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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Experience the fastest, most direct route to Antarctica as you fly over the Drake Passage, before joining your ship for an unforgettable expedition voyage, with thrilling Zodiac landings accompanied by a team of polar specialists

Expedition Holiday
Antarctica - Credit David Merron
Kayaking - Credit Samantha Crimmin
Penguins - Credit David Merron
Antarctica
Seal - Credit Quark Expeditions
Whale - Credit Quark Expeditions

Call us now on 01756 706500

With no Drake Passage crossing, you can begin exploring Antarctica sooner on this unique expedition cruise.

After an overnight hotel stay in the beautiful Chilean city of Punta Arenas, board your charter flight over the Drake Passage to King George Island. Enjoy your first glimpse of the White Continent as you begin your descent towards the remote South Shetland Islands. After landing, transfer by Zodiac to your ship, ready to set sail for the stunning Antarctic Peninsula.

Spend a memorable few days exploring Antarctica. Keep your camera ready as you board Zodiacs in search of whales, seabirds and majestic icebergs. Beaches dotted with leopard seals and colonies of penguins give way to icy plateaus, all overlooked by dramatic snow- capped peaks. Every day will be an adventure and the experienced Expedition Team will accompany you all the way, providing invaluable insights into the places visited.

Q102 Operated by Quark Expeditions

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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake Itinerary

Day 1 - Punta Arenas (Chile)

Transfer from the airport to hotel for an overnight stay in Punta Arenas. Be met by a Quark representative at your hotel, where you'll enjoy a welcome dinner and briefing.

Day 2 - King George Island (Antarctica)

Board a charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island in Antarctica, crossing over the Drake Passage. Enjoy your first glimpse of Antarctica from above, before beginning your descent to King George Island. After landings there is a one mile walk to the shore to embark, before being transferred by Zodiac to the ship to begin your voyage.

Days 3-6 - Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

Enjoy an unforgettable few days exploring Antarctica. The Captain and Expedition Team will alert you to wildlife sightings as well as educate you on the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region. Zodiac landings enhance this voyage. Each is different but presents new sightings and photo opportunities. One day you might see whales, and the next a colony of penguins. Every day promises to be an adventure.

Day 7 - Punta Arenas (Chile)

Disembark at King George Island for your charter flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, where there is a hotel stay. Evening is at leisure.

Day 8 - Punta Arenas

After breakfast, check-out of the hotel.

Please note 5 Dec 2021 is 9 days and includes an extra day cruising in Antarctica. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

Price Includes

  • 5-night or 6-night full board cruise
  • 1-night pre and post-cruise hotel stay in Punta Arenas
  • Charter flights between Punta Arenas and King George Island
  • Overseas transfers as specified in the itinerary
  • Wine and beer with dinner during the cruise
  • Soft drinks during bar opening hours during the cruise
  • Complimentary coffee, tea and water at all times during the cruise
  • Zodiac landings and shore landings, walks and hikes
  • Lectures by the Expedition Team
  • Quark Parka to keep
  • Loan of waterproof knee-high boots
  • Port charges and taxes

Price Does Not Include

  • International flights – we can arrange these for you
  • Overseas transfers
  • Optional excursions such as paddling and kayaking
  • Gratuities

Please contact us for the latest dates and prices

Call us now on 01756 706500

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