Antarctic Charter JANUARY 2017
Discover the
White Continent‌
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Remote, inaccessible and harsh, yet utterly beguiling, long has Antarctica’s incomparable scenery, exotic cast of wildlife and rich history beckoned the intrepid traveller.
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Why Discover Antarctica with Steppes? We are very excited to be offering an exclusive Steppes Travel cruise to Antarctica, in conjunction with Telegraph Tours. We were one of the first UK Tour Operators to offer holidays to Antarctica and we have drawn on our experience to put together this charter to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula. This has been many months in the planning and we believe we now have the essential components in place; namely the right ship, the right itinerary, the right partners, the right team on board and of course departing at the right time of year. We believe this to be the ultimate Antarctic cruise. For more information and details please visit our website steppestravel.co.uk or better still, call one of our experts on 0808 163 3736. We look forward to you joining us on our charter in January 2017. Justin Wateridge Managing Director
Antarctica Charter Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula 25th January – 17th February 2017 This is undeniably one of the world’s greatest voyages combining the history and variety of The Falklands, the extraordinary density of wildlife of South Georgia, finishing with Antarctica itself as the ‘jewel in the crown’. The emphasis of our charter will be to get off the ship and get Antarctic snow on your boots, maximising the extended daylight hours with the opportunity to take part in a range of activities as well as learning about the fascinating natural history and the history of polar exploration. This is the most far-reaching and encompassing polar expedition itinerary.
Men Wanted For Hazardous Journey Discoveries made during the so-called ‘’heroic era’’ of Antarctic exploration began in the early 1900s with Robert Falcon Scott, Roald Amundsen and Ernest Shackleton leading expeditions into the heart of the continent. Undeniably, they paved the way for the thousands of journalists, artists and travellers that followed. Shackleton’s trans-Antarctica expedition of 1914-17 is one of the greatest stories of survival and leadership. Few accounts in history convey a journey filled with so many remarkable lessons in preparation, ingenuity and grit, especially so in the pioneering exploration of Antarctica. We are very excited at the prospect of following in Shackleton’s footsteps whilst on our charter and attempting to make a landing on Elephant Island. Moreover, whilst on South Georgia, you will have the opportunity to visit Shackleton’s grave and raise a toast to “The Boss’’.
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Sir Ernest Shackleton’s name will for evermore be engraved with letters of fire in the history of Antarctic exploration. - Roald Amundsen
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START YOUR JOURNEY 0808 163 3736 // antarctica@steppestravel.com
Activities
On this voyage, your days will be spent exploring in the company of expert guides – including naturalists, marine biologists, ornithologists, professional photographers and adventurers. Cruise in the Ioffe’s inflatable Zodiac boats which will allow for exceptional encounters with wildlife. For adventurers there is ample opportunity to explore on long hikes ashore, or by sea kayak. You can also spend a night out in a bivi (or tent) on the ice under a blanket of stars (weather permitting) and if you’re feeling brave, take part in the polar plunge.
The Akademik Ioffe An ice strengthened expedition ship We wanted to secure the perfect ship for your Antarctic cruise and in the Akademik Ioffe, we believe that is exactly what we have. Designed as a scientific research vessel, she is stable, quick and manoeuvrable – making your crossing of the Drake Passage that much more comfortable. Thanks to an ongoing programme of refits and refurbishments the Ioffe is comfortable and well-equipped for expedition cruising. Life on board is made congenial by a separate bar and lounge, a library, a theatre presentation room, wellness centre and a gym. With a maximum of 100 passengers, less time is spent waiting to get on and off the boat and thus maximising your time exploring Antarctica by zodiac, kayak and foot. The staff and crew of the Ioffe have years of experience - between them they have seen over 20 million penguins - in operating safe, informative and exhilarating Antarctic experiences.
