Add a visit to the rugged shores of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands to your Antarctica adventures.

• Peace of mind with A&K on-site office in Buenos Aires providing support 24/7

• Immediate check-in on Day 2 at your hotel in Buenos Aires regardless of arrival time (unlike most other tour operators), to ensure your holiday begins with comfort and ease

• Spacious accommodations and state-of-the- art comfort aboard 'Minerva' (formerly 'Explorer II')

• Complimentary parka and backpack

• Open bar on board (excepting premium spirits)

• Smoother Drake Passage crossing, courtesy of ship's stabilizers

• All gratuities included

• Post-cruise journal of your voyage

• Double hulled Ice Class vessel with an ice rating (Italian RINA Class 1-D) that exceeds the requirement for operating safely in Antarctica

• Equipped with the latest navigation, communication and safety equipment, including a GMDSS emergency communication system and a satellite weather system, receiving real-time satellite images of weather and ice conditions

• Lifeboats are enclosed and equipped with survival gear, blankets, food and water

• Chosen by Conde Nast Traveler as "the world's best expedition ship"

DAY 1: USA or Canada/Buenos Aires, Argentina
Depart on your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

DAY 2: Buenos Aires
Arrive this morning and transfer to your hotel, where immediate check-in has been arranged. Have time to relax before this afternoon's optional city tour. Meet your fellow adventurers this evening for a welcome cocktail reception. InterContinental Buenos Aires B

DAY 3: Buenos Aires/Ushuaia, Argentina
Fly to Ushuaia for a traditional Patagonian barbecue lunch. This afternoon, join your ship and settle in for a first night on board. MV 'Minerva' (formerly called 'Explorer II') B L D

DAY 4: At sea
Your journey to the Falkland Islands is an exciting one, as you join the Captain on the bridge or spot wildlife from the deck - these krill-rich waters are a particular favorite with marine mammals and seabirds. MV 'Minerva' B L D

DAYS 5-6: Falkland Islands
The Falklands offer a chance to step back in time to a place where nature reigns. Spend the days leisurely hiking to penguin rookeries and other unspoiled wildlife habitats, or perhaps stroll the village streets of Stanley. MV 'Minerva' (B L D

DAYS 7-8: Cruising the South Atlantic
As the ship approaches South Georgia, deck-side sightings of marine mammals and other wildlife become more frequent. MV 'Minerva' B L D

DAYS 9-11: South Georgia
South Georgia is actually a nearly submerged continuation of the Andes mountain range, and your days here are spent exploring its glacier-carved coves and rugged shores. Weather permitting, enjoy a visit to impressive Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay or Gold Harbour - home to a vast colony of stately king penguins. MV 'Minerva' B L D

DAYS 12-13: Cruising the Scotia Sea
Lecturers recap your adventures in South Georgia while the ship passes through waters filled with marine mammals and fish. MV 'Minerva' B L D

DAYS 14-16: Antarctica
As conditions permit, the ship's itinerary calls for landings on the Antarctic Peninsula and a number of South Shetland Islands including Cuverville, Paulet and Deception Island. There are also plans to sail through Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, with other possibilities for exploration, including a scientific research station. MV 'Minerva' B L D

DAYS 17-18: Drake Passage
Return through Drake Passage where there are more opportunities for observing marine and bird life. It's also a good opportunity to reflect on your journey with fellow travellers on deck. MV 'Minerva' B L D

DAY 19: Ushuaia, Argentina/Buenos Aires
Disembark after breakfast and head out to explore Tierra del Fuego's spectacular wilderness before transferring to the airport. B

DAY 20: USA or Canada
Connect to a homebound flight.

Due to the nature of adventure cruising, this itinerary is subject to change based on weather, ice, wildlife and other conditions beyond A&K's control.

Our grandest Antarctic journey offers the many splendors of the Antarctic Peninsula plus two big bonuses: the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. The Falklands are one of the world's great wildlife meccas, home to more than six million macaroni penguins, millions of rockhopper penguins, and countless other sub-Antarctic species (not to mention 2,000 stalwart islanders).

Eight hundred miles southeast of the Falklands lies ice-crowned South Georgia Island, another oceanic oasis and the best place for close-up looks at vast numbers of stately king penguins. Spectacular South Georgia is also full of history - it's where Sir Ernest Shackleton and his party landed in 1916 after completing an 800-mile voyage across the wild Southern Ocean in a 22-foot whaleboat to seek rescue for the stranded men of his ship, the Endurance - probably the single greatest feat in the history of polar exploration.

