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Antarctica & Chile’s Patagonia

Resort:Antarctica & Chile’s Patagonia
Operator:
Destination: Antarctica, Chile, Latin America
Price From: £8474.00

Overview

Discover the magic and wonder of the Fjords of Chile, Cape Horn, and the White Continent aboard the stylish and comfortable MS Midnatsol. Jump off from Punta Arenas, Chile and explore vistas of blue white glaciers and busy penguin rookeries. See breaching whales crashing and scenes of pure ice walls. Cruise through the Errera Channel where steep, sheer cliffs rise above the narrow iceberg-filled passage. Zip by PolarCirkel boat into small bays and harbors for personal and in-depth exploration. Make your way to Wilhelmina Bay, with the dramatic high claciers, and view the wreck of a Norwegian ship. Spend 2 nights in Puerto Natales, with a full day excursion to the ruggedly beautiful Torres del Paine National Park. Spend 3 nights in Santiago, Chile, with a farewell dinner including Chilean wine and a folklore show youll never forget.

Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Embark on an unforgettable voyage introducing you to the magnificent natural wonders of Patagonias famed Torres del Paine National Park; the breathtaking Chilean fjords with steep, snowcapped mountains and green valleys; and Cape Horn before heading to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctica, the last great frontier.

Day 2: Santiago, Chile – Tour Begins

Your journey begins in Santiago de Chile, a metropolitan hub tucked inside the Andes Mountains and one of South Americas most modern cities. Take in the vibrant energy and amazing views of the Andes that surround you. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for sumptuous food and wine in the stunning colonial neighborhood known as Barrio Lastarria.

Day 3: Santiago

This morning, embark on a city tour with a local guide that showcases the regal La Moneda Presidential Palace and lively Paseo Ahumada Pedestrian Avenue. Ride the funicular up Cerro San Cristobal to soak up the sweeping views of Santiago and the Andes, and admire the Statue of the Immaculate Conception. Then youll delve into Chiles checkered past under the 20th century dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet at the Museum of Memory and Human Rights before heading over to a bustling central market to mingle with the locals. The evening is yours to explore this wonderful city on your own.

Day 4: Santiago – Punta Arenas – Puerto Natales (Patagonia, Chile)

Leave the bustle of the city behind and fly* to the spectacular region of Patagonia, the southern portion of Chile and Argentina that is filled with natural wonders. Arrive in Punta Arenas, built along the Strait of Magellan. Take in the stunning scenery before heading to Puerto Natales, the stepping off point to Chiles Torres del Paine National Park.

Day 5: Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine National Park – Puerto Natales

Today youll venture into the UNESCO biosphere reserve Torres del Paine National Park. Take in the panoramas of jagged mountains and emerald-blue lakes. Marvel at the cascading waterfalls and the flora and fauna that are unique to the area. You are sure to be awed at every turn when exploring what is known as South Americas most incredible national park.

Day 6: Puerto Natales – Punta Arenas – Embark Ship

This morning, head south to Punta Arenas and enjoy some free time in this lovely port town before boarding the state-of-the-art MS Midnatsol expedition vessel.

Day 7: Chilean Fjords – Tierra del Fuego

Sail through the Magellan Straight, named for the Portuguese explorer who discovered this now famous passage in 1520. Cruise along and discover a network of the channels and fjords that separates the South America continent from Tierra del Fuego or Land of Fire. Continue through the Beagle Channel, named after Charles Darwins ship. Cruise to the stunning Chilean fjords, including the beautiful Garibaldi Fjord, and behold the Garibaldi Glacier.

Day 8: Cape Horn

As you get ready to head to the Drake Passage, make your way to the legendary Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America. Soak in the views as you traverse this waterway with tremendous historical significance for discoveries and trade routes. Depending on the weather, you may get a chance to make a special landing on the island.

Day 9: The Drake Passage – Antarctica

Cruise south through the fabled Drake Passage, named for the explorer Sir Francis Drake. Warmer waters of the north meet the colder, denser waters of the south here in the Antarctic Convergence, making the area rich in marine life. Spot whales and sea birds as you begin this voyage of exploration. Experts provide presentations on history, biology and geology throughout your adventure. Arrive today on the northern tip of Antarctica, the last great wilderness stretching across ice-covered desert and mountains for over five million square miles. The ethereal beauty and immense scale of the continent is like nowhere else on the planet. Follow in the footsteps of the great explorersthe privilege of witnessing this fragile, remote environment is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Day 10: Antarctica

The next six days are filled with discovery! Weather conditions determine each sailings final itinerary. Regardless, adventure awaits. First, cruise to the Shetland Islands – including Half Moon Island. Visit Yankee Harbour and Cuverville Island, as well as Neko and Paradise harbours, and Wilhelmina Bay. During your travels, humpback, killer and minke whales and icebergs are common sights. PolarCirkel (rugged excursion) boats take you to incredible locations along the Antarctic Peninsula.

Day 11: Antarctica

Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include:
Half Moon Island, a small island in the South Shetland chain boasting mountainous views and a nesting place for chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and Antarctic terns.

Day 12: Antarctica

Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include:
Yankee Harbor, on the South Shetland Islands, once the base of operations for early sealers. Today it still provides a natural safe haven for sailors and explorers like you who come to see the large colony of gentoo penguins. Bransfield Strait, near Livingston Island and near the South Shetland Islands, is a common feeding area for whales.

Day 13: Antarctica

Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include:
Cuverville Island, sitting on the scenic Errera Channel, offering up excitement before you even make landfall. Embark upon a thrilling passage through the channel amid dramatic icebergs. Once on shore you will be surrounded by throngs of nesting penguins.

Day 14: Antarctica

Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include:
Neko Harbor, part of the Antarctic mainland nestled in the fjord-like Andvord Bay, where penguins, elephant seals and weddel seals are often spotted.

Day 15: Antarctica

Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include:
Paradise Harbor, where whalers came to seek refuge in the worst of storms. This was the base for many daring expeditions and is now the location of the Gabriel Gonzalez Videla Base.
Wilhelmina Bay, where mountains and high glaciers create dramatic scenery. View the 1915 wreck of the Norwegian ship, Guvernren.

Day 16: Antarctica – The Drake Passage

Leave Antarctica, crossing the southern waters of the Drake Passage. Participate in engaging lectures on Antarcticas wonders.

Day 17: Drake Passage – Chilean Fjords

During the return to the Chilean fjords, enjoy a wonderful summation of the Antarctic themes and the Chilean program. Discover more of the history on this passage notorious among the early polar explorers.

Day 18: Chilean Fjords

Get a chance to disembark at Puerto Williams (weather dependent), one of the worlds southernmost towns, set on the island of Navarino. Now a sleepy little island with barely more than 2,000 inhabitants, Navarino is known for its pristine natural beauty and is the perfect place for nature lovers.

Day 19: Chilean Fjords – Punta Arenas – Disembark Ship – Santiago

Disembark the ship in Punta Arenas, transfer to the airport and return to Santiago. This evening, celebrate the end of your journey as you enjoy a dinner featuring local Chilean specialty food and wine, along with a Chilean folklore show! Admire the passion of these local musicians, meet the dancers and maybe get to go on stage.

Day 20: Santiago – Tour Ends

Your tour ends today. For those with late flights, you may choose the optional Flavors of Santiago tour, where youll get to visit a local winery, followed by the Santiago home of the famous Noble Prize poet and Chilean hero Pablo Neruda; cap off your optional tour with dinner at one of Santiagos amazing restaurants.

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