Ship Specifications Registered name: Akademik Ioffe Built: 1989, Rauma, Finland Length: 117m Breadth: 18.2 m Draft: 6 m Power: Twin engine, 5,000Kw diesel, twin propeller Max speed: 14.5 kts Crew and staff: 63 Passengers: 100
Superior Cabin Onboard Akademik Ioffe these cabins are located on deck 6, have two lower berths, a loveseat, writing desk/chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities. All cabins have a window that can be opened. These cabins are not accessible via the elevator. These cabins are spacious and well appointed.
Twin Private Cabin
One Ocean Suite Located on deck 5 this cabin is separated into two very spacious rooms. One for relaxation with a sofa (convertible to bed), large table, desk, chair, ample storage, large windows overlooking the bow (forward facing) that can be opened. The private and spacious bedroom features a double bed with upgraded linen/ pillows, night light, private facilities (with a bathtub and shower), a region specific iPad, mini stereo, coffee maker, fully stocked mini bar, iPod alarm clock with audio line, a chair, cupboards and windows overlooking the port side.
Shackleton Suite Located on decks 4 and 5 these cabins are separated into two spacious rooms, one that is ideal for relaxation with a sofa (convertible to bed), large table, desk, chair, ample storage and a large window that can be opened. The private bedroom has a double berth with upgraded linen/ pillows, night light, private facilities, a region specific iPad, mini stereo, coffee maker, fully stocked mini bar, iPod alarm clock with audio line.
Located on decks 4 and 5 all cabins have two lower berths, private washroom facilities (sink, shower, toilet, medicine cabinet), tall cupboards for clothes storage, a desk, chair, bookshelf, and a window that can be opened. These cabins are spacious and well appointed.
Twin Semi Private Located on deck 4 these cabins have two lower berths (one bed, one sofa bed) a writing desk and ample storage. Facilities are semiprivate (one bathroom between two cabins). These cabins have tall cupboards for clothes storage, a desk, chair, bookshelf, and a window that can be opened.
Triple Cabin Located on deck 3 these cabins have bunk beds with two long drawers that pull out for excellent storage of clothing and gear. The sofa bed is positioned fore/aft underneath the portholes. Facilities are shared. There is a washbasin with h/c water in the cabin, a writing desk and chair. These cabins are efficient and well appointed with two portholes with the option to open one.
Your Tour Leaders The Ioffe’s team of Antarctic cruise specialists provide fascinating insight into polar history and the natural world but on our exclusive charter we felt compelled to augment their knowledge with a few of our own experts. Monty Halls
Sir Ranulph Fiennes Prior to setting sail we have organised for the world’s greatest living explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, to meet with you for a private dinner in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia. Sir Ranulph is synonymous with Antarctic exploration and will give your Antarctic cruise a unique send-off.
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Monty Halls is a writer, explorer, television presenter, public speaker and President of the Galapagos Conservation Trust. A former Royal Marines officer who worked for Nelson Mandela on the peace process in South Africa, he left the services in 1996 to pursue a career in leading expeditions. Having achieved a First Class Honours degree in marine biology, over the next decade he circumnavigated the globe four times on various projects, leading multi-national teams in some of the most demanding environments on earth. In 2002 he was awarded the Bish Medal by the Scientific Exploration Society for his services to exploration.
For a marine biologist with a background of leading expeditions to far flung places, the opportunity to travel to Antarctica with Steppes Travel was too good to miss. Antarctica is a hot spot for some of the world’s largest marine mammals and to say I am excited about the prospect of searching for whales in the Scotia Sea and the Gerlache Strait is an understatement. The history of polar exploration has long held a fascination for me and so to retrace Shackleton’s footsteps and to see his grave will be a humbling experience. I look forward to meeting you in Antarctica and sharing these remarkable experiences. - Monty Halls
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Sue Flood Sue Flood, is a photographer, author, wildlife filmmaker and conservationist. Sue was an associate producer on the award winning BBC series The Blue Planet, and also more recently worked on Planet Earth. Her photographic highlights include diving with humpback whales in the South Pacific, face-to-face encounters with leopard seals in the Antarctic, filming polar bears in the Arctic, and photographing the wildlife of Zambia. A copy of Sue Flood’s beautiful photo-book ‘Cold Places’ will be sent to all our travellers joining us in Antarctica on our exclusive charter. If this doesn’t get you in the mood for your polar holiday then nothing will.
