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ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLAND ISLANDS with M/V Ortelius 29 th October - 18 th November 2016

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands 2016

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The cruise starts in Puerto Madryn, Argentina. Followed by sea birds we sail to the Falkland Islands, home to charming penguins and graceful albatrosses. Our next stop is South Georgia, a haven for anyone interested in nature and wildlife. The coastline harbours seals, albatrosses and hundreds of thousands of king penguins. We continue south towards the world’s most remote continent, Antarctica, which offers dramatic landscapes, gigantic icebergs, scenic channels and an abundance of penguins. Join us on the comfortable expedition ship M/V Ortelius and sail into this fairytale!

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  • ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLAND ISLANDSwith M/V Ortelius 29th October - 18th November 2016

  • The cruise starts in Puerto Madryn, Argentina. Followed by sea birds we sail to the Falkland Islands, home to charming penguins and graceful albatrosses. Our next stop is South Georgia, a haven for anyone interested in nature and wildlife. The coastline harbours seals, albatrosses and hundreds of thousands of king penguins. We continue south towards the worlds most remote continent, Antarctica, which offers dramatic landscapes, gigantic icebergs, scenic channels and an abundance of penguins. Join us on the comfortable expedition ship M/V Ortelius and sail into this fairytale!

    AN EXPEDITION CRUISE TO ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLAND ISLANDS ON BOARD M/V ORTELIUS

    ANTARCTICAAntarctic Peninsula

    Falkland Islands

    South Georgia

    South Shetland Islands

    ARGENTINACHILE

    Tierra del FuegoUshuaia

    Circle

    Peninsula Valds

    Puerto Madryn

    Antarctic

  • Day 1: Puerto Madryn, ArgentinaOur trip starts in Puerto Madryn, in beautiful Patagonia, where we stay the night at a centrally located hotel.Day 2: Peninsula Valds, ArgentinaToday we visit Peninsula Valds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The peninsula is a significant maritime habitat and home to elephant seals, sea lions and Magellanic penguins. During a boat excursion we have the opportunity to see the magnificent southern right whale. The worlds largest population of southern right whales congregates here every year during their birthing season. In the afternoon we embark the M/V Ortelius and sail southeast towards the Falkland Islands.Day 3 - 4: At SeaWe spend a couple of days at sea followed by a range of sea birds such as Cape petrels, fulmars and albatrosses that gracefully follow our ship. Our guides educate us on the wildlife and history of the Falkland Islands.Day 5 - 6: The Falkland IslandsThe western islands of the archipelago are isolated and windswept but are a great haven

    for wildlife. On Saunders Island, we find the majestic black-browed albatross and their nesting site along with breeding imperial shags and rockhopper penguins. We also hope to encounter Magellanic, gentoo and king penguins. Weather permitting, we plan to explore the rarely visited Steeple Jason Island, home to the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world (approx. 113 000). As an alternative, we might take a walk along the coast of Carcass Island, where we have a chance to see breeding Magellanic and gentoo penguins, but also numerous waders and passerine birds. In Port Stanley, the capital of the Falklands, we experience Falkland culture, which has some South American characteristics as well as British charm. During a visit to the museum or by strolling around the streets, we can feel the history that still dwells here.Day 7 - 8: At sea On our way to South Georgia we cross the Antarctic Convergence. Entering Antarctic waters, the temperature may drop significantly in just a few hours. Ship board presentations will continue, featuring the exciting history and abundant wildlife of South Georgia.

    Day 9 - 12: South Georgia We now reach South Georgias paradise islands, which boast of impressive mountain chains, mighty glaciers and beaches full of penguins. We arrive early summer when the mountain chains are still beautifully covered in snow. For anyone interested in wildlife, South Georgia is a true oasis. Here we hope to visit places such as Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour, where thousands of king penguins greet us and elephant seals lounge on sandy beaches. This time of the year we may witness dramatic fights for a position as the king of a harem. An elephant seal can weigh four tons and have over 200 females in one single harem! The island is also home to fur seals and several other penguin species such as gentoo, macaroni and rockhopper penguins. Hopefully we have the chance to visit Prion Island and witness the huge wandering albatrosses breeding. South Georgia played a significant role in Shackletons epic adventure. After his ship Endurance sank, he crossed the furious ocean in an open lifeboat to reach the island. In Grytviken we visit Shackletons grave and the small Whaling History Museum.

