JOURNEY BELOW THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE - 24 FEBRUARY - 12 MARCH 2022 - Tour Leaders: Nick & Iris Van Gruisen Expedition Lecturer: Alastair Fothergill ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
JOURNEY BELOW THE
A N TA RC T I C C I RC L E
24 FEBRUARY - 12 MARCH 2022
Tour Leaders: Nick & Iris Van Gruisen
Expedition Lecturer: Alastair Fothergill
Guest Lecturers: Nigel & Shane Winser
R I ON
JOIN US C H AN
H E RENCHANTING
I TAG E ,
M E D I E VA L H I S TO RY
EXPEDITION TO THE
& N AT U R A L B E AU T Y
GREAT WHITE CONTINENT
There is nothing on this earth that can quite compare with the awesome beauty of Antarctica, and few of us have not
dreamed of following Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen to these frozen wastelands at the bottom of the world.
So why not turn those dreams into reality and join us on a very special journey to the Great White Continent?
Here, in this world of perpetual snow and ice below the 60th parallel, some of the world’s most enchanting creatures survive
to bring colour and sound to an otherwise harsh and silent environment. Beaches resound to the raucous bellows of elephant,
fur and leopard seals, humpback and minke whales glide effortlessly through the still, near-frozen waters, and colonies of
Adelie, chinstrap, gentoo and king penguin congregate in huge numbers on the vast snow plains.
M/S Seaventure is the ideal vessel for such an expedition. Boasting the highest ice classification that can be granted to a
passenger vessel, M/S Seaventure is exquisitely designed for navigating the polar regions. Spacious and well-designed suites
are arranged over five decks, all equipped with their own sitting areas, flat screen TVs and luxury toiletries. Lastly, we have
been fortunate enough to negotiate an excellent rate, so the expedition offers excellent value, especially for both the Triple
Suites and the Single Supplements.
Zodiacs are used for the daily on-shore excursions and for the more adventurous, kayaking is also available (limited numbers)
and maybe even a chance to spend a night on the ice-shelf.
M/S Seaventure
Situated betweenis chartered from our
the subtropical good
Black friends
Sea coast,Polar Latitudes
the Caspian Seawho
andprovide all the
the snowy Expedition
peaks expertise and
of the Caucasus, the we willofbe
state
travelling
Georgia with their
sits at theusual dedicated
crossroads team of
of Europe andon-board guides and
Asia. Georgia’s richlecturers. Iris and
heritage has beenI hugely
will alsoinfluenced
be on hand
byto lookByzantine
both after you and
and share cultures.
Persian what willWith
be a Russia
great adventure.
(and Chechnya, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkar, North Osetia-Alania) to the north, Turkey to the
west, Armenia and Iran to the south and Azerbaijan to the east, Georgia remains a fiercely independent nation after years of
oppression by the Russian Tsars and the Soviet Union. Georgia’s mix of natural beauty and medieval history has made this
Nick Van
small Gruisen
country one of Eastern Europe’s most fascinating destinations.
Managing Director
17-DAY ITINERARY, DEPARTING 24 FEBRUARY 2022
24 February London / Buenos Seaventure. After settling into our far south is highly dependent on
Aires cabins and exploring the ship, we optimal weather and ice conditions.
meet our expedition team and enjoy If conditions allow, we may push
Suggested flight (not included in
a welcome cocktail and cast off, even further to the south.
the cost of the tour) British Airways
bound for Antarctica. This vicinity marks our turnaround
BA 247 departing London Heathrow
at 21.10 hrs. Subject to change. point and from now on, we cruise in
11 nights aboard M/S Seaventure a northerly direction exploring the
with all meals, guided excursions dramatic coastline of the Antarctic
25 February Buenos Aires and lectures included. Peninsula. There are several
Arrive in Buenos Aires at 10.05 hrs. locations in the Fish and Argentine
Transfer to the Alvear Art Hotel 28 February - 1 March At Sea Island archipelagos which allow for
where two nights are spent. zodiac cruising and potential shore
Sailing south towards Antarctica
Lunch and Dinner under own landings. We hope to visit a working
we will be joined by hundreds of
arrangements. scientific base to learn of the
seabirds including the wandering
important climate-related research
albatross. Giant petrels and smaller
happening here. A hike over the
26 February Buenos Aires Cape petrels are also constant
snowy saddle of nearby Winter
companions. Throughout the
Full day to relax after your journey. Island allows us to stretch our legs
day our onboard experts educate
Lunch under own arrangements. and explore the old British Antarctic
us with a series of presentations
Welcome dinner at the hotel. Survey hut.
