Antarctica / Iguazú Falls

The planet's last great untouched wilderness!

Join us as we explore ANTARCTICA aboard Hurtigruten’s comfortable and ­modern expedition ship, MS FRAM. An expert natural history team accompany us, and our experienced Norwegian crew will ­navigate skillfully through the cool waters. Antarctica’s oceans are unimaginably rich in bird and marine life, and we hope to see leopard and fur seals, minke whales, several species of penguin, and great flocks of seabirds - including the ­wandering albatross. Landings and ­excursions by rigid Zodiac boats will allow you to get up close, and when you ­manage to tear your eyes away from the wildlife, the icebergs and glaciers ­present an equally enthralling sight. From the bow, every view is a ­photographer’s dream and the long ­summer days mean there is plenty of opportunity to take it all in. Antarctica is different from anything else you will ever experience.

Pre and post voyage we explore Argentina’s vibrant capital, Buenos Aires. You’ll have time to explore the city, ­shop, dine and, of course, enjoy a tango show. Another tour highlight will be your 3-night stay at Iguazú, widely regarded as having the most impressive waterfalls in the world! The falls span nearly 2 miles of the Iguazú River on the Argentinian and Brazilian border and they are ­simply ­ stunning!

As always, we’ve covered just about everything you'll need including the voyage, international and domestic flights, transfers, hotels, meals, excursions, entrance fees and all tips. And the entire 18-day tour will be personally escorted by our proprietors.

Richard and Dawn Furlong will be delighted to answer any questions you may have. Don’t ­hesitate to contact us to check availability, without obligation.

Bookings are now open!

For more details follow the tour information links shown above.

Photo credits: MS Fram © Hurtigruten, Adele Penguins © Richard Neall, Wilhelmina Bay © Nina Bailey, Albatross © John Chardine, Iguazú Falls © Metropolitan Travel.

Experience counts

Dawn Furlong first visited Antarctica in 2002 and we’ve since escorted a number of tours to the great white continent. We’ve always sailed aboard Hurtigruten ships with their experienced Norwegian captains and crews. In our opinion, Hurtigrutne voyages strike the right combination of vessel size, stability and comfort, together with an expert naturalist team and an emphasis on the destination. Our first voyages were aboard MS Nordnorge and MS Nordkapp, and most recently we've chosen Hurtigruten's purpose built polar expedition ship, the MS FRAM. We know many of the crew and the expedition staff. We’ve visited the landing sites and know how these voyages operate, so we help you get the most from your holiday experience. 

As usual, we’ve included all the essentials and more in your tour arrangements. The price will include your international and domestic flights, hotel and ship accommodations, transfers, meals, and tips. And you’re ­personally escorted throughout, which makes for great peace of mind. List the content and compare alternative tours, and you’ll agree we offer the best value.  

Tour dates

Thursday 2nd to Sunday 19th January 2014.

Itinerary, 18 days

Thursday 2nd January 2014 - UK to Buenos Aires
We travel scheduled service (day flights) with Iberia from London Heathrow via Madrid to Buenos Aires. On arrival we transfer to the deluxe Panamericano Hotel, Buenos Aires, for a 2-night stay. (L*, S*,D)

Friday 3rd January 2014 - Buenos Aires
Our hotel is well situated, near the famous Obelisk and Colón Theatre. From here we enjoy a half-day City Tour with a local English speaking guide, featuring the rich architectural districts of La Boca and San Telmo, the elegant neighbourhoods of Palermo and Recoleta, and the Plaza de Mayo Square with the National Cathedral and the Casa Rosada. Dinner included. (B,D)

Saturday 4th January 2014 - Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Our flight leaves Buenos Aires in the morning to give us a few hours in Ushuaia, the southernmost town in the world, before our voyage departs from the Island of Tierra del Fuego. After an included excursion to Ushuaia National Park, we embark MS FRAM around 5pm. (B,D).

