In The Wake Of Shackleton 2008/9

19th Nov - 11th Dec 2008 - 81122 Enhanced Photo Expedition Programme; 16th Dec 2008 - 6th Jan 2009 - 81219 Family Departure; 15th Feb - 8th Mar 2009 - 90218

Follow in the footsteps of early explorers. Experience the coldest desert on Earth. Wander with an albatross. Let the penguins entertain you. Dine under a midnight sun. Learn something new every day. Let A&K make your holiday a truly inspiring experience.

Day 1 - London/Buenos Aires

Depart from London Heathrow by overnight flight to Buenos Aires.

Day 2 - Buenos Aires

On arrival in Buenos Aires, we transfer to the Intercontinental Hotel for a two-night stay. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 3 - Buenos Aires

Morning introduction to the ‘Paris of Latin America’, taking in the highlights of the Teatro Colon Opera House, the Recoleta Cemetery, La Boca and La Casa Rosada.

Day 4 - Buenos Aires/Ushuaia

Today we fly southwards to Tierra del Fuego and the world’s southernmost town of Ushuaia for embarkation aboard Minerva.

Day 5 - At Sea

Minerva heads northeast from Cape Horn towards the Falkland Islands.

Days 6 and 7 – The Falkland Islands

Remote and proudly British, the Falklands Islands offer a chance to step back in time, to an era of whalers and clipper ships, and a place where nature is still very much at large. Option to enjoy nature walks or stroll through the streets of Stanley.

Days 8 and 9 - At Sea

We head southeast across the South Atlantic towards South Georgia, with plenty of time to watch for passing bird life and the occasional whale and enjoy the informative lecture programmes.

Days 10 to 12 - South Georgia

We spend our time exploring South Georgia’s numerous coves, fjords and historic sites, including the former whaling station of Grytviken and the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton. The scenery here represents a breathtaking combination of rocky beaches, wildlife rookeries and a stunning glacial backdrop. Landing sites within South Georgia are subject to the permission of the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Permission and weather permitting, visits are planned at wildlife sites that are home to vast colonies of stately king penguins, fur and elephant seals.

Days 13 and 14 - Scotia Sea

Lecturers recap our adventures in South Georgia, whilst Minerva heads across the Scotia Sea towards Antarctica.

Days 15 to 17 - Antarctica

Our voyage brings us to the offshore islands and spectacular icebound backdrop of the Antarctic Peninsula. During our visit we enjoy a programme of exploration and discovery amidst this amazing environment, with usually scheduled stops twice a day. We hope (conditions permitting) to have landings by fast Zodiac boats on such islands as Deception Island home to an active volcano where (weather permitting) an Antarctic swim amid steam and hot water can be enjoyed, and scenically dramatic King George Island. We may venture ashore on Zodiacs to see some of the thousands of penguins and other seabirds nesting here. Sailing through Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, we cruise iceberg-strewn channels. There may also be an opportunity to visit a scientific research station or to see surviving relics from past whaling and sealing days.

Days 18 and 19 - Drake Passage

The journey northward to Cape Horn across the strait named after the famous British mariner and explorer is an exciting one and you can reap and share the many highlights of your amazing journey with the team of lecturers.

Day 20 - Ushuaia/Buenos Aires

Today we disembark from Minerva and board the flight back to Buenos Aires. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Day 21 - Buenos Aires/London

Departure for the overnight flight to London. Arrive London day 22.The nature of expeditionary cruising means the captain may change the itinerary based on local conditions.Departure 81122 embarks in Buenos Aires (not Ushuaia) and has three extra days at sea and one less day in the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. 81122 is also designated as an ‘Enhanced Photo Expedition Programme’ led by Richard Harker and including specific key elements as below*:1. The program will instructional based and beneficial for photographers of all levels from novice (point and shoot) photographers to more advanced Single Lens Reflex (SLR) photographers. On this departure, however, there will be a specific "two-track" educational program focusing on both specific levels. 2. Individual one-on-one sessions to discuss specific camera questions, problems and issues. **There will be on-board workshops on specific photo skills and objectives (i.e. shooting sea-birds in flight, use of filters, creating dramatic sunset/sunrise photo's, when and where to look or contrasts and scales to aid in enhancing photographs).3. Complete accessibility: as with our other staff positions, Richard will be on deck, on shore and interacting with passengers throughout the voyage.4. Photo lecture programme: Richard will be conducting informative lectures during voyage (as part of enrichment lecture programme) to further educate and enhance guests photo opportunities.*It is extremely important to note that as with any of our lecture/enrichment positions, the above components (especially that of lectures, slideshows, workshops) are always contingent on the overall ship schedule and always subject to change. This position will be in conjunction with our other lecture programmes (i.e. on birding, marine biology, history and geology) and will be integrated within the enrichment curriculum on board, however, on this voyage the photo enrichment will be the primary focus.**Passenger slideshows at various stages either prior to or as part of evening recaps, which will make passengers feel more actively involved in the program.Itineraries are available using either British Airways or Iberia Airlines and the number of nights in Buenos Aires will vary accordingly to their schedules. Please refer to an A&K consultant for further details.

Prices (from)Gold
19 Nov - 81122	£6,385
17 Dec - 81219	£7,325
16 Feb - 90218	£7,285

Prices (from)Silver
19 Nov - 81122	£6,365
17 Dec - 81219	£7,555
16 Feb - 90218	£7,115

The first price is based on flying British Airways with a touch down in Sao Paulo. Your itinerary includes three nights (two nights depending on the Bristish Airways schedule) in Buenos Aires, bed and breakfast in Argentina and full board on Minerva.

The second price is based on flying Iberia Airlines with a change of plane in Madrid. Your itinerary includes three nights in Buenos Aires, bed and breakfast in Argentina and full board on Minerva.

Room supplements (per person per night) from

Prices vary per cruise and are per person per cruise from: B-Standard Cabin £400; SA-Standard Cabin £800; A-Standard Cabin £1200; Superior Cabin £2210; Deluxe Cabin £3190; Suite Cabin £4140; Owners Suite Cabin £5880