Description

From South America…
From the moment you land in Buenos Aires, the exotic adventures begin. Discover “Paris of south America” with our city tour, enjoy tango lessons, explore wild Patagonia or see one of the world’s greatest waterfalls, Iguazu Falls, with our extensive pre-programme. Then your Antarctic adventure starts as you sail out of Ushuaia. Crossing the Drake Passage might be a bit rough, but this is true wilderness, where nature rules. The feeling of leaving civilization behind, and going somewhere where few others have gone before can be exhilarating and exciting.

…to the Deep South
Antarctica is where you will be in the midst of the mighty frozen wastes of the south. Here we will attempt to do landings at several places. Penguins, seals, whales and large flocks of sea birds give life to this surrealistic and beautiful landscape. We will bring you on shore to experience some of the most unique wildlife viewing while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. You might also get a chance to kayak in the icy waters of Antarctica. And while on board our comfortable ship you can hear presentations by experts in Antarctica’s rich history, so that you can get even more out of what you will experience along the way.

Stunning fjords and Cape Horn
After crossing the Drake Passage again, we arrive at Cape Horn. This is a mystical place where to oceans meet. We might even go ashore here. We continue into the fjords of Chile. This wild and remote area seems almost untouched by humans, with mountains plunging into icy waters. The steep valleys with snow-capped mountains make a striking contrast to an otherwise green area that is rich so in wildlife.

Enjoy the natural beauty of Patagonia
We continue to sail along the Chilean Pacific coastline that is filled with snow-tipped volcanoes that is reflected in beautiful lakes, raging rivers and lush vegetation, and visit one of the most scenic national parks in the world. Enjoy this vast, rugged and beautiful landscape, before the expedition ends in colourful Valparaiso.

Please Note: your voyage rates include Economy flight Buenos Aires to Ushuaia

Trip Name

Patagonia to Antarctica expedition - Northbound

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 114m Passenger Capacity: 276 Built: 2007 MS Fram is designed for sailing in polar waters, holds the highest safety standards and is the perfect size for optimum nautical manoeuverability and guests' comfort. With space for only 276 guests, you are sure to get to know many of your fellow travellers. You will share stunning sights and memories of a lifetime long after returning home. The Norwegian word Fram means ‘forward’ – lifting expectations of the voyage at hand. MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind - to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. As well as offering numerous lounges in which to relax, our more active guests can use our well-equipped gym. Meanwhile, on deck, our Jacuzzis guarantee you surreal memories when passing the towering icebergs of Antarctica or Greenland.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 - The vibrant capital of Argentina

Enjoy an overnight hotel stay in Buenos Aires, and discover its enchanting combination of European flair and Latin American charm.

Day 2 - Day 2 - Embarking the expedition

After your flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, MS Fram is ready to take you south and beyond.

Day 3 - Day 3 - The Drake Passage

The infamous Drake Passage is where two oceans meet. As we cross what is known as either the Drake Lake or the Drake Shake, (depending on conditions), fascinating presentations will be given about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic. You will also be acquainted with our measures to protect this vulnerable environment.

Day 4 - Days 4 - 9 - The white wonder that is Antarctica

This unending, white wilderness of a continent is full of overwhelming impressions on an impressive scale. Weather, wind and ice conditions will of course have a great influence on our programme and schedule and your experienced expedition team will select possible landing sites that will provide you with the best experiences available. With long hours of daylight that we have in Antarctica this time of the year it is easy to make the most of your days. While in Antarctica, we will attempt to land on sites both on the South Shetland Islands and on the Antarctic Peninsula. Flexibility allows us to take advantage of the unexpected and wildlife will be at the forefront of our mind. We will bring you on shore for close up exploration. We might call at the Gentoo penguin rookeries on Cuverville Island and Neko Harbour. We hope to sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel and take on the challenging hike on Petermann Island to get rewarded with panoramic views. Another fun destination if weather permits is Port Lockroy, an old British base with a museum. Sailing through the Antarctic Sound offers spectacular views of tabular icebergs and glacial landscapes, and Brown Bluff has a distinct rock formation. Our sturdy PolarCirkel boats will enable us to go ashore almost anywhere and explore bays and channels. The expedition team will explain what you see and ensure we do as little as possible to disturb the local wildlife. Enjoy experiencing Antarctica with all your senses. Kayaking in untouched waters with icebergs floating by, guided hikes up snowy pathways to spectacular viewing points, listening to the sounds of glaciers calving or penguins squabbling, spending the night on deck or in a tent on this remote and untouched continent, or perhaps for the most daring, taking the polar plunge swim. Every day will be different, carefully crafted by our expedition team to educate you and create lasting memories.

Day 5 - Days 10 - 11 - Drake Passage and Cape Horn

After magnificent days exploring Antarctica, we head north and make our way back to the South American continent. As we reach the southernmost tip of South America, we will land on Cape Horn if the conditions allow it. Going ashore can be very difficult because of the sometimes-extreme weather in this area. This is the southernmost point of Chile and lies almost 56 degrees south, marking the boundary between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the northern end of the Drake Passage. The region is of great significance on account of its location, history, discoveries and trade routes. If we are able to anchor off Cape Horn, you will be able to go ashore to explore this deserted and yet romantic piece of land at the end of the world.