Sunday 5th, Monday 6th January 2014 - Crossing the Drake
Named after Sir Francis Drake this stretch of water between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula has numerous myths and legends connected to it. The extraordinary seaworthiness of MS FRAM ensures you a safe and comfortable passage and as we sail south you may enjoy a series of educational ­lectures from the expert ­natural history team on board. (B,L,D)

Tuesday 7th to Friday 10th January 2014 - Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
Once we have crossed the Antarctic Convergence you will start feeling the air getting crisper and colder. You will begin to see penguins in the water and don’t forget to be on the lookout for the first iceberg. There are no permanent human inhabitants but Antarctica is home to millions of penguins and the feeding area for thousands of whales. Words simply cannot describe the feeling of being on the Great White Continent. The ice, wind and weather dictate life in Antarctica as well as our route. Every trip is unique and the crew will make our voyage an experience of a lifetime. The final choice of landings will be made in the course of the voyage - but likely chosen from an ­ enticing list including the highly photogenic Half Moon Island; Yankee Harbour - home to a large Gentoo Penguin colony; Paradise Bay; and Port Lockroy on Goudier Island - once a British base in the 1950’s. We also hope to sail the Lemaire Channel, one of the most ­beautiful Antarctic passages, and visit the South Shetland Islands and Wilhelmina Bay - a choice feeding ground for whales and seals. (B,L,D)

Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th January 2012 - Heading North
As the bow points north you will have time to reflect on your Antarctic experience with its unforgettable sights and sounds. Presentations and lectures from the ­expedition team will sum up our Antarctic experience. (B,L,D)

Monday 13th, Tuesday 14th January 2014 - Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
We disembark MS FRAM in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires for a 2-night stay at the Panamericano Hotel. After the excitement of Antarctica you’ll enjoy a free day in Buenos Aires - perhaps time to shop? You’ll also attend a Tango Show at a wonderful Tango Cafe, newly discovered by Richard on a recent recce! (B,D)

Wednesday 15th to Friday 17th January 2014 - Iguazu Falls
We fly from Buenos Aires to Iguazú and stay three nights at the luxurious Loi Suites Iguazú Hotel. From here we’ll visit Iguazú Falls. The falls are located on the border of Argentina and Brazil where the Iguazú River tumbles over the edge of the Paraná Plateau. Countless islands along the 2.7 km plateau edge divide the falls into numerous separate waterfalls and cascades, varying between 60 to 82 metres high. The number of these smaller waterfalls fluctuates from 150 to 300, depending on the water level. About half of the river's flow falls into a long and narrow chasm called the Devil's Throat, a U- shaped set of falls over 80 metres high, 150 metres wide, and 700 metres long. The water of the lower Iguazú collects in a canyon that drains in the Paraná River, a short distance downstream from the Itaipu Dam. Excursions to both the Argentinian side and the Brazilian side of the falls are included, and please be prepared to be amazed! We stay three nights at the luxurious Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel. (B,D)

Saturday 18th January 2014 - Heading home
After a leisurely breakfast and some free time at the Loi Suites Iguazú Hotel, we fly to Buenos Aires and connect with our international flight home. (B,D*)

Sunday 19th January 2014 - Arrive UK
Via Madrid, we land back at London Heathrow this afternoon. (B)

Tour meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, Dinner. Asterisk indicates "in flight meal".

MS Fram

MS FRAM was built in 2007 with one mission in mind - to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. She is now widely accepted as the most modern expedition ship afloat. With a focus on safety, comfort and the unique demands of polar travel, FRAM is large enough to provide stability, ample public space and comfortable accommodations, and yet small enough to manoeuvre in remote areas and get you close to the action. She can speed along at 16 knots which means you’ll spend less time getting from A to B, and more time exploring. Ship stabilizers assist with a smooth ride and a fleet of rigid zodiac style “Polar Cirkel” boats allows ­guests to get out and about.

