ANTARCTIC POLAR CIRCLE AIR-CRUISE

Itinerary

Day 1:
VAE staff welcomes you in Punta Arenas, Chile. Transfer to your hotel and attend a briefing that provides important information about your voyage and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers from around the world.

N.B.: Passengers should plan to be in Punta Arenas at 15:00 hours, at the latest.
Pick-up at the Punta Arenas airport and transfer to the hotel cannot be guaranteed for travellers arriving later than 15:00 hours.

Day 2:
A smooth two-hour flight takes you efficiently from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel.

Days 3 to 8:
Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment. From the glass-enclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink.

The goal of the expedition is to sail far south in the attempt of reaching the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team sets the specific voyage route based on local conditions, and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places.
Each voyage is unique and each is crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.

Day 9:
Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight to Punta Arenas. The program ends upon arrival at the airport in Punta Arenas.

Transfer to the city will be available for passengers staying overnight in Punta Arenas. One complimentary hotel night in Punta Arenas is offered upon request on Day 7 of the Travel Program.
 

INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM:

· Flights according to the itinerary
· Ship cruise
· Accommodation with full board
· All drinks on board
· Shore excursions
· Lectures and onboard entertainment
· Loan of boots for landing in Antarctica
· Transfer from/to airport/hotel according to the itinerary
· Comprehensive pre- and post- departure information

Not included in the rate

· Accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the Travel Program and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage.
· Personal insurances.
· Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
· Tips (suggested USD 10 per person per day).
· Visas or Passport expenses and/or any other arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.

 

 

Baggage allowance

The maximum weight allowed on the flights to and from Antarctica is 20 kg per passenger, including hand luggage. Exceeding luggage will be kept in custody by VAE and will be returned to passengers upon their return from Antarctica at the port/airport of arrival corresponding to each voyage.

 

Medical insurance

VAE requires participants to be adequately covered by a medical insurance, including aero-medical evacuation from Antarctica.

 

Cancellation insurance

VAE strongly urges participants to be adequately covered by a cancellation insurance.

 

Itinerary

Every effort will be made to adhere to the planned program. However, it must be realized that with this type of adventurous travel to Antarctica, changes to the itinerary may occur due to severe and unpredictable weather. We need to emphasize the fact that weather conditions are unpredictable and that safety is always the paramount concern on any Antarctic voyage. For this reason VAE reserves the right to change the itinerary here described due to weather conditions or other factors beyond VAE's control without consulting the participants.

 

Flight Connexions

A tight time-schedule connection with an Antarctic expedition is unwise. For this reason VAE strongly suggests that a flexible air ticket be held for your journey home and in any case not to book a flight on the same day of the return flight from Antarctica.

 

After your Antarctic trip, we recommend the beautiful Torres Del Paime national park which is close by to Punta Arenas & Ushuaia. Please see http://cape-horn.net/patagonia.html This will give you  plenty of wildlife, culture and scenery!

Here are some testimonies from some of our passengers: http://www.victory-cruises.com/chile_testimonials.html#xxi