Exclusive South Georgia 2010 An epic 22 day journey to the sub Antarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula Tuesday, October 16th - Thursday, November 6th, 2010 South Georgia - South Georgia has an astonishing concentration of wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery ranging from 7,000-foot Mountains and mighty glaciers to deep fjords and low-lying grassland. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and inspiring places on earth and certainly has more wildlife than virtually anywhere else on the planet. Thousands of King Penguins, Wandering Albatrosses nest, southern elephant seals, and thousands of fur seals breed. This trip combines amazing wildlife encounters with spectacular land and seascapes as well as an introduction to the history of exploration and whaling that made these locations both famous and infamous. Expert expedition staff are at hand throughout the voyages to pass on their knowledge to you. Would you like to join a trip from Ireland to South Georgia is October 2010?  There are a limited number of places available on a special voyage. So who can go? The expedition is suitable for all ages, fitness levels and interests. All you need is a sense of adventure and a desire to see some of the most remarkable locations on the planet. Cabins are available to share so no need for single supplements and extra costs! The trip will depart from Dublin on 16th October flying to Monte Video, Uruguay.  This will be our embarkation point for our adventure to the South Georgia. Returning from South Georgia to Ushuaia on 4th November we will make fly back to Buenos Aires before making the return journey to Dublin arriving on 6th of November having just had an unforgettable experience. This very special trip offer includes flights, accommodation in Monte Video, Ushuaia and Buenos Aires and a 18 day Antarctic voyage on board the M/V Plancius. Price includes: International return flights  - Dublin - Monte Video/Buenos Aires Dublin. Domestic return flights - Ushuaia- Buenos Aires. A 17 night/18 days expedition voyage to South Georgia on board the M/V Plancius including: All meals throughout the voyage.               All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac. Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff. All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the voyage programme. Comprehensive pre-departure material. 2 nights accommodation at 4* hotels in Monte Video & Buenos Aires. A special night out in Buenos Aires! All meals as detailed in itinerary     All transfers airport/hotel/port with guide.

SPECIAL BONUS Book NOW and receive a beautiful top quality North Face Expedition Parka absolutely FREE*. RRP. €260 This offer is only available on a first come/first served basis on a limited number of cabin spaces so book your space now and receive your free expedition parka. CALL +353 (0)1 2883385 or complete this form to register your interest. Full pricing details: Prices are cabin only & all-inclusive per person sharing Cabin type Cabin only All inclusive price per person Cabin description Quad Private cabin N/A N/A Triple cabin with two bunks and one single bed. These cabins have private shower and toilet facilities. (ca. 17 square metres) Twin Private Cabin €6550 €8819 Twin cabin with two single beds. These cabins have private shower and toilet facilities. (ca. 15 square metres) Superior Private Cabin €7550 €9819 Superior cabin with double bed. These cabins have private shower and toilet facilities. (ca. 21 square metres) For more details about the vessel click here   If you want to see South Geoogia and take advantage of an incredible price then contact us as soon as possible to reserve your space.   CALL +353 (0)1 2883385 or complete this form to register your interest.  There are a limited number of places available.

Exclusive South Georgia 2010 - detailed itinerary

October 18th: Montevideo, Uruguay
In the afternoon, we embark in Montevideo. We set sail to South Georgia.

October 19th - 22nd: at sea
At sea, across the Southern Atlantic Ocean, in the Westerlies the ship is followed by several species of albatrosses, storm petrels, shearwaters and diving petrels. At sea, on our way to South Georgia we will cross the Antarctic Convergence. Entering Antarctic waters, the temperature will drop as much as 10 degrees C in the time span of only a few hours. Near the Convergence we will see a multitude of southern seabirds near the ship; several species of Albatrosses, Shearwaters, Petrels, Prions and Skuas.

