Rex Travel ~ Abercrombie & Kent -- Antarctica

ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLAND ISLANDS
with Abercrombie & Kent 20 days / 19 nights

Antarctica, South Georgia, & the Falkland Islands. copyright A&K Add a visit to the rugged shores of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands to your Antarctica adventures.

Select departures include a unique photo enrichment program aboard MV 'Minerva.' Professional photographer Richard Harker joins the expedition cruise staff to lend his expertise to 'Minerva' passengers, of all levels of experience and ability. He also offers one-on-one sessions to address specific questions and issues and conducts informative on-board lectures as part of the existing enrichment curriculum that features birding, marine biology, history and geology.

Please note that the overall ship schedule dictates the availability of all lecture / enrichment programs and is always subject to change. In the event that a cruise departure conflicts with Richard's existing schedule, an alternate photography expert may be substituted on certain departures.

the A&K Advantage:

Peace of mind with A&K on-site office in Buenos Aires providing support 24/7

Immediate check-in on Day 2 at your hotel in Buenos Aires regardless of arrival time (unlike most other tour operators), to ensure your holiday begins with comfort and ease

Spacious accommodations and state-of-the- art comfort aboard 'Minerva' (formerly 'Explorer II')

Complimentary parka and backpack

Open bar on board (excepting premium spirits)

Smoother Drake Passage crossing, courtesy of ship's stabilizers

All gratuities included

Post-cruise journal of your voyage

Double bottom hull ice class vessel with an ice rating (Italian RINA Class 1-D) that exceeds the requirement for operating safely in Antarctica

Equipped with the latest navigation, communication and safety equipment, including a GMDSS emergency communication system and a satellite weather system, receiving real-time satellite images of weather and ice conditions

Lifeboats are enclosed and equipped with survival gear, blankets, food and water

Chosen by Conde Nast Traveler as "the world's best expedition ship"

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: USA or Canada / Buenos Aires, Argentina
Depart on your overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Day 2: Buenos Aires
Arrive this morning and transfer to your hotel, where immediate check-in has been arranged. Take time to relax before this afternoon's optional city tour that shows you the highlights, including the Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada, the Cabildo and the Metropolitan Cathedral. You may drive past the colorful La Boca District or San Telmo, the birthplace of the sultry tango.

Get to know your fellow adventurers this evening at a welcome cocktail reception.
InterContinental Buenos Aires: B

Day 3: Buenos Aires / Ushuaia, Argentina
Fly to Ushuaia at the southern tip of South America. You have time for some sightseeing and a traditional Patagonian barbecue lunch.

This afternoon, board your ship and settle in for a first night on the water. Familiarize yourself with the ship, and you may even want to toast your journey in the Wheeler Bar.
'MV Minerva' (formerly 'Explorer II'): B, L, D

Day 4: at Sea
Your journey to the Falkland Islands is an exciting one, as you join the captain on the bridge or spot wildlife from the deck. The waters here are rich in krill, making them a favorite with local wildlife searching for food.
'MV Minerva': B, L, D

Antarctica with Abercrombie & Kent Days 5 - 6: Falkland Islands
West Falkland and its surrounding islands are scantly inhabited by people and remain mostly unspoiled. Depending on local conditions and the discretion of your captain and expedition leader, landings may include the opportunity to see New Island or Carcass Island.

Spend time leisurely hiking to penguin rookeries and other unspoiled wildlife habitats or perhaps stroll the village streets of Stanley. This tiny capital is a quaint town of small shops and brightly painted houses.
'MV Minerva': B, L, D

Days 7 - 8: Cruising the South Atlantic
As the ship approaches South Georgia, deck-side sightings of whale, seal and other wildlife become more frequent. Informative lectures - as well as casual talks with your guides - soon have you scanning the seas like an expert.
'MV Minerva': B, L, D

