The South Pole: Conquering the Final Degree
A 20-Day Abercrombie and Kent tour starting from $57,250
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| Starting Price: | $57,250 |  |
| Tour Length: | 20 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | Antarctica | |
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Cities Visited: The "final degree" is the last 70 miles of windswept Antarctic desert before the South Pole - perhaps the most formidable environment on earth. The explorer Ernest Shackleton twice turned aside in the face of this inhospitable region. This expedition begins where Shackleton's ended, at the cusp of the final degree. From here, ski across the unforgiving landscape until you reach your goal: the South Pole, where few in history have ever set foot. |
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- Day 1
- Santiago, Chile/Punta Arenas
On arival in Santiago please claim your luggage before proceeding to customs and immigration. Once through customs and immigration check in for your connecting flight to Punta Arenas, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.
This evening meet your fellow expedition members for a welcome dinner.
Hotel Cabo de Hornos D- Day 2
- Punta Arenas
Prepare for your journey to the interior of Antarctica, one of the most difficult places in the world to reach by air. Days of delay are part of the experience and should be expected. Attend an expedition briefing regarding life at Patriot Hills and what you are likely to encounter while travelling to the final degree.
Hotel Cabo de Hornos B- Day 3
- Punta Arenas/Patriot Hills, Antarctica
You are on call for your international flight to Antarctica, and once the weather is suitable, you fly five hours south to Patriot Hills. Nestled within the heartland of Antarctica, Patriot Hills is the only private camp in Antarctica. Settle in to your expedition-style camp and, after your first meal, attend an orientation briefing about daily life in Antarctica, followed by a brief tour of Patriot Hills.
Base Camp B L D- Day 4
- Patriot Hills
Meet in the morning for a group breakfast and briefing regarding the upcoming journey. Your guide explains expedition logisitics, as well as safety and environmental consideration for your time on the ice. Before leaving Patriot Hills, staff ensures that everyone is familiar with the equipment to be used.
This afternoon embark on a short ski trip to an overnight camp to practice pulling your sled, setting up your tent and learning the essentials for keeping warm and dry in extreme polar weather conditions. During this time, your guide observes your skiing skills and level of fitness. Then, pack all essentials and wait for suitable weather to fly to 89? south.
Base Camp B L D- Day 5
- Patriot Hills/Thiel Mountain/89° South
Today — or on the first suitable day — fly by ski-equipped plane to the Thiel Mountains, where your aircraft refuels, then continue to 89° latitude for your 69-mile trek to the South Pole.
Field Camp B L D- Days 6-14
- The Final Degree
Cover an average of six to 10 miles per day, beginning with shorter distances and increasing daily as you acclimatize and develop your travelling rhythm.
Travel under your own power, the same way explorers did on polar expeditions a century ago. Days are varied with vast, surreal landscapes formed by the harsh elements of wind, ice and snow. The altitude, cold, wind and terrain all have an effect on your daily progress. Training prior to the expedition is essential, and conquering these hurdles is a powerful feeling.
Ski for about eight hours each day, with five- to ten-minute snack/rest breaks every hour. Finish by 7 p.m. to set up camp, have dinner and socialize.
Field Camp B L D- Day 15
- The South Pole
Today marks your final steps to a very challenging goal: reaching the geographic South Pole. At 15 miles out, the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station becomes visible. When you arrive, you join an elite group of only a few hundred individuals ever to arrive at this point on foot.
Later, enjoy a guided tour of the scientific research station and visit their store for mementos of your achievement.
South Pole Base Camp B L D- Day 16
- The Final Degree/Patriot Hills
If the weather cooperates the twin otter plane picks you up today and you return to Patriot Hills for a celebration dinner and toast.
Base Camp B L D- Day 17
- Patriot Hills/Punta Arenas
Today you’re scheduled to fly back to Punta Arenas. On arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel where the balance of your day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel’s amenities.
Hotel Cabo de Hornos B- Day 18
- Punta Arenas/Santiago/Depart
Your adventure ends today when you fly to Santiago and connect to your international homebound flight.
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