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23018
Argentina/Antarctica

Wildlife in a Frozen Wonderland: The Antarctic Peninsula

Adventure Afloat Study Cruise
Expedition
Ocean Atlantic
The Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula
Wishlist
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Call “Land Ho!” as the glaciers of Antarctica rise out of the distance and step into in the other-worldly landscapes and spectacular wildlife for the ultimate learning adventure.
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Program No. 2301860MEADV-0119
Length
13 days
Starts at
10,699
Ocean Atlantic
The Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula
Argentina/Antarctica

Wildlife in a Frozen Wonderland: The Antarctic Peninsula

Call “Land Ho!” as the glaciers of Antarctica rise out of the distance and step into in the other-worldly landscapes and spectacular wildlife for the ultimate learning adventure.
Adventure Afloat Study Cruise
Expedition
Activity Level
Length
13 days
Starts at
10,699
Program No. 23018 60MEADV-0119
climate
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Cancel & Transfer Fees Transfer & Cancellation Fees
Transfer & Cancellation Fees
Deposit at Enrollment: 1,000
Final payment due: 480 days before departure date

Cancel & Transfer Schedule

Should you transfer or cancel, apart from the fees described below, you will also be responsible for any penalties we would incur for non-refundable transportation arrangements made on your behalf.

Note: These fees apply to at least one date of this program, but may vary by date.

Fees

less than 120 days prior to program start date

Transfer: 100 % of order total

Cancel: 100 % of order total

179 to 120 days prior to program start date

Transfer: $1000.00

Cancel: $1000.00

up to 180 days prior to program start date

Transfer: $500.00

Cancel: $500.00

Fees Transfer Cancel
less than 120 days prior to program start date 100 % of order total 100 % of order total
179 to 120 days prior to program start date $1000.00 $1000.00
up to 180 days prior to program start date $500.00 $500.00

If Road Scholar Cancels a Program

Road Scholar reserves the right to cancel programs either prior to departure or while in progress and to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s sole opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action. Additionally, due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances, Road Scholar must occasionally cancel or revise the dates of a program. When that occurs we will notify you as far in advance as possible and will assist you in transferring into another program or refunding your full program payment. If you have made transportation arrangements, such as an airline ticket purchase, Road Scholar will give you a voucher to help cover the cost of transferring your travel arrangements for use on a replacement program. The maximum value of the voucher will be $250 and documentation of your paid fees is required before issuance of the voucher.

Program Pricing

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities at a remarkable value. We do everything in our power to ensure that the published program price is the price you pay. On occasion, costs we can’t anticipate and that are beyond our control arise and may be passed along to you. If this occurs, we will let you know as soon as possible.

About Program Details and Itineraries. We do all we can to finalize all aspects of our programs — including itineraries — well in advance, but logistics occasionally must be altered. Our website reflects the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than three weeks before the start of programs within the U.S. If you have questions about your program, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Terms & Conditions

Responsibility. These Terms govern the relationship between you and Elderhostel, Inc., d/b/a Road Scholar. By enrolling in a program with us, you agree to be bound by these Terms; please be sure to read them carefully and make sure you understand them.

Road Scholar’s responsibility is limited. Road Scholar organizes, promotes, and sells educational programs consisting of certain travel services, including land, air, and water transportation, excursions, and cruise/barge/hotel accommodations that Road Scholar purchases or reserves from various suppliers (collectively, “Suppliers”). Road Scholar neither owns nor operates any of these Suppliers; they are independent contractors and are not Road Scholar’s agents. Therefore, Road Scholar is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any Supplier or any other third party. You agree that you will look to such Suppliers, and not to Road Scholar or its agents, for any accident, injury, property damage, or personal loss you may suffer.

Without limitation, Road Scholar is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay, or inconvenience in connection with the provision of, or failure to provide, any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from — but not limited to — acts of God or force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or the failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Road Scholar.

Safety and Risks: Certain risks — from natural disasters to accidents, outbreaks of illness, crime, insect-borne and other infectious diseases, environmental risks to health, terrorism and other unforeseen events — are inherent in travel. While such occurrences are beyond our control, we make substantial efforts to be prepared for such possibilities. Participants are encouraged to review the safety and travel information provided by the U.S. Department of State’s travel site at www.travel.state.gov to learn about current security issues, travel advisories and warnings, and other helpful destination-specific information. By enrolling in a program, you agree to assume responsibility for your own health, safety and welfare, and acknowledge that Road Scholar cannot guarantee your health or safety at any time.

Disabilities and Special Needs: Road Scholar is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to participants with special needs and disabilities. If you have special needs requiring accommodation, please communicate them to Road Scholar at the time of enrollment. We will discuss your request with you and make every effort to accommodate your needs.

