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Experience the beauty of Argentina in this unique tour. Tour the city with your private English speaking guide and view a superb Tango Show before you fly to Ushuaia and experience Antarctica. This expedition offers you the ideal introduction to the Great White Continent. Departing from and finishing in the port of Ushuaia, see the most exciting sights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
The program focuses on viewing of wildlife and the breathtaking scenery of narrow waterways, glaciers, icebergs and the rugged mountains. The itinerary given below is the 11 day expedition. Of course no two expeditions can be exactly the same so the itinerary outlined here is for your guidance only: the Captain and the Expedition Leader will assess conditions daily with the intention of maximizing your time ashore. This means taking full advantage of opportunities to land passengers with our zodiacs and making best use of the light of the long summer days.
The cruise start dates are: Nov 7, 2010, Nov 17, 2010, Nov 27, 2010, Dec 7, 2010, Dec 18, 2010, Dec 28, 2010, Jan 7, 2011, Jan 17, 2011, Jan 28, 2011; Feb 8, 2011, Feb 18, 2011, Feb 28, 2011, Mar 10, 2011.
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Itinerary
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Day 1
Buenos Aires Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata. The city has a spectacular legacy of architecture and parks, and its citizens consider themselves European. It is famous for the tango, superb restaurants, and the best shopping on the continent. The city has numerous museums related to history, and art in its many forms; fine, modern, decorative, popular, sacred and arts and crafts, as well as theatre and popular music. It is also known for its preserved homes of noted art collectors, writers, composers and artists. Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locating your vehicle. Enjoy a private airport (International) transfer with professional driver and English speaking Guide. Upon arrival by air in to Buenos Aires' International Airport (Ezeiza/EZE), Americans and Canadians are required to pay a reciprocity fee of $131 USD for Americans and $70 USD for Canadians. Other nationalities will vary. Upon payment for Americans, cash (Argentine Pesos or American Dollars), credit card or travelers checks, a receipt will be stapled at the back of your passport and is valid for the duration of the passport. Subject to change without notice. For Canadians, the reciprocity tax will be valid for one entry only. Please consult with the Argentine consulate for full details. Buenos Aires is where it all happens, and we want you to immerse yourself in its beauty, history, and sheer radiance. Enjoy a private guided, half-day panoramic tour, discovering the rich parks and open spaces of the Northern Neighborhood and the eye-catching buildings and grounds of Palermo and Recoleta, in the comfort of a private vehicle. After being picked up from your hotel, you'll be driven to the Obelisk; a distinct symbol of the city. After that, you will visit different squares such as Plaza de Mayo, Plaza San Martín, Plaza del Congreso and some of the main avenues such as Corrientes, de Mayo, and 9 de Julio. Enjoy views in the historical neighborhoods of La Boca, San Telmo, Montserrat and the elegant neighborhoods of Palermo, Recoleta, and the modern Puerto Madero. Breathe in the fresh air as you pass through parks such as Lezama, Tres de Febrero and the Ecological Reserve. En route you will also get to visit financial and commercial areas and Soccer Stadiums. At the end of your tour you will be dropped back at your hotel. Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Hotel Madero is placed in the wistful and scenic Puerto Madero area, and is a beautiful hotel to stay in while getting to know the fiery city of Buenos Aires. The 197 rooms offer a vast space in which one can relax and unwind, with great views. The culinary skills of the French chef at Madero's Red Resto & Lounge, are showcased via French specialties fused with international. Spend time at the bars, sipping on cocktails, or drop by the pool for a refreshing swim. Overnight at Hotel Madero. |
 Buenos Aires |
 La Boca |
 Sofitel Madero, Buenos Aires |
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Day 2
Ushuaia Ushuaia is the world's second-southernmost city and is located on the southern tip of the island of Tierra del Fuego. Guarded on the north by the Martial mountain range and on the south by the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is a key access point to the southern regions. The city and nearby national park is a popular vacation spot for Buenos Aires. Ushuaia is one of the departure points for Antarctic expeditions and for visiting the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). Enjoy a private airport (International) transfer with professional driver and English speaking Guide. Partake in a half day private tour with your own vehicle, driver and guide to explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park, situated 11 km from Ushuaia. The park was established in 1960 with the intention of protecting the southernmost portion of the sub Antarctic forest and is made up of 63000 hectares. Unlike many other parks, it combines the ocean, forests and mountains. The biological richness of the Tierra del Fuego Island with its beautiful scenery is simply stunning. You can find animals such as red foxes, cauquenes, ducks, Patagonian wood peckers and more than 90 species of birds that are part of the