Air Travel
Air Travel 10/23/2024
Depart on an overnight flight to Santiago, Chile. We check into the centrally located Mandarin Oriental Hotel (or similar) and have the morning to relax. Santiago is nearly surrounded by the Andes, which form an inspiring backdrop to our afternoon guided overview of this vibrant city. We explore the Plaza de Armas, the main square, and nearby Presidential Palace, enjoying wonderful views from the many hills that dot the city. (Day 2: L),
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10/23/2024 |
10/23/2024 |
Santiago
Santiago 10/23/2024
Depart on an overnight flight to Santiago, Chile. We check into the centrally located Mandarin Oriental Hotel (or similar) and have the morning to relax. Santiago is nearly surrounded by the Andes, which form an inspiring backdrop to our afternoon guided overview of this vibrant city. We explore the Plaza de Armas, the main square, and nearby Presidential Palace, enjoying wonderful views from the many hills that dot the city. (Day 2: L),
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10/23/2024 |
10/23/2024 |
Santiago
Santiago 10/24/2024
Today we fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile's southern gateway to Patagonia, drive to the outpost of Puerto Natales, and embark our ship. (B,L,D),
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10/24/2024 |
10/24/2024 |
Air Travel
Air Travel 10/24/2024
Today we fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile's southern gateway to Patagonia, drive to the outpost of Puerto Natales, and embark our ship. (B,L,D),
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10/24/2024 |
10/24/2024 |
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas 10/24/2024
Today we fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile's southern gateway to Patagonia, drive to the outpost of Puerto Natales, and embark our ship. (B,L,D),
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Punta Arenas: Exploring the End of the World - 3.5 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- A visit to the Braun-Menendez Regional Museum.
- Cocktail and canapés at the De La Cruz hill
- The municipal cemetery and the tomb dedicated to the Ona Indians.
DESCRIPTION
This city tour begins with a visit to the southern sector of Punta Arenas where we’ll visit the eerie wreckage of the Lord Longsdale ship and the local market.
Afterwards we’ll head back to Old Town Punta Arenas. Here its European architecture, public buildings, main square and gardens with their varied styles denote wealth and luxury that existed in the city during the "golden era" between 1880 and 1914, when Punta Arenas was one of the most active ports of the Southern Cone.
The visit will continue to the Braun-Menendez Regional Museum, the former residence of Maurice Braun and Josefina Menendez, a marriage that united the two largest fortunes in the region of Magallanes. With the falling price of wool and the nationalization of the farms during the 1970's, the family lost most of their wealth and their descendants have since moved from Patagonia to the rest of world.
Moving from downtown towards the North, we’ll arrive at the Mount La Cruz panoramic point. It offers a beautiful view of the city, with its colorful roofs spreading up to the strait and showing the landscape of Tierra del Fuego, Mount Sarmiento and the southern area of the Brunswick Peninsula. Before continuing will take a few minutes to make a toast enjoying this unique view and brilliant photo stop.
To end this excursion we’ll take you to the beautifully landscaped Municipal Cemetery. Here, one can admire the splendid mausoleums of pioneer families as well as a tomb dedicated to the Unknown Ona, the now extinct Fireland Indians. They say you can't really understand a culture until you see where they bury their dead, and in the case of the cemetery of Punta Arenas, this edict certainly rings true. The Municipal Cemetery was opened by the Governor Señoret in 1894 and features a giant stone portico donated by Sara Braun in 1919. Inside this necropolis lies a veritable miniature city, with avenues that connect the magnificent tombs of the region's founding families, settlers, and civic workers and a rather solemn tomb where lie the remains of the last Selk'nam Indians of Tierra del Fuego.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
Operational notes :
Duration : 3.5 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Snacks and refreshments at Mount La Cruz
Travellers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
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Punta Arenas: Flavors of Patagonia - 4 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- An orientation tour of Punta Arenas
- A private culinary experience with a renowned local chef
DESCRIPTION
The Walking City Tour begins at Main Square Plaza Muñoz Gamero and Old Town with its European arquitecture, public buildings and gardens with their varied styles denote wealth and luxury that existed in the city during the "golden era" between 1880 and 1914, when Punta Arenas became one of the most active ports of the Southern Cone.
To continue towards the area near the port and regional market where will meet up with Luis Gonzalez, Chef and owner of the unique Remezon Restaurant which offers wild flavours that come from this part of the world. Thus his proposal has been awarded and praised by many visitors.
