Road Scholar : Antarctica: Expedition to an Ethereal World - Argentina/Antarctica

Antarctica: Expedition to an Ethereal World

Program Number:

20765RJ

Start and End Dates:


	12/29/2012 - 1/12/2013;

Duration:

14 nights

Location:

Argentina/Antarctica

Price starting at:

$9,995.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city

Program Type:

Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Small Ship Cruising

Meals:

36; 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 11 Dinners

Meal Options:

Vegetarian

Join a team of expert naturalists and lecturers to explore the pristine wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula, a narrow finger of land separating icy seas. This voyage takes place during the austral summer, when the days are long and relatively mild, when seabirds are courting and massive icebergs thaw into beautiful sculptures of brilliant form and color.

Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day; uneven and potentially slippery terrain. Landings by Zodiac boat.

Itinerary At-a-Glance

Ushuaia (Argentina), 2 nights; aboard Corinthian II, 10 nights.

Day 1: Overnight flight from the U.S.A.

Days 2-3: Arrival Buenos Aires (Argentina) / flight to Ushuaia:

Journey to �the end of the world,� a city surrounded by jagged mountains and glaciers. Take a catamaran excursion on the Beagle Channel, named for the ship Charles Darwin sailed on. Celebrate New Year�s Eve with a special dinner. Lodging: Resort hotel.

Day 4: Tierra del Fuego National Park / embark Corinthian II:

Explore this national park�s dramatic wilderness before boarding the ship.

Days 5-6: At Sea:

Take part in lively lectures as you sail through the Drake Passage toward Antarctica. Look for the whales and seabirds that may accompany the ship on its passage.

Days 7-11: Antarctic Peninsula:

Follow a flexible itinerary based on wind and ice conditions that allows you to see the best of the Antarctic Peninsula. Witness a breathtaking panorama of icebergs, blue glaciers and snow-capped mountains. Board Zodiacs to see penguin rookeries up close and visit scientific research facilities. Possible landing sites include Paradise Harbour, where humpback and minke whales are often sighted offshore; Petermann Island, the habitat of Gentoo and Adelie Penguins; and Deception Island, known for its volcanically-heated hot springs.

Days 12-13: At Sea:

Continue to enjoy onboard lectures and observe wildlife as you make your return to Argentina.

Day 14: Ushuaia / disembark / departure

Corinthian II

Corinthian II is a deluxe yacht accommodating all guests in 57 suites amidst an atmosphere of effortless elegance and easy conviviality. All suites feature sea views, are a minimum of 225 square feet, and are appointed with fine furnishings and thoughtful amenities.

Meals and Lodgings
	Novotel Hotel
		In Flight	1 night
	Las Hayas Resort Hotel
		Ushuaia, Argentina	2 nights
	Corinthian II
		Corinthian II, At Sea	10 nights

Novotel Hotel
	Type:	Hotel
	Description:	Novotel Buenos Aires is ideally located in the heart of Buenos Aires, on the prestigious Avenida Corrientes, next to the Tribunales district. Only two blocks from the Obelisk, it is surrounded by the city's main theaters and cultural attractions. At Patio#378, you will discover our restaurant, bar and outdoor patio with swimming pool, sauna and fitness center. It is an oasis of calm in this bustling city. For business guests, there are function rooms, a business center, free Wi-Fi and a private car park. Buenos Aires is one of Latin America's main destinations and business hubs. The hotel is two blocks away from the Obelisk in the business and commercial district of the city, surrounded by the best cultural and tourist attractions the city has to offer.
	Ship Information:	N/A
	Contact info:	Av. Corrientes 1334 C1043ABN BUENOS AIRES Buenos Aires, Argentina phone: +54 (11) 4370 9545
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes

Las Hayas Resort Hotel
	Type:	Hotel
	Ship Information:	Not a Ship.
	Contact info:	Luis Martial 1650 - (Camino al Glaciar) Ushuaia, Argentina phone: +5429014307108
	Room amenities:	The Beeches is equipped with the latest technology: locks and safes with magnetic cards, sheets and towels 100% cotton imported from Portugal, towels thread Peruvian Luxury Suites, 100% pure wool blankets, thermal windows (licensed Bayer Germany), air conditioning through thermostatic valves, the latest European technology of fire prevention
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes

Corinthian II
	Type:	Cruise Ship
	Description:	The deluxe Corinthian II is an all-suite yacht accommodating up to 114 guests. Built in 1992 and refurbished and redecorated in 2005, it has 57 suites. This small ship offers several advantages that mass cruiseliners cannot match. It can dock or anchor almost anywhere and are not limited to large commercial ports. The Corinthian II can slip into small towns and tiny fishing villages. The ship's 75 officers and crew ensure personalized service.
	Ship Information:	Length: 297 feet / Beam: 50 feet / Draft: 12 feet / Gross Tonnage: 4, 200 / Suites: 57 The Corinthian II is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology and with retractable fin stabilizers.
	Contact info:	Travel Dynamics International 132 East 70th St. New York, NY 10021 USA phone: 800-257-5767 web: www.traveldynamicsinternational.com
	Room amenities:	Individually Controlledl A/C, Sea view, Satellite TV, DVD/CD player, Telephone, Mini-refrigerator, Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries, 225 square feet or more, 24-hour room service, safe.
	Facility amenities:	Afternoon Tea and all day coffee in The Club, Library with Internet access, Lounge with audiovisual facilities, wraparound sundeck with Jacuzzi, Exercise room, Beauty Salon, Medical facilities with available doctor, Dining room, Elevator serving all passenger decks, Swimming platform.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes

Travel Details
	Start of Program: The program starts in Buenos Aires, Argentina at 8:00 pm at the program hotel You will be staying at Novotel Hotel that night.
	End of Program: Program ends in Ushuaia, Argentina early in the morning on board the ship You will be staying at Corinthian II the night before.
	Required documents: The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A passport for U.S. Citizens is required and must be valid 6 months beyond the program end date. IMPORTANT: As of January 7, 2013, Argentina will now require all tourists from the U.S., Canada, and Australia who arrive to Argentina by airport, land, or cruise to pre-pay a Reciprocity Fee ($160 USD) via the internet prior to arrival and to have a printed copy of the receipt showing payment. Previously, this reciprocity fee was only charged to tourists arriving at one of the two Buenos Aires airports (Ezeiza and Aeroparque). This fee is now required prior to entering through any of the countrys borders. The payment must be made online before arrival into the country: 1)Enter the website www.migraciones.gov.ar or www.provinciapagos.com.ar of Provincia Pagos and register to start the process. 2)Complete the form with the corresponding personal and credit card information. (the fee is now $160 US dollars and is subject to change, your payment will automatically be converted and sent in Argentine Pesos depending on the conversion rate that day) 3)Print and save the Payment Receipt. 4)On arrival in Argentina, this printed receipt must be presented at Immigration Control. The receipt will be scanned by Immigration officials, the information will be checked, and the travelers entry to the country will be registered. Thank you for your attention to these details. If you have any questions, please call the Road Scholar Program Department at 1.866.359.5966 or email us at info@roadscholar.org
	Parking availability: n/a

Transportation		(For Independent Travelers)

	Train or bus availability:	Taxis are available from the airport

	To Start of Program
	Location:	Ushuaia
	Transportation to site:	ALL participants who booked their air through Road Scholar and will be arriving on Dec 29th at the Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) will be provided a transfer from the airport to the Novotel Hotel.

	From End of Program
	Location:	Corinthian II
	Transportation from site:	All participants will be provided a transfer from the cruise port in Ushuaia to the Ushuaia International Airport on January 11th.

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

Departure from the US for flights to Buenos Aires.
(Saturday, December 29)

Morning:	Flights from the US to Buenos Aires
Evening:	Arrive in Buenos Aires. Group transfer to the Novotel Hotel for the night.

Accommodations:

Novotel Hotel

Day 2:

Early morning flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
(Sunday, December 30)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the Novotel hotel
Morning:	Transfers from the Novotel Hotel to the Jorge Newbery Airport for flights to Ushuaia. Upon arrival in Usuaia, you will be met by a Road Scholar / Travel Dynamics International Representative, and transfered to the the Las Hayas Resort Hotel, beautifully situated amidst beech forests below the mountain of the Martial Glacier. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group and group leader
Lunch:	Lunch at the Las Hayas Resort
Afternoon:	Join your group leader and fellow Road Scholar participants for a group orientation and group dinner.
Dinner:	Dinner at the hotel

Accommodations:	Las Hayas Resort Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3:

Ushuaia
(Monday, December 31)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	Take a half-day tour aboard a catamaran along the Beagle Channel to view Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and the nearby Sea Lion Island. Continue to Bird Island, home to Magnificent, Imperial, and Magellan cormorants; Fullman and Giant petrels; and other seabirds
Lunch:	Lunch on your own.
Dinner:	In the evening, join fellow expedition members for a special New Year's Eve dinner celebration.

Accommodations:	Las Hayas Resort Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:

Ushuaia
(Tuesday, January 1)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel
Morning:	Explore the Tierra del Fuego National park. The southernmost protected region of Argentina, this splendid wilderness is celebrated for its stunning scenery. Ride to Ensenada Bay and take a short walk to view Redonda and Estorbo Islands, backed by the snow-white mountains of Chile's Sampaio Chain. Continue to Lake Roca, the Green and Black Lagoon, and Lapataia Bay.
Lunch:	Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon:	Continue to the pier to embark on Corinthian II and sail. As the ship navigates the Beagle Channel, enjoy a spectacular vista of glaciers and misted mountains.
Dinner:	Dinner on board the ship.

