Antarctic Explorer Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake

Falklands, South Georgia And Antarctica

All content by Intrepid

20 days (ex Ushuaia)

Destinations visited: Argentina, Ushuaia, Patagonia, Antarctica, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$12,695

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Description

Experience an adventure tour of Antarctica and explore the unique conditions at the end of the Earth. Embark from Tierra Del Fuego and travel through the Beagle Channel and Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands to see the incredible landscapes created by the Arctic climate. See multiple species of playful penguins, the imposing and graceful frames of Antarctica's whales, and a frenzy of feeding birdlife. Benefit from the navigational expertise and local knowledge of a professional crew and make the most of of a once in a lifetime experience. Travel to Antarctica and see the exotic, alien nature of this frozen world for yourself.

Highlights

Discover the remote Falkland Islands.
Settle in on deck and watch weather systems unfold.
Recount Shackleton's heroic journey at South Georgia island.
Cross the Antartic Convergence.
Set foot on the world's highest.
coldest and driest continent.
Explore the legendary Drake Passage.

Itinerary

Day 1 Ushuaia

Travel to the bottom of the Earth, and begin the adventure in the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia. Capital of the Tierra Del Fuego Province, this city offers spectacular views out across the Beagle Channel for anyone willing to hike to the top of the steep streets. Enjoy an evening at some of the local haunts before departing tomorrow.

Day 2 Embarkation

Set foot aboard your floating home for the next week, and commence the cruise through the waters of the beautiful Beagle Channel. This narrow passage of water cuts through the islands of Tierra del Fuego and is a haven for local wildlife like penguins, cormorants and albatross.

Day 3 At Sea

Follow the beckoning horizon and settle in to the relaxing nature of life at sea. With an expedition team of experts, enjoy their onboard presentations as the perfect introduction to the landscapes and habitats that await.

Days 4-5 Falkland Islands (Las Malvinas)

Explore the spectacular landscapes of the Falkland Islands and stay on the lookout for some of the local birdlife. With such a rich diversity of flora and fauna, 'Les Islas Malvinas' are a southern paradise.

Days 6-7 At Sea

Sail across the Antarctic Convergence and enter the polar waters for the first time. Listen to expert presentations to prepare for the upcoming shore landings.

Days 8-11 South Georgia

Arrive at the remote island of South Georgia and gaze up at the jagged mountains that rise straight from the ocean towards the heavens. Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, hiking the inhospitable, rocky crags and mountains around the island, or visit the old whaling station where he met with rescue.

Days 12-13 At Sea

Continue south towards the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, and make the most of the ongoing presentations and lectures provided by the expedition team.

Days 14-17 Antarctic Peninsula

Cross into the Antarctic Peninsula, where a myriad of potential adventures are available. Depending on weather conditions, why not take the 'polar plunge' into the frigid waters of Paradise Bay, or visit a pebbled beach and wait for the curious penguins to approach.

Days 18-19 Drake Passage

Prepare for the notorious waters of the Drake Passage, where the massive flow of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current travels, unimpeded by land, around the entire latitude.

Day 20 Ushuaia

Return to Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, and try to ditch your sea-legs in return for solid ground.

Group Size

Maximum of 189 travellers per group

Accommodation

Cruise ship (18 nts), Hotel (1 nt)

Transport

Ship, Zodiac

Budget

Allow USD $500 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$12,695

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