Fuegian fauna, as well as beavers and rabbits, which were introduced to the island by colonizers. The forest is formed by lengas, guindos, ñires and valleys of peat and lichens. Ensenada Bay, Lake Roca and Lapataia Bay (the end of the Pan-American Highway that connects Alaska and Tierra del Fuego) give color to this unique place where we can still find reminders of the ancestral inhabitants: the yámanas. At the end of the tour you will be brought back to your hotel. Fly from Buenos Aires domestic airport to Ushuaia. Note flights are subject to changes based on availability. The flight duration is approximately 3.5 hour. Enjoy a private airport transfer with vehicle, English speaking guide and driver. At world’s end, a dream begins, as unique as the nature that surrounds it. Fueguino Hotel Patagónico has privileged views of Martial Glaciar and mountain range, Beagle Channel, cruise ship dock and Ushuaia center. This new, modern hotel in located in Ushuaia's city center. The hotel has 53 warmly appointed guest rooms, each with panoramic views, Italian wood furnishings, with elements in stainless steel. Guest beds in same wood, with leather head boards. Large closets and mirror doors. Overnight at Fueguino Hotel Patagónico . |
 Ushuaia |
 Tierra del Fuego National Park |
 Fueguino Hotel Patagónico |
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Day 3
Antarctic Ocean The Antarctic Ocean comprises the southernmost waters of the World Ocean, generally taken to be south of 60°S latitude and encircling Antarctica. It is usually regarded as the fourth-largest of the five principal oceanic divisions. This ocean zone is where cold, northward flowing waters from the Antarctic mix with warmer sub-Antarctic waters. Sleep in this morning and relax at your hotel. Enjoy a private cruise pier transfer with vehicle, English speaking guide and driver. **NOTE: The Antarctic Dream vessel operator has the right to charge a Fuel Surcharge in any case fuel prices reach or exceed USD 100 per Barrel Brent prior to departure. M/V Antarctic Dream, an Antarctic passenger ship reconditioned with the best available technology and comfort. This expedition offers you the ideal introduction to the Great White Continent. Departing from and finishing in the port of Ushuaia. Take in the most exciting sights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This program is oriented towards the viewing of wildlife. Overnight at Antarctic Dream (10N). |
 Antarctica |
 Antarctic Dream |
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Day 4
Antarctic Ocean Wandering albatrosses, storm petrels and other seabirds will escort the vessel as you sail south across this famous passage named after Sir Francis Drake, the 16th-century English navigator. Continue towards the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar waters sink beneath the warmer waters of the more temperate zone. Overnight at Antarctic Dream (10N). |
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Day 5
Antarctic Ocean During days at sea, the renowned Expedition Team, with a century of Antarctic experience among them, delivers illustrated presentations on a broad range of topics that enrich the adventure and enhance your understanding of polar biology, geology and history. Overnight at Antarctic Dream (10N). |
 Onboard Activities |
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Day 6
Antarctic Ocean King George Island will give you an early taste of what the Antarctic really is. Discovered by British adventurer William Smith in 1819, it is the largest island of the South Shetlands; nearly 90% of it is covered by the Collins glacier. During the morning disembark in Potter Bay and visit the Argentine scientific base Jubany. Here there will be great opportunities of finding marine elephants. In the afternoon disembark at Aitcho Island located between Greenwich and Robert Islands and is part of the South Shetlands. See Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins as well as Weddell Sea seals and sea elephants before continuing with the crossing of the Bransfield and Gerlache Straits to enter Andvord Bay where we find Neko Bay. During days at sea, the renowned Expedition Team, with a century of Antarctic experience among them, delivers illustrated presentations on a broad range of topics that enrich the adventure and enhance your understanding of polar biology, geology and history. Overnight at Antarctic Dream (10N). |
 Elephant Seal |
 Ship Activities |
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Day 7
Antarctic Ocean Besides the magnificent scenery of mountains, snow and ice, in Antarctica expect to see a variety of native wildlife, including nests of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adelie penguins. Other birds to look for are blue-eyed shags, gulls, cape petrels, skuas, snowy sheathbills and Antarctic terns. Marine mammals that you are likely to see include Weddell crab-eaters and leopard seals while Orcas, humpback and mink whales may be spotted at close range. This area is of historical interest extensively explored by several expeditions during the 19th century. Passengers will experience a sense of excitement as you lookout from the Bridge or other vantage points as the vessel threads her way through this dramatic and pristine region. The program includes your first landing on the White Continent (Neko Bay) and another on Port Lockroy (Gaudier Island). During days at sea, the renowned Expedition Team, with a century of Antarctic experience among them, delivers illustrated presentations on a broad range of topics that enrich the adventure and enhance your understanding of polar biology, geology and history. Overnight at Antarctic Dream (10N). |