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There’s something about an occasional stint in the Polar Regions that will bring out the photographer in all of us. But for Sue Flood, if it’s a cold place then that’s her territory. As an artist with the camera, Flood has a terrific eye for what makes the extremes of the ice domain so appealing, dangerous and poetic. She captures these landscapes, and the animals and people that inhabit them, with a clarity of vision and excellence of technique that most photographers simply don’t have. - Nick Smith in the Explorers Club journal
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START YOUR JOURNEY 0808 163 3736 // antarctica@steppestravel.com
Life On Board Trying to outline a typical day in Antarctica is not easy - every day is different which is what makes an Antarctic holiday so special. There is no average day on-board an expeditionary boat as the day’s activities will be very much determined by the prevailing weather conditions, ice and the wildlife encountered. Flexibility here is the key. If you are looking for a strict and structured itinerary then this is not the destination for you!
START THE DAY
Early morning call is normally around 07:00 with an update on the weather conditions and the morning’s anticipated excursion (landing). However the start of the day can be earlier, with an excited call of “whales spotted on the starboard bow” or something similarly enticing. Always be prepared to change quickly and have your camera ready for these occasions - no one will notice morning hair or odd socks pulled on in a hurry! Breakfast is typically a buffet affair with a range of cereals, fresh fruit, breads and a cooked option. There will be a briefing regarding the morning excursion: what the options are, how long the zodiac cruise is likely to be and what the team hope you will encounter. Standing at the top of the gangplank for the first time can be daunting, but you will soon learn to always keep one hand to rail, the sailors grip and the “step, step, sit-shuffle, shuffle” for a safe and quick entry into your zodiac.
EXPLORE BY ZODIAC
Once in your zodiac, cruise alongside magnificent glaciers with birds swirling overhead and rafts of penguins porpoiseing alongside. Watch penguins, the clowns of Antarctica, gather on the ice edge plucking up courage to jump into the abyss, not knowing if there is a leopard seal patrolling below. When the penguins return, they gather under the surface before rocketing to the surface like little torpedoes and hurling themselves onto the rocks and ice, often landing in a comical and ungainly heap.
GETTING ANTARCTIC SNOW AND SOIL ON YOUR BOOTS
The ship will normally be split into smaller groups to allow everyone to explore at their own pace. So those wanting to stretch their legs can do so while those preferring to sit and enjoy the serenity can wander at will and find a quiet spot. Find a vantage point with rewarding views far into the distance, over glaciers to snow-capped peaks or out at sea where curious humpbacks cavort and play. If you prefer, sit quietly on the edge of a penguin rookery and watch daily life unfold; they are never quiet with constant bickering and stone stealing for their nests going on. Reluctantly, return to the mothership by zodiac in time for a warming lunch.
AFTERNOON EXCURSION
While you eat lunch, the captain will be skilfully manoeuvring the ship to your next destination, ready for the afternoon’s excursion. While the ship is repositioning, spend time out on the deck watching the elegant pintados glide on the updrafts created by the wake, or go to the bridge, which is often one of the best places to spot whales, where you can look at the nautical charts or just watch as the ship weaves between towering icebergs. What will this afternoon’s excursion bring? An inquisitive minke whale diving beneath your zodiac or an encounter with a leopard seal scouting for penguins to hunt? Maybe you will be lucky enough to see an iceberg calving - one moment calm then the next with a great whoosh, turning and rebalancing itself, exposing the beautifully ridged and rippled underside in spectacular blue hues. Alternatively you may encounter one of the Antarctic deep fogs, with icebergs looming out of the mist evoking thoughts of those who explored this region before Gortex and fleeces; many of the bays, glaciers and mountains around you are named after them.