Accommodations:	Corinthian II
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:

At Sea
(Wednesday, January 2)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board the ship.
Morning:	Sail the Drake Passage and cross the Antarctic Convergence. Educational program of lectures or discussions by accompanying guest lecturers offered.
Lunch:	Lunch on board the ship.
Afternoon:	Shiboard activities and lectures continue
Dinner:	Dinner on board the ship.

Accommodations:	Corinthian II
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6:

At Sea
(Thursday, January 3)

Note: Traveling to Antarctica requires flexibility. The ship's itinerary is heavily dependent upon local weather, wind and ice conditions. The intinerary provided is only meant to be a representation of where you will stop, and may change at any time.

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board the ship.
Morning:	Spend the day at sea; educational program of lectures or discussions by accompanying guest lecturers offered.
Lunch:	Lunch on board the ship.
Afternoon:	Weather permitting, we expect to make our first landing in Antarctica this afternoon.
Dinner:	Dinner on board the ship.

Accommodations:	Corinthian II
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:

Antarctic Peninsula & Islands
(Friday, January 4)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board the ship.
Morning:	Enjoy five days exploring the pristine wilderness of Antarctica. As you sail through scenic waterways, witness a panorama of icebergs, glaciers and jagged, snow-capped mountains. Aboard the ship's Zodiacs, cruise among ice floes, explore penguin rookeries and visit with scientists at research stations. Although the itinerary varies according to local ice and wind conditions, we plan to land at such places as Paradise Harbour, where humback and Minke whales are often sighted offshore, Petermann Island, the habitat of Gentoo and Adelie Penguines; and Deception Island, known for its volcanically-heated hot springs. Voyages through the magnificent Lemaire, Errera, Neumayer, and other protected channels are also planned.
Lunch:	Lunch on board the ship.
Afternoon:	Continue the exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Dinner:	Dinner on board the ship.

Accommodations:	Corinthian II
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8:

Antarctic Peninsula & Islands
(Saturday, January 5)

Breakfast:	Breakfast onboard
Morning:	Continue discovering the Antarctic Peninsula.
Lunch:	Lunch on board the ship.
Afternoon:	Continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.
Dinner:	Dinner on board the ship.

Accommodations:	Corinthian II
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9:

Antarctic Peninsula & Islands
(Sunday, January 6)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board the ship.
Morning:	Continue exploring and viewing the wildlife on the Antarctic Peninsula and its islands.
Lunch:	Lunch on board the ship.
Afternoon:	Continue the excursion of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Dinner:	Dinner on board the ship.

Accommodations:	Corinthian II
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10:

Antarctic Peninsula & Islands
(Monday, January 7)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board the ship.
Morning:	Continue discovering the Antarctic Peninsula.
Lunch:	Lunch on board the ship.
Afternoon:	Continue discovering the Antarctic Peninsula.
Dinner:	Dinner on board the ship.

Accommodations:	Corinthian II
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11:

Antarctic Peninsula & Islands
(Tuesday, January 8)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board the ship.
Morning:	Continue discovering & viewing the wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Lunch:	Lunch on board the ship.
Afternoon:	Continue with the excursion of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Dinner:	Dinner on board the ship.

Accommodations:	Corinthian II
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12:

At Sea
(Wednesday, January 9)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board the ship.
Morning:	Whale-watch and enjoy lectures and the ship's amenities as you make the 600-mile return trip to Ushuaia.
Lunch:	Lunch on board the ship.
Afternoon:	Shiboard activities and lecture program continue.
Dinner:	Dinner on board the ship.

Accommodations:	Corinthian II
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13:

At Sea
(Thursday, January 10)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board the ship.
Morning:	Spend the day at sea cruising towards Ushuaia, Argentina; educational program of lectures or discussions by accompanying guest lecturers offered.
Lunch:	Lunch on board the ship.
Afternoon:	Shipboard activities and lectures continue
Dinner:	Dinner on board the ship.

Accommodations:	Corinthian II
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14:

Ushuaia / Disembark / Fly to U.S.
(Friday, January 11)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board the ship.
Morning:	Disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

13 nights accommodations
36 meals: 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 11 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 5
Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 4
Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.

Plus these special experiences...

2-night stay in Ushuaia at Las Hayas Resort Hotel, with welcome dinner and breakfast
All meals aboard ship, including house wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Travel Dynamics International expedition leader, cruise staff, and trip directors
Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated program arrival and departure dates

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes