January 5-28, 2025 | Cruising ANTARCTICA, Chile and Argentina in one amazing 22 day cruise.

Antarctica is on the bucket list for many people.  This cruise is an opportunity to not only visit Antarctica but to also experience the wild untamed beauty of the Chilean coast.  Dazzling natural beauty that is best seen by ship:  spectacular Fjords (similar to Norway), incredible Glaciers, snowcapped peaks, Dolphins and Sea Lions in the water.  Whales will be spotted throughout the trip. 

There are two different ways to tour Antarctica:  by cruise ship or by a much smaller boat.  Webb Tours has chosen to do a cruise ship for primarily because of comfort (sailing the Drake Passage in a smaller boat can be very unsettling). In addition, it gives us the opportunity to also visit Chile, Falkland Islands and some highlights in Argentina. AND it is more affordable as the smaller ships are very expensive.  While we don’t exit the ship in Antarctica, we get to spend four days cruising in Antarctica (details on those days later in the brochure).  The beauty of this region is easily enjoyed from the comfort (and warmth) of our luxurious cruise ship – and we have naturalists on board that will make the experience educational and rewarding.

Why do we go in January? During January it is the middle of summer in Antarctica:  days are longer, the temperatures are at their ‘warmest’ and the wildlife is active everywhere: penguins, seals, and seabirds.    We know it’s a big investment.  We pledge to do all we can to make it the trip of a lifetime… We hope you can join us.

Daily Itinerary:

January 5:  This afternoon, we gather at the Salt Lake Airport (or other gateway cities) for our flight to Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston. In the evening, we’ll board our flight from Santiago, Chile.  Those joining us from other cities will meet us in Texas and fly with us to Chile.

January 6:  Welcome to Santiago de Chile!  Our flight arrives in the morning hours today and it will be important that we stay awake.  A local guide and luxury coach will meet us to show us around as there are many interesting things to see in this important South American capitol. We will then be transferred to the ship and prepare for our 6:00 PM sailing on Holland America’s Oosterdam. The Oosterdam is a 935-foot-long ship with about 1,900 passengers.  This is significantly smaller than most cruise ships, the largest ship sailing today is over 1200 feet long and carries 6,680 passengers.   Holland America is famous for unmatched service, excellent cuisine and creative itineraries with stops at more ports.  It will be our floating resort for 22 days.  We sail out of San Antonio tonight enjoying a delicious dinner. The Oosterdam has naturalists on board who will be speaking during the four days in Antarctica.

January 7:  At sea today along the west coast of Chile as we become familiar with our ship and enjoy the scenery.

January 8:  Today we spend all day in Puerto Montt, Chile.  At each of the ports, you can do your own thing, chose an excursion offered by the ship or join us on our private Webb Tours excursion (there must be sufficient demand to operate our private excursions).  Puerto Montt is a port city in southern Chile’s Lake District, known as a gateway to the Andes mountains, beautiful lakes and the Patagonian fjords. This is an area that showcases NATURE including snow-capped volcanoes, stunning green landscapes and beautiful lakes and waterfalls.

January 9:  Today we stop in a VERY beautiful place. The tiny town of Puerto Chacabuco, with just over 1,000 residents, sits at the head of the Aisén Fjord. Even residents will acknowledge that there isn’t much to see in the town itself, which only recently bothered to put up street signs; the largest building is a fish-processing plant. It won’t take much more than a quick stroll to explore the entire town. We stop here because it is the gateway to some of the most beautiful sights in this part of Chilean Patagonia.  We’ll be in port from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Dinner is waiting for us when we get back on board. 

January 10:  CRUISING THE CHILEAN FJORDS – – Enjoy a relaxing day cruising the Chilean Fjords.  Much like the Norwegian coastline, the west coast of Chile is sliced by dramatic inlets, or fjords, lined with rugged mountains and glacier-covered valleys. This spectacular stretch of coastline starts roughly halfway down the long spine of Chile and extends south to the very end of the continent, at Tierra del Fuego. It’s a distance of some 1,500 kilometers (930 miles), as the crow flies. Travel here, however, is never in a straight line—instead ships follow meandering paths along the many fjords and channels.  The area is known for its desolate beauty and the stunning scenery of this windswept, dramatic land and its unusual animal residents. It’s one of the highlights of the cruise.