about the environment, wildlife and
history and the locations we aim to Petermann Island is home to a
27 February Ushuaia visit in the coming days. sizable Adelie penguin rookery.
- Embarkation Adelies - the smallest of the
Antarctic penguins nest here and
Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport for 2 - 4 March Antarctic Circle / share the location with Gentoo
a domestic flight to Ushuaia, the Lower Antarctica penguins and Imperial cormorants.
capital of the Argentine province
Given favourable ice conditions, The view to the north of Mount
of Tierra del Fuego which divides
our first goal will be to sail south Shackleton and Mount Scott is
the mountains, glaciers and forests
of the Antarctic Circle and into impressive. These towering granite
of the island to the north and the
Crystal Sound. A favoured landing sentinels mark the southern
waters of the Beagle Channel to the
site here is Detaille Island, home to entrance to the Lemaire Channel.
south.
an abandoned British science hut. Nearby Pleneau Island offers more
You will be met on arrival and ‘Base W’ was established in the opportunities for shore landings.
transferred for lunch at a nearby 1950’s and is in a remarkable state Just off shore, in the shallow
restaurant. After lunch, you will of preservation providing a glimpse waters of the Penola Strait, massive
then be transferred to the pier and into the harsh life of early Antarctic icebergs run aground. Constant
embark our expedition ship, M/S visitors. Further exploration this wind and wave action sculpts these
020 3411 4595 | ENQUIRY@THEULTIMATETRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | THEULTIMATETRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK
ANTARCTIC CIRCLE
gargantuan chunks of ice into 7 March South Shetland Islands for a domestic flight back to Buenos
fantastic shapes. For many, a zodiac Aires. You will be met on arrival
Having crossed the Bransfield Strait
cruise here will be a highlight of the and transferred to the Alvear Art
overnight, we arrive in the South
voyage. Hotel, situated in the heart of the
Shetland Islands. The adventure is
bustling Recoleta district, where
not over and if conditions allow, we
one night is spent. Buenos Aires,
5 - 6 March Gerlache Strait / aim to sail the ship into the sunken
affectionately known as the ‘Paris of
Antarctica volcanic caldera at Deception
South America’, is a cosmopolitan
We aim to transit the Lemaire Island, or visit nearby Half Moon
city and European in appearance.
Channel on our way north towards Island, home to a sizeable colony
Its architectural diversity reflects
Paradise Harbour. This may be of rowdy chinstrap penguins
times of grandeur as well as a
the first opportunity to set foot that share their territory with fur
variety of cultural influences that
on the continent of Antarctica seals and blue-eyed shags. The
extend to Spanish, British, Jewish,
itself. Nearby Neko Harbour offers MacFarlane Strait is a good place to
Arabian and more recently Chinese
another continental landing. spot humpback whales. In the early
and Korean. Dinner under own
Both locations offer terrific hiking evening, we push into the Drake
arrangements.
opportunities up to panoramic Passage and chart a course back to
viewpoints. South America.
11 March Buenos Aires / London
Orne Harbour is another celebrated
location we hope to visit and the 8 - 9 March Drake Passage Transfer to the airport for the
hike up to a rocky knoll provides suggested flight (not included in the
As we make our way back to South
excellent access to a chinstrap cost of the tour) British Airways BA
America, we approach the entrance
penguin rookery. 246 departing Buenos Aires at 12.15
to the Beagle Channel before
hrs. Subject to change.
At Cuverville Island, there is a large heading again across the Antarctic
Gentoo penguin colony which we Convergence and the Drake
observe at close quarters. Leopard Passage. 12 March London
seals are often sighted cruising the If weather conditions allow, we Arrival London Heathrow at
shallows along the landing site. hope to make a rounding of Cape 06.35 hrs.
We are now at our most northern Horn. This fabled stretch of water
point on the Peninsula. Visit is home to legendary tales of
Mikkelson Harbour and the nearby exploration and early navigation. Please note a certain level of
Cierva Cove. For the kayakers, a
fitness is required and certain
full circumnavigation of the island
10 March Ushuaia / Buenos Aires elements of this itinerary, and/
is a real thrill. It is in this vicinity
or the order of events, may well
we hope to spend a night ashore In the early morning, we will arrive
be subject to alteration due to
camping for those interested, if back in Ushuaia. Disembark from
circumstances beyond our control.
weather conditions permit. the ship and transfer to the airport
020 3411 4595 | ENQUIRY@THEULTIMATETRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | THEULTIMATETRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK
TOUR PRICES PER PERSON
M / S S E AV E N T U R E Porthole Stateroom
Single Supplement
£12,270
£2,285
Triple Suite £9,155
Single Supplement: N/A
Window Stateroom Deck 4 £13,535
Single Supplement £3,220
Window Stateroom Deck 5 £13,735
Single Supplement £3,420
Veranda Stateroom £15,670
LIMITED AVAILABILTY
Single Supplement N/A
Boasting the highest ice classification that can be granted to a passenger vessel, M/S Owner’s Suite FULL £19,325
Seaventure is exquisitely designed for navigating the polar regions. It benefits with unusually Single Supplement N/A
spacious accommodations, public areas and outside decks; the atmosphere on board is akin
Kayaking FULL £635pp
to a private yacht or boutique hotel. Carrying a maximum of 134 passengers, yet limited to 100
Kayaking limited to 30 participants
guests onboard this charter, in outside-facing staterooms with a comfortable bar, talks from
Camping £245pp
our onboard team, and informative briefings from your Expedition Leader, an intimate, small
Subject to correct conditions, not guaranteed.
ship experience is ensured.
