Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands

Day 1 - Nov 17, 2012: Welcome to Buenos Aires
Check in to the luxury, city-center Sofitel Hotel. Your afternoon tour includes the impressive Plaza de Mayo and colorful La Boca, where the tango was born

Day 2 - Nov 18, 2012: Buenos Aires... as you please
Step out from your hotel and create your own magic in the friendly and sophisticated Argentine capital. Your hotel’s terrific location on charming Arroyo Street offers easy access to some of the city’s finest antique shops, art galleries and restaurants. Meals B

Day 3 - Nov 19, 2012: To the end of the Continent!
Fly to Ushuaia where you’ll be escorted to the deluxe Los Cauquenes Hotel, set on the Beagle Channel with fine views of the mountains and sea. Meals B

Day 4 - Nov 20, 2012: Into Tierra del Fuego and on to your ship
Explore magnificent Tierra del Fuego National Park on a guided tour before boarding the MV Ushuaia. Settle in to your cabin, meet our expedition staff of leaders, guides and lecturers, and get acquainted with this intimate Polar vessel as you set sail along the Beagle Channel on your way to the rugged and beautiful Falkland Islands. Meals B,L,D

Day 5 - Nov 21, 2012: A day at sea
The MV Ushuaia navigates toward the Falkland Archipelago, providing you with a full day at sea. Enjoy introductory lectures from your Expedition Team and join them on deck for amazing birdwatching. Meals B,L,D [Note: The daily cruise program outlined here for November 22 through December 8 is a sample itinerary only - to give you a general sense of the highlights that will unfold on this cruise. The exact course of your sea voyage will be determined by the ship’s Captain and Expedition Leader on a day-by-day basis based upon local conditions. Likewise, the waters you explore and the islands you will actually visit depend upon these same weather and sea conditions. Although we can assure you of a once-in-a-lifetime voyage filled with unforgettable sightings, experiences and encounters, your safety is the paramount concern of the captain and the entire ship’s staff.]

Day 6 - Nov 22, 2012: The Western Falkland Islands
In the morning we hope to reach West Point Island to visit an unusual colony of Black-browed Albatross, that we’ll find nesting together with very energetic Rockhopper Penguins in the shadow of the island’s impressive cliffs. A gentle slope leads up to the site and on our way we can enjoy the beautiful views of the countryside. The afternoon might find us on Carcass Island, where a dense plantation of tussac grass covers much of the ground below Jason Hill on the eastern end. It is this availability of abundant cover - and the absence of cats, rats and mice throughout the Island’s history - which has made for a spectacularly large population of bird species. Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins breed here and Striated Caracaras are seen throughout. Cobb’s Wrens are also abundant on the island, and Peale’s and Commerson’s dolphins often come close to shore. With a little luck, Rob McGill, the owner of this delightful island, might have the kettle on and invite us in for tea with scones and cake. Meals B,L,D

Day 7 - Nov 23, 2012: Stanley and the Eastern Falklands
The quaint little town of Stanley was established in the early 1840’s but has progressed and grown considerably, especially over the past several decades. But despite the town’s growth and population increase, we won’t have to go far to enjoy the outstanding wildlife the Eastern Falklands have to offer. Southern Giant Petrels often fly close to the shoreline, keeping up with local residents driving along the front road. Endemic Falkland Steamer Ducks abound on the shore while Kelp Gulls can often be seen flying up in the air, dropping mussels on to the roads, so that the shells crack allowing them to eat the contents. Smaller birds to be seen include the Falkland Thrush, the Red-breasted long-tailed Meadowlark and Black-chinned Siskin. Meals B,L,D

Day 8 - Nov 24, 2012: En route to South Georgia
En route to South Georgia, our ship’s unique open bridge policy allows you to join the officers on the bridge… To learn about navigation, watch for whales, and enjoy the mesmerizing ocean vistas. These waters are also home to countless seabirds, which often ride the currents created in the wake of the ship. As you begin three days of cruising across these open waters, our extensive lecture program will get underway. The ship’s Expedition Team of expert naturalists and lecturers will share their extensive knowledge of the wildlife and unique ecosystems which you will encounter throughout the upcoming voyage. Meals B,L,D

Day 9 - Nov 25, 2012: At sea
Another enriching day at sea unfolds. Enjoy lectures, bridge visits and spending time on deck with our sharp-eyed and knowledgeable Expedition Team. Meals B,L,D

Day 10 - Nov 26, 2012: Approaching South Georgia
With favorable conditions, we’ll be approaching South Georgia Island this afternoon, providing us with our first possible encounter with King Penguins! Meals B,L,D

Day 11 - Nov 27, 2012: South Georgia
You’ll spend the next 4 days cruising and exploring magnificent South Georgia. Our exact itinerary will be determined by local conditions on sea and land. Among the destinations we hope to explore are:

Grytviken
Once a thriving whaling station, the remains of Grytviken stand as a reminder of an era of exploitation that thankfully grows more distant by the day. Grytviken has an excellent natural history museum but also offers possibilities for hikes in the surrounding mountains. A short zodiac ride around King Edward cove brings us to the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Join the Ushuaia’s staff for a graveside toast honoring this remarkable explorer and venerated mariner.

