Expedition Itinerary - Epic Antarctica
(December 3 - January 3, 2011) Kapitan Khlebnikov sails half-way around Antarctica, one final time, during this 31-day expedition itinerary. With special guest, wildlife cinematographer Doug Allan, cruise bays where penguins and whales co-exist. THe icebreaker crosses the Antarctic Circle to enter a world of continuous daylight. The cruise itinerary includes the Phantom Coast and the historic huts of the Ross Sea.
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Day 1 - Santiago, Chile
Overnight in vibrant Santiago, Chile, at our centrally located hotel, close to restaurants and shopping.
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Day 2 - Stanley, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
After a flight from Santiago to Stanley, embark the icebreaker to cruise the Southern Ocean to the South Shetland Islands.
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Day 3-4 - At sea
Seabirds accompany the ship to the first landfall in Antarctica. Visit penguin rookeries and cruise among ice floes where seals lounge in the Antarctic summer sun.
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Day 5-8 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Pushing southward, cross the Antarctic Circle to enter a world of continuous daylight. Explore bays ringed by glaciers, where penguins and seals co-exist. The expedition itinerary follows Marguerite Bay into the Bellingshausen Sea.
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Day 9-15 - The Phantom Coast and Amundsen Sea
As Khlebnikov follows the Phantom Coast, we attempt to go ashore on Peter I Island for the final time. Look forward to several adventurous days of breaking through the Amundsen Sea pack ice. The helicopters are deployed so you can witness the power of the icebreaker from the air.
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Day 16-24 - The Ross Sea
Be alert for Emperor Penguins. The water around the Ross Ice Shelf is the habitat of the largest species of penguins. Ross Island is home to the U.S. research base McMurdo Station and to Scott Base, New Zealand's research station. Nearby is Robert Falcon Scott's Discovery Hut (1901-04). Our planned visit is carefully controlled to ensure that the impact of our exploration is negligible.
At Cape Royds, visit another hut associated with the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. Tour the hut after an onboard presentation by our historian.
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Day 25-27 - At Sea
Antarctica is far behind, when the vessel crossed the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary that separates Antarctic waters from the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The zone, which you will encounter during these two days at sea, is about 32 km to 48 km (20 to 30 miles) wide, and lies somewhere between 48° and 61°S.
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Day 29-29 - Macquarie Island
Four species of penguins - Royal, King, Gentoo and Rockhopper breed on the island designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Macquarie is the only place on Earth where white-chinned Royal Penguins are found. Elephant and fur seals laze about on beaches. Australian researchers have been conducting studies on the island for half a century. The island has wonderful boardwalks laid down for visitors. The number of visitors to the island is highly restricted each year to protect the wildlife.
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Day 20-31 - At Sea
Throughout the expedition you have enjoyed fabulous dinners, not the least of which will be the Captain's farewell dinner. This night will be made even more momentous by the fact that the icebreaker will never again semi-circumnavigate Antarctica as an expedition vessel.
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Day 32 - Hobart, Australia
After breakfast aboard, this expedition itinerary ends with a transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.
Extend your stay
You may like to extend your stay
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Full Day Excursions from Buenos Airesfrom $203
Price per personThis is a private tour.
Add a day-long excursion to Uruguay or a visit to an estancia - a working cattle ranch - to your visit to Buenos Aires.
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Buenos Aires Half-Day Excursionsfrom $77
Price per personThis is a private tour.
Add a guided tour by coach or on foot to your Buenos Aires extension.
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Salta & Calchaquies Valleys with overnight in Cafayatefrom $1050
Per person priceBased on twin occupancy
A 3 night, 4 day cultural immersion spiced with the flavors of Argentina and colored by the natural beauty of the country
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San Pedro de Atacama, Chilefrom $1,400
Price per personBased on twin occupancy
3 nights, 4 days in the Atacama region of Chile, where the past comes alive.
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Santiago and Wine Countryfrom $520
Price per personhttp://www.quarkexpeditions.com/node/1575
3 nights, 4 days of the best Chile has to offer.
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Santiago Head Startfrom $500
Price per personBased on twin occupancy
2 nights, 3 days in Santiago, with an excursion to the coast, including a visit to Valparaiso.
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Santiago R&Rfrom $235
Price per personBased on twin occupancy
A 1 night, 2 day quick extension of your Antarctic adventure in Chile`s vibrant commercial capital.
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The Ultimate Southern New Zealand Adventure!from $9,900
Price per personBased on twin occupancy
Spend 7 nights, 8 days on a 5-star adventure that includes a private flight over the Southern Alps and a bush walk through New Zealand`s back country.
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South Island Excursionfrom $4,690
Price per personBased on twin occupancy
Start the thrills of an Antarctic expedition early on this 3 night, 4 day exploration of New Zealand`s South Island. Raft, fly, hike and jet boat!
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Christchurch Immersionfrom $1385
Price per personBased on twin occupancy
3 nights, 4 days amping up the adrenaline on a jet boat and while four-wheeling at a sheep station.
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Christchurch High Countryfrom $705
Price per personBased on twin occupancy
2 nights, 3 days in Christchurch, New Zealand with a side trip to Middle Earth.
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Salta and Humahuaca GorgeFrom $945
3 nights/4 daysPer person, based on twin occupancy
Llamas, Malbec and the Andes Mountains are iconic to Argentina. Quaint mountain villages and colonial architecture are also essentials when you extend your stay in northern Argentina. This package delivers it all.
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Salta & Calchaquies Valleys with Overnight in Cachi$960
Per person, based on twin occupancy
This cultural immersion is spiced with the flavors of Argentina. You will trek on foot through Los Cardones National Park.
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Salta & Calchaquies Valleys & Overnight in El CalafateFrom $1050
3 nights/4 daysPer person, based on twin occupancy
This is the package for the traveler who is happy only when using all five senses: taste, smell, sight, touch and hearing!
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Argentina's Wine Country & Andes Mountain HikeFrom $1505
3 nights/4 daysPer person, based on twin occupancy
This is the package to choose if you enjoy physical activity as well as the sensual pleasures of wine tasting.
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Argentina's Wine Country & Andes MountainsFrom $1315
3 nights/4 daysCost per person, based on twin occupancy
During this trip, you visit a winery, where a sommelier leads you through a tasting of the regional wines.
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Iguazu FallsFrom $460
2 nights/3 daysPer person, based on twin occupancy
UNESCO has designated Iguazu Falls a World Heritage Site. They are considered one of the natural wonders of the modern world.
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Iguazu Falls and Yacutinga LodgeFrom $900
3 nights/4 daysPer person, based on twin occupancy
2 nights lodging at the private eco-reserve Yacutinga Lodge with full board, plus 1 night in Puerto Iguazu and admission to Iquazu National Park.
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El Calafate - Gateway to Los GlaciaresFrom $700
3 nights/4 daysPer person, based on twin occupancy
El Calafate is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, and Perito Moren Glacier.
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El Calafate and Adventure DomesFrom $1060
3 nights/4 daysPer person, based on twin occupancy
Minimal Environmental Impact - Major Adventure in El Calafate. Amazing contrast between the desert and the mountains of Los Glaciares National Park.