  • Day 13 - 15: At sea Our guides entertain us with lectures and out on deck we watch the many sea birds that faithfully accompany us on our adventure. We also keep our eyes open for the first iceberg, which may appear on the horizon at anytime!Day 16 - 18: The Antarctic Peninsula Our exact route along the peninsula is subject to weather and ice conditions. Please keep in mind that the Captain and Expedition Leader will always strive to maximise your experience. Below are only examples of places we may visit. If the ice permits we sail into the Weddell Sea through the icy Antarctic Sound, named after Nordenskjlds expedition ship Antarctic, which became the first ship to navigate this breathtaking sound. Huge tabular icebergs announce our arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. If lucky

    we visit Brown Bluff, where we may set foot on the continent. In good sailing conditions we may decide to extend our time in the Weddell Sea. Should we make the decision to explore the west coast of the peninsula instead we may visit Cierva Cove, where we can enjoy bluish icebergs and huge glaciated mountains a setting perfectly suited for a Zodiac cruise. Crabeater and leopard seals are often seen here and a small rookery of chinstrap penguins is situated on a small island in the bay. On the southern side of Trinity Island lies Mikkelsen Harbour, which was discovered by the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04. Gentoo penguins nest on the island and Weddell seals often haul out on the shore. There are also remains of the early 20th century whaling period. Just off the Antarctic Peninsula lies Deception Island, part of the South Shetland

    Islands. The island is an active volcano, where we in good weather conditions can sail into the flooded crater. Here, we find hot springs and an abandoned whaling station and thousands of birds such as Cape petrels, kelp gulls and South Polar skuas.Day 19 - 20: Drakes PassageOn our way north, we are once more guided by sea birds such as the magnificent wandering albatross.Day 21: Ushuaia, ArgentinaToday we arrive in Ushuaia, disembark and continue home. Or join our arrangements here and in Buenos Aires!

    Please note: Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

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    DATES & PRICES ON BOARD M/V ORTELIUS

    M/V ORTELIUS M/V Ortelius is an ice-strengthened expedition ship of the highest ice class and is very

    suitable for navigation in the Polar Regions. She was built in Poland in 1989 to serve

    as a special purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. M/V Ortelius takes 116

    passengers in 53 spacious cabins, all with private facilities, windows or portholes. In your

    cabin you find a desk with a chair and ample storage space for clothes and equipment.

    The quadruple cabins have two bunk beds and the triple cabins have two lower beds and a

    top bunk. All other cabins have lower beds. The superior cabins have a double bed and a

    separate day room with a sofa and TV.

    In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals in between landings and from

    the large windows in the observation lounge you can enjoy the surrounding landscape.

    Here you also find a bar. The knowledgeable guide team gives you interesting talks on

    the areas flora, fauna and history in the lecture room and in the observation lounge.

    Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock and there is always something to

    see or search for out on the spacious decks. There is a friendly and informal atmosphere

    on board.

    Duration: 21 days.Dates: 29th October - 18th November 2016.Group Size: Maximum 116 passengers.Accommodation: Hotel, cabin on M/V Ortelius.Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiacs.Price: From EUR 9 790 per person.

    RATE INCLUDES:

    19 nights on board M/V Ortelius . 1 night in twin room in

    Puerto Madryn . All meals including snacks, coffee and tea .

    An experienced expedition leader and knowledgeable naturalist

    guides . A tour leader from PolarQuest . Loan of rubber boots . Lectures . All excursions and activities by Zodiac . Landing

    fees and port taxes . Comprehensive pre departure material . A

    detailed post expedition log book

    NOT INCLUDED:

    Airfare to Puerto Madryn and from Ushuaia, Argentina .

    Transfers . Airport taxes . Travel and cancellation insurance .