On board there’s a spacious reception lounge, a glass-enclosed observation lounge, restaurant, café, lecture rooms, Internet facility and library, plus plenty of observation ­terraces and open deck space. There are also excellent leisure facilities, including a gym, sauna and heated Jacuzzis. Cabins all have private facilities with shower, washbasin and WC, and most also have a refrigerator and room safe. As a general rule, outside accommodations on the higher decks have a picture window while those on lower decks have large round windows. Most cabins have twin berths, one of which can be turned into a sofa. Suites have a double bed plus sitting area. Cabins vary in size and location, sometimes within the same grade.­ MS FRAM generally carries less than 250 guests for Antarctic trips, so you are sure to get to know many of your fellow travellers. You will share stunning sights and memories of a lifetime long after returning home.

The holiday cost will vary according to the ship cabin type chosen.

• I-category: Inside cabin on decks 3, 5 or 6.
• FJ-category: Outside superior cabin (with limited or no view) on deck 5.
• N-category: Outside cabin on deck 3.
• U-category: Outside cabin on decks 5 and 6.
• F-category: Oytside superior cabin on decks 3 and 5.
• M-category: Outside suite on decks 5 and 6.
• MG-category: Outside grand suite on decks 5 and 6.

What's Included?

• International economy class schedule flights with British Airways and Iberia including inflight meals and refreshments.
• 4-nights deluxe hotel accommodation at the Panoramico Hotel in Buenos Aires including breakfasts and dinners.
• Buenos Aires City Tour
• Domestic economy class flights between Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
• 9-night Antarctic voyage aboard MS FRAM.
• Ship cabin grade of your choice assigned on booking.
• Full board meals on ship - breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Complimentary tea and coffee on board ship.
• Antarctic landings via rigid zodiac style boats.
• Landings accompanied by expedition team.
• Lectures and presentations by expedition team.
• 3-nights deluxe hotel accommodation at the Loi Suites Resort at Iguaza Falls including breakfasts and dinners.
• Guided visits to Iguaza Falls - both Argentinian and Brazilian sides!
• Domestic economy class flights between Bueons Aires and Iguaza
• Buenos Aires Tango dinner show option.
• Airport transfers and sightseeing transport.
• Port charges.
• Current airport and ­prepaid air taxes.
• Gratuities.
• Personally escorted throughout by Richard and Dawn Furlong

Tour Prices

For a limited time, SAVE £500 per person from these rates:

I-Inside cabin: Decks 3, 5 and 6:
£7,695 per person sharing a twin, £10,562 sole occupancy.

FJ-Outside cabin: Deck 5:
£8,195 per person sharing a twin, £11,532 sole occupancy.

N-Outside cabin: Deck 3:
£8,195 per person sharing a twin, £11,532 sole occupancy.

U-Outside cabin: Deck 5 and 6:
£8,595 per person sharing a twin, £12,172 sole occupancy.

F-Outside cabin: Deck 5: 
£8,895 per person sharing a twin, £12,787 sole occupancy.

M-Outside suite: Deck 5 and 6: 
£9,895 per person sharing a twin.

MG-Outside suite: Deck 5 and 6: 
£10,495 per person sharing a twin.

Frequently Asked Questions

This A-to-Z section gives you useful travel information including health advice, passport requirements and details about our airport services. If you have any questions not covered here, please don't hesitate to contact us. Richard and Dawn will be delighted to help you.

Airport Hotel and Parking

Our flight from Heathrow at the beginning of the tour is likely to have an early morning check-in. You may therefore wish to consider our special airport hotel offer. We stay at the Premier Inn in Bath Road Heathrow the night before departure and include complimentary private transfer from the hotel to the airport terminal on the morning of departure. Further details and a special rate for the hotel room will be circulated in due course. We also have discounted airport parking rates available, and we recommend Purple Business Parking in Bath Road, which is immediately adjacent to our chosen Premier Inn. Further details and costs are available on request and will be circulated to all guests at least 3 months prior to the holiday.

Departure Service

For this tour we're offering an optional transfer at the beginning of the holiday from our office in Kent to our overnight hotel at Heathrow (on the evening of 1st January 2014), and a return from Heathrow back to Kent at the end of the tour (on 19th January 2014). You may park in our office car park for the duration of the holiday - parking is free but at your own risk. We have limited capacity for this service so it's first come first served. Please enquire at the time of booking.

