Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

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11 Days From

$26995

Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

11 Days Starting and ending in Punta Arenas, Chile

Visiting: Punta Arenas, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

PSP

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 128

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Interests:

Polar, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Trekking

From: $26995

NB: Prices correct on 23-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle" tour for an unforgettable adventure to the world's most remote continent. Begin your journey in Punta Arenas, Chile, and skip the notorious Drake Passage with a charter flight to King George Island. Set sail on a small expedition vessel, accompanied by expert Expedition Staff, to explore the breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula. Witness incredible wildlife, including seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales, as you make daily Zodiac excursions and landings. Experience the thrill of crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66° 33’ S, a feat achieved by few. Enjoy full board accommodation on the Ocean Adventurer or Ocean Explorer, with all meals, beer, and wine during dinner included. This intimate polar adventure promises flexible itineraries, stunning landscapes, and the chance to create lifelong memories in one of the most pristine environments on Earth.

Highlights

  • Skip the Drake Passage and fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island.

  • Explore the remarkable Antarctic Peninsula.

  • Encounter incredible wildlife including seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales.

  • Cross the Antarctic Circle at 66° 33’ S.

  • Experience daily Zodiac excursions and landings on the Antarctic Peninsula.

  • Witness the unique ice formations and the midnight sun in raw Antarctica.

  • Celebrate crossing the Antarctic Circle with a glass of champagne.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Punta Arenas; Overnight In Hotel

Location: Punta Arenas

Meals Included: Dinner

Our adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days. By early afternoon, a Quark Expeditions representative will meet all passengers at the official starting point hotel, where we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for embarkation day. Please note that you need to arrive at the hotel in Punta Arenas no later than 3pm today.

Day 2 : Charter Flight To King George Island; Board Ship And Embark

Location: King George Island

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Far below, the ship is approaching King George Island for our arrival. Our first glimpse of dramatic Antarctica landscapes will be from a very unique perspective, as the plane descends for landing in the South Shetlands. Meet the rest of your shipmates and set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

Day 3 - 5 : Explore The Antarctic Peninsula And The South Shetland Islands

Location: Antarctic Peninsula

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As the ship approaches the white continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes. Our first sightings will be from the ship itself. As the Captain and Expedition Team keep their eyes out for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region. Even more exciting are the daily excursions to land. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking up to a beach that is dotted with penguins and seals is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between an Adélie, Gentoo or Chinstrap penguin. We may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs in Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming shot of a calving glacier at Petermann Island to the complete silence of night while camping on the ice in Antarctica, each day will be welcomed with the excitement and energy of a young child.

Day 6 - 7 : Crossing The Antarctic Circle

Location: Antarctic Circle

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach 66° 33' S. We will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne! With a toast to the first explorers who ventured this far south, you can take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, Weddell seals and some of the most magical, odd ice formations seen anywhere in Antarctica.

Day 8 - 9 : Travelling Northbound Along The Peninsula

Location: Antarctic Peninsula

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time we return to the Drake Passage. We will continue to journey onto land by Zodiac twice daily as we travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. The Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded us on the journey south.

Day 10 : Disembark On King George Island; Charter Flight To Punta Arenas And Overnight In Hotel

Location: King George Island

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to the Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. A three-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings our adventure to an end. After we transfer you from the airport to the hotel, you can enjoy a final dinner in the city to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

Day 11 : End Punta Arenas

Location: Punta Arenas

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Punta Arenas for your homeward flight.

What's Included

  • Meals
    6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners.

  • All meals while on the ship

    All meals are included while you are on the ship.

  • Beer and wine during dinner

    Beer and wine are provided during dinner.

  • All accommodation

    All accommodation is included in the tour package.

  • All transport and listed activities

    All transport and activities listed in the itinerary are included.

  • Return charter flight to King George Island from Punta Arenas

    A return charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island is included.

  • Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff

    A tour leader and qualified expedition staff will accompany you throughout the journey.

  • Flights from the UK

    Flights from the UK can be included upon request.

  • Two nights in a standard hotel in Punta Arenas

    Two nights in a standard hotel in Punta Arenas are included.

  • Full board accommodation on the ship

    Full board accommodation on the ship is provided, generally on a twin share basis.

  • Zodiac excursions, trekking, kayaking

    Activities such as Zodiac excursions, trekking, and kayaking are included.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Single accommodation

    Single accommodation is not included but is available on request.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.

Food

All meals while on the ship included. Typical Meals The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale. Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal. Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet, or the occasional BBQ. Dinner: Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea and coffee. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that our local team can be well prepared.

Accommodation

The Antarctic Express voyage is offered on the Ocean Adventurer and the Ocean Explorer, which are Polar Adventure Ships. Two nights in a standard hotel in Punta Arenas are included. Full board accommodation on the ship, generally on a twin share basis in a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities.

Mode of Transport

Skip the Drake Passage and fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island, then embark on a small expedition vessel to explore the Antarctic Peninsula. The tour includes a return charter flight to King George Island from Punta Arenas, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the Antarctic Express tour?

    The tour includes two nights in a standard hotel in Punta Arenas and full board accommodation on the ship, generally on a twin share basis in a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities.

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on this Antarctic expedition?

    You can expect to see incredible wildlife including seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales during the expedition.

  • What activities are included in the Antarctic Express tour?

    The tour includes frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking, kayaking, and many hours on deck. There are also daily excursions to land for wildlife sightings and photo opportunities.

  • How is the Antarctic Circle crossing celebrated during the tour?

    Crossing the Antarctic Circle is celebrated with a well-earned glass of champagne and a toast to the first explorers who ventured this far south.

  • What is the mode of transport to Antarctica from Punta Arenas?

    The tour includes a return charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, allowing you to skip the Drake Passage.

  • Are meals included during the Antarctic Express tour?

    Yes, all meals while on the ship are included, along with beer and wine during dinner.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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