TO SLEEP PER CHANCE TO DREAM
After a good hearty three course meal, most passengers are ready to head for their cabins for an early night. The bar will of course remain open and you can expect the tales to get saltier and saltier as the evening progresses don’t miss the opportunity to have a gin and tonic cooled with thousand year old Antarctic ice. For the ultimate bragging rights spend a night camping on the great White Continent - don’t forget your earplugs though as amorous penguins can make a racket and keep you awake all night!
START YOUR JOURNEY 0808 163 3736 // antarctica@steppestravel.com
What wildlife will I see?
Penguins
Whales
These inquisitive, endearing birds can be found in huge numbers across the Antarctic continent. The Antarctic Peninsula harbours AdĂŠlie, chinstrap and gentoo in great numbers and macaronis in smaller numbers. Some of the penguin colonies number into the hundreds of thousands. You will have plenty of opportunity to visit these colonies and watch their clownish antics during the course of your voyage. In South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, you will encounter vast colonies of king penguins, along with gaudy rock hoppers.
All whale species found in Antarctic waters migrate long distances to feed in the cold, nutrient-rich southern oceans during the austral summer before heading to warmer northern waters to breed and give birth to their young during the winter months. You can expect encounters with humpbacks and minke whales as they are often very curious of the main ship and also the zodiacs. You may also encounter orcas (killer whales) that patrol the waters hunting seal pups and penguins. Southern right whales and fin whales are visitors to the region, migrating south from Latin America and South Africa.
Seals
Albatross & Other Birds
Of the six Antarctic seal species, four are ice habitat specialists, breeding on the sea ice in spring. Leopard and Ross seals tend to be solitary, whereas Weddell and crabeater seals form loose breeding aggregations. The leopard seal is Antarctica’s top penguin predator, growing up to just over 3 metres. Antarctic fur seals and elephant seals are both found north of the packice zone and breed in dense colonies on beaches. Here, dominant males (bulls) maintain harems of females (cows) in territories. In order to maintain a constant vigil over the harem, bulls will not forage at sea, relying instead on blubber reserves laid down in the previous winter.
For birders, in addition to the penguin colonies, the islands around Antarctica offer spectacular opportunities to get close to many species of birds. The wandering albatross is the largest of seabirds, with a staggering wing span reaching 3 metres and a body mass of 8–12 kg. They arrive in South Georgia in November to breed in loose colonies on flat grasslands. The Falkland Islands are home to 65% of the world’s blackbrowed albatross population, while South Georgia hosts grey-headed and the light mantled sooty albatross. Petrels, skuas, glaucous gulls will also be companions throughout your trip.
START YOUR JOURNEY 0808 163 3736 // antarctica@steppestravel.com
Your Itinerary At A Glance DAY DATE ITINERARY DAY 1
WEDNESDAY 25 JANUARY London - Buenos Aires
DAY 2
THURSDAY 26 JANUARY Buenos Aires
DAY 3
FRIDAY 27 JANUARY Buenos Aires - Ushuaia
DAY 4
SATURDAY 28 JANUARY Ushuaia Embarkation
DAY 5
SUNDAY 29 JANUARY At Sea
DAY 6-7
MONDAY 30 JANUARY - TUESDAY 31 JANUARY
DAY 8-9
WEDNESDAY 1 FEBRUARY - THURSDAY 2 FEBRUARY At Sea
DAY 10-12
FRIDAY 3 FEBRUARY - SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY South Georgia
DAY 13-14
MONDAY 6 FEBRUARY - TUESDAY 7 FEBRUARY At Sea
DAY 15
WEDNESDAY 8 FEBRUARY Elephant Island
DAY 16-19
THURSDAY 9 FEBRUARY - SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY
DAY 20-21
MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY - TUESDAY 14 FEBRUARY Drake Passage
DAY 22
WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY Ushuaia - Buenos Aires
DAY 23
THURSDAY 16 FEBRUARY Buenos Aires - London
DAY 24
FRIDAY 17 FEBRUARY London
Falkland Islands
Antarctic Peninsula
Route Map
START YOUR JOURNEY 0808 163 3736 // antarctica@steppestravel.com
Your Detailed Itinerary DAY ITINERARY DAY 1
WEDNESDAY 25 JANUARY
DAY 2
