Incredible cruise - Queen Mary 2

Incredible cruise – Queen Mary 2

Antarctic cruise – Ushuaia to Ushuaia, Argentina

Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance, embarked from the UK towards Antarctica when, in 1915, just 200 miles from the Antarctic mainland, she was stuck in the Weddell sea between two ice floes. The crew stayed with the ship hoping that the winds would change and allow the ship free, however, after 10 months, they were forced to leave the Endurance and head out across the ice to find help.

The story of how Shackleton led his men over ice and ocean to safety. This is one of the greatest survival tales ever. This voyage allows you to follow in the footsteps of the greatest explorers including Shackleton, Scott, Ross, Mawson, Hillary, Gerlache, Fiennes, Cook, Charcot, Byrd, Weddell, Amundsen and Stromness.

You will see the Drake Passage, South Georgia Island, the Falkland Islands. Antarctica. All these places are remote and have their character and stories to tell of great explorers and adventures. Along the way, you will marvel at glaciers and icebergs, penguins, seals and whales in these remote and rugged landscapes. Look out for Macaroni, Rockhopper, Magellanic, Gentoo and more.
See the remains of whaling operations and also historic sites associated with the early explorers.

Itinerary

14 Nov 2015 Saturday – Ushuaia, Argentina

15 Nov 2015 Sunday – Day at Sea

16 Nov 2015 Monday – New Island, Falkland Islands

16 Nov 2015 Monday – West Point Island, Falkland Islands

17 Nov 2015 Tuesday – Stanley, Falkland Islands

18 Nov 2015 Wednesday – Day at Sea

19 Nov 2015 Thursday – Day at Sea

20 Nov 2015 Friday – South Georgia & Sandwich Islands

21 Nov 2015 Saturday – South Georgia & Sandwich Islands

22 Nov 2015 Sunday – South Georgia & Sandwich Islands

23 Nov 2015 Monday – Day at Sea

24 Nov 2015 Tuesday – Day at Sea

25 Nov 2015 Wednesday – Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

26 Nov 2015 Thursday – Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

27 Nov 2015 Friday – Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

28 Nov 2015 Saturday – Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

29 Nov 2015 Sunday – Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

30 Nov 2015 Monday – Drake Passage

01 Dec 2015 Tuesday – Drake Passage

02 Dec 2015 Wednesday – Ushuaia, Argentina

DAY 1 – San Jose – Your transfer service takes you from your home to your local airport for your flight. On arriving in San Jose, Costa Rica, you will be transferred to the Doubletree Cariari Hotel.

Day 2 – San Jose – Tortuguero National Park – Evergreen Lodge

As you journey through Braulio Carillo National Park, you will be surrounded by dormant volcanos and crater lakes as you travel to the Caribbean lowlands. On route, you will pass Caribbean-style villages. Later there is a cruise where you will travel along the rivers and canals of the Tortuguero National Park. There will be a two-night stay at your lodge where you will have the opportunity to see the diverse wildlife in a tropical forest. You will visit the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station where you can find out how to protect the turtle’s habitat.

Day 3 – Tortuguero National Park – Evergreen Lodge

In the morning, there is a bird-watching excursion where you can watch migratory birds. Experience abundance of wildlife as you join a cruise through the park and look out for sloths, toucans, howler monkeys and caimans. You may also see Costa Rica’s rarest animals including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees.

Day 4 – Tortuguero National Park – Sarapiqui – La Quinta Country Inn

The day commences with a scenic boat transfer to the mainland – Sarapiqui region. On route, you can learn about various types of pineapple and also taste them. This is followed by a presentation on bats at the La Tirimbina Biological Reserve.

Day 5 – Sarapiqui – La Quinta Country Inn

You start the day with a visit to the cacao plantation where you will observe chocolate making and even taste the finished product. We will also hear some of the histories of cacao and its importance. For the adventurous types, you can have a river rafting adventure on the Sarapiqui River. There is a cooking demonstration before the evening meal by a local chef.

Day 6 – Sarapiqui – Arenal – Mountain Paradise Hotel

Today its back to nature with a morning bird watching tour along the forest trails. Next you will see amazing views of Arenal Volcano and enjoy the peacefulness of this area.

Day 7 – Arenal – Mountain Paradise Hotel

You will visit a family farm and hear about life as a farmer, and the techniques passed down from father to son. You will see exotic medicinal plants and Costa Rican folklore. After lunch, you have time at your leisure to maybe relax in a hot spring or explore further.

Day 8 – Arenal Hanging Bridges Tour, Arenal Canopy Zip Line or Hot Springs – Mountain Paradise Hotel

You have 3 exciting experiences to choose from. You could have a zip line canopy tour of the rainforest to get a high view of the forest, Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano or a stunning “hanging bridges” tour. You could even have a relaxing day in one of the region’s famous hot springs.

Day 9 – Arenal-Tarcoles-Sunset Jungle Crocodile Safari & Bird Watching by Boat – Hotel Punta Leona

Today you will go on an exciting sunset jungle crocodile safari and bird watching boat trip. Visit the mangrove ecosystem together with the world’s biggest crocodile population in the wild. You may also see over fifty different kinds of birds, iguanas and waterfowl.

Day 10 – Tarcoles – Manuel Antonio National Park – Tarcoles – Hotel Punta Leona

This morning you will be walking through the Manuel Antonio National Park, along the trails, looking for three toes sloth, squirrel monkeys and iguanas or you could take a swim in the warm blue water. Enjoy the surrounding area rest of the day. Tonight you have dinner by the beach (if the weather is suitable).

Day 11 – Tarcoles – Sarchi – San Jose – Doubletree Cariari Hotel

Travel to Sarchi to learn about crafts of the region and see local artisans at work. Next you tour the Espiritu Santo Coffee Plantation and find out about the history of coffee and how it is grown, and also it’s economic importance to the region. Then you return to San Jose for a farewell dinner and hotel stay.

Day 12 – San Jose – Depart for The UK

Day 13 – Home Arrive back in the UK where our door to door airport transfer service will take you home.