Cruise Select Southern Hemisphere Adventure South America And ...
JOIN US... For the adventure of a lifetime in 2018 25 February 2018 - 20 days
Southern Hemisphere Adventure: South America and Antarctica
Contents Introduction ......................................................................................................3 Onboard MS Midnatsol ..........................................................................5 Itinerary ................................................................................................................6 Antarctica - what you need to know .........................................10
2
Introduction Antarctica – it invokes the spirit of adventure, and conjures up images of spectacular, remote, icy landscapes, and legions of penguins. The frozen and final frontier, the seventh continent, no matter where you’ve been previously, nothing you’ve seen or experienced will be like Antarctica. It’s special. Unique. You’ll step foot on land greatly unchanged since Amundsen, Scott, and Shackleton set eyes on it, exploring pristine landscapes and unspoilt and sublime wildlife. A great, endless, white wilderness, you’ll be following in the footsteps and in the spirit of the great pioneering explorers of the 19th and early 20th centuries – but in much greater comfort and safety. With no permanent human inhabitants, Antarctica is home to millions of penguins and seals, undaunted by human presence, just merely curious. Antarctica is perhaps the ultimate ‘bucketlist’ destination – remote and isolated, few are privileged to visit here. It’s a real once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and one you’ll never forget. So we wanted to make sure this escorted voyage to Antarctica was the right one. Julie, Tracey, Rachel and Amy have all sailed with Hurtigruten, and Rachel and Amy have both toured MS Midnatsol; we have experienced the laid-back, informal, yet intrepid spirit of Hurtigruten for ourselves. Starting at Santiago, there’s a chance to explore this South American city before heading south to join the ship. Throughout the voyage, we’ll be joined by an expert expedition team, leaders in their respective fields, who will lead us on adventures ashore and provide informative and fascinating lectures on a wide range of subjects from the region’s wildlife to the history of Antarctic exploration. The itinerary also includes the splendour and majesty of the Chilean Fjords, offering some scenic cruising before reaching the open seas, and visits to the Falkland Islands, in addition to the wonders of Antarctica. Plus, with a departure in February, we’ll be able to witness penguin chicks! We wanted to choose an itinerary which offered a range of experiences and sights to be enjoyed, from Santiago to Stanley.
3
That’s why we picked Hurtigruten and MS Midnatsol, and why we chose this itinerary. And we can’t wait to experience Antarctica with you…
Tour Highlights:
Voyage escorted by Amy from Select Travel Holidays City tours of Santiago and Montevideo Scenic cruising through the Chilean fjords Cape Horn landing (weather permitting) Daily landings in Antarctica with Hurtigruten’s expedition team Onboard lectures from the expedition team Visit the Falkland Islands, including Stanley and New Island
Tour Includes:
International flights (London to Santiago, Montevideo to London - overnight, indirect) Overseas transfers One night pre-voyage hotel accommodation in Santiago, with breakfast One night post-voyage hotel accommodation in Montevideo, with breakfast Fifteen nights’ accommodation onboard MS Midnatsol on a full-board basis Wind and water resistant jack Landings with Zodiac/Polarcirkel boats, and activities onboard and ashore Free tea and coffee during voyage Professional English-speaking Expedition team onboard
SELECT TRAVEL HOLIDAYS Prices as of January 2017 Inside cabins from £5799pp Upgrade to an outside cabin for just £200pp Our cost includes a FREE city tour in Santiago and Montevideo
4
Terms and conditions: Prices correct at time of going to print, and based on two people sharing, and subject to availability at time of booking and can alter at any time without prior notice. This voyage will be escorted subject to numbers.
Onboard MS Midnatsol
Hurtigruten are perhaps best known for their Norwegian coastal voyages, often referred to as the world’s most beautiful voyage, and they’ve been sailing along the Norwegian coastline for over 120 years. Today, they’re the world’s largest explorer cruise company, and in 2002 launched their first expedition into Antarctica onboard MS Fram. In 2016, Hurtigruten introduced MS Midnatsol to the Antarctic waters, promising a game-changer in the Southern Hemisphere, offering more comfortable and affordable explorations of the Antarctic peninsula.