THURSDAY 26 JANUARY
LONDON - BUENOS AIRES (OVERNIGHT FLIGHT TO BE CONFIRMED)
BUENOS AIRES Transfer to hotel ‘The Paris of Latin America’, Buenos Aires is quite simply one of the world’s greatest cosmopolitan cities. World class museums and leading restaurants jostle for space with boutique shops and antique markets. The colonial architecture and cobbled streets of San Telmo contrast with the modern lines and waterfront designs of up and coming Puerto Madero. It is a city with a colourful and fascinating history, which has given rise to a variety of neighbourhoods from the uber trendy Palermo Soho to the bohemian charm found in La Boca, the birth place of tango. Private dinner with Sir Ranulph Fiennes This evening (at a venue to be confirmed) you are invited to spend an evening with the world’s greatest living explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Alvear Art Hotel, Studio Room, 1 Double, Bed & Breakfast
DAY 3
FRIDAY 27 JANUARY
BUENOS AIRES - USHUAIA Transfer to airport BUENOS AIRES - USHUAIA (TO BE CONFIRMED) Transfer to hotel
DAY ITINERARY DAY 3
FRIDAY 27 JANUARY
BUENOS AIRES - USHUAIA Ushuaia Situated on the southern shore of Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia is the most southerly town in the world. Founded in 1884, the town was a penal colony until 1947. The location is fantastic, with views over the Beagle Channel and across to the Chilean Island of Navarino. Ushuaia can be either the jump off point for Antarctic cruises or the base from which to explore Tierra Del Fuego National Park and The Beagle Channel. Farewell dinner with Sir Ranulph Fiennes Today (at a venue to be confirmed) you are invited to spend another evening with Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Sir Ranulph is synonymous with Antarctic exploration and after a delicious farewell dinner, he will set the scene for your impending Antarctic adventure with a rousing farewell speech. Arakur Resort & Spa in a Valley View Room Bed & Breakfast
DAY 4
SATURDAY 28 JANUARY
USHUAIA - ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Board the ship in Ushuaia Have the morning at leisure to explore, before transferring to the pier and embarking on the expedition ship - Akademik Ioffe. Set sail in the early evening, charting a course through the scenic Beagle Channel, plan to be on deck for this part of the journey. Akademik Ioffe, Full board (various cabin types)
DAY 5
SUNDAY 29 JANUARY
AT SEA Southern Ocean Sailing northeast towards the Falkland Islands watch the hundreds of seabirds flying near the ship including the wandering albatross, giant petrels and smaller Cape petrels. Photographing these magnificent birds from the deck of the ship takes patience and skill, Sue Flood and the other on board photography expert will be on hand to show the best techniques. During the sailing there is the chance to spend plenty of time with Monty Halls, Sue Flood and the other on board polar experts. Learn about the wonders of Antarctica through a series of lectures about the environment, wildlife and history of the Southern Ocean and the locations that will be visited in the coming days if weather and sea conditions permit. Akademik Ioffe, Full board (various cabin types)
DAY ITINERARY DAY 6
MONDAY 30 JANUARY
FALKLAND ISLANDS Visit the Falkland Islands Arrive in the Falklands during the night; set out on the first shore excursion in the morning. Explore the islands of the West Falkland Archipelago, home to a wide range of avifauna, including the black-browed albatross. Have the chance to spot penguins for the first time, on the island of West Point. On Carcass Island, observe nesting Magellanic penguins, as well as oystercatchers, geese and flightless steamer ducks - permanent Falkland residents. Akademik Ioffe, Full board (various cabin types)
DAY 7
TUESDAY 31 JANUARY
FALKLAND ISLANDS Explore the Falkland Islands Today make a stop in Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. Wander through the charming streets of brightly painted houses; learn how this quiet harbour was once a major 19thcentury port. Consider a stop in Stanley’s famed philatelic museum, with its impressive collection of historic stamps. Or choose to take a walk along the harbour front, which is lined with a range of monuments, including the mast of the SS Great Britain. Akademik Ioffe, Full board (various cabin types)