Camping limited to 40 participants
After a day of exploration ashore, you can enjoy the onboard facilities which include a sauna,
PRICE INCLUDES
fitness centre and heated outdoor saltwater pool, as well as a custom-built citizen science
• Airport transfers
lab. All staterooms are comfortably furnished with their own sitting areas, flat screen TVs and
• Domestic flights in Economy Class
luxury toiletries. The Owner’s suites and Veranda staterooms come equipped with their own
• Charter flight and additional
balcony so you can view the passing landscapes in comfort and privacy.
arrangements surcharge
• Accommodation on a bed and
breakfast basis in Buenos Aires
• Dinner on 26 February in Buenos
Aires including house wine
• Accommodation, meals (breakfast,
lunch and dinner on board, with daily
afternoon tea), house alchoholic
beverages, soft drinks, tea, coffee,
hot chocolate, guided excursions,
lectures on the M/S Seaventure
• Polar Latitudes expedition jacket and
mid-calf waterproof rubber boots.
• Pre-voyage information package
including details to help you prepare
for your trip
• Experienced expedition leader
Owner’s Suites and professional expedition team
of marine biologists, naturalists,
historians, adventure guides and
Veranda Staterooms
photographers
• Port fees and all permits to access
Window Staterooms visited areas
PRICE EXCLUDES
Triple Staterooms • International flights
• Visa fees (British passport holders do
not require visas. Other nationalities
Porthole Staterooms
should check with us)
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• All other meals and drinks not
indicated in the itinerary
• Personal gratuities (guidelines will
be provided)
• Excess baggage charges
THE EXPEDITION TEAM
N I C K & I R I S VA N G RU I S E N
TO U R L E A D E R S
Raised in Northumberland, in the 1970s Nick spent five years as a
professional guide in Botswana and southern Africa. He then joined
the Tiger Mountain group, pioneering cultural, trekking and wildlife
holidays throughout the Indian subcontinent. He founded Worldwide
Journeys and Expeditions in 1991, from which The Ultimate Travel
Company emerged in 1998.
His wife Iris was born in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), where
she lived for a few years before moving to Papua New Guinea. In the
1980s, she too joined Tiger Mountain to work at their flagship lodge,
Tiger Tops, in Nepal’s Royal Chitwan National Park. As well as co-
leading trips with Nick, she has taken trekking groups on expeditions
to Kilimanjaro, the High Atlas, Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains and the
Himalaya.
A L A S TA I R F O T H E RG I L L
EXPEDITION LECTURER
Alastair Fothergill joined the BBC Natural History Unit in 1983 and
worked on a wide range of the department’s programmes, including
the BAFTA award winning The Really Wild Show, Wildlife on One, The
Natural World and the innovative Reefwatch before working on the
BBC1 series The Trials of Life with Sir David Attenborough.
From here he went on to produce Life in the Freezer, The Blue Planet,
Planet Earth and Frozen Planet before leaving the BBC in 2012 to set
up his ownproduction company Silverback Films. In 2015, Silverback
Films completed a new landmark series for BBC 1, The Hunt before
producing the first landmark natural history original series for Netflix,
Our Planet.
Alastair is also fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, who awarded
him their gold medal in 2012, and currently resides in Bristol with his
wife Melinda, two sons and three Jack Russells.
NIGEL & SHANE WINSER
GUEST LECTURERS
Shane and Nigel Winser, both trained in Life Sciences and met
during the Royal Geographical Society survey of the Gunung (Mt)
Mulu National Park, Sarawak 1977/78. Both continue to work in the
world of geography, Shane leading the RGS team supporting young
geographers planning field research expeditions and purposeful travel
while Nigel, after heading the expedition and fieldwork office for 30
years and leading the Europe office of the Earthwatch Institute for ten
years, is today working on a number of projects, including a Maasai led
ecotourism project in North Kenya and field science programmes in the
Sultanate of Oman. Nigel and Shane joined Nick and Iris on their 2019
Antarctic expedition and were a very popular addition to the team.
020 3411 4595 | ENQUIRY@THEULTIMATETRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | THEULTIMATETRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK
25–27 VANSTON PLACE LONDON SW6 1AZ
You can also read