Days 9 - 11: South Georgia
South Georgia is actually a nearly submerged continuation of the Andes mountain range, and your days here are spent exploring its glacier-carved coves and rugged shores. Weather permitting, enjoy a visit to impressive Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay or Gold Harbour, home to a vast colony of stately king penguin. You also have the opportunity to retrace part of the route taken by Ernest Shackleton during his historic crossing of South Georgia Island in 1916.
'MV Minerva': B, L, D

Days 12 - 13: Cruising the Scotia Sea
Lecturers recap your adventures in South Georgia while the ship passes through waters rich with marine mammals and fish.
'MV Minerva': B, L, D

Days 14 - 16: Antarctica
As conditions permit, the ship's itinerary calls for landings on the Antarctic Peninsula and a number of South Shetland Islands including Half Moon, Penguin and Deception Island. Other possible island visits may include Cuverville, Paulet and Goudier Island. There are also plans to sail through Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, with additional opportunities for exploration, including a stop at a scientific research station.
'MV Minerva': B, L, D

Days 17 - 18: Drake Passage
Return through Drake Passage where there are more chances to observe marine and birdlife. You may also want to compare notes on your journey with your fellow travellers, either on deck or in one of 'Minerva's' comfortable gathering spots.
'MV Minerva': B, L, D

Day 19: Ushuaia, Argentina / Buenos Aires
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport.
B

Day 20: USA or Canada
Connect to a homebound flight.

Due to the nature of expedition cruising, this itinerary is subject to change based on weather, ice, wildlife and other conditions beyond A&K's control.

OPTIONAL EASTER ISLAND EXTENSION

Explore Easter Island landscapes dotted with towering stone heads and learn about the Rapa Nui people who created them, on a five-day journey to one of the world's most remote islands.

Day 1: Santiago / Easter Island
Board a flight crossing 2,500 miles of Pacific Ocean to Easter Island where a traditional floral collar reception welcomes you before the short transfer to your hotel.
Hotel Otai

Easter Island Extension with Abercrombie & Kent Days 2 – 4: Easter Island
During one of Polynesia’s cultural apexes about 1,000 years ago, the island’s people built hundreds of huge stone heads (moai) and fashioned a cult around the mysterious “Bird Man.” But clan warfare, over-population and declining resources took their toll and today, only the staring heads and Bird Man bas-reliefs are left to tell the story. Fortunately, you can visit the quarry where moai were created and hundreds of statues in various stages of completion stand, including Ahu Te Pito Kura, the largest moai ever erected on an ahu (platform). You can also take in Easter Island’s natural beauty with scenic walks to Rano Raraku’s volcanic crater or have a bush lunch on the shore at Anakena with its stunning beaches.
Hotel Otai: B, L (B only day 3)

Day 5: Easter Island / Santiago
Board your return fl ight to Santiago and connect to your onward journey.
Hotel Otai: B

OPTIONAL CHILEAN WINE COUNTRY EXTENSION

Explore wineries and small family vineyards on this fascinating three-day extension.

Day 1: Santiago / Colchagua Valley
Visit several of Chile’s prestigious vineyards, sampling wines aged to perfection throughout the scenic Colchagua Valley, a winemaking sub-region of the Rapel Valley.
Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza: L, D

Day 2: Colchagua Valley
Experience huaso (Chilean cowboy) culture this morning at Hacienda Lolol, where you can ride horses, hike or visit nearby ruins. Continue to the Museum of Colchagua to see one of Chile’s largest and most impressive displays of paleontology, archaeology and pre-Hispanic art. Go off the beaten path this afternoon to Espiritus de Colchagua, a family-run, small-scale producer of organic liqueurs made from local fruits, nuts and herbs. Sample some of the 50 “elixirs,” ccompanied by a selection of dried fruits, cheeses and breads while the owner describes the philosophy behind the production process.
Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza: B, L, D

Day 3: Colchagua Valley/Santiago
After breakfast, visit one of Chile’s most beautiful vineyards: Viña Montes. A privately hosted wine tasting is followed by lunch before your transfer back to Santiago.
B, L

OPTIONAL BUENOS AIRES & IGUAZU FALLS EXTENSION

Experience lush forests, unique species and spectacular scenery on this three-day extension.

