Journey To Antarctica: The White Continent
December 7 - 20, 2012
Floating Icebergs
Gentoo Penguin
Southern Elephant Seal
Weddell Seal
Antarctica Travelers
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Spend a week exploring Antarctica aboard the fully-equipped, ice-strengthened ship, National Geographic Explorer. Travel with Ice Masters and Expedition Leaders who have hundreds of journeys under their parkas. On every expedition, two penguin researchers, supported by Lindblads joint fund with National Geographic, are on board, and they invite you to participate in penguin studies. An Undersea Specialist captures rarely seen footage of life beneath the icy surface. You can view these fascinating findings in the comfort of the ship’s lounge.
"Everything wears an aspect of unreality," Ernest Shackleton wrote. "Icebergs hang upside-down in the sky, the land appears as layers of silvery or golden cloud, cloud banks look like land, and icebergs masquerade as islands." This is Antarctica, Earth's last frontier. Normal human scales and reference points disappear amid the fantastically shaped icebergs, penguin rookeries and breaching whales. This is nature in its most pristine form.
Study Leader Information
Polar veteran Lisa Trotter is the author of Below Freezing and the first person to receive dive certification in the Antarctic; Scientist, inventor and National Geographic filmmaker, Greg Marshall; NATURALISTS: Eric Guth and Justin Hofman
Tour Itinerary
DAYS 1-2: U.S./FLY OVERNIGHT TO BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Arrive in the sophisticated city of Buenos Aires, reminiscent of the European capitals, with a vibrant flavor all its own. Check into the excellent Caesar Park Hotel and join an excursion to view the Beaux Arts palaces on grand boulevards of the old aristocracy; the public art, parks and renowned monuments. We’ll experience the Peron story—in buildings, squares and the Evita Museum—so linked to any understanding of contemporary Argentina.
DAY 3: BUENOS AIRES/USHUAIA, ARGENTINA/EMBARK
The morning’s LAN charter flight offers rare views of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, where we embark our ship.
DAY 4: AT SEA
Awake this morning well into our journey across the Drake Passage. Lying between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake holds a distinct place in maritime lore. Sometimes misty and gray, other times calm and clear, crossing the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable.
DAYS 5-10: ANTARCTICA
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. The schedule is flexible to give you the best experience possible. Our veteran expedition team and their expert knowledge of Antarctica’s waters enable us to take advantage of the unexpected. We are out daily — experiencing Antarctica with all our senses as we walk, cruise in Zodiacs, and venture out in kayaks. See seals wallowing on the beach; hear the cries of penguins, and the huge, nurturing silence of this pristine place. We may sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel, where a hush falls over onlookers as bergs of beauty and scale drift by. Identify penguins, paddle kayaks through berg fields, and land with Zodiacs on the “White Continent.”
DAYS 11-12: AT SEA
There is time to watch at the bridge for marine life, to indulge in a massage, a workout in the gym, or catch up on some reading in the library.
DAY 13: USHUAIA/DISEMBARK/BUENOS AIRES
Disembark in Ushuaia with time to explore before proceeding to the airport for our LAN charter flight to Buenos Aires. Fly on an overnight flight to the U.S.
DAY 14: ARRIVE HOME
To register by credit card, please call 888-484-8785; to register online, please fill out our reservation form. View our terms and conditions.
Please email National Trust Tours for questions about this program. Be sure to include your mailing address if you are requesting a paper copy of the brochure for this program.
