National Geographic Explorer

ANTARCTICA - THE WHITE CONTINENT
Description: The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. She is a fully stabilised, ice class vessel, enabling her to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. During this expedition cruise spend at least six days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, surrounding islands and waterways. Glide around enormous icebegs by zodiac, walk along beaches covered with thousands of penguins, and kayak amid abundant wildlife.

Itinerary:
Day 1:	Depart London and fly to Santiago.

Day 2:	Morning arrival in Santiago. Afternoon city tour. Overnight in 5* hotel. (L, D)

Day 3:	Charter flight to Ushuaia. Explore the scenic Beagle Channel by catamaran before boardingthe National Geographic Explorer and setting sail for Antarctica. (FB)

Day 4:	Cross the legendary Drake Passage. (FB)

Day 5:	First landfall is on one of the many islands of the Antarctic Peninsula. Hikes and zodiac excursions with naturalists. (FB)

Day 6 - 11:	Spend 6 days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands by foot, in zodiacs and by kayak. Conditions permitting sail through the incomparable Lemaire channel and land on the ‘White Continent’. (FB)

Day 12 & 13:	At sea. There is a time for a massage, a work out in the gym or catch up on some reading. (FB)

Day 14:	After breakfast disembark in Ushuaia with some time to explore before proceeding to the airport for the charter flight to Santiago. Overnight in 5* hotel. (FB)

Day 15:	Fly to London. (B)

Day 16:	Morning arrival in London.

2010 DATES AND RATES (GBP per person)

DEPARTS	CABIN
	CAT. 1	CAT. 2	CAT. 3	CAT. 4	CAT. 5	CAT. 6	CAT. 7	CAT. 8	CAT. 2 SOLO	CAT. 3 SOLO
JAN 18	£6995	£7495	£7895	£8095	£9395	£9495	£10595	£11995	£8995	£9495

Class: Ice-class expedition ship • Capacity: 148 passengers • Overall Length: 356 foot expedition cruise ship • Cabins: 81 double or twin outside cabins with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls • Facilities: Bistro bar; chart room; restaurant; library; lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art presentation facilities; observations lounge; fitness centre; spa treatment rooms; sauna; doctor; undersea specialist; photo specialist and video chronicler; internet access; laundry • Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft; kayaks; remotely operated vehicle; hydrophone; underwater video camera; video microscope.

Click for deck plan (pdf)

Additional costs (per person)

Flights: Included • Personal Items: Alcoholic beverages; emails; laundry; voyage DVD etc; discretionary tips to ships crew

Reading Suggestions:

In association with nhbs Environment Bookstore

	Bradt Wildlife Guides: Antarctica		A Complate Guide to Antarctic Wildlife

	Patagonia and Antarctica Field Guide		South Georgia Explorer