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Classic Antarctica
HIGHLIGHTS
• Explore highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
• Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by the onboard polar experts
• Experience abundant wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales
• Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic, with an optional paddling excursion
• Travel safely and comfortably aboard an ice-strengthened vessel
FACT FILE
• 11 days
• Start and finish in Ushuaia, Argentina
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board included
• Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
• Pre-cruise hotel on a shared basis with breakfast included
• An expedition parka to keep
• Activity Level: 1
FROM: $10,847 USD
DATES, PRICES & AVAILABILITY
ACCOMMODATIONS
Travel aboard an ice-strengthened vessel
COMFORT NOTES
Seas can be rough when crossing the Drake Passage
ElderTreks Clients receive a bonus $250 shipboard
credit on select sailings
Antarctica offers so many extraordinary things to see and do, and traveling with
Quark Expeditions offers multiple options to personalize your experience. We’ve
designed this guide to help you identify what interests you most, so that you can
start planning your version of the perfect expedition to the 7th Continent.
If this is your first visit, our classic Antarctic Explorer voyage gives you the best of
the stunning Antarctic Peninsula. Conquer the famed Drake Passage in your choice
of stabilized, polar-class vessels; explore majestic natural environments by Zodiac,
kayak or on foot; get excellent views of penguins, whales and other wildlife; and
enjoy talks on history, biology and glaciology by onboard polar experts. You can
personalize your adventure with options that suit your interests, and cross the 7th
Continent off the list—your way.
Detailed Itinerary
Click the PDF icon to download the
Classic Antarctica detailed itinerary
DAY 1: USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Enjoy the mountains or sample handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
Overnight at a hotel in Ushuaia.
DAY 2: USHUAIA, EMBARKATION DAY
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be on the world’s most southern continent!
Overnight on board the ship.
DAY 3 - 4: CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife, or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
Overnight on board the ship.
DAY 5 - 8: SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS & ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.
Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or consorting with chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy.
Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier.
Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.
Overnight on board the ship.
DAY 9 - 10: CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team and celebrate the experiences shared exploring Antarctica.
Overnight on board the ship.
DAY 11: DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure onward or catch your flights home.
FAQ's
HOW BIG ARE THE GROUPS?
The World Explorer is a 172 passenger vessel and the Ocean Explorer is a 138 passenger vessel.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE?
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout the voyage. Free beer, standard wines, spirits and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner. Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock. An expedition parka to keep. A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and zodiac cruising excursions. Complimentary WiFi service on one device permitting basic internet browsing. Emergency evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person. Group transfer in Ushuaia from the airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1. Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day. Group transfer upon disembarkation from ship to airport or luggage storage.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE?
International flights; government arrival and departures taxes; insurance covering baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical; mandatory waterproof pants for zodiac landings; laundry, spa and personal charges; phone charges; voluntary gratuity for expedition staff and shipboard crew; additional overnight accommodation; adventure options (ie. kayaking); arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated.
ARE THESE "EDUCATIONAL" TOURS?
There will be a variety of guests, expedition leaders and staff onboard who are ready and willing to share their knowledge of the region, geology and wildlife.
HOW DO WE TRAVEL DURING THE TOUR?
We cruise on our vessel and often use zodiac’s for our adventure excursions.
WHAT ARE OUR ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?
The ship offers interior and exterior cabins. All cabins have private washroom facilities, a phone for
internal calls, radio, TV and air-conditioning. There are a variety of cabin categories available ranging from 9-30 m2 (100-320 sq ft). Please call for pricing and cabin availability.
WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?
We travel during the northern summer season. In general, we can experience temperatures between 0°C (32°F)
WHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?
A non-refundable deposit of 30% (plus insurance if you require it) is due at time of booking and will reserve your place on the adventure. Payment of the full land cost is due 190 days before departure. Cancellation charges are applicable and are outlined in the "Terms and Conditions" section of our brochure.
IS MEDICAL INSURANCE REQUIRED?
Emergency evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person is included. Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance is not included and strongly recommended. ElderTreks offers comprehensive travel insurance with Manulife for Canadian guests, and John Hancock for American guests. Please CLICK HERE to view and purchase your insurance policy today. If you are purchasing insurance elsewhere, please ensure you provide the details to ElderTreks as soon as possible.
WHAT SHOULD I TAKE ON THE TOUR?
There is a detailed “What to Take” list in our Trip Kit, which we will send to you after you have booked the trip.
WHAT MEALS ARE INCLUDED?
Daily buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.
CAN YOU ARRANGE MY FLIGHTS?
We would be happy to take care of your air arrangements. ElderTreks offers personalized flight
itineraries, not group flights. Stop over enroute, come in a few days early, or extend your stay. Call us
for a customized itinerary.
WHAT IF I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION?
If you have any further questions about the adventure, please call our office for more details.
A Trip Specialist will be happy to answer your questions. A Trip Kit containing further details on
the destination will be sent to you once you have booked the trip.
Dates & Prices
All Prices currently listed in USD
*Single Supplement is the additional amount applied to the cost of the trip to those who are travelling solo and do not wish to share.