    The customary gratuity to the ships crew . Beverages

    ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

    Quadruple Porthole (upper/lower beds) 9 790

    Triple Porthole (upper/lower beds) 10 690

    Twin Porthole (2 lower beds) 11 690

    Twin Window (2 lower beds) 12 390

    Twin Deluxe (2 lower beds) 13 090

    Superior (double bed) 14 190

    Cabin category Price per person in EUR

    Dec

    k 5

    Dec

    k 4

    Dec

    k 3

    Restaurant

    Twin Window

  • For those of you who want to experience the highlights of Buenos Aires we offer a pre and post cruise extension. You travel independently to Buenos Aires and meet up with the group and your PolarQuest tour leader at a central four star hotel. In the evening we enjoy a delicious dinner and a spectacular tango show. The following day we explore this

    lively capital together with our PolarQuest tour leader and a local guide. We visit the ship Uruguay, which brought Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjld and his team safely out of Antarctica after the sinking of their own ship. After an Argentinean lunch we fly to Puerto Madryn and join the program as described in this brochure. When we return to Ushuaia

    after the expedition we explore this quaint little town or visit the National Park Tierra del Fuego, depending on time, before we continue by air to Buenos Aires, where we enjoy a hearty farewell dinner. We stay the night at a four star hotel. The following day we continue home independently. Please contact us for a more detailed program.

    PRE AND POST CRUISE EXTENSION IN BUENOS AIRES AND USHUAIA

    THE EXPEDITION TEAM One of the keys to a successful expedition is knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. On this expedition you will meet guides with extensive experience of the Polar Regions. The language on board is English. The expedition team con-sists of one expedition leader and six guides. A tour leader from PolarQuest will also accompany the group.

    THE ZODIACS Another key behind a successful expedition cruise is the Zodiacs. With these safe and sturdy rubber boats we navigate among icebergs, cruise along glaciers and go ashore to get unique nature experiences.

  • ABOUT POLARQUEST AND OUR UNIQUE EXPEDITIONSEstablished in 1999, PolarQuest specialises in small ship expedition cruises to the Polar Regions. We take you to some of the most remote and exciting destinations on the planet. When travelling with us you will experience a unique expedition and our aim is that each passenger will have the trip of a lifetime! Our trips offer close encounters with wild animals and magnificent nature, whilst travelling in comfort and enjoying delicious food. You do not have to be a Polar explorer or an athlete to join one of our

    adventures.

    BOOKINGOur enthusiastic travel consultants have per-sonal experience from the Polar Regions and can answer all of your questions in regards to the trips. According to Swedish law, PolarQuest places all revenue in a bond with the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency until the completion of your expedition.

    WHAT MAKES SOUTH GEORGIA SO SPECIAL? In the middle of the Southern Ocean lies South Georgia. With nearly 3000 meter high mountain peaks, impressive glaciers and sandy beaches the island invites its visitors to some of the worlds most magnificent sceneries. The wildlife here is truly extraordinary. Everywhere, on the beaches and rocks, in the water and the air, the wildlife is teeming. The sound of hundreds of thousands of king penguins is very powerful! It is an incredible experience to stand among all these curious individuals. Here, we also have a chance to meet the huge elephant seals, which can weigh as much as four tons and have over 200 females in one single harem!

  • P.O. Box 180SE- 401 23 Gteborg, SwedenPhone: +46 31 333 17 30e-mail: [email protected]

    PHOTO: ADAM RHEBORG (BACK COVER, P. 2 UPPER NO. 5, P. 3 UPPER RIGHT & P. 4 UPPER LEFT), CARINA

    SVENSSON (P. 4 BACKGROUND), ELKE LINDNER (P. 3 LOWER RIGHT, P. 5 LOWER & P. 6 UPPER MIDDLE),

    ERIK EDVARDSSON (P. 2 UPPER NO. 2 & P. 3 UPPER LEFT), ERWIN VERMEULEN (P. 2 UPPER NO. 3 & 4),

    HANNAH LAWSON (P. 7 LOWER), INGMAR SKOGAR (P. 2 BACKGROUND & UPPER NO. 1 & P. 6 UPPER RIGHT),

    JOHANNA VAKKILA (P. 7 UPPER), LISA STRM (P. 4 UPPER MIDDLE), OCEANWIDE EXPEDITIONS (P. 5 UPPER

    LEFT), OLLE CARLSSON (FRONT COVER, P. 3 UPPER MIDDLE & LOWER LEFT & P. 5 UPPER RIGHT), RINIE

    VAN MEURS (P. 6 LOWER)

    TEXT: POLARQUEST. DESIGN: WWW.ALINDERDESIGN.SE. THIS BROCHURE IS PRINTED ON FSC CERTIFIED

    PAPER AT A FSC CERTIFIED PRINTING COMPANY.Min 12 mm hg I

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