Midnatsol, Hurtigruten’s ‘discovery ship’, offers softer adventures in Antarctica, complete with an explorer deck with science centre, and kayaks. With her two-storey panoramic lounge, and huge expanses of glass throughout the ship’s public areas, Midnatsol offers unparalleled panoramic views - just perfect for the Chilean Fjords, Antarctica and the Falklands. She’s ideally equipped for the Polar waters, as an ice class IC ship, and with stateof-the-art advanced technology, and Hurtigruten guarantee the highest environmental awareness onboard and on shore, to preserve the region you’ll be sailing in. However, she boasts the comforts of a traditional cruise ship, too. Experiences offered by Midnatsol include a media programme, photo and optics test centre, snowshoeing adventures, a cycling programme, and lectures and workshops. Up on deck, you can view the surrounding beauty from the comfort of a whirlpool - and even enjoy a night under the stars during an on-deck sleep over party as we reach the much warmer Falkland Islands!
Onboard dining
5
It’s important to fuel up for your Antarctic adventures, and from a lavish breakfast buffet to a selection of hot and cold lunchtime dishes, to themed dinners or threecourse meals in the evening, you’ll certainly enjoy delicious food throughout the day in the ship’s restaurant. Although the restaurant onboard is informal and casual, you’ll still enjoy first class service and cuisine. Teas and coffees are available throughout the day, with cookies and biscuits, but of course you can enjoy a tipple or two in the ship’s bars, sharing stories with your fellow adventurers and new friends!
Itinerary
Days One and Two - Sunday, 25 February & Monday, 26 February 2018 - UK to Santiago, Chile
Our adventure begins today! You’ll be met at London Heathrow by a member of Select Travel Holidays. We’ll fly overnight to Santiago, the Chilean capital, arriving on Monday 26 February 2018 (day two). Situated in a valley, Santiago is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, and the Chilean Coast Range, making for some dramatic landscapes. We’ll take some time to explore the city, discovering its eclectic mixture of old and modern, on a guided coach tour, taking in the city’s main sights, such as the neoclassical landmarks of the 18th century Metropolitan Cathedral and the 1808 Palacio de la Real Audiencia (now the National History Museum), walking through the park of Santa Lucia Hill, where the city was once founded, and taking a ride on the old funicular to take in some impressive panoramic views of the city and the Andes mountain range. We’ll be staying overnight at the Sheraton Santiago Hotel & Convention Centre, which is conveniently situated within
walking distance of sites such as the artist Pablo Neruda’s house, the Parque Metropolitan Zoo, and San Christóbal Hill, while there’s also some of the district’s best shopping nearby. The hotel’s gourmet restaurant, El Cid, boasts a reputation as one of the city’s best restaurants.
Day Three - Tuesday, 27 February 2018 - Punta Arenas, Chile Today we’ll take an internal flight to Punta Arenas, near the tip of the Chilean Patagonian region at the country’s southernmost point. Located on the Strait of Magellan, where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans are connected, MS Midnatsol will be waiting for us here, and we’ll embark. Take some time to settle in to your comfortable cabin, and orientate yourself around the ship, before our expedition voyage is kicked off with a welcome-onboard dinner. The Midnatsol is Hurtigruten’s discovery ship, offering ‘soft adventures’ in the Polar Realms, first built in 2002 before being rebuilt for exploration voyages in 2016, for its first Antarctic expeditions beginning Winter
6
Days Four and Five Wednesday, 28 February & Thursday, 1 March 2018 Chilean Fjords Our voyage takes us from Punta Arenas through the stunning Chilean Fjords, before we reach open sea. On day four, head out on deck to look out and see the little island known as Isla Tucker, famous for its colony of Magellanic penguins, birds, dolphins, and sea lions, so this will be a great day for bird watching, before sailing through the narrow Canal Gabriel. We’ll have another day of scenic sailing on day five, admiring the huge
mountains and vast wilderness of the Chilean fjords, including the Garibaldi fjord - we’ll take our small boats out for a closer look at the two huge glaciers which emerge at the end of the fjord, exploring the area and its wildlife.