Deposit and Payment Terms

To make a booking, the first deposit due is £1,000 per person. A second deposit of £1,000 per person is due on 30th June 2013, and the holiday balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

Financial Protection

This flight-inclusive tour is financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you make a booking and pay your first deposit or the full amount, you will be supplied with a Booking Confirmation and an ATOL Certificate*. Please check to ensure that everything you booked is listed on these documents. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk. * ATOL Certificates became a legal requirement for all air inclusive holiday bookings made as and from 1st October 2012. For further details about ATOL Certificates please visit www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate.

Flights

Included are economy class International and domestic flights. The expected International flight itinerary is:-

• Outbound: Iberia flight IB3161 departing Heathrow Terminal Five at 7.15am, arriving Madrid 10.51am local Spanish time. Connecting to flight IB6845 departing Madrid 12.05pm, arriving Buenos Aires 8.20pm local Argentinian time.
   
• Return: Iberia flight IB6844 departing Buenos Aires at 9.35pm local time, arriving Madrid 2.30pm local Spanish time, next day. Connecting to flight IB3166 departing Madrid 4.30pm, arriving London Heathrow Terminal Five 5.50pm local UK time.

Health

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website http://www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo publishes essential travel tips and up-to-date information about travelling abroad. You may also ring them on 0870 6060290. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention visit the websites of the NaTHNaC (The National Travel Health Network and Centre) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

How to book

Places are strictly limited so please book promptly. To confirm a reservation please telephone 01580 240240 or book instantly online via our secure server. We accept payment by cheque and by most major debit and credit cards and we do not charge (and we never have charged!) a levy for card payments.

Insurance

It is a condition of booking that all guests have adequate travel insurance for this tour. We recommend "Holiday Extras Travel Insurance" which is underwritten by Mapfre, but we are happy for you to arrange your own cover so long as it provides suitable cover. For details of the recommended insurance please call Holiday Extras direct on 0870 844 2742 and quote "WZ679", or click here.

Meals

This tour includes breakfasts and dinners in Buenos Aires and Iguazu, and full board meals on MS FRAM. In our hotels and chosen restaurants, breakfasts will be buffet style and evening dinners either buffet or a set three course menu. On board MS FRAM, breakfasts and lunches will be buffet style, and dinners may be a variety of set, three course meals or buffets. The food on board ship is Norwegian in style and breakfasts will feature cold meats, cheese, eggs, cereals and fruit, plus a hot selection, and tea and coffee. Lunch is the famous Smorgasbord, a wonderful buffet selection of hot and cold dishes. Dinner is a three-course set menu. Dinner menus are advertised in advance and you may request an alternative dish if you prefer. The Hurtigruten ships are fully licensed and the prices on board are the same as in Norway, i.e. quite expensive. The ship restaurant will be delighted to assist with any special diets you may have, but please be sure to let us know well in advance.

Money

The local currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso although US dollars are widely accepted. On board ship, extras and incidentals will be calculated in a nominal unit linked to the Euro, and charged to your credit card at the end of the voyage. Furlongs Travel offers clients a foreign currency service free of commission and full details will be circulated to guests in due course. Most major credit and debit cards may be used on board ship and in local shops.

Passports and Visas

Visas are not required for tourist visits to Antarctica, Argentina or Brazil but you should be in possession of a valid British Passport valid for at least 6 months after the duration of your stay.

Singles/Twin Shares

Some ship cabins are assigned for sole occupancy, these are generally standard twin cabins capable of accommodating two people. There is a single supplement for sole occupancy bookings and please note cabins for sole occupancy are strictly limited in number and therefore subject to availability at the time you enquire. If you are booking alone but may be happy to share we'll be pleased to help you find a sharer.

Terms and Conditions

Itineraries and prices are subject to change. Reservations are subject to our terms and conditions of booking, to review these please click here.