19 Day Antarctica Cruise with Buenos Aires & Falkland Islands
From
$10699
Land Only
$11679*
Air & Land
Hotels/Plans Available for Departure Dates
| Cat. RS/RR | ||
|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires Marriott | Buenos Aires | |
| MS Amundsen | ||
| Cat. XT/XTD/XY | ||
|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires Marriott | Buenos Aires | |
| MS Amundsen | ||
| Cat. MF/ME/MC | ||
|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires Marriott | Buenos Aires | |
| MS Amundsen | ||
Click a Date to Book Online
Click a Date to Book Online
| 2023 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $4000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities
Additional Information:
Land only prices does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include flights Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & Ushuaia-Buenos Aires.
Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM.
Passengers departing Buenos Aires on day 19 should select flights that depart no earlier than 9 AM.
Passport information must be submitted to Gate 1 Travel at least 60 days prior to departure.
The route and program may vary according to weather conditions, season changes and safety issues.
While sailing with Hurtigruten, passengers are subject to the cruise line's Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at: Hurtigruten Passage Contract
Accommodation Details:
Triples are not available.
Please note that specific cabins cannot be requested. Your cabin number will be assigned upon embarkation.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Package Includes
- Round trip flights Miami-Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires-Miami
Some departures may be offered from a nearby airport. Check flight itinerary options when booking. Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- All intra-flights: Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & Ushuaia-Buenos Aires
- 17 nights accommodations
- 3 nights Buenos Aires
- 14 nights Antarctica Cruise on the MS Roald Amundsen
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel & cruise porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
- 46 meals: 17 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 16 dinners
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of English-speaking local guides
- Entrance fees per itinerary
This itinerary requires a high level of physical fitness. All passengers must be able to walk on uneven or slippery surfaces and to climb on and off the small boats used for landings. An expedition cruise is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking, have heart conditions or require frequent medical care.
Tour Highlights
- Tour of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, the sophisticated "Paris of South America"
- Enjoy Tango lessons with professional Argentine Tango Dancers
- Navigate through the calm waters of the Beagle Channel in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago
- An exciting journey takes you along the Drake Passage where the Atlantic & Pacific converge
- From the observation deck, opportunity to view various species of sea birds, whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and the elusive albatross
- Reach the spectacular wilderness of the South Shetland Islands - a haven for prolific wildlife
- Exciting explorations by zodiac with expedition leaders in the glacial wonderland of Antarctica
- Explore the wonders of nature in the Falkland Islands, home to five species of penguins and abundant birdlife
- Onboard activities while at sea: enriching lectures, discussions and wildlife spotting
Cruise Amenities
- Welcome dinner reception
- Wine and beer included during lunch and dinner
- Panoramic lounge & bar
- WiFi
- Sauna, hot tub and indoor gym
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Complimentary walking poles and boots for all escorted landings
- Observation deck
- Non-smoking ship interior
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Is This Trip Right for You?
This is an very active trip. Our group covers a lot of ground each day, and we will spend 4-5 hours on our feet during tours. Some of our tours will require walking over uneven surfaces or up and down steep slopes. Excursions during the Cruise portion require clothing for cold weather. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. All passengers must be able to walk on uneven or slippery surfaces and to climb on and off the small boats used for landings. The Antarctica cruise route, sightseeing, and itinerary inclusions are subject to favorable weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety issues and wildlife migration patterns. Weather and conditions in the Antarctic region are often unpredictable and the ship captain will make adjustments according to passenger comfort and safety. At final payment date, a medical questionnaire will be sent that must be completed by a physician and turned into reception upon embarkation. This is a Classic program. For more information, click here.
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All sightseeing and itinerary inclusions are subject to favorable weather conditions and safety issues. Weather and conditions in the Antarctic region are often unpredictable and the captain of the ship will make adjustments according to passenger comfort and safety
DAY 1 - Depart for Argentina
The Antarctica cruise route and program may vary according to weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety issues and wildlife migration patterns |
Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
This superior first class hotel is ideally located in the city center of Buenos Aires, near the Obelisk and the Colon Theater.
Hotel Details
This superior first class hotel is ideally located in the city center of Buenos Aires, near the Obelisk and the Colon Theater.