Admission and Participation Policy: The granting or denial of admission to a program is within the sole discretion of Road Scholar. Road Scholar may revoke admission or limit or terminate participation at any time if, in the opinion of Road Scholar, a participant’s condition, behavior or actions are problematic, inappropriate or disruptive. Road Scholar reserves the right to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s sole opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action.

Photography: Road Scholar reserves the right to take photographs or videos during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them, whether taken by a representative of Road Scholar or by other participants, for promotional purposes. By enrolling in a Road Scholar program, participants agree to allow their images to be used in such photography; participants who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to program staff and the photographer at the commencement of their program.

Your Registration Options

Program With Airfare. Most International programs have an option for you to purchase Road Scholar-provided airfare. When you purchase your airfare with Road Scholar, airport transfers at the beginning and end of the program are included unless otherwise noted.

Program Only. You can purchase the program only and arrange airfare yourself. Our Program Only option begins at the first hotel listed on the itinerary and ends at the last hotel and includes all internal flights during the program. Airport transfers at the beginning and end of the program #[u may not] be included. Please read your Program Preparatory Materials for more information.

Airport Transfers. Airport transfers are included at no extra cost when you secure your air through Road Scholar on International programs outside of North America. Airport transfers are designated transfers between the airport to the start and end location of the program, on program start and end dates only. For “Program Only Participants,” ground transportation to and from each program varies based on the destination. If the program has a group transfer, you may avail yourself of the designated group transfer if your flight schedule aligns and there is space available. There may or may not be an additional charge. If the program does not have a group transfer, as a “Program Only” registrant you must make private arrangements.

Airline Fees. Whether you purchase your airfare independently or through Road Scholar, you may be subject to additional airline change or cancellation fees, especially if you cancel or transfer 10 weeks or less prior to departure.

Please be advised that the airlines you are traveling on as part of a Road Scholar program may impose additional fees for services provided upon check-in and while in flight. These fees may include (and are not limited to) such services as checked luggage, specific seat requests, beverages, meals and in-flight entertainment options. Any such fees imposed for services offered by the airlines are not included in your program gateway price and are payable directly to the airline while traveling.

Arranging Your Own Airfare

We highly recommend you purchase your airfare through Road Scholar. However, in most cases, you can make your own travel arrangements if you prefer. If you do, you will be responsible for transferring from the airport to the starting location of the program and returning to the airport upon conclusion of your program. Additionally, if Road Scholar must alter the program in a way that affects flight schedules, you will be responsible for changing your flight plans accordingly, which may involve airline fees.

If you are arranging your own flights, you should enroll using the Program Only Participant (POP) departure city category. For your protection, please do not make your airline reservations until you receive your final information packet from Road Scholar. If you cancel or transfer, you may be subject to airline change penalties. If your Road Scholar program includes internal flights within the program or other non-refundable program components, you will be responsible for those change or cancellation fees.

Optional Trip Protection Plan
13 days
12 nights
29 meals
10B 9L 10D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
2
Arrive Ushuaia, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Ushuaia
3
Tierra del Fuego National Park, Embark Ocean Atlantic
Aboard the Ocean Atlantic
4
At Sea, Drake Passage
Drake Passage
5
At Sea, Drake Passage
Drake Passage
6
South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands
7
South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands
8
Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula
9
Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula
10
At Sea, Drake Passage
Drake Passage
11
At Sea, Drake Passage
Drake Passage
12
Arrive Ushuaia, Disembark, Program Concludes
In Flight
13
In Transit From Program
In Flight
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Conquer the Drake Passage, sailing from the tip of South America to a frozen wonderland with no permanent human population. Watch mountains and ice shelves rise out of the Antarctic Ocean towards the sky as the sun unveils the final continent discovered by human beings. Aboard a modern expedition ship, discover the Antarctic beauty by Zodiac and foot. Join seasoned naturalists, biologists and historians on a thrilling learning adventure to Earth’s frozen desert, stepping onto the northern islands and bays of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Best of all, you'll ...

  • Ride in Zodiacs to step foot on the Antarctic continent and visit penguin rookeries, research stations and awe-inspiring lookouts.
  • See and learn about the adaptations that allow wildlife — seals, whales, penguins and more — to thrive in the frozen Antarctic.
  • Marvel at the dramatic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego with local experts, as mountain peaks reach towards the sky and glaciers calve into the ocean.