• Our grandest Antarctica journey: Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula

• South Georgia: spectacular mountains, home to king penguins, historical sites of Shackleton rescue

• Falkland Islands: nesting albatross, other species of penguins, and the cultural aspects of Port Stanley

• Antarctic Peninsula: stunning mountains, glaciers and icebergs, large colonies of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins, lots of seals and whales, research stations

• Activities - Easy ship travel, optional walks and Zodiac rides, optional sea kayaking

Our voyage aboard the Akademik Ioffe features a small fleet of kayaks for paddling options (weather and ice conditions permitting).

Day 1 - Meet in Ushuaia, Argentina, and board the Akademik Ioffe. Begin the journey to Antarctica through the Beagle Channel, then turn northeast toward the Falkland Islands.

Day 2 - Sail toward the Falkland Islands, enjoying lectures, movies, and slide show presentations on what's in store for the next two weeks.

Days 3-4 - In the Falklands, visit Westpoint Island, where rockhopper penguins and blackbrowed albatross nest, Carcass Island, where Magellanic penguins burrow in the tussock grass and flightless steamer ducks and tussock birds abound, and the very British town of Port Stanley.

Days 5-7 - Sail to South Georgia, a spectacular mountainous island some 800 miles southeast of the Falklands.

Days 8-10 - Explore South Georgia, including stops at the Salisbury Plain, where colorful king penguins crowd the beaches, and the Bay of Isles, another haven for king penguins. You'll also visit Grytviken, the center of whaling operations for the world until 1965, and where Shackleton's grave lies.

Days 11-12 - Cross the Scotia Sea to the southwest. Time and weather permitting, visit the remote South Orkney Islands en route.

Days 13-16 - Explore the South Shetland Islands and continue down the Antarctic Peninsula. Our itinerary here focuses on scenic areas with large concentrations of wildlife, with possible stops at Paradise Bay or Hope Bay, where you'll see some of Antarctica's most dramatic scenery, including ever-calving glaciers and iceberg sculptures of fantastic shape and form. We also usually visit one or more research stations. (The 20-day departure spends one additional day on the Peninsula.)

Days 17-18 - Sail across the Drake Passage, passing over the Antarctic Convergence.

Day 19 - Arrive in Ushuaia in the early morning and depart.

2008
Dec 15 - Jan 03

2009
Jan 06 - Jan 25
Jan 15 - Feb 03
Feb 15 - Mar 06
Feb 15 - Mar 07
Feb 16 - Mar 07

Land Cost

Antarctic Quest ~ Nov 2008-Feb 2009 Prices
$8,025- $18,500 (depending on cabin & departure)
$695 Sea Kayaking Option
Fuel Surcharge - TBA
Single supplement varies—please see detailed itinerary or give us a call for more information.

*The 2008-2009 season itinerary is 1-day longer as these trips include a pre-trip night in Ushuaia.

(Please note—These are not exclusive MTS departures.)

What to Expect aboard the Pereguine Mariner

Explore in Comfort Aboard the Akademik Ioffe
As you travel down into the realm of icebergs and penguins, you'll be as far from home as you'll ever get, but you won't lack for comfort. The Akademic Ioffe was originally designed as a research vessel for polar waters. Built in 1988, the steel-built vessel carries only 110 passengers, far fewer than many polar cruise ships. She has a dining room/lecture hall large enough to accommodate all passengers in one sitting and a bar/lounge on the main deck. There's also a library/conference room, TV lounge, sauna, small gym, and full-service laundry. The dress code is casual and the atmosphere is relaxed.

You'll have total access to the bridge - 24 hours a day - for observing the beauty of the Antarctic, and there are also excellent open and enclosed deck viewing areas. The chart and navigation room is open to everyone, as are places to view the equipment and instruments. For guided excursions, you'll be whisked ashore on one of our fleet of comfortable Zodiac landing craft. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy an average of two landings a day (weather permitting) on days when the ship is not traveling. During landings, you'll go ashore for a few hours with the expedition staff to explore, perhaps to watch the antics of millions of penguins, or to cruise in comfortable Zodiacs into glacier basins with grandeur on a Himalayan scale.

In addition to the stairs between decks, there is one elevator on the ship operating between all passenger deck levels and to the bridge level. (Please note this does not remove the need for you to have a reasonable level of mobility, as ship access to and from Zodiacs is by way of a staired gangway. See "Physical Requirements" below.)

Smoking is allowed only in some outside areas and not permitted in the dining room, lounge, library, or lecture hall. If you are sharing a cabin, smoking is allowed only with the consent of both passengers.

The ship carries all required communications and navigation facilities and equipment. She has Immarsat telephone and fax equipment as well as a variety of shortwave, SSB, and VHF radio systems. She also carries fully current GMDSS (Global Marine Distress and Safety System) equipment.

The Akademic Ioffe is of Russian registry and carries a crew of 43.

Physical Requirements
On a scale from 1 to 5, we rate this trip as a 1 (easy). Day excursions are optional, but all participants should have a spirit of adventure and be in reasonably good physical condition. People with any form of disability, who are obese, have difficulty maintaining their balance, or who suffer any kind of serious health problems should consult with the tour operator office staff regarding their participation on the cruise. The ship is staffed by a western doctor, but medical facilities on board are limited, and evacuation could be prolonged or even impossible. Therefore, this trip is not suitable for those with unstable medical conditions.

Weather
The weather in Antarctica is unpredictable: there may be days of warm sunshine, but be prepared for wind, rain, and possible snow. Daytime temperatures along the Peninsula are usually 20°-30°F. Stormy weather crossing the Drake Passage is unlikely, but always possible.

Then Leave the Rest to Us
Before you go, we provide you with extensive pre-departure information, including clothing recommendations, suggested reading lists, and other details.

Note on Services
We often use local suppliers who provide services that may include transportation, equipment, logistic support, and other services (hotels, restaurants, etc.). We do not own or operate these independent suppliers.

This 20-day expedition is for people who are always on the move. It offers an average of three activities off the ship per day while in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. The education program introduces you to the flora and fauna of each region. Optional adventures are available on selected departures. You'll sail about 3500 nautical miles from Ushuaia to Ushuaia.

Day 1
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Getting to the southernmost city in the world is easy, because the local airport (USH) is served by flights from Buenos Aires, and Santiago, Chile. Don't worry about where you'll stay when you arrive: we've included a night at one of the city's charming hotels.

Day 2
Embarkation Day
In the 2008 Antarctic season, before we transfer you to the ship, we have a short hike through Tierra del Fuego National Park planned as part of a coach tour. We'll make a stop for lunch - a traditional Argentine asado barbecue, with plenty of protein to keep you energized.
In the 2008-2009 Antarctic season, the barbecue lunch and park tour are not included. Adventurers will have time to explore on their own, or just relax.

Day 3
At Sea
Take advantage of a day at sea to become familiar with the ship and members of the Expedition Team. You can take brisk walks around the deck in the fresh sea air, or attend a series of presentations that will prepare you for the adventures to come.

Day 4-5
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Two highlights of your exploration of the archipelago will be the warm welcome you receive from the residents and the extraordinary diversity of wildlife. The fleet of Zodiacs carried on the ship will zip you to remote locations for active exploration. If the conditions are right, kayakers may wet their hulls, exploring still bays where dolphins are at play.

Day 6-7
At Sea
As the ship draws nearer to Antarctica, a sharp drop in water and air temperature may indicate that you have crossed the Antarctic Convergence. This invisible circumpolar, undulating line separates Antarctica from the rest of the globe.

Day 8-11
South Georgia
Renowned as a destination for birders, South Georgia is a breeding ground for many species, such as Wandering Albatross, Southern Giant Petrels, and five penguin species. You'll hike glaciated terrain to hilltops with magnificent views of King Penguin rookeries. South Georgia has many connections to the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration. Ernest Shackleton is buried in the churchyard at Grytviken. One of the glaciers that cover the island is named after Otto Nordenskj�ld the leader of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition which called at the island in 1902-03. Our polar historian will bring the past to life ashore and aboard

Day 12-13
At Sea
En route to the Peninsula we'll keep you busy identifying seabirds, listening to engaging presentations on everything from the Antarctic food web to the life cycle of the humpback whale.

Day 14-17
The Antarctic Peninsula
The Expedition Team takes advantage to the long hours of daylight that occur so near the Antarctic Circle to plan the daily activities. The plans are communicated every evening in the daily bulletin delivered to your cabin.

An exploration of the Peninsula may include visits to penguin rookeries, research stations and encounters with marine mammals and iceberg graveyards. Although each voyage is painstakingly planned, it is impossible to provide prior to departure a definitive summary of the journey you will actually experience. The Expedition Leader in cooperation with the ship's Captain adjusts the route as the expedition unfolds to take advantage of the best weather and ice conditions. For this reason, no itinerary is the same.

