Patagonia to Antarctica Expedition - Northbound

Description

Exploring the Greatest Wilderness on Earth
After joining MS Fram in Ushuaia, we will cross the Drake Passage to reach the mighty frozen wilderness of Antarctica.

Our expert captain and Expedition Team will attempt landings to see penguins, seals, whales and huge flocks of sea birds in the beautiful landscape. All our activities are carefully planned so as not to disturb the wildlife. There may also be chances to join an optional kayaking tour in the spectacular icy waters.

There is nowhere on Earth that compares with Antarctica. This is an expedition cruise that will live in your memory forever.

Cape Horn and Stunning Fjords
After unforgettable days in Antarctica, MS Fram takes us safely back across the famous Drake Passage. Cape Horn is a mystical place where two oceans meet, and we hope to go ashore here. Next, we sail to one of the most scenic national parks on Earth and then into the stunning fjords of Chile.

This wild and remote area of the world seems almost untouched by humans, with steep mountain walls plunging straight into icy waters. Deep valleys and snow-capped peaks create a stunning contrast with the lush coastal plain, which supports a rich variety of wildlife.

On our way towards colourful Valparaiso, we sail along the pristine beauty of the Chilean pacific coastline, a fitting finale for a truly unique and spectacular journey. After disembarkation, the region offers fantastic Post-programme adventures to extend your trip.

INCLUDED IN YOUR VOYAGE: One hotel night in Buenos Aires before the voyage including breakfast – Transfer hotel to airport in Buenos Aires – Economy flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia – Transfers in Ushuaia incl. an orientation tour.

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: BUENOS AIRES

Explore the `Birthplace of Tango´HotelYour expedition starts with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, the bustling capital of Argentina. We offer an optional city tour. Spend the evening at your leisure and discover the `Paris of South America´ for yourself.

Day 2 - DAY 2: BUENOS AIRES/USHUAIA

Tierra del FuegoFlight & embarkationThe following day, you fly to Ushuaia. The flight leaves Buenos Aires early in the morning, allowing you a few hours to explore Ushuaia or to join an optional excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park, before embarking on MS Fram. In the evening, we will sail through the scenic Beagle Channel.

Day 3 - DAY 3: DRAKE PASSAGE

Crossing the Fabled Drake PassageMS Fram takes us safely across the famous Drake Passage. The voyage from the Antarctic Peninsula to the southern tip of Argentina is roughly 950 km (600 mi) or 40 hours sailing time in good weather. During the voyage south, the Expedition Team will prepare you for your exploration through a series of informative lectures and demonstrations.

Day 4 - DAY 4-8: ANTARCTICA

The White Wonder that is AntarcticaThis pure wilderness of Antarctica is full of overwhelming impressions. The elements rule here, so your Expedition Team will work with the conditions to select the best possible landing sites to create unforgettable experiences on the South Shetlands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Flexibility allows us to take advantage of the unexpected, and wildlife will be at the forefront of our plans.At every opportunity, our Expedition Team will take you out for landings or ice cruising to get close and truly explore Antarctic beauty, while being sure not to disturb the wildlife.Our activities offer you the chance to experience Antarctica with all your senses as we sail remote waters with icebergs floating by, hike up snowy pathways to spectacular views, and listen to the sounds of glaciers calving or penguins squabbling. Every day will be different, and each is carefully designed to create lasting memories.

Day 5 - DAY 9-10: AT SEA

Sailing NorthSailing northbound across the Drake Passage is chance to re-cap on all we have seen and heard in Antarctica. The Expedition Team will continue their lecture programme to prepare you for the delights ahead. Enjoy priming your knowledge about the history and ecosystems of the area. Make sure to spend some time on deck to enjoy the fresh sea air and look out for wildlife.

Day 6 - DAY 11: AT SEA

Cape HornWe will attempt a landing on Cape Horn – the southernmost tip of South America. (Going ashore can be very difficult because of weather in this area). This is the southernmost point of South America, marking the boundary between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Next, we will sail on to the sheltered waters of the Beagle Channel.

Day 7 - DAY 12: CHILEAN FJORDS

A Paradise for Nature EnthusiastsThe glacier-created Chilean fjords are a true highlight, with their deep channels, placid fjords and mountains plunging into the icy water. The snow-capped mountains and steep valleys make a striking contrast to an otherwise lush coastal plain that is rich in wildlife.

Day 8 - DAY 13-14: PUERTO NATALES

Torres del Paine National ParkOvernight stay - 2 full daysThe impressive `Torres del Paine´ (Towers of Paine) rock formation gives the park its name. These peaks: Torre Central, Sur and Norte, create spectacular vistas. Explore the nature sanctuary on our optional excursion.Torres del Paine hosts stunning variety, from the vast open steppe to rugged mountain terrain. The park is home to a wide variety of a fauna and flora - look out for llamas, pumas and foxes in addition to more than 100 species of birds like the Andean Condor.

Day 9 - DAY 15: PUERTO EDÉN

Remote Village at the End of the FjordHalf dayThe village of Puerto Edén in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park will enchant you. This deeply isolated community is situated at the end of a deep fjord and surrounded by mountains. Its population of 250 includes the 15 remaining members of the Kawéskar tribe.

Day 10 - DAY 16: AT SEA

Waters of PatagoniaYour expedition cruise continues south to one of the world’s most remote and beautiful places: the southern province of Ultima Esperanza, meaning Last Hope. This is an iconic Andean seascape of amazing beauty.

Day 11 - DAY 17: CASTRO

Cosmopolitan CastroHalf dayCastro is set among windswept hills and lush vegetation. The city is known for its colourful “palafitos”, wooden houses mounted on stilts along the water's edge. While here, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Iglesia de San Francisco.

Day 12 - DAY 18-19: AT SEA

Sailing NorthHeading towards Valparaiso, you have the chance to relax and enjoy the deep relaxation of a day at sea. The Expedition Team will entertain you with stories of the area, help you to plan your next exploration or show you an interesting creature or two under the microscope in our Science Center.

Day 13 - DAY 20: VALPARAÍSO, CHILE

The `Jewel of the Pacific´Disembarkation - DockedThis remarkable expedition cruise ends in the colourful and poetic port of Valparaíso. One of the best ways of seeing this scenic town is to climb the hills aboard a funicular, which allows sweeping views. We recommend extending your cruise by adding an optional Post-programme to the amazing Atacama Desert.

Day 14 - Please Note:

Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Rare chance to explore Antarctica and Patagonia in one expedition
Opportunity to visit Torres del Paine National Park
Sail into the Chilean fjords and see Cape Horn in full summer
Take part in landings, hiking and ice-cruising in Antarctica