© Sandra Walser
Caption: © Sandra Walser
Caption: © Rusian Eliseev
Caption: © Philip Stone
Caption: © BenO
Caption: © Juan Cristobal del Pedregal

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Journey Snapshot

Activity level: Level 2 Requires moderate physical activity. You need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing steps and be comfortable with some periods of standing. Not suitable if you have limited mobility or require a wheelchair/mobility scooter.
Destination: Classic Antarctica
Air-Cruise
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Flight information: Please arrange your flights to arrive into Punta Arenas Airport, Chile [PUQ] before 2PM on Day 1 and departing Punta Arenas Airport [PUQ] from late afternoon on Day 8
Pickup location: Punta Arenas Airport, Chile [PUQ] before 2PM

Overview

Setting foot on the seventh continent is a privilege and an honor. Join Antarctica 21 who pioneered travel to Antarctica by air, before boarding your small expedition vessel as you head to the 'White Continent'

There's still a side of the Earth that remains virtually untouched. An entire continent of windswept expanses, snow-shrouded peaks, and haunting emptiness stretching to the far horizon. A place where ice takes on hues of turquoise and iridescent blue so surreal that you feel you've entered a dream world. Where even as you reach for words to describe your sense of awe, you realize none will ever capture the experience of being here.

For wildlife lovers and photographers, its the ultimate trip! Penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds congregate in Antarctica during the austral summer. Present in large numbers, you can move along in their world and find endless inspiration for photographs. For the more adventurous you can cruise in a Zodiac boat to shore, and follow in the footsteps of early explorers as you hike on Antractic soil. There is also optional sea kayaking, hiking and snowshoeing programs to make the most of your time on the 'White Continent'.

Itinerary

Itinerary summary: DAY 1 - Start of the Air-Cruise
DAY 2 - Flight to Antarctica
DAY 3 - Exploring Antarctica
DAY 4 - Exploring Antarctica
DAY 5 - Exploring Antarctica
DAY 6 - Exploring Antarctica
DAY 7 - Fly back from Antarctica to the mainland
DAY 8 - End of the Air-Cruise
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Full Itinerary

DAY 1 - Start of the Air-Cruise

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM, where you are welcomed by Antarctica21 staff and transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon, you are welcomed at Explorers House to attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors.

Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.

Included meals: Welcome Dinner 
Accommodation: Cabo de Hornos Hotel, Punta Arenas (or similar) 

DAY 2 - Flight to Antarctica

After breakfast at the hotel, your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands.

As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. You then walk 2-km (1.25-mi), passing Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, to reach the shore and board a Zodiac boat that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel, the MS Hebridean Sky.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: MS Hebridean Sky 

DAY 3 - Exploring Antarctica

We begin our cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: MS Hebridean Sky 

DAY 4 - Exploring Antarctica

After breakfast onboard, it is time for the day's activity. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with the expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of educational presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: MS Hebridean Sky 

DAY 5 - Exploring Antarctica

Another day on board cruising the Antarctic Ocean. No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience every time.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: MS Hebridean Sky 

DAY 6 - Exploring Antarctica

Our last full day onboard discovering Antarctica.

While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache Strait, and the Penola Strait.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: MS Hebridean Sky 

DAY 7 - Fly back from Antarctica to the mainland

This morning we return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica, before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night and dinner at leisure.

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch  
Accommodation: Cabo de Hornos Hotel, Punta Arenas (or similar) 

DAY 8 - End of the Air-Cruise

After breakfast at the hotel, our journey discovering Antartica comes to an end. You will be transferred to Punta Arenas Airport for your onward flight home.

Included meals: Breakfast 

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More information

What's includedWhat's not includedImportant information

What's included

  • Return group transfers between Punta Arenas Airport and hotel on day 1 and day 8
  • Accommodation in Punta Arenas on day 1 and day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica
  • Special access to Explorers House.
  • Return group airport/hotel transfers for Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica
  • Return flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station, King George Island
  • Antarctic Ship cruise as indicated in the program with:
    • Daily breakfast and lunch on board ship offering a wide choice of dishes
    • Daily served dinner on board ship offering a choice of three main courses
    • Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship
    • Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition
  • All guided shore excursions
  • Lectures and entertainment on board
  • Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material
  • Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica
  • Contingency Plan as described on page 39 of the Antarctica21 brochere HERE
  • IAATO passenger fee

What's not included

  • Return flights to/from Punta Arenas [PUQ]
  • Airport transfers outside of tour dates
  • Anything not specifically listed under the “Included in the Rate” section. For example: Accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage. Specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.
  • Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar
  • Internet connection on board the ship
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
  • Gratuities
  • Any personal items and anything not mentioned under included in the section above
  • Visas for Chile, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable
  • Any entry or exit requirements e.g. COVID tests

Important information

  • You are required to complete a participation form and all participants 75 years of age and over have to submit a medical certificate. 
  • Antarctic21 full terms and conditions apply and can be viewed in full HERE
  • Please arrange your flights to arrive into Punta Arenas Airport, Chile [PUQ] before 2PM on Day 1 and departing Punta Arenas Airport [PUQ] from late afternoon on Day 8.
  • The Big Journey Company reserves the right to withdraw any offer prior to accepting a reservation request. This does not affect your statutory rights. This offer is subject to availability and space is limited.
  • Children are admitted from the age of 8 years if accompaied by a adult who will take responsibility and sign a waiver. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for children up to 12 years of age.
  • Please consult your doctor letting them know your travel plans so that they can advise you about any vaccinations/medications you may need to take.
  • Prices are based on two people sharing and do not include increases in government taxes, fuel surcharges.
  • Cruise itinerary subject to change depending on weather conditions.

The big journey promise

The big journey company was set up with one goal in mind, to share our passion for inspirational cultures, destinations and experiences. Over the last 10 years we have had the privilege to escort thousands of travellers on awe inspiring and sometimes life changing journeys. Our promise to every guest who joins us is that we will do everything possible to make sure your journey not only exceeds expectations but delivers at least one moment of true amazement.

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Holiday tours are operated by The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282.

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