The list of missed milestones in 2020 is long and has touched everyone in some way. Fortunately 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. Award-winning tour operator Classic Journeys has partnered with acclaimed cruise line Silversea Cruises to create the ultimate trip for travelers wanting to make up for lost time. Over 18 days this November and December, travelers can experience three bucket list destinations in one trip: Antarctica, Easter Island and Patagonia. The trip becomes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when it also includes witnessing the total solar eclipse from the path of totality in the Southern Ocean. Travelers who book before March 31 will also take advantage of this itinerary’s special early booking price of US$24,995 per person, a savings starting at US$5,000 per couple.
Starting in Chile, travelers will explore the wilds of Patagonia with Classic Journeys’ expert naturalist guides in the Torres del Paine National Park. Guests will enjoy walks to vivid 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 in Tierra del Fuego Island, also known as “the end of the world.” After enjoying the sights and local seafood, travelers will journey through the legendary Drake Passage on the all-suite luxury Silversea Cruises ship, 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 incredible astrological event, and 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 cinematic Antarctic Peninsula and enjoy a variety of activities such as kayaking between icebergs, island hopping on a Zodiac boat, and hiking the continent’s most panoramic trails. After finishing this fantastic expedition in Antarctica, travelers will sail through the South Shetland Islands and explore the incredible landscape of Deception Island, a flooded volcanic caldera complete with hot springs. Throughout the cruise, Silversea’s plush suites, gourmet dining, fabulous wellness facilities, and on-board experts (from artists to ornithologists) create the perfect onboard experience to complement the expedition options available each day from the ship.
When the trip wraps up after a visit to the South Shetland Islands, travelers can opt for an extension to explore mythical Easter Island with their expert Classic Journeys guide. On scenic walks, travelers will enjoy the volcanic geography of the island and immersion into fascinating 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.
For the unmissable Patagonia & Antarctica Eclipse tour brought to you by Classic Journeys in partnership with Silversea, tour prices start at a special early booking price of US$24,995 per person. Upgrades are available for higher categories of suites on the all-suite ship. The Easter Island extension can be added for US$2,995 per person. Prices are based on double occupancy. For more information about this trip, visit: www.classicjourneys.com/antarctica-solar-eclipse-2021-tour/.
