The Polar Travel Company

A 15-day extended explorer's journey to the Antarctic Peninsula and beyond. Seek out rarely visited sites and maximize the opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle (66�33�S).

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Duration: 15 days / 13 nights on board
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. The Captain and/or Expedition Leader will make necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience. This is an extended voyage designed to give the most opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle (66�33�S).
The trip includes a 1-Night Pre-Voyage Hotel stay at the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa (or similar).

Included

Optional

This 15-day journey is the ultimate explorer�s expedition, granting a generous amount of time to make the absolute most of your visit to Antarctica. The core ambition is to be among the very few to cross the Antarctic Circle (66�33�S), a rare and special accomplishment. The ample time on the Peninsula increases the opportunity to seek out rarely visited sites, encounter an array of wildlife, and take advantage of every opportunity to uncover the continent�s many secrets.

You will embark on an immersive journey that includes five days dedicated to reaching the Circle, and three days exploring the Northern Peninsula. Along the way, you will likely encounter Humpback and Orca whales, seals, and a variety of always-entertaining penguins. Highlights include navigating the jaw-dropping Lemaire Channel and visiting historic and rarely visited British Survey bases. The crossing of the Antarctic Circle is celebrated with a tradition first established by sailors crossing the equator.

Highlights:
Maximize exploration time with an extended 15-day itinerary dedicated to achievement and discovery.
Attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle (66�33�S), an achievement that puts you in rare company.
Navigate the jaw-dropping Lemaire Channel and visit historic and rarely visited British Survey bases.
Encounter Humpback and Orca whales and seals, with likely sightings of dramatic sea ice.
Benefit from optional adventure activities including Camping, Kayaking, and Snowshoeing.

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Day 1: Arrive and explore in Ushuaia
Relaxation and optional evening briefing
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa (or similar), take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 2: All Aboard! Seaventure!
Embarkation, safety briefing and Captain�s welcome dinner
Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain�s welcome dinner. We�re on our way to Antarctica!

Days 3�4: Drake Passage
Polar experts, citizen science, and wildlife spotting
Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship.

Day 5: South Shetland Islands
Volcanic geology and fully immersive introduction
The volcanic activity of the South Shetland Islands has created a geology unlike any other. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins. We�ll settle into our Zodiacs and kayaks and spend most of our day exploring.

Days 6�9: Achieving the Antarctic Circle
Crossing 66�33�S, Lemaire Channel, and historic bases
Heading south across the Bransfield Strait, we begin to see the breathtaking outline of the Antarctic Peninsula. We�ll look to visit historic sites like the huts at Damoy Point, keep an eye out for humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay, and continue south until we reach the jaw-dropping Lemaire Channel. Weather permitting, we�ll cross the Antarctic Circle at 66�33�S, followed by a celebration.

Days 10�12: Antarctic Peninsula
Exploring picturesque bays and historic landing sites
Heading north, we�ll explore all the Antarctic Peninsula has to offer, including any number of spectacular bays and famed landing sites. We�ll maneuver through dramatic channels, encountering a wide variety of lively penguins, seals, and whales. There are always great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites.

Days 13�14: Drake Passage
The journey north and conclusion celebration
We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.

Day 15: Ushuaia Disembarkation Departure With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.