Journey to Antarctica
Overview
Highlights
- View magnificent mountains, towering icebergs, and ice formations that make up the dramatic Antarctic landscape.
- Cruise aboard sturdy Zodiac landing craft in search of leopard seals.
- Kayak in protected waters, paddling around icebergs as penguins swim nearby.
- Walk on shore amid thousands of penguins, including gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap.
- Explore the world's last great wilderness in the company of a team of top naturalists.
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Itinerary
Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires. Settle into your hotel before heading out on an afternoon tour of the city. Gather for a welcome reception.
Caesar Park Hotel (D)
Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and enjoy lunch overlooking the Beagle Channel. Then set sail on the National Geographic Explorer.
(B, L, D)
While crossing the spectacular Drake Passage, spot whales and other marine life that glide alongside the ship.
(B, L, D)
With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, we have ample opportunity to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, the schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected—watc...
This pristine bay is edged by soaring ice-covered peaks. Hike to a summit for a breathtaking view, or kayak along a cliff-side rookery in search of blue-eyed shags.
Cruise through the Lemaire Channel between towering snowcaps and blue icebergs. Step ashore at Petermann Island to the cries of thousands of gentoo penguins standing along the shoreline as if awaiting your arrival.
Dock in Neko Harbor. Walk among the penguins on the beach or climb high onto an ice field for a panoramic vista of untouched peaks surrounding this idyllic bay.
In 1944, the British government began a top-secret expedition code-named Operation Tabarin, creating a series of base stations in Antarctica. Base A, at Port Lockroy, is now a museum and Antarctica's only public post office.
Enjoy the ship's amenities as the Antarctic coast disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America, and see the meeting of the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. Celebrate your voyage at a farewell dinner on board.
(B, L, D daily)
Disembark in Ushuaia. After lunch, fly to Buenos Aires and connect with your overnight flight home.
(B, L)
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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National Geographic Expeditions span the globe and are designed to reflect our travelers' broad spectrum of interests, from small-ship expeditions and classic train journeys to photography workshops and family adventures. When you travel with us, you'll enjoy boundless opportunities to be surrounded by natural wonders and exotic wildlife, to explore celebrated archaeological sites, to learn about different cultures and share in local traditions. A National Geographic expert or expert team accompanies each expedition, sharing their knowledge and passion for a region and making each experience enriching and unforgettable.
An Extraordinary Legacy of Exploration
National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society, was founded on the same belief in the importance of exploration that distinguishes the Society's 125-year history. Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions now operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 60 destinations.
Since its founding in 1888, the Society has developed incredible resources—from its network of experts, contacts, and Society-sponsored researchers all over the globe, to the top-tier editorial staff of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines, and the books, maps, and film and television divisions. National Geographic Expeditions taps these resources to create unique and authentic expeditions to fascinating parts of the world.
As part of the National Geographic Travel group, National Geographic Expeditions aims to fulfill the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.
National Geographic Adventures
National Geographic Adventures are unique, active itineraries for intrepid travelers that feature spectacular places, cultural interaction, and physical challenge: the perfect mix for an unforgettable adventure. Trek through some of the world's most legendary mountain ranges and veer far off the beaten path, discovering wild landscapes by foot, kayak, horseback, or camel. Each adventure has a designated activity level—from Easy to Ultimate Challenge, and you'll have the option to take it easy or push your limits on a harder hike throughout most trips. Your group will never be larger than 16 travelers, and you'll explore in the company of top guides, enjoying adventures that are both physically active and culturally rewarding.
National Geographic Student Expeditions
National Geographic Student Expeditions offer active summer travel experiences for high school students in some of the world's most amazing places. With the guidance of dynamic trip leaders and top National Geographic experts, students explore their interests, build new skills, and experience new landscapes and cultures firsthand. Each type of program—expedition, field workshop, community service trip, and photo workshop—is designed to educate and inspire, combining adventure, discovery, and cultural immersion. Photo workshops are led by a National Geographic photographer and include instruction and daily photo shoots. Students in our community service programs live in a village and work with community members on a variety of service projects. On each expedition and field workshop, students get involved in a unique, hands-on project that allows them to delve deeper into a specific topic—such as photography, wildlife and conservation, filmmaking, or archaeology—and further engage with the places they visit.
National Geographic Difference
Travel that’s tailored to your interests: Whether you're a budding photographer, a natural history enthusiast, a parent looking for a great family trip, or a traveler seeking an active adventure, you'll find an array of opportunities that fit your passions and interests.
The beauty of happenstance: Some of the best moments in travel occur when you least expect them. So that you can savor these instances and enjoy each place in a way that’s meaningful to you, we offer options and build free time into our itineraries wherever we can.
Travel in good company: Lasting friendships often begin on National Geographic Expeditions. Your traveling companions are Society members like you: active, engaged, and curious about the world.