General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Search for a Title
End of the Earth, Voyaging to Antarctica
by Peter Matthiessen
In this fine book, the result of two voyages, Matthiessen captures the magic of polar landscapes and wildlife, along with the camaraderie of a ship-based polar expedition.
The Antarctic Book of Cooking and Cleaning, A Polar Journey
by Carol Devine, Wendy Trusler
An insightful miscellany from a 55-person environmental cleanup expedition in Bellingshausen, Antarctica. The authors’ travelogue is supplemented by 42 recipes, anecdotes, journal entries, vignettes and captivating photography.
Antarctic Explorer Map
by Ocean Explorer
A full-color map of the Antarctic Peninsula, including Tierra del Fuego, the Falklands and South Georgia, at a scale of 1:2,750,000. With a map of the Antarctic continent on the reverse.
Lonely Planet Antarctica
by Lonely Planet
Alexis Averbuck, author of the new edition of this compact and surprisingly handy guide, expands coverage of Ushuaia, the Falklands and South Georgia. With a wildlife guide and contributions from 26 Antarctic experts on the history, geology, wildlife and future of Antarctica.
Antarctica, A Call to Action
by Sebastian Copeland
Copeland's collection of striking photographs includes a three-page list of sensible suggestions to protect the planet.
Southern Light, Images from Antarctica
by David Neilson
Photographer David Neilson has turned his six journeys to the ice over the last 20 years, often with the Australian Antarctic Program (and sometimes lugging a 30-pound large format camera), into a coffee-table tribute to the continent and its wildlife. Includes 130 color and 100 rich black-and-white oversized photographs, gate-folds and double-page spreads that portray the drama and beauty of the Antarctic.
The Heart of the Great Alone: Scott, Shackleton and Antarctic Photography
by Sophie Gordon, David Hempleman-Adams, Emma Stuart
Here in one handsome book are hundreds of haunting photographs by Herbert George Ponting and Frank Hurley, drawn from the albums they created during the two most famous Antarctic explorations. The stunning images are accompanied by lively essays, maps, paintings and other ephemera from the Royal Collection
Frozen in Time, Murder at the Bottom of the World
by Theodore Jerome Cohen
A scientist with the 16th Chilean Antarctic Expedition in the 1960s, Professor Cohen turns his experiences and actual events from the time into a novel with a strong setting at Deception Island and the South Shetlands.
Forgotten Footprints, Lost Stories in the Discovery of Antarctica
by John Harrison
A frequent lecturer aboard expedition ships to the Antarctic, John Harrison mixes his own adventures with tales of the seamen, sealers, whalers and plain lunatics who have journeyed to the Ice to make their fame and fortune. He focuses not on Shackleton, Scott and Amundsen but lesser-known tales of the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetlands and Weddell Sea.
Antarctica, A Guide to the Wildlife
by Tony Soper
Designed for the field, this compact handbook features all the species of birds, seals and whales the traveler is likely to encounter on an Antarctic voyage.
Antarctic Wildlife
by James Lowen
Produced by a shipboard naturalist, this handy identification guide focuses on the Beagle Channel, Drake and Peninsula regions.
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Recommended Adventures

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13 days
12 nights
29 meals
10 B 9 L 10 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive Ushuaia, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Ushuaia
D
Cilene del Faro Suites & Spa

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: After completing arrival procedures, meet the Road Scholar Group Leader outside the arrivals hall and transfer to the hotel for check in. After some time to freshen up and relax, we will gather as a group for Program Orientation. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Meals aboard ship, prepared by a professional chef, feature international cuisine with coffee, tea, and water included; other beverages available for purchase. Breakfast and lunch are buffets, dinner is plated and served a la carte. Expedition style Road Scholar Afloat programs have flexible schedules. They utilize ships that are more rugged than traditional sailing vessels. Designed to venture into remote landscapes, they enable us to seek opportunities for getting up close to nature. The itinerary may change daily based on weather and sailing conditions. The ship’s educational staff includes experts with knowledge related to the program theme who will lead field trips and give presentations. The schedule that follows is a tentative representative outline. Changes in the schedule, including ports of call, can be expected due to weather and other local conditions. Updates will be provided aboard ship. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: We will walk to a nearby hotel for dinner and order from a select menu with choice of main course and dessert plus a glass of wine and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Prepare for check-out and transfer to the ship tomorrow.

DAY
3
Tierra del Fuego National Park, Embark Ocean Atlantic
Aboard the Ocean Atlantic
B,L,D
MV Ocean Atlantic

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach several times during field trip. Walking short distances; boardwalk, unpaved ground.

Breakfast: At the hotel, choose what you like from the breakfast buffet that includes coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we will board a motorcoach for an expert-led field trip to Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego — Tierra del Fuego National Park — approximately 7.5 miles west of Ushuaia. This was Argentina’s first shoreline park. Native forests of lengas, coihues, ñires, canelos, and mossy foliage are home to guanacos, foxes, and muskrats. Short trails follow the southern edges of the park, providing scenic views of the Ensenada and Lapataia Bays, and the famous Beagle Channel. Sea birds are abundant along the coast and include albatross, terns, geese, ducks, and gulls. Also be on the lookout for condors, Magellanic woodpeckers, and Austral conures. A 5-mile trail that leads west from Bahia Ensenada passes through an area of archaeological importance with grass covered shell mounds left by the Yamaná (a.k.a. Yahgan) inhabitants hundreds of years ago.