Day Six - Friday 2 March 2018 Tierra del Fuego Today we’ll reach the notorious Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America, at the northern boundary of the equally infamous Drake Passage, and legendary among seafarers. It’s an area known for high seas and challenging conditions, but - if the weather is good - we will go ashore on the headland.
Days Seven to Eleven - Saturday, 3 March to Wednesday, 7 March 2018 - Antarctica Having passed Cape Horn, and crossed Drake’s Passage, today we arrive in Antarctica! There will be daily landings and ice cruises in several places, and this will no doubt be a magical experience you’ll never forget. With our daily landings, we’ll have the opportunity to explore this remarkable area in the safest, most flexible and comfortable way possible. Each day during our time in Antarctica, we’ll come ashore to meet the locals penguins and fur seals - perhaps have fun in a kayak, or join the expedition team for a hike. Possible landings include Half Moon Island, boasting some of the most photogenic and spectacular Antarctic
7
2016. The ship is perfectly built and designed to meet the needs of modern explorers, with an ice class IC rating and advanced technology, and an impressive amount of science equipment to broaden the minds of those sailing, there’s also a strong emphasis on comfort, too, and she is characterised by the large, twostorey panoramic lounge above the bow, and huge expanses of glass throughout, which are just perfect for observing the splendour of the Chilean fjords and the Antarctic wildlife and landscapes we’ll be sailing to. Like the other expedition ships in Hurtigruten’s fleet, MS Midnatsol uses the mid-level deck for landing craft, making it easier and safer to enter the landing craft, while the top decks are free from cranes to make the most of the best observation points on the ship - after all, you wouldn’t want to miss a thing in Antarctica!
scenery, Neko Harbour, in the innermost part of Andvord Bay, Paradise Harbour, which got its name from the whalers of the past as they would seek shelter from the worst of the storms here, Yankee Harbour, and Cuverville Island, where you’ll find a large colony of Gentoo penguins. However, wherever we land, we will be surrounded by some of the most astonishing and unique landscapes in the world, as well as incredible bird and wildlife. At this time of year, there will be hundreds of penguin chicks to admire, and possibly whales in the waters too! There will also be lots of time onboard to take in the informative and fascinating lectures given by the expedition team, and MS Midnatsol boasts a well-equipped science centre, to enrich your time onboard and find out more about this utterly fascinating region. Of course, you can always enjoy the views out on deck from the warmth of the whirlpool!
Day Twelve - Thursday, 8 March 2018 - At Sea Leaving Antarctica behind, we have a day at sea to spend leisurely, recapping our experiences and sharing stories, photos and films, or simply relaxing on deck, or enjoying more of the onboard explorer programme.
Days Thirteen to Fifteen Friday, 9 March to Sunday 11 March 2018 Falkland Islands We’ll spend some time in the Falkland Islands as we continue our way back to South America. We’ll be in slightly warmer latitudes, so look out for the sleep over party out on deck everybody is invited to! During our visits to the Falkland Islands, we’ll be reminded somewhat of home with the red buses and English-style pubs in the capital of Stanley on day thirteen, while there are also various excursions on offer in the
8
Days Sixteen and Seventeen Monday, 12 March and Tuesday, 13 March, 2018 - At Sea As we reach the end of our voyage, we’ll continue sailing, first crossing the infamous Drake Passage - sometimes referred to as ‘the Drake Shake or the Drake Lake’, depending on weather conditions (predominantly the former) - before sailing along the Argentinian coast. On day seventeen, the last evening onboard, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner with our new friends and expedition team.