January 11: At Sea cruising the Amalia or Brujo Glacier and then following the Canal Sarmiento. 

Amalia or Bruno Glacier:  Ice and weather determine where the boat will sail. That’s what it all comes down to as ships make their way through this part of the world. On Chile’s coast along the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, ice buildup and weather conditions heavily dictate which routes ships can take.  Snug in a parka, and from the comfort of your ship deck, you marvel at the different appearances of the glaciers, from fields pocked with lumps of ice to smooth watery rivulets, all in hues of blue too numerous to describe. But any time of the day, you’re guaranteed a backdrop of snowcapped peaks while you observe small Peale’s dolphins and sea lions as well as terns, albatrosses and other seabirds going about their daily business around you.

Canal Sarmiento:  One of the main channels in Patagonia, the Sarmiento Channel runs in a north-south direction, starting at the Guía Narrows and finishing at the southern edge of Victoria Pass, where it joins the Smyth Channel. In many places, massive glaciers run down to the sea. All kinds of marine animals, including Magellanic penguins, southern elephant seals, dolphins and orcas, can be seen along these shores. This is an unforgettable day!

January 12: An action-packed day:  Cruising the Strait of Magellan,  docking for 12 hours in Punta Arenas and cruising both the Cockburn Channel and the Beagle Channel.

Strait of Magellan:  Before the Panama Canal, there was the Strait of Magellan. This cinematic channel linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans cuts between the mainland tip of South America and Tierra del Fuego island. It was the passage of choice for seafaring transport between these two oceans until the Panama Canal shortened the distance by thousands of miles in 1914. Impressive glacial and mountainous scenery, the colonies of Magellanic penguins, pods of humpback whales and schools of Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphins—all surely as equally agog with the presence of man in this Patagonian paradise. With photogenic Punta Arenas as its main port, the Strait of Magellan is a bucket-list voyage for intrepid adventurers the world over.

Punta Arenas is a city near the tip of Chile’s southernmost Patagonia region. Located on the Strait of Magellan, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, it’s often used as base for excursions to the surrounding wilderness and Antarctica. The Plaza Muñoz Gamero has a memorial to explorer Ferdinand Magellan, and the Museo Nao Victoria features a replica of one of his galleons.

Cockburn Channel:  The channel is part of the route that connects the Strait of Magellan to the Beagle Channel, while along both sides of the waterway is one of the crown jewels of Chile’s network of parks: Alberto de Agostini National Park. The coastline here is rich in fjords and glaciers. The Pia Fjord is especially beautiful, as dozens of waterfalls cascade down the slopes into its waters. If you watch long enough, you may see huge chunks of ice calve off Pia Glacier and fall into the sea.

Beagle Channel/Glacier Alley:  As alleys go, this one is mighty long. Glacier Alley—or, as it’s more elegantly known, Avenue of the Glaciers—stretches along a good portion of the celebrated 240-kilometer-long (150-mile-long) Beagle Channel in the vast territory of Tierra del Fuego. You will be treated to one stunning glacier after another, each flowing down from massive mountain ranges and peaks. Along with all these natural wonders, a visit to Glacier Alley comes with opportunities to see penguin rookeries, humpback whales and seals.

January 13: Today we spend the morning cruising Glacier Alley before arriving in Ushuaia, Argentina in the early afternoon. Ushuaia is a resort town in Argentina. It’s located on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, the southernmost tip of South America, nicknamed the “End of the World.” The windswept town, perched on a steep hill, is surrounded by the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel. It’s the gateway to Antarctica cruises by smaller boats.

Janaury 14:  Today we set sail for Antarctica.  Two days at Sea.   We round Cape Horn and follow the Drake Passage.

Cape Horn and Drake Passage:  Thanks to its location—on one of the southernmost points in South America—Cape Horn has played a major role in navigational history. The Strait of Magellan to the north was discovered first, but that route’s narrow width was challenging to navigate. Cape Horn, discovered by the Dutch in 1615, became the primary route for trade ships traveling from Europe or the east side of the Americas to the American West Coast.  Cape Horn marks the entrance to the Drake Passage, where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet. Until the Panama Canal opened in 1914, this was one of the planet’s major shipping routes. Strong winds, currents, waves and icebergs made the passage fairly treacherous in the days of sailing ships. Even today, “rounding the Horn” remains a challenge for the many yacht races that pass through its icy waters.