Luis Gonzalez enjoys sharing his Patagonian recipes and culinary secrets with those who come to the Remezon. Today we’ll be doing some grocery shopping together at the market and his favourite spots and afterwards enter his kitchen where cooking is not only fun but we’ll also learn more about Punta Arenas culture, its people and way of living at the ends of the world.
After participating in preparing some delicious dishes it will be time to sit back and enjoy lunch.
Before leaving Luis will surprise you with a very special memento of this Patagonian culinary experience.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
Operational notes :
Duration : 4 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Lunch with wine at the Remezón restaurant
Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
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Punta Arenas - A day on a Patagonian Ranch - 5 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- The local fauna
- Typical Patagonian lunch
DESCRIPTION
This journey begins as we take off from the city towards the north. Once leaving Punta Arenas enjoy the scenery of the pampas and Patagonian steppe; rheas may be seen alongside hundreds of sheep.
In 1852 Bernard E. Philippi brought some sheep from Chiloé (island across Puerto Montt) and in 1877 the governor Double Diego Almeyda traveled to the Falkland Islands and brought 300 sheep that were sold in Punta Arenas. The following year other traders brought more sheep, and thus began the business of farming and today represent one of the main economic activities in the region. The principal landowners were English and Scots, who knew the handling of sheep and the necessary infrastructure.
Rio Penitente farm was founded by Alexander Morrison, a Scottish pioneer in 1891. Today his descendants are in charge, and will be here to welcome visitors to their charming ranch to explore their facilities, discover the traditional work around the farm, and watch the sheep working dogs and a sheep shearing exhibition.
The comfortable old-world setting provides sharp contrast with the raw beauty of the beech forest and open pampas of the surrounding Patagonian Landscapes. The clear water of Rio Penitente, flowing through the farm, offers excellent trout fishing.
For lunch an exquisite Patagonian barbecue will be served at the main dinning room.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
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10/24/2024 |
10/24/2024 |
Cruise Starts (Embarkation)
Cruise Starts (Embarkation) 10/24/2024
Today we fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile's southern gateway to Patagonia, drive to the outpost of Puerto Natales, and embark our ship. (B,L,D),
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10/24/2024 |
10/24/2024 |
Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales 10/24/2024
Today we fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile's southern gateway to Patagonia, drive to the outpost of Puerto Natales, and embark our ship. (B,L,D),
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10/24/2024 |
10/24/2024 |
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Kirke Narrows
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10/25/2024 |
10/25/2024 |
Chilean Fjords
Chilean Fjords 10/26/2024
Be on deck to look for condors and other wildlife on our way out of Puerto Natales as our ship transits the narrow sliver of water known as the Kirke Narrows—always a challenge to navigate because of the powerful currents that flow through its pinch point. Today and during the following days you'll be treated to the spectacular features of an active glaciated landscape with hanging valleys and tributary glaciers. This region was navigated by Ferdinand Magellan's expedition and it took most of November 1520 for his ships to find a way through the channels that lie between the continental mainland and Tierra del Fuego to the south. Our captain and local pilots guide us through Kirke Narrows, accessible only to a small ship such as National Geographic Resolution. We'll look to make a first stop in the extensive maze of channels and islands of the Chilean fjords, where we may go out by Zodiac and kayak. (B,L,D Daily),
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10/26/2024 |
10/26/2024 |
Karukinka
Karukinka 10/27/2024
Karukinka Natural Park: Tierra del Fuego is one of Patagonia's crown jewels. We visit its newest and largest protected area: Karukinka Natural Park. Established in 2004 through a gift from Goldman Sachs, Karukinka is one of the largest donations ever made for conservation. We're thrilled to have special permission from the Wildlife Conservation Society to visit this private reserve, which spans 1,160 square miles and harbors endangered culpeo fox, Andean condors, albatross, grebes, petrels, fulmars, shearwaters, and many other kinds of wildlife. We may explore Jackson Bay, backed by a skyline of rugged mountains and look or wildlife including black-browed albatross, which nest on one of the nearby small islands. We may walk a trail to a lovely waterfall and look for elephant seals resting on not only the beach but also high in the grass meadows and even in the small river draining the valley inland. (B,L,D),
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10/27/2024 |
10/27/2024 |
Chilean Fjords
Chilean Fjords 10/28/2024