Days Eighteen to Twenty Wednesday, 14 March and Saturday, 16 March, 2018 Montevideo, Uruguay to UK We’ll arrive in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo, where it’s time to bid farewell to MS Midnatsol, her crew and expedition team. We’ll be staying overnight at the NM Montevideo, set in the heart of the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), surrounded by the district’s neo-classical and art deco structures, and close to the beach. Today, we’ll enjoy a Montevideo Highlights Tour, joining a guide to explore the city’s historic monuments, beautiful parks and eclectic mixture of colonial and modern. Later tonight, there’s the option to join us for a memorable tango performance and three-course dinner at the Primusem, itself a fascinating building dating back to 1870 and housing an unique collection of over 500 pieces. Our Southern Hemisphere Adventure sadly draws to a close on day nineteen, as we transfer to the airport for an overnight, indirect, flight back to the UK, arriving on day twenty - but what an unforgettable adventure we would’ve shared together!
9
Falklands to hike, kayak, or visit the penguins, seals and elephant seals ashore. On day fourteen, we’ll pass an old shipwreck as we head ashore on New Island, which, with its sandy white beaches and turquoise waters, could be mistaken for a Caribbean island... although the temperature is a bit of a giveaway!
Antarctica: What you need to know
On this voyage, you’ll be travelling to one of the most remote and isolated places in the world, and perhaps choosing to try activities such as kayaking and hiking. It’s the coldest, driest, highest, windiest, and cleanest continent on the planet, and about 98% is covered in ice. It’s technically a desert, with only about 200mm (or 8inches) of precipitation annually along its coast, and even less inland. It’s only possible to journey to Antarctica during the austral summer, between November and March. Although, despite being ‘summer’, temperates are still at or below freezing! We’ll be exploring Antarctica late February-early March, one of the best times for spotting whales and fur seals. By this time, the penguin chicks, which hatched in mid/late-December, are beginning to moult, and you’ll find busy, noisy (and smelly) penguin colonies, a few weeks before the penguins head back to the waters. What you need to bring Travelling across the world to the final frontier, this is an exciting and extraordinary expedition, and to help you pack like an explorer, we’ve drawn up a pack-list to prepare you for the Antarctic: • Passport (and copy of passport) • A camera and a memory card with a large capacity – you’ll be taking tons of photos of the landscapes and wildlife! You can re-charge your photo equipment using sockets in your cabin • Extra batteries for your camera, as battery life is shorter in cold areas • A pair of good binoculars, or rent a high quality pair from the shop onboard • A small waterproof backpack (for carrying essentials) • Sun protection (factor 30+), and sunglasses with UV-filter lenses • Lip salve with UV Protection – protect your lips from getting chapped by dry, cold wind and the sun • Money in the correct currency - Ashore you may require the Chilean peso in Chile, the Falkland Islands pound, and the Uruguayan peso. Onboard, the ship accepts cards rather than cash, and prices are debited in Norwegian Krone • Sufficient medication to last through any unforeseen delays
10
Clothing and footwear: • Wind and water resistant trousers, long thermal underwear and top (wool is recommended) • Warm cap or headband • Swimwear … for the on-deck whirlpools • Scarf or fleece tube • Warm woollen jumper and fleece jumper/jacket – top tip: layers are essential in the Antarctic • Gloves and mittens, fleece and wool • Shoes with good soles are recommended for use outdoor on deck and ashore – make sure they’re worn-in walking boots • Extra shoelaces come in handy • Warm socks • Summer clothes for while we’re in South America You’ll also receive a wind and water resistant parka as a memento, and rubber boots for Antarctica landings are provided free of charge onboard.
11
Please note that you will be required to send a doctor’s letter confirming your fitness - this letter must be completed within six weeks of sailing!