January 15:  At sea making our way to Antarctica.

January 16, 17, 18, 19   Antarctic Experience:  This is what we came for – Antarctica! We spend the next four days at sea sailing through Antarctica. 

After a day and a half crossing the Drake Passage, which separates South America from Antarctica, your Holland America ship will arrive at the White Continent. You’ll begin your Antarctic Expedition sailing through the bays and islands of the Palmer Archipelago, off the northern tip of the long Antarctic Peninsula, which reaches out toward South America. Encircled in a landscape of snow and ice in every direction, your ship will slowly navigate the iceberg-dotted waters. The surroundings are hauntingly quiet as well, an aspect of the continent that comes as a surprise to many first-time visitors. Along the way, the ship’s naturalists will point out the birds—terns, petrels, and gulls—found on the coast and on small islets at stops like Dallmann Bay. As you pass dark, rocky Cuverville Island, you’ll see some of the 6,500 pairs of gentoo penguins that make their home there, the largest known colony in the world. Continuing on to Paradise Harbor, you’ll have a chance to observe not only gentoo and chinstrap penguins but possibly humans as well: Both Argentina and Chile have manned research stations here.

January 20: A day at Sea as we head North to the Falkland Islands.  Not much to see, but a great day to enjoy all of the amenities on the boat.

January 21:  Today we are docked in Stanley, Falkland Islands. 

The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) are a remote South Atlantic archipelago. With rugged terrain and cliff-lined coasts, its hundreds of islands and islets are home to sheep farms and abundant birdlife. The capital, Stanley, sits on East Falkland, the largest island. The town’s Falkland Islands Museum has themed galleries devoted to maritime exploration, natural history, the 1982 Falklands War and other subjects.

January 22:  Another relaxing day at sea as we head North to Argentina. 

January 23:  Today, you wake up in Puerto Madryn, Argentina.

Puerto Madryn is an Argentine city on the coast of northern Patagonia. Its sandy beaches and restaurant-lined promenade face Golfo Nuevo bay, where southern right whales breed from May to December. Ecocentro is a clifftop museum with exhibits on Patagonian nature, and a lighthouse-style tower for ocean views. Across the bay, rocky Valdes Peninsula is home to penguins and elephant seals, which are preyed on by orcas.

January 24: The last day at Sea.  We are sailing along the east coast of Argentina.

January 25:  Today we are in Punta del Este, Uruguay:

For years, Punta del Este was one of those places that travel writers would describe as “sleepy.” With a population of laid-back permanent residents numbering just under 10,000, there wasn’t a lot going on in this town in the remote southeastern corner of Uruguay. But then the news got out. Punta del Este began to be referred to as the Hamptons of South America, and—more alluring still—as the continent’s own St.-Tropez. In other words, Punta del Este was a gorgeous coast and a safe and moneyed port city: perfect for a vacation. It’s the preferred getaway for wealthy Uruguayans and Argentines and many have second homes here. The population swells with these part-time residents and sun-seeking vacationers during the winter, when quiet Punta del Este cedes to its alter ego of glitzy, glamorous resort town. In addition to soaking up sun on the beautiful beaches and swimming in turquoise waters, visitors enjoy shopping at upscale boutiques, exploring the local art scene, trying their luck at a casino and tasting fresh-from-the-sea specialties at Punta del Este’s restaurants.

January 26:  Today, we arrive in Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, is a major city along Montevideo Bay. It revolves around the Plaza de la Independencia, once home to a Spanish citadel. This plaza leads to Ciudad Vieja (the old town), with art deco buildings, colonial homes and landmarks including the towering Palacio Salvo and neoclassical performance hall Solís Theatre. Mercado del Puerto is an old port market filled with many steakhouses.

January 27-28:  Today, we arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  We spend the night of the 27^th on the boat and disembark on the 28th.

