable highlight, where you’ll explore the iconic sights that make this one of the world’s most pristine, exotic and unforgettable natural environments.

Start Date End Date Brochure price Our Price Quote
11/22/2013
12/3/2013
$8,495
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1/4/2014
1/15/2014
$11,395
Get A Quote
1/14/2014
1/25/2014
$11,395
Get A Quote
2/6/2014
2/17/2014
$8,895
Get A Quote

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.

Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina
With a population of over 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, accessible feel, with dramatic mountain surroundings it is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. 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 cafes while preparing for your upcoming adventure.

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 we depart - the next time you see land we’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!

Day 3-4 - Crossing the Drake Passage
Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but 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 we’ll provide safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.

Day 5-9 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
When 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. We can finally 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, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other - creating a unique, personal experience. We will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day . 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 the southern seal species, including the cunning Leopard Seal.

The majesty of the Peninsula’s mountains will enchant you as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbor, gives the opportunity to visit a Chinstrap Penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here you’ll have the choice between going for a mountain hike or depending on the time of year spend time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach to enjoy the antics of curious penguin chicks. While cruising along the Antarctic Peninsula we’ll also give you the chance to take a Polar Plunge! Cheer on other travelers or strap on a harness yourself to take a dip and swim in the frigid waters of an icy Antarctic bay.

Amidst the peaceful silence of Antarctica, noisy interruptions become indelible memories such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbor. You can make a bit of noise yourself too. Hear the echo of voices bounce off a giant glacier, glide your kayak across a quiet bay or strap on some cross-country skis or snowshoes to explore further.

As you sail from island to shore to bay during your four days in the Peninsula, the Expedition Team will educate and entertain you. We’ll provide opportunities for quiet contemplation, activities for testing your endurance and more than enough wildlife interactions to satisfy your curiosity.

Day 10-11 - Drake Passage to Ushuaia
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy a few final presentations by your Expedition Team or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

Day 12 - Disembarkation in Ushuaia
We’ll arrive in Ushuaia in the morning for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.

Quark
This Expedition Includes
One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast.

Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.

All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage.

All shore landings per the daily program.

Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader.

All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program.

Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.

Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage.

A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings.

An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep.

Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock.

Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin.

Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader.

A group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport.

All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.

All luggage handling aboard ship.

Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000 per person.

Prices subject to availability at the time of booking. Please call 800-924-3301 for the latest pricing and reservations.

This itinerary operates on two expedition ships, Sea Spirit and Sea Adventurer

Pricing is based on Main Deck Suite - Sea Spirit and/or Clipper - Lower Deck Twin - Sea Adventurer double occupancy land expedition only

This Expedition Excludes
Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.

Passport and visa expenses.

Government arrival and departure taxes.

Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation.

Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.

Excess baggage charges.

Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified.

Telecommunications charges.

The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.

Ratings & Reviews:

This tour's average rating:

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The most recent reviews for this tour:


Thanks for voting !

Joe rated this tour a 4 on 10/13/2012 11:46:35 PM and says:

"The Quark team were highly proficient. Their collective experience makes them the preferred company to travel to Antarctica with. Beautiful destination with lots to see.
"

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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.