For travelers who missed the eclipse in Chile in December 2020, there is a rare opportunity to not only have a mulligan, but to make it even more special than the original. To note: Classic Journeys has partnered with Silversea Cruises to create a solar eclipse-themed itinerary. Over 18 days this November and December, travelers can experience Antarctica, Easter Island and Patagonia and also includes witnessing the total solar eclipse from the path of totality in the Southern Ocean.
Starting in Chile, travelers will explore the wilds of Patagonia with Classic Journeys' naturalist guides in the Torres del Paine National Park. Guests will enjoy walks to turquoise lagoons, views of the southern ice field and a day spent with Patagonian gauchos on a working estancia. From Chile, travelers will move to the Argentinian city of Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego Island. After enjoying the sights and local seafood, travelers will journey through the Drake Passage aboard the Silver Cloud, while whale-watching and spotting other Antarctic wildlife like penguins, dolphins and albatrosses. This journey leads up to the day of the total eclipse. The ship's crew will navigate to the perfect spot to witness the astrological event (travelers will be accompanied by scientists and astrologers to explain the natural phenomenon).
During the second week of the itinerary, travelers will make their way to Elephant Island where, with their on-board historian, they will learn how Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton and his crew survived the harsh climate when stranded in 1916. Travelers will then sail along the Antarctic Peninsula and enjoy a variety of activities, such as kayaking between icebergs, island hopping on a Zodiac boat and hiking the continent's panoramic trails. After finishing this expedition in Antarctica, travelers will sail through the South Shetland Islands and explore Deception Island, a flooded volcanic caldera complete with hot springs.
When the trip wraps up after a visit to the South Shetland Islands, travelers can opt for an extension to explore Easter Island with their expert Classic Journeys guide. On scenic walks, travelers will enjoy the volcanic geography of the island and immersion into the Rapa Nui culture—seeing the Moai statues up-close, lunching with locals and watching a performance by the Rapa Nui Ballet. On the final day of the itinerary, travelers can relax at the Hangaroa Spa to renew their body and mind or walk along the caldera of the 2.5-million-year-old Rano Kau volcano.
Deal: Travelers who book before March 31 will also take advantage of this itinerary's special early booking price of $24,995 per person, a savings starting at $5,000 per couple.
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