The South Pole: Conquering the Final Degree
An 18-Day Abercrombie and Kent tour starting from $58,485
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| Starting Price: | $58,485 |  |
| Tour Length: | 18 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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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.
Meals Served: 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.
Meals Served: 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.
Meals Served: 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.
Meals Served: 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.
Meals Served: 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.
Meals Served: 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.
Meals Served: 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.
Meals Served: 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.
Meals Served: B
Day 18: Punta Arenas/Depart Santiago:
Your adventure ends today when you fly to Santiago and connect to your international homebound flight.
Meals Served: B
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
Please call a tour specialist at 1-800-942-3301 for personalized assistance.
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| Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator. | ||||
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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INCLUDED IN GUIDED PROGRAMS: Prices are valid to December 2010 (2010 pricing details are based on current currency exchange rates and will be subject to final confirmation) and include all accommodations as noted in trip documentation; meals as specified; arrival and departure transfers (regardless of arrival and departure days); fully-guided expeditions as noted in the itineraries (including park and entrance fees); bottled water supplied during expeditions; select beverages with meals; services of an A&K Expedition Guide (please see condition noted below); handling of two pieces of baggage per person for regional flights (other conditions/restrictions may apply for specific flights especially helicopter transport; please refer to BAGGAGE section); hotel taxes; gratuities throughout, except to your Expedition Guide, drivers and camp staff, trackers, or porters.
Medical Evacuation Insurance for emergency transportation to medical care facilities, if necessary, is included for all programs and activities in the brochure.
PROGRAM EXTENTIONS: South Africa extension is locally guided and priced accordingly.
GRATUITIES: Gratuities are included for hotel/restaurant staff, porterage and drivers. Gratuities are not included for the A&K Expedition Guide, driver-guides and camp staff, trackers, or porters, where applicable, which are at the traveller's discretion and should be based on the level of satisfaction with the service received. Recommended guidelines for each expedition are provided in A&K's pre-tour documentation.
NOT INCLUDED IN Expedition PRICES: Passenger Travel Protection Program (except medical evacuation insurance); international and regional airfares - unless otherwise noted; costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas; airport departure taxes, unless otherwise noted; excess baggage charges; gratuities to the A&K Expedition Guide, driver-guides and camp staff, trackers on Extreme Adventures expeditions as outlined in the Gratuities on Extreme Adventures section; meals other than specified in the itinerary; beverages other than noted in your "Pre-Tour Documentation," activities not included in the itinerary; personal expenses such as laundry, communication charges and optional programs (which are subject to availability).
GUARANTEED DEPARTURES: All departures are guaranteed, with dates subject to a minimum number of passengers to operate (except in cases of force majeure, which could include any major world event that adversely affects international travel patterns and other circumstances beyond A&K's control). Should the minimum number of passengers not be met, A&K may be required to requote the price of the program to accommodate a smaller group. Should the smaller group size and price not be feasible, A&K Extreme Adventures will offer a full refund of all monies received.
ITINERARIES: Accommodations and expeditionary program are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond A&K's control. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued. A&K also reserves the right to withdraw an expedition or any part of it, to make such alterations to the itinerary or the program inclusions as it deems necessary or desirable, and to pass on to expedition members any expenditures or losses caused by delays or events beyond its control.
SPECIAL REQUESTS: Due to the remoteness and potentially extreme conditions present during these expeditions, the ability to accommodate special requests will be very limited.
PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS: Quoted program prices include planning, handling and operational charges, and are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of January 2010. A&K reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets, and/or fuel surcharges. A&K is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any expedition within this brochure. Modification of program content to accommodate a smaller group size may affect the published tour price.
IMMEDIATE CHECK-IN: On programs where immediate check-in has not been included in the program price, A&K does request that hotels do their utmost to facilitate this service; however, it is not guaranteed. Most hotels allow check-in to take place during the mid-afternoon. Should you wish to have your room ready for immediate check-in upon arrival, A&K can arrange this for an additional charge. Please ask for details and prices.
EARLY ARRIVAL: You may wish to arrive a day or two before the start of your expedition to allow time to relax and refresh after your journey and to prepare for the start of your program. Please ask for details at time of booking. Departing early from the U.S. is also recommended in the winter months, due to possible flight disruptions and cancellations caused by inclement weather conditions.
ACTIVE ELEMENTS: A&K Extreme Adventures offers expeditions that require a varying degree of physical conditioning. We have rated each of these expeditions based on the level of physical strain and severe weather/climate conditions that will be faced while participating in these programs. It is important to consider the degree of difficulty for these expeditions and prepare yourself accordingly. Preparation pertains to physical conditioning, mental preparation, and making sure you have the right clothing and equipment (excluding equipment provided or offered by A&K). SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED ANY CLARIFICATION ABOUT A SPECIFIC EXPEDITION PLEASE ASK FOR DETAILS AT TIME OF BOOKING.
BAGGAGE: Tour prices include the handling of two pieces of baggage per person. Weight restrictions on some routes on regional air flights may apply; details will be provided with preliminary tour documentation. Baggage and personal effects are at owner's risk throughout the expedition. Please check with your international carrier for other baggage restrictions applicable to your international flights.
A&K'S PASSENGER TRAVEL PROTECTION PROGRAM: Our specially designed travel protection program, which provides cancellation coverage, medical coverage and protection against lost or damaged luggage, is not included in the tour price and is strongly recommended. We have included only medical evacuation insurance in the price of the expedition for all participants. Please see the insurance page in this brochure for more details.