October 23rd – 31st: Sailing around and skiing across South Georgia
An exciting expedition with two adventure options: the normal sea voyage for “sea explorers” (with zodiac excursions hiking options) and a land expedition for “ski explorers”! The sea explorers will circumnavigate the Island in 9 days (23 - 31 October), while at the same time the ski explorers will attempt to traverse the Island on a self supplied ski trek from the South coast (King Haakon Bay) to the North coast (Stromness Bay) in  4 to 5 days (23 - 28 October).

Ski trek across South Georgia: a group of up to 12 ski explorers and 2-3 mountain guides will attempt to traverse on an unsupported and self supplied trek across the island with skis (or snowshoes) hauling pulkas (sledges). The skiers will cover a total distance of 40 – 50 km retracing sections of the historic Shackleton route, which he covered in 36 hours.

On arrival day at King Haakon Bay, the expedition members will spend a night close to the shore preparing for the crossing. The expedition will then embark on their trek across alpine passes and glaciers aiming for reunion with the ship at Stromness Bay. After both expeditions have rejoined, all passengers will then continue to enjoy the latter part of the South Georgia cruise itinerary (29 – 31 October).

Sea voyage around South Georgia: The sea explorers who remain on board will wave the skiers “bye-bye” at Pegotty Bluff, the historic camp site. It was from where on the 19th May 1916 that Shackleton, Crean and Worsley set off across the Island to Stromness in a marathon trek of 36 hours.  The same day, Plancius, will stop over at Cape Rosa, where we intend to make a landing. Shackleton's James Caird landed at Cape Rosa after an epic 16 days voyage from Elephant Island. Truly a historic day!

During the night at sea we will pass Cape Disappointment (discovered by James Cook in 1775) and the expedition will reach the South East corner of South Georgia .  Drygalski Fjord is a great scenic place for zodiac cruising, we hope to land at Cooper Bay. During the next few days the expedition will explore the beaches of Gold Harbour, Royal and St. Andrews Bay. The sites that we visit give us a good opportunity to see a wide spectrum of landscapes and wildlife, like like King and Macaroni Penguins, Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Elephant Seals and the introduced reindeer.
With zodiacs we explore more closely the glacier front of Nordernskjöld glacier and the shorelines of Maiviken and Cumberland West Bay.

There will be opportunities for walkers in the group to hike at Godthul, Maiviken, Gold Harbour and Stromness. All hiking excursions are subject to weather and landing site availability. Hikes will be guided and vary in length with approx 2 – 4 hours, 5 – 10 km.

At Stromness Bay, the abandoned whaling village, the walkers amongst the sea explorers might want to follow a shorter section of Sir Ernest Shackleton's final leg of his epic hike. The path will take us to “Shackleton Waterfall”, total distance 5 km, 2 hours walking. The terrain is boggy and some small rivers might have to be crossed (sandals and walking poles very useful!).

In Stromness, the ship will most likely re-unite with the ski explorers. With all passengers onboard the ship will then set sail to Fortuna Bay to anchor for the night. The beaches are inhabited by King Penguins and seals. We might even see reindeer! At Grytviken we will also see an abandoned whaling village, where King Penguins now walk in the streets and seals have taken over the buildings. At Grytviken we'll also offer a visit to the Whaling History Museum as well as to Shackleton's grave near by. One of the final highlights might be our visit to Prion Island, where we will witness the breeding efforts of the huge Wandering Albatross and enjoy watching their displays. At Salisbury Plain, the second largest King Penguin colony at South Georgia, we will also see elephant seals. The voyage around South Georgia ends at the bay of Elsehul, with its very active fur seal breeding beach. From there we take course to Ushuaia, South America.

November 1st – 3rd: at sea
On our way to Ushuaia we are again followed by a great selection of seabirds while crossing the Southern Atlantic.

November 4th: Ushuaia / Argentina
We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark.

Note:

All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife.

So would you like to be a part of this very special trip?

To reserve your space now call +353 (0)1 2883385or complete this form and take advantage of the early booking offers. There are a limited number of cabin spaces available.

*terms and conditions apply