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LAST FEW PLACES
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Southern Hemisphere Adventure: South America and Antarctica
Contents Introduction ......................................................................................................3 Onboard MS Midnatsol ..........................................................................5 Itinerary ................................................................................................................6 Antarctica - what you need to know .........................................10
2
Introduction Antarctica – it invokes the spirit of adventure, and conjures up images of spectacular, remote, icy landscapes, and legions of penguins. The frozen and final frontier, the seventh continent, no matter where you’ve been previously, nothing you’ve seen or experienced will be like Antarctica. It’s special. Unique. You’ll step foot on land greatly unchanged since Amundsen, Scott, and Shackleton set eyes on it, exploring pristine landscapes and unspoilt and sublime wildlife. A great, endless, white wilderness, you’ll be following in the footsteps and in the spirit of the great pioneering explorers of the 19th and early 20th centuries – but in much greater comfort and safety. With no permanent human inhabitants, Antarctica is home to millions of penguins and seals, undaunted by human presence, just merely curious. Antarctica is perhaps the ultimate ‘bucketlist’ destination – remote and isolated, few are privileged to visit here. It’s a real once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and one you’ll never forget. So we wanted to make sure this escorted voyage to Antarctica was the right one. Julie, Tracey, Rachel and Amy have all sailed with Hurtigruten, and Rachel and Amy have both toured MS Midnatsol; we have experienced the laid-back, informal, yet intrepid spirit of Hurtigruten for ourselves. Starting at Santiago, there’s a chance to explore this South American city before heading south to join the ship. Throughout the voyage, we’ll be joined by an expert expedition team, leaders in their respective fields, who will lead us on adventures ashore and provide informative and fascinating lectures on a wide range of subjects from the region’s wildlife to the history of Antarctic exploration. The itinerary also includes the splendour and majesty of the Chilean Fjords, offering some scenic cruising before reaching the open seas, and visits to the Falkland Islands, in addition to the wonders of Antarctica. Plus, with a departure in February, we’ll be able to witness penguin chicks! We wanted to choose an itinerary which offered a range of experiences and sights to be enjoyed, from Santiago to Stanley.
3
That’s why we picked Hurtigruten and MS Midnatsol, and why we chose this itinerary. And we can’t wait to experience Antarctica with you…
Tour Highlights:
Voyage escorted by Amy from Select Travel Holidays City tours of Santiago and Montevideo Scenic cruising through the Chilean fjords Cape Horn landing (weather permitting) Daily landings in Antarctica with Hurtigruten’s expedition team Onboard lectures from the expedition team Visit the Falkland Islands, including Stanley and New Island
Tour Includes:
International flights (London to Santiago, Montevideo to London - overnight, indirect) Overseas transfers One night pre-voyage hotel accommodation in Santiago, with breakfast One night post-voyage hotel accommodation in Montevideo, with breakfast Fifteen nights’ accommodation onboard MS Midnatsol on a full-board basis Wind and water resistant jack Landings with Zodiac/Polarcirkel boats, and activities onboard and ashore Free tea and coffee during voyage Professional English-speaking Expedition team onboard
SELECT TRAVEL HOLIDAYS Prices as of January 2017 Inside cabins from £5799pp Upgrade to an outside cabin for just £200pp Our cost includes a FREE city tour in Santiago and Montevideo
4
Terms and conditions: Prices correct at time of going to print, and based on two people sharing, and subject to availability at time of booking and can alter at any time without prior notice. This voyage will be escorted subject to numbers.
Onboard MS Midnatsol
Hurtigruten are perhaps best known for their Norwegian coastal voyages, often referred to as the world’s most beautiful voyage, and they’ve been sailing along the Norwegian coastline for over 120 years. Today, they’re the world’s largest explorer cruise company, and in 2002 launched their first expedition into Antarctica onboard MS Fram. In 2016, Hurtigruten introduced MS Midnatsol to the Antarctic waters, promising a game-changer in the Southern Hemisphere, offering more comfortable and affordable explorations of the Antarctic peninsula.