Day 1: Buenos Aires / Iguazu Falls
Fly to Iguazú Falls and explore the Brazilian side of the falls for spectacular panoramic views. The 275 breathtaking cascades span a gulf of almost two miles. Join your guide on a walking tour through the National Park of Iguazú to a catwalk that is just an arm’s reach away from the falls.
Sheraton Internacional Iguazú

Day 2: Iguazu Falls
Visit the Argentinean side of the park to walk the trails above and along the falls. Beautiful flowers, ferns, tropical plants, butterflies and exotic birds add to the exciting experience of this close encounter with Iguazú. Later, an all-terrain vehicle takes you through the jungle along the Yacatariá trail, culminating in a Zodiac excursion up the Lower Iguazú River. The remainder of your day is at leisure to relax or enjoy the hotel’s amenities.
Sheraton Internacional Iguazú: B

Day 3: Iguazú Falls / Buenos Aires
Today board your flight back to Buenos Aires.
B

OPTIONAL BARILOCHE EXTENSION

Enjoy the many activities available in this scenic northwestern Patagonian region.

DAY 1: Buenos Aires / Bariloche
Board a flight to Bariloche and transfer to your hotel located between Lake Moreno and Lake Nahuel Huapi, at the foot of snow-capped peaks.
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort

DAY 2: Bariloche
This morning, explore Bariloche on a sightseeing tour and enjoy some of the most attractive scenery in Argentina. Visit the Llao Llao Peninsula, beautiful Lopez Bay and the Cerro Campanario chairlift, offering spectacular views of the valley below. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the hotel’s facilities.
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort: B

DAY 3: Bariloche
Today is at your leisure. Choose from the variety of optional activities offered at the lodge including hiking, mountain biking, archery, tango lessons, horseback riding and spa treatments.
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort: B

DAY 4: Bariloche / Buenos Aires
Transfer to the airport for a flight back to Buenos Aires.
B

2009 & 2010 Departure Dates & Prices
Depart from the U.S. or Canada

Date	SB - Standard	B Standard	SA - Standard	A Standard	SP - Superior	D - Deluxe	S - Suite	OS - Owner's Suite
December 17, 2009 - January 5, 2010	$12,395 $ 3,100*	$13,395 $ 3,300*	$15,395 $ 4,500*	$15,995 $ 5,300*	$19,395 $ 9,300*	$23,295 $16,700*	$25,995 $24,800*	$31,595 $30,500*

January 2 - 21, 2010	$11,995 $ 3,000*	$12,695 $ 3,200*	$13,995 $ 4,100*	$14,695 $ 4,400*	$16,995 $ 8,100*	$19,495 $13,900*	$22,695 $21,600*	$29,695 $28,605*

January 28 - February 16, 2010	$11,995 $ 3,000*	$12,695 $ 3,200*	$13,995 $ 4,100*	$14,695 $ 4,400*	$16,995 $ 8,100*	$19,495 $13,900*	$22,695 $21,600*	$29,695 $28,605*

February 13 - March 4, 2010	$11,995 $ 3,000*	$12,695 $ 3,200*	$13,995 $ 4,100*	$14,695 $ 4,400*	$16,995 $ 8,100*	$19,495 $13,900*	$22,695 $21,600*	$29,695 $28,605*

*Single Supplement
INTERNAL AIRFARE: Economy Class				$ 650

OPTIONAL EXTENSION PRICING

Extension	Double Occupancy	Internal Airfare Economy Class
Easter Island	$1,995	Santiago / Easter Island / Santiago: On Request
Chilean Wine Country	$2,130
Buenos Aires & Iguazu Falls	$1,265	Buenos Aires / Iguazu / Buenos Aires: $770
Bariloche	$2,255	Buenos Aires / Bariloche / Buenos Aires: $1,140

Abercrombie & Kent - Antarctica
Antarctica | the Minerva | Staterooms | A&K Special Offers

Itineraries:
Classic Antarctica | Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands | Antarctica, South Goergia, the Falkland Islands & South Atlantic

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