Salisbury Plain
Sometimes called the “Serengeti of the South”, Salisbury Plain is a wildlife site without parallel. Several large glaciers provide a dramatic backdrop for the tens of thousands of King Penguins that breed in the tussock grass of this remarkable ecosystem. The wide beach makes for excellent walking as we visit the colonies, where we are literally surrounded and delightfully outnumbered by throngs of curious, gentle penguins. In November the beaches are a haven for fur seals, which will give birth at this time. Elephant seal weaners will also join into the general concert and some big elephant seal bulls are lazing a bit further away from the waterfront. Southern Giant Petrels and the occasional wandering Gentoo Penguin will also make for great photo opportunities. Prepare for an awe-inspiring experience. Meals B,L,D

Day 12 - Nov 28, 2012: Farther afield on South Georgia
Again, as land and sea conditions permit, our landing sites and visits here on South Georgia might include the following:

Gold Harbour
With its alpine landscape and hanging glaciers, Gold Harbour offers some of the most spectacular scenery of the voyage! We hope to make a landing on the beach, where you will embark on nature walks and hikes with our Expedition Team. The surrounding cliffs of the Harbour provide a habitat for nesting Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses, which can often be seen soaring above the beach. A large colony of King Penguins offers a fantastic opportunity to photograph these dramatic birds, and the sandy beach is a favorite haul-out spot for massive Southern elephant seals. There is also a small colony of Gentoo Penguins nesting in the shelter of the tussock grass.

Cooper Bay
We hope to explore two sites at Cooper Bay. The first could be a visit to the main beach, where King Penguins breed in amongst dense tussock grass. We may have the opportunity to make a landing here, or take part in a zodiac tour around rugged bays of volcanic origin to a wonderful Macaroni Penguin colony perched on the rocky cliffs. Southern elephant seals can often be seen lounging among the large clumps of tussock grass in the area as well. Meals B,L,D

Day 13 - Nov 29, 2012: Another day of discovery
Guided shore landings and visits continue as weather, sea and land conditions permit. Among the sites we might explore today is St. Andrews Bay. The surf beaten coastline at St. Andrews Bay runs north-south in a nearly 2-mile long sweep of fine dark sand, covered in penguins and seals and bounded in the interior by the Cook, Buxton and Heaney Glaciers. The bay hosts the largest colony of King Penguins on South Georgia. At this time of year, the beach is often crowded with fur and elephant seals. Such a large assemblage of wildlife attracts an entourage of persistent and voracious scavengers. Sheathbills dart in and around the penguin colony and Cape Petrels nest on the cliffs north of St. Andrews Bay. Leopard seals patrol the rocks at this end of the beach too, hunting penguins along the edge of kelp beds. A few White-chinned Petrels and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross nest on the tussock slopes. Brown Skuas and Antarctic Terns breed on the outwash plain and scree slopes at the north end of the beach, defending their nest sites with their characteristic noise and vigor. Meals B,L,D

Day 14 - Nov 30, 2012: Further exploration of South Georgia
Again, as land and sea conditions permit, our landing sites and visits here on South Georgia might continue with the following:

Stromness
Stromness is situated in the central harbor of Stromness Bay. It was here that Shackleton finished his epic voyage, walking into the now derelict whaling station of Stromness which stands at the southern end of a long beach at the head of the harbor. This is an excellent site for reindeer. Behind the station, Shackleton Valley extends inland and westward up to a pass leading over to Fortuna Bay. A picturesque waterfall situated at the head of the valley lies on the route and flows into the large swiftly running river that joins the sea at the northern end of the beach. Mosses, rushes and other mire and bog plants cloak the valley floor in a patchwork of soft, wet swampy areas. There is a small Gentoo Penguin colony located among the picturesque hills between the whaling station and the river.

Drygalski Fjord
The 9-mile long Drygalski Fjord offers spectacular scenery. Although Drygalski Fjord´s glaciers have retreated over the recent decades, they remain one of the most striking features of this coastline, particularly the Risting and Jenkins Glaciers. This is also one of the principal breeding areas for Snow Petrels in South Georgia. The birds nest on the cliff buttresses and mountain ridges along the shores and mix with Cape Petrels on the lower ledges. Both species can be seen flying along the cliffs as they come and go from their nest sites. Blue-eyed Shags, Wilson´s Storm Petrels and Antarctic Terns are also a common sight as they feed in the plankton-rich upwellings in front of the glaciers. Meals B,L,D

Day 15 - Dec 1, 2012: At Sea
For one and a half days we will be sailing across these southern waters towards the South Orkney Islands - an excellent opportunity to be out on deck with our Expedition Team, to catch up on your reading, or to reflect on your amazing experiences in South Georgia over the past few days. Our shipboard program of lectures and activities will continue throughout the passage. Meals B,L,D