Hotel Details
This superior first class hotel is ideally located in the city center of Buenos Aires, near the Obelisk and the Colon Theater.
Hotel Details
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Tonight enjoy an excellent dinner and tango show in downtown Buenos Aires. This has become a favorite of local residents as well as visitors and is the ideal setting for a delicious dinner and an alluring tango show. The Tango displays complete cultural expression, a plot of myths, values and traditions.
Approximate tour duration is 3.5 hours.
| Day #3 | 16 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 | $79.00 |
| 01 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2025 | $90.00 |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Hurtigruten Cruises Terms & Conditions: Hurtigruten Cruises Terms & Conditions governing the cruise component of a Tour & Cruise package apply to all customers sailing with Hurtigruten Cruises. Carriage by Sea is subject to the Carriers Conditions of Carriage which are expressly incorporated into the following document: Hurtigruten Passage Contract |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Argentina - While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended, especially in the northeast and northwest parts of the country, including Iguazu Falls. If only traveling to Buenos Aires, Mendoza or Patagonia, it is not suggested to get this vaccination. For the latest health requirements and recommendations, please visit Centers for Disease Control and also consult with your personal healthcare provider. You may encounter mosquitoes in both urban and rural areas, especially during wet seasons. Travelers are encouraged to bring insect repellent and consider wearing clothing that adequately covers arms and legs. The majority of cities in Argentina have altitudes under 3,000 feet. However, please be aware that some areas in the Andes near Mendoza and throughout Patagonia have elevations reaching 22,800 feet above sea level. |
| About the Zika Virus - The Zika Virus is a mosquito-borne virus mostly found in areas of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. According to the CDC, most cases of Zika are mild. However, there is a potential link between this virus and a brain defect called microcephaly which affects unborn babies and may pose a potential risk to pregnant women. If you are pregnant or believe you could be at the time of travel, the CDC cautions against traveling to these destinations. For information, please visit www.cdc.gov/zika/. |
| Medical Questionnaire -It is important you are in good health as the journey can be long and tiring. Please note that in remote areas there is no immediate access to modern medical facilities. There is an English-speaking physician and nurse on board at all times. The ship has a small medical facility. An expedition cruise is not recommended if you have a life-threatening disease or illness that requires frequent medical care. To be able to participate in landings, you must be able to walk on uneven or slippery surfaces and to climb on and off small boats. All guests must have a completed medical questionnaire, including a confirmation of fitness to travel from your doctor. At final payment date, you will receive a medical form by email that must be completed by a physician and turned into reception upon embarkation. Guests without the completed questionnaire will be refused embarkation. Medical questionnaire may also be obtained here. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Argentina - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). In Argentina the seasons are reversed compared to the United States. Spring: September – November; Summer: December – February; Fall: March – May; Winter: June – August Argentina Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/americas/default.aspx#argentina-weather |
| Antarctica - It is recommended to bring clothes you can layer and that protect you from the wind. Warm and light clothes, waterproof parka, waterproof gloves, waterproof pants, winter hat, comfortable walking shoes, waterproof boots, sunglasses and sunscreen lotion are recommended. Some Antarctica cruises may provide boots and/or light parkas for excursions. Please check cruise info under 'At Your Destination' for more information. Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/americas |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| ARGENTINA: Books In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin The Tango Singer by Tomás Eloy Martínez The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara My Father’s Ghost is Climbing in the Rain by Patricio Pron Brodie's Report by Jorge Luis Borges Perla by Carolina De Robertis Hopscotch by Julio Cortazar ARGENTINA: Films The Clan (2015) White Elephant (2012) The Aura (2005) La Cienaga (2001) Crane World (1999) Intimate Stories (2002) The Road to San Diego (2006) |
| ANTARCTICA: Books The Last Viking by Roald Amundsen Alone On the Ice by David Roberts Empire Antarctica by Gavin Francis Big Dead Place by Nicholas Johnson One Day, One Night: Portraits of the South Pole by John Bird Antarctica: An Intimate Portrait of a Mysterious Continent by Gabrielle Walker Scott And Amundsen: The Last Place on Earth by Roland Huntford ANTARCTICA: Films The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition (2000) March of the Penguins (2005) Antarctica: A Year on Ice (2013) The Icebreaker (2016) South of Sanity (2012) Happy Feet (2006) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Brazil - Intra-Brazil flights have a weight restriction for luggage of 33 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. |