Midnatsol, Hurtigruten’s ‘discovery ship’, offers softer adventures in Antarctica, complete with an explorer deck with science centre, and kayaks. With her two-storey panoramic lounge, and huge expanses of glass throughout the ship’s public areas, Midnatsol offers unparalleled panoramic views - just perfect for the Chilean Fjords, Antarctica and the Falklands. She’s ideally equipped for the Polar waters, as an ice class IC ship, and with stateof-the-art advanced technology, and Hurtigruten guarantee the highest environmental awareness onboard and on shore, to preserve the region you’ll be sailing in. However, she boasts the comforts of a traditional cruise ship, too. Experiences offered by Midnatsol include a media programme, photo and optics test centre, snowshoeing adventures, a cycling programme, and lectures and workshops. Up on deck, you can view the surrounding beauty from the comfort of a whirlpool - and even enjoy a night under the stars during an on-deck sleep over party as we reach the much warmer Falkland Islands!
Onboard dining
5
It’s important to fuel up for your Antarctic adventures, and from a lavish breakfast buffet to a selection of hot and cold lunchtime dishes, to themed dinners or threecourse meals in the evening, you’ll certainly enjoy delicious food throughout the day in the ship’s restaurant. Although the restaurant onboard is informal and casual, you’ll still enjoy first class service and cuisine. Teas and coffees are available throughout the day, with cookies and biscuits, but of course you can enjoy a tipple or two in the ship’s bars, sharing stories with your fellow adventurers and new friends!
Itinerary
Days One and Two - Sunday, 25 February & Monday, 26 February 2018 - UK to Santiago, Chile
Our adventure begins today! You’ll be met at London Heathrow by a member of Select Travel Holidays. We’ll fly overnight to Santiago, the Chilean capital, arriving on Monday 26 February 2018 (day two). Situated in a valley, Santiago is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, and the Chilean Coast Range, making for some dramatic landscapes. We’ll take some time to explore the city, discovering its eclectic mixture of old and modern, on a guided coach tour, taking in the city’s main sights, such as the neoclassical landmarks of the 18th century Metropolitan Cathedral and the 1808 Palacio de la Real Audiencia (now the National History Museum), walking through the park of Santa Lucia Hill, where the city was once founded, and taking a ride on the old funicular to take in some impressive panoramic views of the city and the Andes mountain range. We’ll be staying overnight at the Sheraton Santiago Hotel & Convention Centre, which is conveniently situated within
walking distance of sites such as the artist Pablo Neruda’s house, the Parque Metropolitan Zoo, and San Christóbal Hill, while there’s also some of the district’s best shopping nearby. The hotel’s gourmet restaurant, El Cid, boasts a reputation as one of the city’s best restaurants.
Day Three - Tuesday, 27 February 2018 - Punta Arenas, Chile Today we’ll take an internal flight to Punta Arenas, near the tip of the Chilean Patagonian region at the country’s southernmost point. Located on the Strait of Magellan, where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans are connected, MS Midnatsol will be waiting for us here, and we’ll embark. Take some time to settle in to your comfortable cabin, and orientate yourself around the ship, before our expedition voyage is kicked off with a welcome-onboard dinner. The Midnatsol is Hurtigruten’s discovery ship, offering ‘soft adventures’ in the Polar Realms, first built in 2002 before being rebuilt for exploration voyages in 2016, for its first Antarctic expeditions beginning Winter
6
Days Four and Five Wednesday, 28 February & Thursday, 1 March 2018 Chilean Fjords Our voyage takes us from Punta Arenas through the stunning Chilean Fjords, before we reach open sea. On day four, head out on deck to look out and see the little island known as Isla Tucker, famous for its colony of Magellanic penguins, birds, dolphins, and sea lions, so this will be a great day for bird watching, before sailing through the narrow Canal Gabriel. We’ll have another day of scenic sailing on day five, admiring the huge
mountains and vast wilderness of the Chilean fjords, including the Garibaldi fjord - we’ll take our small boats out for a closer look at the two huge glaciers which emerge at the end of the fjord, exploring the area and its wildlife.
