This one-of-a-kind expedition takes you to an Emperor Penguin rookery and a King Penguin rookery. This singular event will be enriched by our special guests, Doug Allan, Robert Bateman and Birgit Freybe Bateman. The expedition sails from Ushuaia, Argentina to the Weddell Sea, where you spend 3-days at an Emperor rookery. After 5-days exploring South Georgia, the icebreaker crosses the Southern Ocean to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).

Overnight in Ushuaia. Our Special Guests, Doug Allan and Robert and Birgit Bateman will also be overnighting in ushuaia, the staging point for this exclusive expedition.

Doug Allan may be best known for his work as a principal cameraman on Blue Planet and Planet Earth, the BBC Natural History Unit's Emmy winning documentaries. On April 22, 2009, the Disneynature film Earth will premier in North America. Doug contributed stunning footage to that film. During the Emperors & Kings voyage, Doug will present behind-the-scenes footage and tell about his work in remote polar environments. His insights are humorous, suspenseful and just plain entertaining. Your travelers will never watch a documentary the same way after sailing with Doug.

At the beginning of what is arguably the ultimate penguin expedition, travelers will be introduced to the Expedition Team, Hospitality Team and the Batemans at the Welcome Briefing.

Prepare for rough water, but do not be disappointed if this crossing of the Drake Passage is smooth sailing. The Drake is always changing.

Emperor and King Penguins are the star attractions of this expedition, but they are not the only penguins you will encounter. During landings in the South Shetland Islands you could visit Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguin rookeries.

The Captain and Expedition Leader consult charts, weather bulletins and satellite images to determine where to park the icebreaker for efficient helicopter flights to the rookery. From the landing zone, you will walk about 2.4 (1.5 miles) to the rookery, through a sculpture garden of ice. This memorable route is taken each time you visit the rookery during the three days allotted.

While at sea, the Batemans will deliver one of two presentations about their life as activists and artists. Their presentations supplement the in-depth education program delivered by the Expedition Team. If conditions permit, we will attempt a shore landing in the South Orkney Islands

Wildlife landings on South Georgia will include visits to King Penguin rookeries. King Penguin breed all year round, so you will encounter the meter (3 feet) tall birds in all stages of growth, In addition, you may see elephant and fur seals, Albatross and other species of penguins inhabiting the island, which is now a nature preserve.

For the second time, the Batemans will supplement the in-depth education program with a presentation about their work. Activists as well as artists, the Batemans have a lifetime of stories to share.

When you reach the Falklands (Malvinas) you are no longer in Antarctica, yet you will add three more species of penguins to your life list - Rockhopper, Macaroni and Magellanic Penguins.

If weather and ice conditions permit, during this expedition you will have seen eight different species of penguin in the wild. Only a polar-class icebreaker makes this possible. Overnight in Santiago.

Depart for home.

• One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast as indicated in the itinerary.
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage.
• All shore landings and Zodiac excursions per the daily program.
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities.
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
• Photographic Album on DVD.
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
• Hair dryer in every cabin.
• A Quark Expeditions parka (except for guests on Lyubov Orlova)
• Coffee, tea, cocoa and bottled water available around the clock.
• Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader.
• Group transfers from the hotel to the ship at the embarkation port, and from the ship to the local airport on disembarkation – plus all baggage handling aboard ship.
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
• Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum of $100,000 per person.
• All helicopter transfers and aerial sightseeing according to each day’s program.

• Any airfare, however, for economy seats on our charter flight from Santiago to Stanley must be purchased in conjunction with the expedition. See Pricing Chart.
• Passport and visa expenses.
• Government arrival and departure taxes.
• Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation.
• Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.
• Excess baggage charges.
• Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges.
• Telecommunications charges.
• The customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for Hospitality Team members, ship’s crew and Expedition Team Members
• Any possible helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group will be charged at an hourly rate to be announced on board.