 Whale by a Zodiac Boat |
 Onboard Activities |
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Day 8
Antarctic Ocean Sail south through the narrow Lemaire Channel, where high, sheer cliffs suggest that no passage could be found. Once through the channel, and provided climate and ice conditions are good enough, you will be able to visit Petermann Island, the most southern land point of our expedition. Here you disembark and will be able to see the most southern colony of gentoo penguins which nest near our landing spot. On this island we will also be able to see a colony of beautiful adelie penguins, skuas and blue-eyed shags. At Pleneau we should have the opportunity to take our zodiacs and visit impressive ice formations. Overnight at Antarctic Dream (10N). |
 Penguins in Antarctica |
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Day 9
Antarctic Ocean At this point we commence the return voyage. During the morning “if weather permits”, disembark or use our zodiacs in Paradise Bay. This is one of the most striking places of the whole Antarctic Peninsula. Here glaciers tumble into the sea; icebergs break off and are later carved into wonderful shapes by the wind and the sea. In the evening visit Cuverville Island. Beside its dramatic scenery it is home to one of the largest colony of Gentoo penguins and skuas. This rocky island is on the north side of the Errera Channel, between Ronge Island and the Arctowski Peninsula. Visitors find the viewing of such abundant wildlife is as rewarding as the magnificent Antarctic scenery. Navigating and exploring these channels is one of the highlights of a visit to the Peninsula. During days at sea, the renowned Expedition Team, with a century of Antarctic experience among them, delivers illustrated presentations on a broad range of topics that enrich the adventure and enhance your understanding of polar biology, geology and history. Overnight at Antarctic Dream (10N). |
 Zodiac Tour |
 Onboard Activities |
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Day 10
Antarctic Ocean Continue sailing to Deception Island at the northwest side of the Peninsula. Deception Island is the largest active volcano in the area and one of the main sources of seismic and volcanic activity in the Antarctic. Sailing through the narrow passage into its huge flooded crater is a thrilling experience. Do not forget to bring your bathing suits as swimming in this water is a unique experience. During the morning we will try to disembark in Whaler’s Bay and Pendulum Cove. In the afternoon, depending on weather conditions, disembark at Hannah Point (Livingstone Island). One of the best places in the Antarctic to see fauna. We should see Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, giant petrels, Wilson petrels, skuas and blue-eyed shags. With luck we should also see sea elephants. During days at sea, the renowned Expedition Team, with a century of Antarctic experience among them, delivers illustrated presentations on a broad range of topics that enrich the adventure and enhance your understanding of polar biology, geology and history. Overnight at Antarctic Dream (10N). |
 Zodiac Tour |
 Tourists on Antarctic Volcano |
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Day 11
Antarctic Ocean Wandering albatrosses, storm petrels and other seabirds will escort the vessel as you sail south across this famous passage named after Sir Francis Drake, the 16th-century English navigator. Continue towards the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar waters sink beneath the warmer waters of the more temperate zone. Overnight at Antarctic Dream (10N). |
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Day 12
Antarctic Ocean During days at sea, the renowned Expedition Team, with a century of Antarctic experience among them, delivers illustrated presentations on a broad range of topics that enrich the adventure and enhance your understanding of polar biology, geology and history. Overnight at Antarctic Dream (10N). |
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Day 13
Buenos Aires After an early breakfast we will land at approx. 9:00 am and bid farewell to our guests. Thus ends an incredible and unique expedition.
Note: *Please note that you should regard this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to the weather conditions we encounter. Enjoy a private airport transfer with vehicle, English speaking guide and driver. Fly from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires domestic airport. Not flights are subject to changes based on availability. The flight duration is approximately 3.5 hrs Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver and English speaking Guide. Hotel Madero is placed in the wistful and scenic Puerto Madero area, and is a beautiful hotel to stay in while getting to know the fiery city of Buenos Aires. The 197 rooms offer a vast space in which one can relax and unwind, with great views. The culinary skills of the French chef at Madero's Red Resto & Lounge, are showcased via French specialties fused with international. Spend time at the bars, sipping on cocktails, or drop by the pool for a refreshing swim. Overnight at Hotel Madero. |
 Antarctic Dream |
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Day 14
Ushuaia Enjoy a private airport (International) transfer with professional driver and English speaking Guide. Depart from Ushuaia- End of itinerary. Overnight at Depart. |
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