DAYS 8-9
WEDNESDAY 1 FEBRUARY THURSDAY 2 FEBRUARY
AT SEA Two Days Travelling to South Georgia Continue southeast, bound for the island of South Georgia. Pass the time scanning the horizon in search of whales and other marine mammals, as well as seabirds. Listen to the on-board experts as they continue their lectures; hear tales of heroism whilst they recount the daredevil exploits of some of the earliest Antarctic explorers. Also learn about Polar conservation - a theme particularly close to the hearts of One Ocean Expeditions’ guides and crew. Feel the anticipation grow as the ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence and the temperature drops dramatically. Akademik Ioffe, Full board (various cabin types)
DAY ITINERARY DAYS 10-12
FRIDAY 3 FEBRUARY
SATURDAY 4 FEBRUARY SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY
SOUTH GEORGIA Three Days Discovering South Georgia Launch the zodiacs to begin exploration of the South Georgia, in the vicinity of Elsehul Bay. Majestic snow-covered mountains dominate the island -the most rugged landmass in this region. Large numbers of fur seals and the much larger elephant seal will line the dark sand beaches. Living in the tussock grass, king penguins and their chicks may number up to 100,000 birds in some locations, including Salisbury Plain, St Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour. The island is also home to large numbers of nesting albatross and they fill the skies above, coming and going from the nest. South Georgia is a thrilling location for history buffs and the rusting relics of the early whaling industry are all around. Hope to observe several of the old stations at locations including Leith, Husvik and Stromness. A highlight is a visit to Grytviken - the largest of the whaling stations, situated at the head of Cumberland Bay. Visit the grave of the most famous Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, along with that of Frank Wild. Have the chance to spend time exploring the small museum and accompanying church, with its fascinating library. Akademik Ioffe, Full board (various cabin types)
DAYS 13-15
MONDAY 6 FEBRUARY TUESDAY 7 FEBRUARY
WEDNESDAY 8 FEBRUARY
AT SEA Three Days Sailing to Antarctica & Elephant Island Weather and ice will dictate the crossing of the Scotia Sea from South Georgia to Antarctica, taking in the South Orkney Islands or Elephant Island. The South Orkney Islands represent the peaks of a submarine mountain range called the Scotia Arc, connecting South Georgia to the South Shetland Islands. Often shrouded in fog and surrounded by ice much of the year, a chance to visit these islands doesn’t come often. Sailing ever closer to the frozen continent, large icebergs announce the arrival in Antarctic waters. If conditions allow see the dark cliffs of Elephant Island appear on the horizon. Shackleton and his men were encamped here for many months, having lost HMS Endurance in the thick sea ice, far to
DAY ITINERARY DAYS 13-15
CONTINUED
the south in the Weddell Sea in 1915. From the tiny beach at Point Wild, Shackleton and six companions set off on the rescue mission to South Georgia, aboard the tiny lifeboat, James Caird. To this day, the epic ocean crossing is considered one of the greatest in history. If conditions allow, attempt a landing at Point Wild on Elephant Island. Akademik Ioffe, Full board (various cabin types)
DAYS 16-19
THURSDAY 9 FEBRUARY
FRIDAY 10 FEBRUARY SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Four Days Exploring the South Shetlands & Antarctic Mainland Around 60 miles off the coast of the Antarctic mainland find the South Shetland Island chain. Possible landing sites could include King George Island, Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbour or Hannah Point. Weather conditions permitting sail into the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. There are some outstanding hikes at these locations and the old whaling station and aircraft hangar at Deception Island beg for further exploration. After so much anticipation, enter the icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula in the vicinity of