Day Six - Friday 2 March 2018 Tierra del Fuego Today we’ll reach the notorious Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America, at the northern boundary of the equally infamous Drake Passage, and legendary among seafarers. It’s an area known for high seas and challenging conditions, but - if the weather is good - we will go ashore on the headland.
Days Seven to Eleven - Saturday, 3 March to Wednesday, 7 March 2018 - Antarctica Having passed Cape Horn, and crossed Drake’s Passage, today we arrive in Antarctica! There will be daily landings and ice cruises in several places, and this will no doubt be a magical experience you’ll never forget. With our daily landings, we’ll have the opportunity to explore this remarkable area in the safest, most flexible and comfortable way possible. Each day during our time in Antarctica, we’ll come ashore to meet the locals penguins and fur seals - perhaps have fun in a kayak, or join the expedition team for a hike. Possible landings include Half Moon Island, boasting some of the most photogenic and spectacular Antarctic
7
2016. The ship is perfectly built and designed to meet the needs of modern explorers, with an ice class IC rating and advanced technology, and an impressive amount of science equipment to broaden the minds of those sailing, there’s also a strong emphasis on comfort, too, and she is characterised by the large, twostorey panoramic lounge above the bow, and huge expanses of glass throughout, which are just perfect for observing the splendour of the Chilean fjords and the Antarctic wildlife and landscapes we’ll be sailing to. Like the other expedition ships in Hurtigruten’s fleet, MS Midnatsol uses the mid-level deck for landing craft, making it easier and safer to enter the landing craft, while the top decks are free from cranes to make the most of the best observation points on the ship - after all, you wouldn’t want to miss a thing in Antarctica!
scenery, Neko Harbour, in the innermost part of Andvord Bay, Paradise Harbour, which got its name from the whalers of the past as they would seek shelter from the worst of the storms here, Yankee Harbour, and Cuverville Island, where you’ll find a large colony of Gentoo penguins. However, wherever we land, we will be surrounded by some of the most astonishing and unique landscapes in the world, as well as incredible bird and wildlife. At this time of year, there will be hundreds of penguin chicks to admire, and possibly whales in the waters too! There will also be lots of time onboard to take in the informative and fascinating lectures given by the expedition team, and MS Midnatsol boasts a well-equipped science centre, to enrich your time onboard and find out more about this utterly fascinating region. Of course, you can always enjoy the views out on deck from the warmth of the whirlpool!
Day Twelve - Thursday, 8 March 2018 - At Sea Leaving Antarctica behind, we have a day at sea to spend leisurely, recapping our experiences and sharing stories, photos and films, or simply relaxing on deck, or enjoying more of the onboard explorer programme.
Days Thirteen to Fifteen Friday, 9 March to Sunday 11 March 2018 Falkland Islands We’ll spend some time in the Falkland Islands as we continue our way back to South America. We’ll be in slightly warmer latitudes, so look out for the sleep over party out on deck everybody is invited to! During our visits to the Falkland Islands, we’ll be reminded somewhat of home with the red buses and English-style pubs in the capital of Stanley on day thirteen, while there are also various excursions on offer in the
8
Days Sixteen and Seventeen Monday, 12 March and Tuesday, 13 March, 2018 - At Sea As we reach the end of our voyage, we’ll continue sailing, first crossing the infamous Drake Passage - sometimes referred to as ‘the Drake Shake or the Drake Lake’, depending on weather conditions (predominantly the former) - before sailing along the Argentinian coast. On day seventeen, the last evening onboard, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner with our new friends and expedition team.