Day 16 - Dec 2, 2012: South Orkney Islands – Orcadas Station
The archipelago comprises four main islands: Coronation, Laurie, Powell and Signy Island. We will try to approach the second largest one, Laurie Island. The seas around these glaciated islands are often ice-covered and surrounded by huge tabular icebergs. But we might get lucky and step ashore to visit the Argentine Station Orcadas, where seals haul out on the beach; we might even get a tour through the facilities of the station. Meals B,L,D

Day 17 - Dec 3, 2012: Cruising toward the Weddell Sea
For another day we will be at sea heading further South towards the Weddell Sea, always on the lookout for wildlife and beautiful icebergs. Meals B,L,D

Day 18 - Dec 4, 2012: Weddell Sea, Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands
Over the next three days, our exact itinerary and shore landings will be determined by local conditions on land and sea. The destinations we hope to explore today include:

King George Island, South Shetland Islands
King George is the largest of the South Shetland Islands. Russia, China, Korea, Poland, Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina have all built research stations here. We may have an opportunity to visit one of these stations, where researchers will welcome us with descriptions of their projects and a firsthand look at life in the Antarctic. King George Island features colonies of nesting Adélie and Chinstrap Penguins, as well as Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns and Southern Giant Petrels. Southern elephant seals can often be found in muddy wallows close to the shoreline. The island is also known for its flora, including luxuriant moss beds, two species of grass which grow in sheltered areas and beautiful brightly-colored orange and green lichens found on coastal rocks. Invertebrates can also be found in tide pools along the shore.

Deception Island, South Shetland Islands
Long ago, volcanic pressure on Deception Island resulted in a tremendous eruption that caused the island’s peak to explode. The resulting caldera flooded with seawater, creating the unique landmass we may visit today. Our Captain will expertly pilot the ship through a narrow gateway in the icy cliffs of the island, taking the MV Ushuaia into the caldera itself. Hundreds of thousands of Chinstrap Penguins inhabit the outer volcanic slopes of the island at Baily Head, along with nesting Pintado Petrels and Antarctic Terns. Brave souls may don their bathing suits for the unusual opportunity of a swim in the Antarctic, since the waters around Deception Island are often geo-thermally heated! Meals B,L,D

Day 19 - Dec 5, 2012: Our explorations continue
Again, as land and sea conditions permit, our landing sites among the South Shetland Islands and along the Antarctic Peninsula could explore: Antarctic Sound The passage around the Peninsula traverses the Antarctic Sound, which is 30-miles long and 7 to 12-miles wide and runs northwest-to-southeast. This is where huge tabular icebergs roam. All-white, Black-pupiled, and Black-billed Snow Petrels are likely to be coursing over the scenery, often joined by Pintado Petrels and early in the spring, by Antarctic Petrels streaming south to nesting territories on slopes along the Weddell Sea. Brown Bluff The spectacular rust-colored promontory on the Tabarin Peninsula, Brown Bluff, is located south of Hope Bay. On its long beach more than 20,000 Adélie penguins and a smaller group of Gentoo Penguins have found their home. There is also a potpourri of Kelp Gulls, Snow Petrels, and Pintado Petrels swirling above. Meals B,L,D

Day 20 - Dec 6, 2012: Another day along the Antarctic Peninsula
A third day of exploration along the Antarctic Peninsula will again be guided by local conditions on land and sea. Our visits could include:

Esperanza Station – Hope Bay
At the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula the mighty ice-tongue of the Depot glacier has cut a broad valley into the continent. In the meantime the glacier has retreated and left a large inlet, Hope Bay. It is here, where the biggest station of the entire Antarctic Peninsula is situated, the Argentine Station Esperanza. The friendly base personnel might give us a tour of their installations, including the little church and the school they operate for their children.

Astrolabe Island
Chinstrap Penguins, Antarctic Fulmars, and Antarctic Brown Skuas are confirmed breeders on this island lying in the Bransfield Strait. Blue-eyed Shags nest on offshore islands and Wilson’s Storm Petrels may be seen. Weddell and leopard seals haul out regularly. Meals B,L,D

Day 21 - Dec 7, 2012: Northward across the Drake Passage
Having left the Antarctic Peninsula behind us the night before, today opens to find our ship heading across the Drake Passage. Named after the renowned explorer, Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters. This creates a great upwelling of nutrients, which sustains the biodiversity of this region. The Drake Passage also marks the northern limit of many Antarctic seabirds. As we sail across the passage, our Expedition lecturers will be out with you on deck to help in the identification of whales and an amazing variety of seabirds, including many albatrosses, which follow in our wake. Join our lecturers for some final lectures and take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.

Day 22 - Dec 8, 2012: At sea – Cruising toward South America
Lectures, briefings and visits to the bridge continue on this second day navigating northward through the Drake Passage. Meals B,L,D

Day 23 - Dec 9, 2012: Explore Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires
Disembark in Ushuaia for a city tour before your included flight to Buenos Aires, where our program ends at the airport. Meals B

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
11/17/2012 - 12/10/2012	$11,599
11/17/2012 - 12/10/2012	$14,099
11/17/2012 - 12/10/2012	$15,999
11/17/2012 - 12/10/2012	$16,799
11/17/2012 - 12/10/2012	$17,499
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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