Mikkelson Harbour or Cierva Cove. Snow covered mountains soar from the dark waters. Along the shoreline in the bays and harbours of the Peninsula lives an incredible abundance of wildlife. Large rookeries are home to chinstrap, gentoo and AdĂŠlie penguins and seals live on the ice floes, including the powerful leopard seal. Gulls, skuas and cormorants are also found nesting and feeding at many sites along the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore by zodiac boat and ashore where a range of wonderful activities await. Hopefully visit Wilhelmina Bay, Orne Harbour, Cuverville Island and the Errera Channel. Join the Sue Flood and the photographic guide and go take close up photos of the penguins, or of the impossibly blue ice. Take a hike to the top of a snowy mountain saddle with one of the adventure guides. There will be the opportunity to explore by sea kayak for a truly memorable experience. Each and every day, there is a range of great choices. Akademik Ioffe, Full board (various cabin types)
DAY ITINERARY DAYS 20-21
MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY
TUESDAY 14 FEBRUARY
DRAKE PASSAGE Drake Passage Leave this enchanting landscape behind and head north, across the Antarctic Convergence and Drake Passage. After rounding Cape Horn, have time to reflect on the previous few days whilst sailing down the Beagle Channel. Celebrate the conclusion of the expedition with a special dinner that evening. Akademik Ioffe, Full board (various cabin types)
DAY 22
WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY
USHUAIA - BUENOS AIRES Arrive back in Ushuaia early in the morning. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aries. Depending on the flight times you may have time to explore Ushuaia and your main luggage will be stored for you. Transfer to airport BUENOS AIRES - USHUAIA (TO BE CONFIRMED) Transfer to hotel Alvear Art Hotel, Studio Room, 1 Double, Bed & Breakfast
DAY 23
THURSDAY 16 FEBRUARY
DAY 24
FRIDAY 17 FEBRUARY
BUENOS AIRES - LONDON Transfer to airport BUENOS AIRES - LONDON (TO BE CONFIRMED + 1) LONDON Arrive in London
START YOUR JOURNEY 0808 163 3736 // antarctica@steppestravel.com
Steppes Travel Making A Difference Making a difference both locally and globally is engrained in all that we do at Steppes. Each time you travel with us, we donate £5 to a local charity in the UK and £10 to an international charity. In booking this charter a minimum of £10 per person will be donated to Oceanites. We recently celebrated our 25th anniversary and to date have raised over £1 million for conservation, environmental and humanitarian projects. Looking to the future we are united in the belief that our generation hasn’t acted quickly enough in the face of world issues. Our goals are simple - to preserve, to conserve and to educate.
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In my lifetime I have seen the world evolve and open up. Sadly not always for the good, and remote regions are becoming increasingly vulnerable. - Nick Laing, Steppes Travel Chairman
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Oceanites Oceanites’ Antarctic Site Inventory is the only non-profit, publicly supported science project working in Antarctica. It is the only project monitoring penguin population changes across the entirety of the vastly warming Antarctic Peninsula. Oceanites are ‘on the front lines’ examining the potential impacts of climate change, fishing, and
other human activities on our penguins, and doing what can be done to advance appropriate conservation measures within the Antarctic Treaty system. Your expedition with us ensures that the work of Oceanites can continue, so that future travellers may enjoy the charismatic wildlife and wilderness of Antarctica, just as you will.
Voyage Extensions Extend your holiday, pre or post Antarctica and discover the diversity of South America. Spend time in the vibrant cities of Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro or Santiago or use Ushuaia as a base to explore the dramatic wilderness of southern Patagonia. Travel further afield to witness the visceral power of Iguazú Falls, take a luxury cruise along the Amazon or explore the driest non-polar desert in the world, the Atacama Desert.
