Optional Post-Tour Extension
to Ushuaia via Cape Horn
January 6 - 11, 2007

THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

Intrepid adventurers who want to see even more of the majesty of Patagonia have the opportunity set sail at the conclusion of the main tour from Punta Arenas, bound for Ushuaia, Argentina, via Cape Horn. The cruise is mostly in protected waters—through the mythical Strait of Magellan, sailing through the Patagonian Channels and around Tierra del Fuego. This is sure to be the cruise of a lifetime aboard the Mare Australis. See maps and read the detailed itinerary for each day at the cruise line’s website:  http://www.australis.com. Be sure you are looking at the itinerary for the five day / four night cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia. A thumbnail itinerary is provided below.

ITINERARY

Saturday, January 6, 2007
Board Ship / Embarkation

Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, your fellow travelers take you to the cruise office where they bid you Bon Voyage and you proceed to check in. There will be time for you to eat lunch in Punta Arenas. After lunch, a guide will assist you with all the formalities, and escort you to the ship. After a cocktail reception on board, the ship sets sail for the “uttermost parts of the earth.”     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Sunday, January 7, 2007
Glaciers / Bays / Forests

We arrive in the morning near Marilelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay. Here we enjoy a walk to discover a beaver dam in the midst of a marvelous Magellanic Forest. On the beach we observe a colony of Elephant Seals.
     This afternoon we reach Brookes Glacier Bay, where we are surrounded by several glaciers, providing an awe-inspiring spectacle. We take a guided walk near Brookes Glacier.     (All Meals)

Monday, January 8, 2007
Pia Glacier and Glacier Alley

We navigate the main part of the Beagle Channel to enter Pia Bay and disembark near the glacier of the same name. Enjoy an excursion to a lookout point that is ideal for viewing the mountain range where the glacier originates. After this unforgettable experience, sail again along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel through majestic “Glacier Alley.”     (All Meals)

Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Cape Horn / Puerto Williams

We sail through the Beagle and Murray Channels to disembark in Cape Horn National Park. Cape Horn is a sheer, almost 425 meter high promontory, where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans merge. It was discovered in 1616 by the Dutch during commercial expeditions organized by Isaac Le Maire.
     This afternoon, disembark in Puerto Williams, where we can take optional excursions, such as to the Martin Gusinde Museum or a flight over Cape Horn.     (All Meals)

Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Ushuaia to Santiago

We arrive this morning in Ushuaia, the most important Argentine city in Tierra del Fuego, and the southernmost city in the world. Disembark at 08:00am so that we have a few hours to enjoy the city before continuing to Santiago. Transfer to the downtown Albatros Hotel, where we have a day room to accommodate our luggage or for those who would like to rest. Enjoy free time for sightseeing in this charming town.
     After lunch on our own, we are transferred to the airport in time for our 3:35pm flight to Santiago, arriving at 10:05pm. Upon arrival in Santiago we are taken immediately to our hotel at the airport to catch a few hours of sleep before our departure to Miami.     (Breakfast)

Thursday, January 11, 2007
Homeward Bound

Early this morning we transfer to the airport for our Lan Chile flight to Miami, departing at 7:40am. We arrive in Miami at 8:05pm. You may need to stay an additional night in Miami due to limited connections at the hour of our arrival.     (Breakfast)