Days Eighteen to Twenty Wednesday, 14 March and Saturday, 16 March, 2018 Montevideo, Uruguay to UK We’ll arrive in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo, where it’s time to bid farewell to MS Midnatsol, her crew and expedition team. We’ll be staying overnight at the NM Montevideo, set in the heart of the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), surrounded by the district’s neo-classical and art deco structures, and close to the beach. Today, we’ll enjoy a Montevideo Highlights Tour, joining a guide to explore the city’s historic monuments, beautiful parks and eclectic mixture of colonial and modern. Later tonight, there’s the option to join us for a memorable tango performance and three-course dinner at the Primusem, itself a fascinating building dating back to 1870 and housing an unique collection of over 500 pieces. Our Southern Hemisphere Adventure sadly draws to a close on day nineteen, as we transfer to the airport for an overnight, indirect, flight back to the UK, arriving on day twenty - but what an unforgettable adventure we would’ve shared together!
9
Falklands to hike, kayak, or visit the penguins, seals and elephant seals ashore. On day fourteen, we’ll pass an old shipwreck as we head ashore on New Island, which, with its sandy white beaches and turquoise waters, could be mistaken for a Caribbean island... although the temperature is a bit of a giveaway!
Antarctica: What you need to know
On this voyage, you’ll be travelling to one of the most remote and isolated places in the world, and perhaps choosing to try activities such as kayaking and hiking. It’s the coldest, driest, highest, windiest, and cleanest continent on the planet, and about 98% is covered in ice. It’s technically a desert, with only about 200mm (or 8inches) of precipitation annually along its coast, and even less inland. It’s only possible to journey to Antarctica during the austral summer, between November and March. Although, despite being ‘summer’, temperates are still at or below freezing! We’ll be exploring Antarctica late February-early March, one of the best times for spotting whales and fur seals. By this time, the penguin chicks, which hatched in mid/late-December, are beginning to moult, and you’ll find busy, noisy (and smelly) penguin colonies, a few weeks before the penguins head back to the waters. What you need to bring Travelling across the world to the final frontier, this is an exciting and extraordinary expedition, and to help you pack like an explorer, we’ve drawn up a pack-list to prepare you for the Antarctic: • Passport (and copy of passport) • A camera and a memory card with a large capacity – you’ll be taking tons of photos of the landscapes and wildlife! You can re-charge your photo equipment using sockets in your cabin • Extra batteries for your camera, as battery life is shorter in cold areas • A pair of good binoculars, or rent a high quality pair from the shop onboard • A small waterproof backpack (for carrying essentials) • Sun protection (factor 30+), and sunglasses with UV-filter lenses • Lip salve with UV Protection – protect your lips from getting chapped by dry, cold wind and the sun • Money in the correct currency - Ashore you may require the Chilean peso in Chile, the Falkland Islands pound, and the Uruguayan peso. Onboard, the ship accepts cards rather than cash, and prices are debited in Norwegian Krone • Sufficient medication to last through any unforeseen delays
10
Clothing and footwear: • Wind and water resistant trousers, long thermal underwear and top (wool is recommended) • Warm cap or headband • Swimwear … for the on-deck whirlpools • Scarf or fleece tube • Warm woollen jumper and fleece jumper/jacket – top tip: layers are essential in the Antarctic • Gloves and mittens, fleece and wool • Shoes with good soles are recommended for use outdoor on deck and ashore – make sure they’re worn-in walking boots • Extra shoelaces come in handy • Warm socks • Summer clothes for while we’re in South America You’ll also receive a wind and water resistant parka as a memento, and rubber boots for Antarctica landings are provided free of charge onboard.
11
Please note that you will be required to send a doctor’s letter confirming your fitness - this letter must be completed within six weeks of sailing!
Upcoming escorted tours with SOUTHERN SPLENDOUR OF INDIA Join Bella on our exclusive small group escorted tour
LAST FEW PLACES
Highlights Include: Chennai – Pondicherry – Tanjore – Madurai – Stay in a houseboat & cruise Kerala’s Backwaters - Meet local fishermen in Cochin – Watch traditional martial arts and Kathakali Dance Performances – and much more!
18 to 30 March 2017 - 13 days
From £2398pp
Jewels of Japan
TOKYO - FUJI FIVE LAKES - MOUNT FUJI - BULLET TRAIN TO KYOTO HIROSHIMA & MIYAJIMA AND MORE!
