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 Day
1
We depart on our Aerolineas Argentinas flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Day 2
We arrive in the morning and transfer to the Intercontinental Hotel. The rest
of the day is at leisure to relax, with lunch and dinner on our own.
Day 3
Fly to Ushuaia for a sightseeing tour of this southernmost city in the
world. Here 'Explorer' waits at dockside; we embark this afternoon and
settle in for our first night on board.
Days 4-5
The journey southward toward Antarctica is an exciting one, as we join
the Captain on the bridge or spot wildlife from the deck - these
krill-rich waters are a particular favorite with marine mammals and
seabirds.
Days 6-10
As the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands appear on the
horizon, a sense of excitement and expectation begins to build. A first
Zodiac expedition is swiftly followed by others, 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, to explore islands filled with thousands of penguins, to
photograph nesting grounds of seabirds, and to cruise iceberg-strewn
passageways of breathtaking beauty.
As conditions permit, we plan to land on the Peninsula and on a number
of islands, which may include the South Shetland Islands - including
Deception Island, and possibly the rarely visited east side of the
Peninsula. We also hope to sail through breathtaking Paradise Bay and the
Lemaire Channel, with other possibilities for exploration including 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's time to stroll the deck and gaze at the
seascapes in the lingering light of an austral summer twilight.
Days 11-12
Our return through the Drake Passage is a time for recap and reflection,
as we compare notes with our lecturers, and bird- or whale-watch from the
deck.
Day 13
After breakfast, we disembark 'Explorer,' heading out to explore the busy
port city of Ushuaia. Today we have time to sightsee and shop at our leisure
before we proceed to the airport to board our flight to Miami via Buenos
Aires.
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