Explore the world in comfort and style: Whether you're relaxing in the arcaded courtyard of a 15th-century monastery in Peru or speeding through Siberia on a private luxury train, our accommodations are carefully selected for their exceptional quality, location, and character.
We'll take care of the details: Leave the legwork to us. We take care of the logistics and details so you can relax, enjoy, and immerse yourself in the places you are exploring.
Exceptional resources at your fingertips: To help prepare for your trip, we’ll send you detailed information specific to your trip, including National Geographic books, articles, or maps relating to your destination. You’ll also receive a 20-percent discount on your next purchase* from our gift catalog or online store—shopng.com—as well as a free one-year subscription to a National Geographic magazine of your choice.
We’ve explored the world for 125 years. Now, let us take you with us!
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Logistics
National Geographic Orion The state-of-the-art National Geographic Orion, the newest addition to our fleet, serves as a luxurious base camp for voyages to the far-flung corners of the planet. A fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, the Orion is at home navigating polar ice as well the small harbors of the South Pacific, Europe, and beyond. The ship accommodates 102 guests in 53 cabins, each with ocean views, ensuite bathrooms, climate controls, internet access, and a flat-screen TV with DVD/CD player. Some cabins also have balconies. Single cabins in Category 1 and Category 3 include #301, 322, 323 and 512 and are highlighted in bright pink or bright blue on the deck plan. Public areas include an outdoor café for dining in the balmy air or under the stars amidst stunning backdrops, an indoor lounge and bar, a sundeck, a state-of-the-art lecture theater, a library, a boutique, a mud room, a sauna, a fitness room, spa treatment rooms, a hot tub/plunge pool, and a centrally located elevator. Our restaurant features international cuisine inspired by our ports of call and all meals are served in a single seating with unassigned tables. Menus are designed by award-winning Sydney chef Serge Dansereau, owner of Sydney’s famed beachfront restaurant, The Bathers’ Pavilion. The ship is outfitted for both snorkelers and divers with scuba gear for all guests and dive gear for up to 24 guests; it carries 24 kayaks and a fleet of 14 Zodiac motorized landing craft; and it comes equipped with a remotely operated vehicle capable of 1,000 foot depth and sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world, plus a glass-bottom boat. Our "open bridge" policy provides guests the opportunity to meet the captain and officers and learn about navigation. An expedition leader, veteran naturalists, undersea specialist, a National Geographic photographer, Lindblad-National Geographic photo instructor, wellness specialist, video chronicler and a full-time doctor are part of every expedition team, in addition to divemasters on voyages where scuba diving is offered. *Please note that snorkeling, swimming, diving, kayaking, and the remotely operated vehicle are not available for the Australia's Wild Northwest expedition. Diving is not available on Wild Encounters from Borneo to Bali, and neither diving or snorkeling are available in Antarctica.These activities are available for all other National Geographic Orion itineraries. National Geographic Explorer The National Geographic Explorer is the newest ship in our fleet and arguably the finest expedition vessel on the seas. A state-of-the-art, ice-class expedition ship, the Explorer accommodates 148 guests in 81 spacious cabins, each with outside views; private bathrooms; and sleek, modern furnishings. Single cabins in Category 2 are highlighted in bright blue and include cabins 309-312 and 310-332. Single cabins in Category 3 are highlighted in bright pink and include cabins 105, 106, 203 and 208. The ship carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac motorized landing craft, as well as sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world. Public areas include a lounge and bar; a library; a spa; a fitness center; a sauna; and a selection of dining options that offer regionally inspired cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. Services include a full-time doctor, a wellness specialist, and an Internet cafe.
2016-2017 Season Rates Departures between November 27 - December 7, 2016, and January 5-February 5, 2017 Explorer Orion Category 1 $13,360 $13,360 Category 2 $14,360 $14,360 Category 3 $14,790 $15,920 Category 4 $15,920 $18,990 Category 5 $19,150 $21,880 Category 6 $21,880 $25,480 Category 7 $25,480 N/A For a single room on the Explorer, add $3,590 in Category 2 and $3,700 in Category 3. For a single room on the Orion, add $6,630 in Category 1 and $7,960 in Category 3. 2016-2017 Season Holiday Departures between December 16 - December 27, 2016 Explorer Orion Category 1 $14,430 $14,430 Category 2 $15,500 $15,500 Category 3 $15,970 $17,190 Category 4 $17,190 $20,510 Category 5 $20,680 $23,630 Category 6 $23,630 $27,520 Category 7 $27,520 N/A For a single room on the Explorer, add $3,880 in Category 2 and $3,990 in Category 3. For a single room on the Orion, add $7,220 in Category 1 and $8,600 in Category 3. Prices are per person, double occupancy. International airfare to/from Buenos Aires and airfare within Argentina is not included in the expedition cost. The group flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia begins at $850 (subject to change).
National Geographic Orion National Geographic Explorer
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