Buenos Aires is Argentina’s big, cosmopolitan capital city. Its center is the Plaza de Mayo, lined with stately 19th-century buildings including Casa Rosada, the iconic, balconied presidential palace. Other major attractions include the colorful BOCA district which is a must see for every visitor. We’ll see the Teatro Colón, a grand 1908 opera house with nearly 2,500 seats, and more. Buenos Aires is a city full of interesting history and it is definitely worth a visit. There will be an OPTION to see a Tango Show in Buenos Aires on the evening of January 27th. 

January 28:  Transfer to the airport for flights home. 

A $400 deposit is required to reserve your space. To make a reservation, simply register online by completing the booking form above. Your deposit will be charged to your credit card. If you prefer, you can call us and we will take your reservation information and credit card details over the phone.  When we receive your reservation, we will email you a receipt confirming that you are registered for the tour.  A letter with instructions, hotel itinerary, flight information (if applicable) and luggage tags will be sent roughly 130 days prior to departure. The balance will be due roughly 120 days prior to departure.  You do not need to pay the balance until after you receive that package.  We prefer final payments in the form of a check.  Webb Tours also accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. A 2.5% fee applies to final payments made by credit card to cover a portion of the credit card company fees (which are now around 4%)

Cancellation Policy:

We understand that you may need to cancel your trip for unforeseen reasons.  If cancellation occurs 120 days or more before departure, your deposit is refundable.  If airline tickets are purchased prior to that time (with your permission), they are the responsibility of the traveler. In most cases, airlines will allow the value of airline tickets to be used for future travel.  If it is within 120 days, your deposit and other committed funds are non refundable.  

Travel Protection:

In today’s changing travel environment, it is important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer Travelex Insurance Services 360° Group Premier Protection Plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.

Premium for this insurance depends on your age and trip cost and is priced as follows:

Trip Cost (per person)        Ages 0-59                 Ages 60-74                      Ages 75+

For coverage details and explanation of benefits, you can view or download the policy by going to  https://policy.travelexinsurance.com/GPZ-1023.

If you are interested in the travel insurance, please contact Webb Tours any time up until final payment for the tour.  You must be medically fit at the time you buy the insurance.  The insurance goes into effect once purchased.

This is intended as a general description of certain types of insurance and services available to qualified customers through the companies of Zurich in North America, provided solely for informational purposes.  Nothing herein should be construed as a solicitation, offer, advice, recommendation, or any other service with regard to any type of insurance product underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company, 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Your policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage, terms and conditions. Travelex Insurance Services Inc. CA Agency license #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC # 16535).

Insurance includes the following items:

• Trip interruption up to 150% of the cost of the trip (if you have to leave in the middle of the trip)
• Trip interruption – return airfare only – $1,000
• Trip Cancellation – 100% of insured trip cost (up to $20,000)
• Trip delay: $1,000 (minimum delay of 5 hours)
• Missed Connection: $1,000 (with a minimum delay of 3 hours)
• Baggage (for lost luggage): $1,500
• Baggage Delay: $250 (minimum of 12 hour delay)
• Emergency medical: $50,000
• Emergency Dental: $500
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: $250,000 (including $25,000 for escort expenses)
• Accidental death/dismemberment during travel: $10,000

For benefit and rate information, please review the Group Premier product flyer at https://partner.travelexinsurance.com/docs/premier

Unexpected flight cancellations or weather delays:  Webb Tours works diligently to cover all of the details associated with your travel. We make sure that all ground transportation, lodging, local tours, restaurants, specialists, etc, are in place and awaiting our arrival. We ensure that our directors are well prepared to provide you with an experience that exceeds your expectations.  One thing we do NOT control are the airlines. Significant problems can arise on a group tour due to canceled flights, weather delays or missed connections. In the case of a flight cancellation, Webb Tours will do all we can to work with the airline to move people to the next available flights. Any portion of the tour that is missed due to flight delays or cancellations is NOT the financial responsibility of Webb Tours. Refunds will not be given for hotels, ground transportation, activities or meals that are missed due to flight interruptions. This is another good reason to purchase the travel insruance which has a provision for missed connections (see Group Premier product flyer referenced above for details).  Your participation in the tour signifies that you understand and accept this policy.

Register for your tour on line or mail deposit and reservation details to:

WEBB TOURS

2378 Evergreen Avenue

Salt Lake City, UT  84109

Tel. (801) 278-3101

or Toll Free 1-800-658-8519

Or call us and register over the phone.  We hope you can join us.