Argentina
Chile
Brazil
See Iguazú Falls, arguably the world’s most impressive waterfall
Visit another great desert, the Atacama in Chile’s far north
Feel the buzz of Rio de Janeiro
Trek in Patagonia amongst the granite spires of Fitzroy
Trek in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park
Explore the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires
Visit Santiago’s museums and Chile’s winelands
Track jaguars in the wetlands of the Pantanal or search for primates in the wilds of the Amazon
Experience the mountains of Argentina’s forgotten north west
Discover Easter Island, a land of mythical Moai
Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters in Bonito
Relax on one of Brazil’s many beautiful beaches
Ultimate Wildlife Combination Discover the Galapagos Islands with playful, inquisitive seals and penguins Visit Baja California, a whale watching mecca
Speak to our experts for a full range of tailor-made extensions.
START YOUR JOURNEY 0808 163 3736 // antarctica@steppestravel.com
Travel is the only commodity you buy that makes you richer ANTARCTICA CHARTER PRICE TRIPLE SHARE CABIN WITH SHARED FACILITIES £10,950 TWIN CABIN WITH SHARED FACILITIES
£11,495
TWIN CABIN WITH SEMI SHARED FACILITIES
£12,950
TWIN PRIVATE CABIN £14,200 TWIN SUPERIOR CABIN £15,000 DOUBLE SHACKLETON SUITE £15,995 DOUBLE MASTER SUITE £17,325 Includes: • Loan of wellington boots, expedition jacket & over trousers • Services of special guests Monty Halls & Sue Flood • Post voyage photographic expedition log • Optional overnight camping equipment; subject to weather • All excursions and landings • Services of expedition staff onboard • Voyage on full board basis. Excludes: • Flights to and from the UK and Ushuaia • Pre and post accommodation package • Airport taxes payable locally • Travel insurance • Visas • Drinks, laundry and items of a personal nature • Tips and gratuities • Kayak activities Pre & Post Cruise Package £2,195* Includes: • International flights to and from Buenos Aires • Domestic flights to and from Ushuaia • 2 nights accommodation in Buenos Aires and 1 night accommodation in Ushuaia • All transfers • Welcome dinner in Buenos Aires with Sir Ranulph Fiennes and a farewell dinner in Ushuaia before you board the Ioffe *Price may change, subject to confirmation.
START YOUR JOURNEY 0808 163 3736 // antarctica@steppestravel.com
Next Steppes... “
The morning’s transit was through a myriad of icebergs of incredible sizes, shapes and every hue of blue. Many were home to small groups of penguins and a few flat ones to seals. Within a few moments we had spotted a pod of orcas who were hunting a young humpback whale. We cut our engines and watched with baited breath. Seeing orcas is a privilege, seeing them hunt, I believed, was a privilege only bestowed upon the BBC camera crew. The group repeatedly dived on top of the calf to drown it and in no time at all there was blood in the water. Having reaped the rewards of their chase, the orcas seemed to get bored and headed off away from the ship. Before we could turn away they decided the show hadn’t finished. This time they headed towards us in hot pursuit of some penguins who were porpoising and leaping ahead of them, shooting off in different directions in an attempt to ‘shake their pursuers’. Excerpt from the travel journal of Sue Grimwood, Steppes Travel Antarctica Expert 14 December, 2015
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Contact Our Steppes Travel Experts
Sue Grimwood
James Armitage
John Faithful
tel 0808 163 3736 email antarctica@steppestravel.com online steppestravel.co.uk
* Polar exploration can be unpredictable, which regularly causes variations to our itineraries. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather and ice conditions at the time of sailing. Information in this document was correct at time of printing, please check our website and speak to our travel experts for the most up to date information.
Adventure
awaits...
“
We had seen God in His splendours, heard the text that Nature renders. We had reached the naked soul of man. - Ernest Shackleton, South: The last Antarctic expedition of Shackleton and the Endurance
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