Lunch: In a local restaurant, we will order from a select menu with choice of a main course and dessert plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Next, we will transfer to the port and board the Ocean Atlantic for 9 nights. After completing boarding procedures and getting your cabin, take some time to start becoming familiar with the ship. There will be a mandatory passenger briefing and safety drill before departure.

Dinner: In the dining room aboard ship, there is one open seating our for our la carte dinner with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase. Road Scholars are invited to sit together as a group on our first night out. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, we will always have three meals a day. Hours of operation will be posted around the ship, as they are subject to change based on the activities planned for each day.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know the ship and your fellow Road Scholars.

DAY
4
At Sea, Drake Passage
Drake Passage
B,L,D
MV Ocean Atlantic

Activity note: At sea for the day and night.

Breakfast: In the dining room aboard ship, choose what you like from the breakfast buffet.

Morning: Our adventure begins with a 400-mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th-century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The Ocean Atlantic is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded, never-ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. At some point on the second day at sea we will cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer sub-Antarctic water moving in the opposite direction. It is the largest biological barrier on earth and is marked by a change in temperature, salinity, and nutrient levels. The north flowing Antarctic waters predominantly sink beneath southward moving sub-Antarctic waters. While further south associated areas of mixing and upwelling creating an ocean very high in marine productivity. When we pass this zone, we have entered the most nutrient rich waters on earth— the Southern Ocean. The best way to experience wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out.

Lunch: In the dining room aboard ship, choose what you like from the lunch buffet.

Afternoon: As we make the passage, we will have time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library, and lecture hall where we will meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff. Everyone is invited to attend lecture and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region. Tea and coffee are available in the lounge.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. You might like to check out the library that offers a wide range of multilingual books ranging from fiction to travel literature. You can curl up with a book, watch a DVD, and broaden your understanding of the region's history, flora, fauna, climate, scientific contributions, and more.

DAY
5
At Sea, Drake Passage
Drake Passage
B,L,D
MV Ocean Atlantic

Activity note: At sea for the day and night.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will continue crossing the Drake Passage. Wandering Black-browed and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Prion's and Cap Petrals are among some of the species of seabirds that may join us on your journey as we cross into Antarctica.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: The onboard educational programming will continue as we cross the Drake Passage.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Gym facilities and a sauna are available.

DAY
6
South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands
B,L,D
MV Ocean Atlantic

Activity note: Getting in/out of Zodiac boats, walking in icy conditions, all depending on weather.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This is what we've all been waiting for: a chance to explore and step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next six days, we will navigate southwards, making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through to the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while we navigate through the area, but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions we encounter. All excursions will be via Zodiacs, the famous inflatable boats used throughout the world.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: We will continue exploring the South Shetland Islands.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Gather with fellow Road Scholars to share and compare experiences of the day.

DAY
7
South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands
B,L,D
MV Ocean Atlantic

Activity note: Getting in/out of Zodiac boats, walking in icy conditions, all depending on weather.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: As we continue to explore the South Shetland Islands, our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while we navigate through the area, but the itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: We will continue to explore the South Shetland Islands.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula
B,L,D
MV Ocean Atlantic

Activity note: Getting in/out of Zodiac boats, walking in icy conditions, all depending on weather.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will begin to explore the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while we navigate through the area, but the itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: We will continue to explore the Antarctic Peninsula.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
9
Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula
B,L,D
MV Ocean Atlantic

Activity note: Getting in/out of Zodiac boats, walking in icy conditions, all depending on weather.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will continue to explore the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while we navigate through the area, but the itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Our exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula will continue.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
10
At Sea, Drake Passage
Drake Passage
B,L,D
MV Ocean Atlantic

Activity note: At sea for the day and night.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we will leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching, whale watching, and some final lectures by our expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia. Remember, the best way to experience wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions, and Whales.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Our educational program will continue as we cross the Drake Passage.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
11
At Sea, Drake Passage
Drake Passage
B,L,D
MV Ocean Atlantic

Activity note: At sea for the day and night.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Our educational program will continue as we cross the Drake Passage.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Our educational programming at sea will continue.

Dinner: Aboard ship. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation after arrival in Ushuaia and departure in the morning.

DAY
12
Arrive Ushuaia, Disembark, Program Concludes
In Flight
B

Activity note: Disembarkation is scheduled to begin at approximately 8:00 a.m. after arrival in Ushuaia. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: After completing disembarkation procedures from the ship, we will transfer to the airport. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

DAY
13
In Transit From Program
In Flight





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