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 Take
a voyage of discovery to the world’s southernmost
continent, Antarctica, a land of unparalleled beauty and
natural history, From the comfort of your cruise ship,
the m/v Marco Polo, observe dramatic icebergs and
wildlife from the ship’s expansive decks. On-board
lectures and naturalist-guided excursions will highlight
the geology and wildlife seen daily. Zodiac excursions
and landings on the “White Continent” allow you to
explore this rarely visited region from both land and
sea. Prior to embarking your cruise ship in Ushuaia, the
“city at the end of the world” and the gateway to
Antarctica, you’ll also explore the culture and history
of Buenos Aires.
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Educational Highlights in Antarctica |
Our experienced team of
on-board naturalists will provide you with insights into
Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and environmental
challenges. Listen to shipboard lectures as you cruise
from Ushuaia through the Drake Passage, Lemaire Channel,
Paradise Harbor, and Half Moon Island.
- Trace the history of
exploration in Antarctica, from Robert F. Scott and Roald
Amundsen to the trials and triumphs of Ernest Shackleton
with his amazing expedition on the Endurance, a story of
shipwreck, survival, and rescue.
- Learn about the
dramatic and unique geology of Antarctica as you cruise
channels framed by sheer cliffs.
- Acquaint yourself with the ever-changing nature of the
glacial setting: the ice and its response to changes in the environment.
- Take an expert-led walk on Half-Moon Island, and learn
about the Antarctic birds and penguins that inhabit this rocky outcrop.
- Learn about the rich variety of marine life that inhabits
the Earth’s southernmost region.
 Day
1: Miami, Florida - Depart for Buenos Aires, Argentina
Board an overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina,
known as the “Paris of South America.” It is a modern,
dynamic and radiant city that features the European
architecture of its founders and absorbs the passion of
its people; the "Porteņos" (people of the Port). Buenos
Aires has an intense cultural life where tango, late
night coffee klatches and football (soccer) are
essential elements in its people's daily lives. Buenos
Aires, a sophisticated and vibrant Latin American
capital city, serves a vital role as Argentina's
financial and economic seat.
Day 2: Arrive Buenos Aires
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be transferred to
your hotel to spend the day at leisure. Rest or perhaps
stroll the nearby streets and enjoy the flavor and
culture of this unique city. Tonight gather for a
welcome reception and dinner as you learn more about the
exciting journey ahead. (D)
Day 3: Buenos Aires
Today explore the culture, history, and art of Buenos
Aires. A local guide will share highlights of this
capital city, including the lavish Teatro Colon, one of
the world's premier opera houses, which has hosted such
luminaries as Maria Callas, Toscanini, and Enrico
Caruso. Travel the 9th of July Avenue, one of the
world’s widest boulevards and an important main artery
of the city. Continue the tour, viewing the Argentine
President’s residence, the Casa Rosada. The Casa Rosada
(Pink House), built in 1580, is a building that houses
the executive branch. Next, walk through historic
Recoleta Cemetery, and view beautiful architecture of
the neo-classical gates to the cemetery with their tall
Greek columns. Here the rich and famous of Buenos Aires
are resting in a two square block plot of land filled
border to border with private mausoleums, including the
tomb of Eva Peron. Tonight, savor Argentine cuisine
followed by a spectacular tango performance. (B, D)
Day 4: Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - Board Marco Polo Ship
Fly to Ushuaia, the “city at the end of the world” and
the gateway to Antarctica. Situated on the border of the
Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Mounts Martial,
this city offers a unique landscape in Argentina made up
of mountains, sea, glaciers and forests. It is an
extremely picturesque city with the silhouette of the
Andes Mountain Range as background. Enjoy the dramatic
landscape of the southern most point of the Andes
plunging into the waters of the Drake Passage. Upon
arrival, embark the mv Marco Polo, your home for the
next eight nights. Set sail this evening. Please note:
this is an expedition cruise and the following itinerary
is typical of previous cruises but it may be altered to
allow optimal wildlife viewing or due to weather
conditions. (B, D)
Day 5: Drake Passage
Today you will cross the Drake Passage, named for the
English explorer who passed through it when
circumnavigating the globe (1577-80). Whales often
patrol this waterway, and sometimes humpback or minke
whales follow in the ship's wake. You'll see wandering
albatross and other seabirds skimming the swell. Skilled
naturalists will point out the geologic formations and
abundant wildlife as you traverse this famous passage.