We'll explore more stunning wilderness as we see the fjords and glaciers of the region by Zodiac, kayak, and on foot. A vast area of soaring, snowcapped mountains, gigantic glaciers, thousands of verdant islands, serene lakes, and waterfalls—the archipelago is scarcely touched by man. Take Zodiacs out to explore these protected waters and rugged shores, the blue and white of ice contrasting with greens of the forest and highlighted by splashes of flowering plants. Look for the Andean condors, albatrosses, grebes, petrels, fulmars, shearwaters, and many other birds that inhabit this otherworldly realm. Then we sail the Beagle Channel and will look to hike and kayak one of the wild areas in this region of beech forests, mountains, and wild rivers. (B,L,D),
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10/28/2024 |
10/28/2024 |
Beagle Channel
Beagle Channel 10/28/2024
We'll explore more stunning wilderness as we see the fjords and glaciers of the region by Zodiac, kayak, and on foot. A vast area of soaring, snowcapped mountains, gigantic glaciers, thousands of verdant islands, serene lakes, and waterfalls—the archipelago is scarcely touched by man. Take Zodiacs out to explore these protected waters and rugged shores, the blue and white of ice contrasting with greens of the forest and highlighted by splashes of flowering plants. Look for the Andean condors, albatrosses, grebes, petrels, fulmars, shearwaters, and many other birds that inhabit this otherworldly realm. Then we sail the Beagle Channel and will look to hike and kayak one of the wild areas in this region of beech forests, mountains, and wild rivers. (B,L,D),
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10/28/2024 |
10/28/2024 |
Cape Horn
Cape Horn 10/29/2024
Today we visit Cape Horn, near the southernmost tip of the South American continent, named in 1616 for the Dutch town of Hoorn. These waters are famously difficult to navigate, and over the centuries have been the graveyard of many ships—which before the opening of the Panama Canal had to round the Cape to sail between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Of course, we'll use our modern equipment to explore safely. Weather permitting, we'll take our Zodiacs ashore and walk to the top of the hill for panoramic views and to see the memorial placed there in 1992, showing an albatross in silhouette. (B,L,D),
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10/29/2024 |
10/29/2024 |
Isla de Los Estados (Staten Island)
Isla de Los Estados (Staten Island) 10/30/2024
We have been given special permission to visit extraordinary Staten Island, and our ship will be one of the only expedition ships ever allowed here. It's a place of superlatives, barely touched in recent decades and visited primarily by a few scientists and those who man the tiny naval observatory. The island was named by Dutch explorers in 1615. Its mountainous, forested landscapes and rugged fjords are beautiful, and we'll find a great deal of interest here. Our exact schedule will remain flexible to take best advantage of conditions. We'll see southern rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, many other water birds, and fur seals and sea lions. We'll also look for otters on our landings ashore, and we'll see the replica of the 1884 San Juan de Salvamento "lighthouse at the end of the world", which inspired Jules Verne's novel by the same name. There will be chances to walk in the southern beech forests. These days are bound to stand out as a unique chance to explore a very remote place. (B,L,D Daily),
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10/30/2024 |
10/31/2024 |
Ushuaia
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Ushuaia – Tierra del Fuego National Park and End of the World Train - Half Day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Begin the tour by driving along National Route N3, crossing the valley of the Pipo River and the foothills of Mount Susana, to the train station located in the area where the inmates of the old prison collected firewood.
The little steam train will wind along the trail that the prison train used to follow over bridges, swampy areas, and green valleys, making a short stop at La Macarena waterfall. On completion of the train ride and already in the Tierra del Fuego National Park, drive through the most attractive landscapes of the park, such as Lake Roca and Bahía Lapataia (where the National Route N3, part of the Pan-American Highway ends).
In different locations take short walks to appreciate the different species of the native forest and the protected fauna in the southernmost National Park of Argentina.
After the tour you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- Beagle Channel
- Lapataia Bay
- End of the World train
Inclusions
- Transfers to/from the pier
- English speaking guide
- Private vehicle
Exclusions
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Box-Lunch
- Entrance fee
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11/01/2024 |
11/01/2024 |
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Cruise Ends (Debarkation)
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11/01/2024 |
11/01/2024 |
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Air Travel
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11/01/2024 |
11/01/2024 |
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Santiago
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11/01/2024 |
11/01/2024 |
The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
