6th Dec - 21st Dec 2008 - 81209
1st Jan - 16th Jan 2009 - 90104
5th Feb - 20th Feb 2009 - 90208
Journey to the end of the Earth. Cruise through seas of glass studded by glittering icebergs. Take a dip in geothermal waters. Gasp at a breaching whale. Wake up to a different view every day. Learn from the experts. Let A&K make your holiday a truly inspiring experience.Day 1 - London/Buenos Aires
Depart from London Heathrow by overnight flight to Buenos Aires. Day 2 - Buenos Aires
On arrival in Buenos Aires, we transfer to the Intercontinental Hotel for a two-night stay. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening you might wish to take the opportunity to see a tango show or to enjoy some of the city’s fine cuisine. Day 3 - Buenos Aires
Morning introduction to the ‘Paris of Latin America’, taking in the highlights of the Teatro Colon Opera House, the Recoleta Cemetery, La Boca and La Casa Rosada.Day 4 - Buenos Aires/Ushuaia
Today we fly southwards to Tierra del Fuego and the town of Ushuaia at the southernmost tip of Argentina (and also the world's southernmost town), for embarkation aboard the Minerva.Days 5 and 6 - Drake Passage
The journey southward from Cape Horn to Antarctica, across the strait named after the famous British mariner and explorer, is an exciting one. You will have time to settle in and enjoy the facilities onboard the ship, as well as the opportunity to discuss the expedition ahead with the on-board lecturers. There will also be the chance to spot wildlife from the deck — these krill-rich waters are a particular favourite with marine mammals and seabirds. Days 7 to 11 - Antarctica
Our voyage brings us to the offshore islands and spectacular icebound backdrop of the Antarctic Peninsula. During our visit we enjoy scheduled Zodiac expeditions, each carefully planned by the Captain and Expedition Leader to take full advantage of each day’s possibilities. On most days we make two landings, heading out in our swift and versatile Zodiacs, guided by our expert drivers and accompanied by lecturers. Explore islands filled with thousands of penguins, photograph the nesting grounds of seabirds and cruise iceberg-strewn passageways of breathtaking beauty. Conditions permitting, the ship plans to land on the Antarctic Peninsula and on a number of islands in the South Shetlands. These may include Paulet which is home to a large colony of Adélie penguins and the historic remains of Dr. Otto Nordenskjold’s hut which was the over-winter haven for 22 men from the Swedish Antarctic Expedition; Half Moon; Cuverville; Penguin; Goudier; and Deception, still considered an active volcano.We also hope to sail through possibly the most famous and visually stunning areas in Antarctica, the Lemaire Channel, affectionately known as ‘Kodak Gap’. Other possibilities for exploration include the huge mountains of ice near Paradise Bay; a scientific research station; the remains of early-century whaling and sealing industries and whale bones on the beach. After each evening’s leisurely dinner, there is time to stroll along the deck and gaze at the seascapes in the lingering austral summer twilight.Days 12 and 13 - Drake Passage
We retrace our steps north towards Cape Horn and enjoy the time available to recap and reflect on all the adventures with the lecturers and fellow guests. There is still the opportunity to bird and whale watch from the deck.Day 14 - Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
We disembark from the Minerva and transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires. Overnight in Buenos Aires.Day 15 - Buenos Aires/London
Departure for the overnight flight to London. Arrive London day 16.The nature of expeditionary cruising means the captain may change the itinerary based on local conditions. Itineraries are available using either British Airways or Iberia Airlines and the number of nights in Buenos Aires will vary accordingly to their schedules. Please refer to an A&K consultant for further details.
| Prices (from)Gold |
| |
| 6 Dec - 81209 |
£4,995 |
|
| 1 Jan - 90104 |
£5,765 |
|
| 5 Feb - 90208 |
£5,765 |
|
| Prices (from)Silver |
| |
| 6 Dec - 81209 |
£5,165 |
|
| 1 Jan - 90104 |
£5,595 |
|
| 5 Feb - 90208 |
£5,595 |
|
The first price is based on flying British Airways with a touch down in Sao Paulo. Your itinerary includes three nights (two nights depending on the Bristish Airways schedule) in Buenos Aires, bed and breakfast in Argentina and full board on Minerva.
The second price is based on flying Iberia Airlines with a change of plane in Madrid. Your itinerary includes three nights in Buenos Aires, bed and breakfast in Argentina and full board on Minerva.
Room supplements (per person per night) from
Prices vary per cruise and are per person per cruise from: B-Standard Cabin £315; SA-Standard Cabin £560; A-Standard Cabin £800; Superior Cabin £1460; Deluxe Cabin £2000; Suite Cabin £2400; Owners Suite Cabin £3750