(B, L, D)
Day 6: Cruise Deception & Cuverville Islands
As you cruise southward on your approach toward
Antarctica, keep careful watch for your first iceberg
sighting. As you get closer to the continent, icebergs
in varying shapes, sizes and colors create a majestic
seascape of image and sound. Spend the next five days
exploring the amazing riches of this region. Lectures on
board will focus on the geology of Antarctica, whales,
icebergs, penguins, and glacier formation as you wend
your way through a daily panorama of breathtaking
vistas. Landings by inflatable Zodiac expedition boats,
specifically designed for exploration, allow you to go
ashore to view nature up close. Weather and ice
permitting, Marco Polo will cruise around the natural
volcanic amphitheater of Deception Island. You'll spot a
former whaling station, and make an excursion to
Cuverville Island, realm of the courtly gentoo penguins
with their distinctive orange bills. Remember that the
extended daylight hours will allow nearly 20 hours a day
to enjoy wildlife watching and offers incredible
photographic opportunities in all facets of natural
light. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Lemaire Channel - Port Lockroy
Separating the mainland of the Antarctic Peninsula from
Booth Island is the Lemaire Channel, considered one of
Antarctica’s most beautiful water passages with its
embracing sheer cliffs. Sail past mountain-ringed Port
Lockroy.
(B, L, D)
Day 8: Paradise Harbor
Visit Hope Bay in the Antarctic Sound, often referred to
as “iceberg alley,” as well as Paradise Harbor, with its
soaring ice cliffs. In this region be on the lookout for
regal humpback whales breaking the icy surface. On
Paradise Harbor you will visit a modern-day Chilean
station to see the many activities of Antarctic
stations. (B, L, D)
Day 9: Half Moon Island
Crescent-shaped Half Moon Island, with its huge colony
of feisty chinstrap penguins who make their nests in the
rocky outcrops, is also home to many seabirds including
the Antarctic terns, kelp gulls and predatory skuas.
Enjoy time ashore among these fascinating bird colonies.
Tonight you will sail north, cross the Antarctic
convergence and begin your journey back to civilization.
(B, L, D)
Day 10: Cruise Drake Passage and Cape Horn
Crossing Drake Passage join discussions, led by your
ship's naturalists, which reflect back on and link all
that you have seen and learned during your Antarctic
sojourn. As you approach South America, make your way to
the deck to view Cape Horn; a landmark event for even
the most experienced travelers. Learn why the Cape has
signified an historic beacon to explorers throughout the
centuries. Sail through glorious and untouched scenery
and enjoy a view few have been privileged to witness as
your voyage continues toward Ushuaia. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego National Park
Upon your return to Ushuaia, visit the spectacular
Tierra del Fuego National Park, where you visit La Roca
and the beautiful wooded forests. Later this afternoon,
if time permits, soak up the frontier atmosphere and
visit some of Ushuaia’s unusual exhibits such as “The
End of the World Museum”. Tonight enjoy a farewell
dinner on board as the mv Marco Polo remains docked
overnight in Ushuaia. (B, L, D)
Day 12: Ushuaia - Disembark Ship - Buenos Aires,
Argentina - Overnight Flight
This morning disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to the
airport for your return flights to Buenos Aires and
home. (B)
Day 13: Arrive Home - Tour Ends
Stay a little longer...with
a 1 night pre-tour stay in Miami or Buenos
Aires starting at $80 per person, double.
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The
Award-Winning m/s Marco Polo
Celebrating 10 years of excellence,
Orient Lines’ luxurious Marco Polo
provides accessibility to all areas with
four convenient elevators and offers
features that make exploring the scenery
and wildlife of Antarctica beyond
compare. Features include inflatable
Zodiac landing craft that allow you to
explore the spectacular icescapes of the
Antarctic Peninsula up close; an
experienced captain, who has navigated
Antarctic waters dozens of times; and
distinguished naturalists and explorers
who will enhance your amazing
experience. After your adventures
ashore, enjoy a sauna or massage in the
fully equipped health club; take
afternoon tea in the colonial-style Palm
Court; or retreat to the comfort of your
stateroom, each featuring TV, spacious
closet, porthole, mirrored dressing
table, music console, personal safe and
bathroom with shower.
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Base Rates Per Person
|
Departure Date |
Double Rate |
Tour & Air Rate |
|
January 10,
2006 |
$5226 |
$9226 |
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January 26,
2006 |
$5226 |
$9226 |
*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on twin
occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not include inter-air flights.
Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Tours departing BEFORE
4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is listed here. Please
confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For tours that
feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above. Additional tour dates
may be available, please call us for information.
13 days, 27 meals
10 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 10 Dinners
Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Day 2, 3 - Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel, Buenos
Aires, Argentina
Day 4 - 11 - Marco Polo Cruise Ship
Day 12 - Overnight Flight Home
NOTES:
- Sample air inclusive
rate is subject to availability and may vary by airline, flight
number or routing.
- Internal flights from
Buenos Aires to Ushuaia are not included in the land price.
- Rates are based on
Category G cabin, a mid-level standard, outside cabin.
- Port taxes of
approximately $227 USD per person are included in the tour cost.
- Due to weather, ice, and
local conditions, the itinerary on the Antarctica cruise portion
is subject to change at the discretion of the ship’s Master.
- Special clothing is
required for the shore landings; please refer to the
pre-departure documents for important details.
- Not all vendors accept
credit cards or travelers cheques; therefore, it is recommended
that you bring small amounts of cash for personal use. ATMs are
not readily available.
- Tour price does not
include fees for a passport and visa, which are required.
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