| Argentina - Most domestic flights in Argentina have a weight restriction 33 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Argentina Hotels - Please be aware that accommodations in major cities may be limited to one large bed. A smaller bed or cot may be requested if two separate beds are preferred but cannot be guaranteed. |
| Brazil Hotels - Please be aware that accommodations in major cities may be limited to one large bed. A smaller bed or cot may be requested if two separate beds are preferred but cannot be guaranteed. |
| Hurtigruten Cruises |
| MS Roald Amundsen and the MS Fridtjof Nansen: All cabins on the MS Roald Amundsen and the MS Fridtjof Nansen are standard outside rooms with private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgraded cabin category. Cabin numbers will be assigned on arrival and requests for adjacent cabins or accommodations in a specific area of the ship cannot be guaranteed. All other Hurtigruten Ships: All cabins are standard inside twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgraded cabin category. Cabin numbers will be assigned on arrival and requests for adjacent cabins or accommodations in a specific area of the ship cannot be guaranteed. There are no safety deposit boxes in the cabins. Valuables may be handed in at the reception to be kept in the ship's safe. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| Argentina - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Suggested Tipping: Hurtigruten Cruises |
For all Antarctica, Greenland and Canada cruises, $12 per person per day. In your cabin, a form will be available if you wish to include tipping for your cruise and will be added to your Cruise Card invoice. For all Norway cruises, tipping is not customary, however tip boxes and envelopes are available in the ship's restaurant if you would like to leave gratuities for the ship's staff. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Argentina - The Argentine Peso is the official currency of Argentina, however the U.S. Dollar (USD) can be used in some local establishments and for tipping. It is recommended to carry USD $90 per person for each day in Argentina to cover some cash expenses and withdraw additional local currency from international credit-card enabled ATMs where the official exchange rate will apply. U.S. Dollars may be exchanged at official banks, however travelers are encouraged to only exchange amounts of money that they anticipate using. It is not recommended to use non-official currency exchange offices as counterfeit currency is very common. It is recommended to carry new or like new banknotes as older, torn or poor condition notes may not be accepted. Large note denominations, such as $20, $50 and $100 notes are more widely accepted. |
| Hurtigruten Cruises • On all Norwegian coastal cruises and sailings aboard the MS Fram and MS Midnatsol in Antarctica, the Norwegian Krone (NOK) is the currency on board. • For Greenland and Antarctica sailings aboard the MS Roald Amundsen and the MS Fridtjof Nansen the Euro (EUR) is the currency on board. Ship Account and Payment: When you board the ship you will be issued a Cruise Card. The Cruise Card will be used to make all on board purchases. To activate the Cruise Card, you must have a Visa, American Express, Diners, or MasterCard that has an expiration date no earlier than three months after the date of the voyage. All on board purchases will be finalized the night prior to disembarkation. The amount reflected will be in Norwegian Krone (NOK) or Euro (EUR) depending on your ship, and the rate of exchange will be the one validated by your credit card company. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Argentina - Shops open at 9 a.m. and generally close at 7 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Good buys include high quality leather goods, jewelry and furs. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Argentina
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| Languages |
| Argentina - Spanish is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Argentina - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Argentina - Common courtesies should be observed. Conservative casual dress is appropriate. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Smoking, though common, is prohibited on public transport and in cinemas and theaters. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| Argentina - Argentine cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean influences, with Argentine barbecue being the national dish. Traditional foods include Asado, Locro, Humita, Provoleta, Choripan, and Milanesa. Some typical desserts to try: Medialunas (small croissants), Dulce de Leche, Alfajores (type of cookie), Rogel (cake). Yerba mate is a traditional herbal beverage. Argentina is famous for its fine wines like Torrontés (white wine), Bonarda (red wine) and is home to Malbec, a full-bodied red wine from the Mendoza region. Fernet is a dark syrupy liquor, usually served mixed with Coca Cola. Argentine mealtimes are as follows, lunch is from 1:00-3:00 pm and dinner from 9:00-11:30 pm. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Argentina |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 20-21: Carnival Mar 24: Memorial Day Apr 2: Day of the Veterans Apr 6: Maundy Thursday Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 9: Easter May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 25: May Revolution Day Jun 17: Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes Jun 20: Flag Day Jul 9: National Independence Day Aug 21: St. Martin's Day Oct 9: Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity Nov 20: National Sovereignty Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 12-13: Carnival Mar 24: Memorial Day (Truth and Justice Day) Mar 28: Maundy Thursday Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 2: Day of the Veterans May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 25: Revolution Day Jun 17: Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes Jun 20: Flag Day Jul 9: National Independence Day Aug 19: St. Martin's Day Oct 14: Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity Nov 18: National Sovereignty Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| On Your Cruise - Hurtigruten Cruises |
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Attire: On board dress is informal. Although some passengers choose to change for dinner the dress code is casual rather than formal. The weather can vary during the course of each voyage or even during the day. To cater for these variations we recommend the layered dress approach that enables you to adapt to changes in temperature, wind and precipitation conditions easily. For all voyages we advise you to take breathable rain and wind-proof clothing. A warm hat, gloves, scarf and thermal clothing can be useful. Sturdy shoes are important for shore excursions and a walking stick/trekking pole may be useful. You should pack a pair of UV protective sunglasses. For Antarctica, Greenland, and Canada Itineraries, a complimentary wind and water resistant jacket is available for guests at check-in. Boots (up to US Men's size 16) for excursions are also provided and must be returned at the end of the journey. Language: Norwegian and English are the official on board languages. Electricity: The voltage used is 220 V. Safety: It is a requirement that all passengers attend a compulsory safety briefing before the ship leaves port. The talk will include a demonstration of how to put on a life jacket and the instructions to be followed in the unlikely event of an evacuation or other emergency during the voyage. Food and Meals: There is open seating in the dining room for breakfast and lunch with buffet style meals. Dinner is either a three-course set meal or buffet depending on the evening. Seating is open but you will be assigned a nightly dining time which will be advised upon embarkation in your welcome letter. Passengers with dietary requirements must advise Gate 1 at least 20 days prior to departure. Passengers with strict dietary needs may find that there are limited choices. Luggage: Please label your luggage clearly with your first and last name, the ship's name, cabin number, date, and port of embarkation. Wireless Internet Access: There is an internet café on board and a wireless network is available in most public areas. Be aware that the bandwidth is narrow and reception intermittent. Tender boats: Some ports cannot accommodate the ship to dock. In these cases, in order to get ashore it is required to get on a smaller vessel. To board the smaller vessel you may need to navigate a large step, slippery surfaces as well as uneven and moving platforms. |
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Our guides, Alejandro, Lucas,Jorge,and Al-B, on our trip on Fram were amazing. They went above and beyond, both on board the ship, and in Santiago to smooth any challenges, keep us having a great time, and keeping us safe. They truly went above and beyond expectations.
Linda D.
We just got back from Antarctica with Paola as our guide. I wish you could clone her. We could not believe how attentive she was to all our needs. She went way, way above what we would have expected, including personally calling us every morning to make sure we were awake on the ship, and even helping us get into our gear. We called her our mother, because she never missed an opportunity to take care of us. Please let her know how much she meant to us and how special we thought she was! And that went for all nine of us!
Deborah C. Cohasset, MA
This trip was incredible...can’t put into words how amazing Antarctica is. I feel fortunate that I was able to spend a few days in Ushuaia and enjoy Tierra Del Fuego before the expedition. Sylvia is fabulous! She is incredibly organized, really kind, and fun. She was able to connect with all in the group..The MS Midnatsol is a beautiful ship that handled the Drake really well. They organize the groups so that things are constantly moving and all have plenty to keep busy with. I never felt as though I didn’t have enough time on land and was not rushed. They go with the flow and are able to come up with many contingency plans depending on the weather, seas, and overall conditions ... Sylvia was able to arrange an additional tour to Tierra Del Fuego park following disembarkation as our flight was very late to depart for Buenos Aires, she always went above and beyond. I highly recommend any Gate 1 trip as they have all been really great.
Michelle L. West Warwick, RI