DAY 1 — U.S./Santiago, Chile
Depart Miami this evening on an overnight flight to Santiago. We’ve found that Miami is a convenient gateway for most, but other air alternatives are available. Santiago/Grand Hyatt
DAY 2 — Santiago/Grand Hyatt
We arrive in Santiago this morning. With the soaring Andes as a backdrop, Santiago makes a spectacular and welcoming first impression — as does our hotel, the Hyatt Santiago, located in a gracious residential neighborhood. In the afternoon, we have a panoramic overview of the city including a visit to the Pre-Columbian Museum. Return to the Hyatt for a relaxing dinner. (L,D) Santiago/Ushuaia, Argentina/Embark Ship
DAY 3 — Santiago/Ushuaia, Argentina/Embark
Ship The morning’s LAN Chile charter flight offers some rare views as we fly over the vividly rugged terrain of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. We’ll have lunch during a catamaran cruise of the scenic Beage Channel before embarking National Geographic Endeavour or Explorer. (B,L,D) At Sea
DAY 4 — At Sea
We awake this morning well into our journey across the Drake Passage. Lying between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake holds a unique place in maritime lore. Sometimes misty and gray, other times calm and clear, crossing the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable – a milestone in any adventurer’s personal travel history. (B,L,D) Antarctica
DAY 5 — Antarctica
Our first landfall is at one of the many islands of the Antarctic Peninsula region, taking hikes and Zodiac forays with our Naturalists. (B,L,D)
DAY 6-11 — Antarctica
Days 6-11 – With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, we make the most of our six days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands. Out there, our ship will freely roam. Our expedition team is a veteran one, and their expert knowledge of Antarctica’s waters enables us to take advantage of the unexpected. We’ll be out daily – experiencing Antarctica with all our senses as we walk, cruise in Zodiacs, and paddle kayaks through berg fields, hearing the Antarctic seltzer (gases escaping from dissolving icebergs) around us, the cries of the penguins, and the huge, nurturing silence of this perfectly pristine place. We may sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel, where a hush falls over onlookers as bergs of beauty and scale drift by. We’ll learn to identify penguins, paddle kayaks through berg fields and land with Zodiacs on the “White Continent.” (B,L,D)
At Sea
DAY 12-13 — At Sea
As we sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the avian escort of seabirds that cross our bow. There’ll be plenty of time to enjoy a wellness treatment, log some time in the gym, or catch up on the book you haven’t had a minute to read. (B,L,D)
Ushuaia/Disembark/Santiago
DAY 14 — Ushuaia/Disembark/Santiago
After breakfast, we disembark in Ushuaia with some time to explore before proceeding to the airport for our LAN Chile charter flight to Santiago, and an overnight flight to Miami. (B,L)
Arrive Miami/Home
DAY 15 — Arrive Miami/Home
Note: Voyage cost includes charter flights Santiago/Ushuaia/Santiago.
Rates & Dates:
Cruise Length: 4 Days/ 3 Nights
Prices from: $2,690 pp/do*
Ships: Contact for details
Notes: Due to airline schedules, on select departures the extension spends an additional night in Santiago. Additional costs will apply. Ask for details.
The Easter Island extension can be taken after select departures of “Antarctica,” “South Georgia & the Falklands” and “Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands.”
Adds 4 days/4 nights to the voyage. SEE THE 100-TON STONE STATUES & CEREMONIAL SITE SET ON A VOLCANIC CRATER. VISIT THE RESEARCH CENTER WITH ARCHAEOLOGIST EDMUNDO EDWARDS. SHARE IN POLYNESIAN TRADITIONS AT DINNER AT A PRIVATE HOME.
DAY 1: USHUAIA/DISEMBARK/SANTIAGO
Today we disembark National Geographic Explorer in Ushuaia and fly to Santiago, where we check in to the Grand Hyatt Santiago Hotel.
DAY 2: SANTIAGO, CHILE
This morning you may explore Chile’s sophisticated capital before we fly to Easter Island and check in to the fine Antiplanico Hotel, our base for the next three nights.
DAY 3-4: EASTER ISLAND
Visit the Tahai archaeological complex and museum to learn about the prehistory of the island, and the Rano Kau ceremonial site of Orongo, sited magnificently at the very edge of a volcanic crater. Explore Ahu Te Pito Kura, Punapau red stone quarry and Ahu Akivi, one of the latest constructions on the island, with seven moai 14 feet tall. See Rano Raraku, where most of the stone statues were carved. Visit Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial altar in Polynesia.
DAY 5: EASTER ISLAND/SANTIAGO
We have the morning to continue our explorations of Easter Island before our flight to Santiago, connecting to home-bound flights.
DAY 6: ARRIVE U.S.