Day 6 - Day 12 - A paradise for nature enthusiasts

The Chilean fjords´ deep channels, fjords and mountains plunging into the icy water always leave a profound impression on visitors. This wild and remote area seems almost untouched by humans. The ice has scoured its way between the mountains, creating the isolated islands and hidden bays that form the unique fjord landscape of Chile. Snow-capped mountains and steep valleys make a striking contrast to a lush coastline that is rich in wildlife. You might be lucky enough to spot sea lions, Andean condors and several bird species that can only be found here.

Day 7 - Days 13 - 14 - Torres del Paine National Park

Puerto Natales is the gateway to the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most attractive nature sanctuaries in the world. Its main feature is the “towers” themselves; impressive rock formations, called “Torres del Paine” (Towers of Paine). The formations are made up of the Torre Central (9,186 feet high), Torre Sur (9,350 feet) and Torre Norte (7,375 feet). The park features azure lakes, trails that meander through emerald forests, roaring rivers, (which you'll cross on rickety bridges) and one big, radiant blue glacier. Torres del Paine hosts stunning variety, from the vast open steppe to rugged mountain terrain topped by looming peaks. This diversity of environments here has led to the flourish of a wide variety of a fauna and flora. While we are here you might see llamas, pumas, chilla foxes and skunks in addition to more than 100 species of birds like the Andean condor and black-chested buzzard eagle. Enjoy hiking in these amazing surroundings.

Day 8 - Day 15 - A small and isolated village at the end of the fjord

After an unforgettable cruise through Patagonian waters, the unique village of Puerto Edén will enchant you. It is a tiny settlement in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, situated at the end of a deep fjord and surrounded by mountains. Its population of 250 includes the 15 remaining members of the Kawéskar people. There are no roads, only wooden walkways, and electricity is only available during a few hours every day. Puerto Edén is a great place to experience the traditional indigenous culture of Patagonian tribes. The villagers sell fish, mussels and shellfish products, which are taken to markets by a weekly transport boat. For souvenirs, buy traditional Kawéskar crafts such as wicker baskets and boats made from sea lion skins and tree bark. Enjoy a stroll among the laneways, and maybe you will spot one of the many Magellan hummingbirds found here when you join the Expedition team for hiking or kayaking.

Day 9 - Day 16 - Waters of Patagonia

The expedition continues north through the fabled waters of Patagonia. As we sail through iconic Andean seascapes, you have plenty of time to gaze out on the magnificent natural expanse. There might also be trivia contests covering questions about explorer history and Antarctic wildlife. We might also hold auctions to raise money for specific causes. These on board auctions have contributed to the most ambitious habitat restoration project on Earth; South Georgia, protection of the Albatross and maintenance of research stations in Antarctica. With the help of our guests, we will continue to raises funds and awareness of opportunities and challenges in the areas we visit.

Day 10 - Day 17 - Cosmopolitan Castro

Located on Isla Grande de Chiloé, Castro is set among windswept hills and green vegetation. The city is known for its colourful “palafitos”, wooden houses mounted on stilts along the water's edge. Come ashore and enjoy the local Chilote character and curious energy, mixed with a dash of modern development. The Iglesia San Francisco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is a visual delight: bright yellow and orange with a lavender trim. The varnished-wood interior is stunning, illuminated by rows of stained-glass windows. Other sights include Plazuela del Tren, a small plaza right by the waterfront with an odd collection of old trains. A stroll in the Cementerio Parroquial is fascinating, as some of the tombs are quite grand and ornately decorated. Feria Campesina Yumbel is a bustling fruit and vegetable market. There are also household goods and fish stalls here. In the shop Feria Artesanal Lillo, located just south of the port, you can buy excellent hand-knit woolen goods and handicrafts. Most of the restaurants and cafes in Castro are concentrated along the Calle Blanco, running from the southern end of the plaza down to the waterfront, and this is where you can get a taste of the renowned meat, potato and seafood stew. Close to the town is Chiloé National Park, a largely unexplored wilderness hosting rare flora and fauna. The park features wide deserted beaches and long stretches of rugged coastline, and is home to dozens of seabird species, penguins and sea lions.

Day 11 - Days 18 - 19 - Sailing north

As we make our way along the Pacific coast to Valparaiso, we will have a recap of everything we have experienced on this expedition. Make sure you spend some time on deck looking for wildlife.

Day 12 - Day 20 - The “Jewel of the Pacific”

Sadly, every expedition must come to an end. And this expedition ends in the colourful and poetic city of Valparaíso. Maybe you have some time to explore this scenic town before you fly home.

Day 13 - Please Note:

This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather, wind and ice conditions will determine our final schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the sailing itinerary during the voyage. Therefore, this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience, and why every expedition with Hurtigruten is unique.

Start	End	Price From	Room Type
28-02-2019	19-03-2019	GBP £0	Polar Inside. From
28-02-2019	19-03-2019	GBP £0	Polar Outside. From
28-02-2019	19-03-2019	GBP £0	Arctic Superior. From
28-02-2019	19-03-2019	GBP £0	Expedition Suite. From
28-02-2019	19-03-2019	GBP £0	Polar Inside Solo. From
28-02-2019	19-03-2019	GBP £0	Polar Outside Solo. From
28-02-2019	19-03-2019	GBP £0	Arctic Superior Solo. From
28-02-2019	19-03-2019	GBP £0	Expedition Suite Solo. From

Patagonia to Antarctica expedition – Northbound

Patagonia to Antarctica expedition – Northbound

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Itinerary

Trip Dates

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