There are a limited number of available optional adventures. We encourage you to reserve your camping or kayaking adventure when you book your cabin.

Day 18-19
The Drake Passage
The notorious Drake Passage can be relatively calm, under the right weather conditions. Have seasickness medicine on hand just in case the Drake lives up to its reputation.

Day 20
Disembarkation, Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast aboard the ship, we'll transfer you by bus to the passenger collection point at the end of the quay.
 

• Hotel accommodation, with continental breakfast, the night prior to embarkation
• Shipboard accommodation from day of embarkation to disembarkation *All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage
• Zodiac transfers and sightseeing while aboard
• Education program
• Group transfer between hotel and vessel upon embarkation
• Group transfer between vessel and airport following disembarkation
• Rubber boots loan service
• Complimentary parka on Akademik Shokalskiy and Ocean Nova
• Photographic Journal on DVD
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program

This expedition features a relaxed pace with shore landings in Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, an in-depth education program, and on selected departures an interactive Polar Arts program. You'll sail about 3500 nautical miles from Ushuaia to Ushuaia. Some departures may be operated in the reverse direction.

Day 1
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Getting to the southernmost city in the world is easy, because the local airport (USH) is served by flights from Buenos Aires, and Santiago, Chile. Don't worry about where you'll stay when you arrive: we've included a night at one of the city's charming hotels.

Day 2
Embarkation Day
You have time to explore the town that is nestled on the shore of the Beagle Channel, with the Andes as a backdrop. We transfer you to the ship for embarkation late in the afternoon.

Day 3
At Sea
Take advantage of a day at sea to become familiar with the ship and members of the Expedition Team. While sailing, our team of specialists will lead a series of presentations that prepare you for shore landings to come.

Day 4-5
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Two highlights of your exploration of the archipelago will be the warm welcome you receive from the residents and the extraordinary diversity of wildlife. You'll visit Stanley the only city on the islands and the last major urban centre you'll explore on this expedition.

Day 6-7
At Sea
As the ship draws nearer to Antarctica, a sharp drop in water and air temperature may indicate that you have crossed the Antarctic Convergence. This invisible circumpolar, undulating line separates Antarctica from the rest of the globe.

Day 8-11
South Georgia
Renowned as a destination for birders, South Georgia is a breeding ground for many species, such as Wandering Albatross, Southern Giant Petrels, and five penguin species. At a meter tall (3 ft) King Penguins that breed in the thousands on the island are the second tallest penguin.

South Georgia has many connections to the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration. Ernest Shackleton is buried in the churchyard at Grytviken. One of the glaciers that cover the island is named after Otto Nordenskjold the leader of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition which called at the island in 1902-03. Our polar historian will bring the past to life ashore and aboard

Day 12-13
At Sea
En route to the Peninsula we'll keep you busy identifying seabirds, listening to engaging presentations on everything from the Antarctic food web to the life cycle of the humpback whale. On selected departures, try your hand at painting or photography, under the guidance of our artist-in-residence.

Day 14-17
The Antarctic Peninsula
Shore landings are announced in advance in the daily program delivered to your cabin each evening. To plan the daily activities the Expedition Team takes advantage of the long hours of daylight that occur so near to the Antarctic Circle.

An exploration of the Peninsula may include visits to penguin rookeries, research stations and encounters with marine mammals and iceberg graveyards. Although each voyage is painstakingly planned, it is impossible to provide prior to departure a definitive summary of the journey you will actually experience. The Expedition Leader in cooperation with the ship's Captain adjusts the route as the expedition unfolds to take advantage of the best weather and ice conditions. For this reason, no itinerary is the same.

Day 18-19
The Drake Passage
The notorious Drake Passage can be relatively calm, under the right weather conditions. Have seasickness medicine on hand just in case the Drake lives up to its reputation.

Day 20
Disembarkation, Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast aboard the ship, we'll transfer you by bus to the passenger collection point at the end of the quay.
 

• Hotel accommodation: one night pre-expedition with breakfast.
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage.
• All shore landings and Zodiac excursions per the daily program.
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities.
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
• Photographic Journal on DVD.
• Polar Arts program with interactive workshops.
• A pair of expedition boots on loan for shore landings.
• A Quark Expeditions parka to keep on Clipper Adventurer
• Coffee, tea, and cocoa available around the clock.
• Comprehensive pre-departure materials.
• Group transfers from the hotel to the ship at the embarkation port, and from the ship to the local airport on disembarkation – plus all baggage handling aboard ship.
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.