Classic Antarctica by Air-Cruise

Depart the UK for your overnight flight to Santiago.

Arrival to Santiago in the morning and transfer to your hotel in a central area of the city. On your doorstep in the Bohemian neighbourhood of Lastarria immerse yourself in the cultural combination of art, literature, music, film, theatre, design and gastronomy.

Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight south to Punta Arenas where you are met by Antarctica 21 staff and transferred to your hotel. Explore the town, founded in 1843 with its grand neoclassical buildings testimony to its wealthy past as a major port hub. Before dinner, you will receive a briefing about the procedures and life aboard your cruise when in Antarctica. Later enjoy a welcome dinner where you have the chance to meet your expedition mates.

Your Antarctic adventure begins with a 2 hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands). Upon arrival, take a tour around the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. Then gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation by Zodiac boats to your expedition ship, the Ocean Nova or Sea Explorer, depending on your dates.

The next four days are spent cruising between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular icebergs, enjoy the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Your journey toward the south may include visits to some of the most magnificent spots in the white continent such as Hannah Point, Port Lockroy (with its Post Office!) Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Cuverville and Deception Islands amongst others. Your adventure will be filled with daily landings and cruises in zodiacs boats, selected lectures and an enjoyable time on board. Your exploration of the White Continent will have a degree of flexibility, allowing you to experience the best on offer in this spectacular region.

Return to King George Island where you will disembark in Zodiac boats at Fildes Bay by Presidente Eduardo Frei M Chilean Base, and head to the Teniente Marsh aerodrome to take the flight back to Punta Arenas. On arrival at the airport in Punta Arenas transfer to your hotel for an overnight in Punta Arenas.

Bid farewell to Punta Arenas, your gateway to Antarctica and either return to Santiago or continue your trip through Chile or even across the border into Argentina. From Punta Arenas we can offer a host of extensions to explore the vast wilderness of Patagonia, with options such as trekking in Torres del Paine National Park or ending your South American holiday in the bustling city of Buenos Aires.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK with wonderful memories and magical photographs of your White Continent trip.