CHILD POLICY: A minimum age of 16 years is required on all programs.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS: Valid passports are required for travel to the destinations in this brochure. Check with your travel agent or A&K for the latest visa requirements. Please note that non-U.S. passport holders are responsible for obtaining the required documentation applicable for entry. Please note also that passports must be valid for six (6) months after the return of your journey and should also have sufficient blank pages for visa and immigration stamps. A&K cannot be held responsible should you be denied entry to a country due to non-compliance with these requirements. A copy of your valid passport must be submitted to A&K in order to confirm air reservations.
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE: For the expeditions in this brochure with the exception of Antarctica programs, a deposit of 20% of the total expedition price per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 90 days of departure, the entire cost of the expedition must be paid at the time of the request in order to secure confirmation.
Cancellation Charges: For all expeditions except Antarctica, cancellations received by A&K 90 days or more prior to departure will be subject to a10% per person/per expedition cancellation fee; 89 - 45 days, will be subject to 50% of the land price; 44 days or less will be subject to 100% of the land price. A 100% CANCELLATION CHARGE APPLIES TO REGIONAL AIR CANCELLED 60 DAYS OR LESS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE, WHERE APPLICABLE.
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR ANTARCTICA'S FINAL DEGREE AND EMPEROR PENGUINS: A deposit of $5000 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 90 days prior to departure, the entire cost of the expedition must be made at the time of the request in order to secure confirmation.
Cancellation Charges FOR ANTARCTICA'S FINAL DEGREE AND EMPEROR PENGUINS: Client deposits and payments for confirmed reservations are refund able up to 90 days prior to departure from Punta Arenas, less an administration fee of $1500 per person. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure and is norefundable. Deposits and final payment are not transferable to alternat departure dates or from one client to another.
CANCELLATION CHARGES FOR EXTRA SERVICES: Additional hotel nights and other extra services booked in connection with A&K Extreme Adventures are subject to a separate and potentially different set of terms and conditions, please ask your consultant for details.
AIR TRANSPORTATION: Airfares are available upon request.
CLAIMS AND REFUNDS: Refunds are not made for any missed services, except for verifiable extenuating circumstances. Please see our LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT'S RESPONSIBILITY clause on this page. For verifiable claims to be considered, they must be received in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program and be accompanied by supporting documentation and/or a statement from the local destination management company verifying the claim. Any adjustment considered will be based on the actual price of the services involved and not on a per diem basis. Adjustments will not be made for unused segments of the expedition or meals. A&K will not accept any liability for any claims that are not received within 30 days of the termination of your Extreme Adventures expedition.
PHOTOGRAPHY DURING TRAVEL: Abercrombie & Kent reserves the right to take photographs during the operation of any expedition or part thereof and to use them for promotional purposes. By booking a program with A&K, expedition members agree to allow their images to be used in such photographs. Program members who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to their expedition guide at the beginning of their program.
LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT'S RESPONSIBILITY: Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, its employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents and assigns (collectively A&K), does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip. It purchases transportation (by aircraft, car, train, boat, or otherwise), hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurant, ground handling and other services from various independent suppliers (including from time to time other affiliated Abercrombie & Kent companies). All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result A&K is not liable for any negligent or willful act of any such person or entity or of any third person.
In addition and without limitation, A&K is not responsible for any injury, financial or physical loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force majeure, illness, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning, mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time.
There are many inherent risks in the Extreme Adventures, which can lead to illness, injury, or even death. These risks are increased by the fact that the Extreme Adventures take place in remote locations, far from medical facilities. Passengers assumes all risks associated with participating in an Abercrombie & Kent Extreme Adventure.
TRAVEL ADVISORIES AND WARNINGS: It is the responsibility of The Traveller to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U. S. State Department's travel website at www.travel.state.gov or by phone at 1.888.407.4747. In the event of an active State Department Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination location(s) of the trip, should The Traveller still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, The Traveller assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.
ARBITRATION AGREEMENT: Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these TERMS AND CONDITIONS, to the LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT'S RESPONSIBILITY clause, to the brochure, to any information relating in any way to the trip, to the trip itself, or to any products or services related to the trip, shall be settled solely and exclusively by binding arbitration in Chicago, Illinois, in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, except that (a) in lieu of a personal appearance at arbitration, the arbitration may be conducted by telephonic means, (b) arbitration is the exclusive forum for dispute resolution (no court actions), and (c) except as otherwise provided by statute, each party shall bear its own costs and expenses and an equal share of the arbitrator and administrative fees.
TRAVELLER'S REPRESENTATIONS: The Traveller represents that neither he nor she nor anyone travelling with him or her has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to himself or herself or other members of the tour. A&K reserves the right to decline to accept anyone on a trip. A&K reserves the right to remove from the trip, at his or her sole expense, anyone whose condition is such that he or she could create a hazard to himself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other passengers on the trip.
ALTERNATE Departures: For a minimum of four passengers wanting to travel together on a specific date that is not offered in this brochure, Abercrombie & Kent will request a special departure with our operators. Although we will attempt to accommodate your request, we cannot guarantee these programs without confirmation from our suppliers.
ANY PAYMENT TO ABERCROMBIE & KENT CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN AND IN MORE SPECIFIC PRE-DEPARTURE PASSENGER DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING THE PASSENGER INFORMATION FORM.
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2012-2013 departures:
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Reserve select 2011 and 2012 Egypt journeys and receive complimentary Passenger Travel Protection insurance, a value of up to $500. Call for details. Egypt journeys include:
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March 19, 2012
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Save up to 17% on October 4, 18 and November 22, 2011, and save $125 on the internal air Save up to 50% on January - April 2012 departures. - Signature Egypt
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.