Antarctica Cruise: The Peninsula (2009/2010)

Sail aboard the all-suite Clelia II, one of the most luxurious small ships cruising the Antarctic waters. Your expedition leaders are among the most experienced in the field, and your resident naturalists and scientists comprise a truly astonishing assortment of expertise and intellect. Beginning and ending in Buenos Aires, this expedition includes five full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula region, a high level of comfort and an unrushed, quality itinerary.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA

Depart from the United States for Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Day 2: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to the Palacio Duhan - Park Hyatt hotel for the night. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after the flight or to explore Buenos Aires on your own.

Day 3: Buenos Aires / Ushuaia / Embarkation

Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, a small Patagonian city set on the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Darwin Cordillera, glaciers, and forests of southern beech. Upon arrival, transfer to your ship. As the Clelia II navigates the Beagle Channel, enjoy a spectacular vista of glaciers and green-misted mountains.

Days 4-5: At Sea

Attend lectures by naturalists and study leaders as Corinthian II sails through the Drake Passage and crosses the Antarctic Convergence, where the cold waters of the Southern Ocean override the warmer waters to the north. Albatross and cape petrels are among the birds that accompany the ship on its passage.

Days 6-10: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula

Enjoy five days exploring the pristine wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands. The Peninsula is a narrow finger of land that separates the ice-choked waters of the Weddell and Bellingshausen Seas. As Corinthian II sails through scenic waterways, witness a breathtaking panorama of icebergs, blue glaciers, and jagged, snowcapped mountains. Aboard the ship?s fleet of Zodiacs, cruise among ice floes, land at penguin rookeries, and visit with scientists at research stations. Although the itinerary varies according to local ice and wind conditions, you may land at such places as Petermann Island, where humpback and minke whales are often sighted offshore; Paradise Bay, the habitat of gentoo and chinstrap penguins and leopard and Weddell seals; and Deception Island, known for its volcanically heated hot springs. Voyages through the magnificent Lemaire, Neumayer, Errata, and other protected channels are also scheduled?never to be forgotten.

Days 11-12: At Sea

Watch for whales and seabirds, enjoy onboard lectures and the amenities of the ship as Clelia II makes the 600-mile return trip to Ushuaia.

Day 13: Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembarkation / Buenos Aires

Disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, connect with flights to the United States.

Day 14: USA

Arrive in the United States.