The greatest day trip on Earth! On the 14th of December be one of the only people on earth to visit Antarctica for a day. The private aircraft leaves Cape Town and will carry you on this unforgettable journey. Fly 5hrs over the immense Southern Ocean passing into the 24hr sunlight of the Polar Region. A carpet of icebergs below become thicker as you near the white continent. Landing on an ice runway is an experience in itself with white snow stretching into the distance. You will be one of the few who have stepped foot on Antarctica. Not off a cruise ship or an island off the coast, this is the unexplored interior - a place reserved for scientists and polar explorers.

Specialty transporters will take you across the ice to the Shirmacher Oasis where you will hike amidst giant ice waves, and crawl into dazzling blue ice caves. The weather is normally mild at -5C with bright sunshine, so good winter boots and coat will keep you warm. A guided walk will go to the highest point offering views of nearly 90km to the mighty ice barrier on the coast. Enjoy a champagne lunch with fantastic food freshly prepared and flown in from Cape Town. If the weather is good the lunch will be outside amidst the spectacular desolation. Take a few last photographs with your guides (real polar explorers) before boarding the plane. Compare photos, swap stories with your fellow adventurers, and savor the memories of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.


Departures (from Cape Town): 14 December 2011 Note: flights and itinerary are subject to weather conditions and may be shifted by a day or two.

Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa, famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Popular day activities include; Robben Island (Nelson Mandela's prison), Cape Point, Stellenbosch winery tour, diamond buying shops, and great white shark diving.

Upon arrival into South Africa you will be met at the door of the plane and escorted through Customs and Immigration avoiding any queues. You will also receive all of your necessary documents for your trip which contains a detailed personalized itinerary, maps, restaurant suggestions, Top Tips for exploring each city or region and a 24 hour concierge service (for restaurant reservations, spa treatments, child minders, day tours etc).

This afternoon we will be collecting you from your hotel for the pre-departure briefing. This briefing will explain in detail what you can expect on this Antarctica expedition. It will cover the details of the flight, how to pack, what each item of kit actually does and many other aspects of your journey. It is the perfect forum for you to ask any questions you may have, from how to wash in Antarctica, to what you can expect to do each day once at the camp. After the briefing we will be inviting you to a cocktail party to get to know the other guests.

Magical views sparkle from the windows of Cape Grace, situated on the waterfront of Cape Town. The hotel comprises 122 rooms, with a range of sizes and styles to suit the needs of each guest. Some rooms are built like lofts, with rooftop access for breakfast. Others offer balconies or french doors with views to the yacht marina. Cuisine at the hotel is enjoyable, while others prefer to explore restaurants around Cape Town itself. A melange of influences have formed a grand palette of flavors for the city. Friendly staff and small pleasantries add a smile to guests' stay at Cape Grace. Stay healthy with visits to the hotel gym, or spend time lounging near the pool. The convenient location of Cape Grace promises short distances to all the key attractions in town.

Overnight at Cape Grace.

Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

Five hour flight across the Southern Ocean to a maintained ice runway in Droning Maud Land.  The choice of plane varies according to the weather and logistics. We use an Illuyshin-IL76, Falcon 900, or a Gulfstream IV.

No environment on earth can prepare you for Antarctica's stark beauty. The summer weather is normally mild with bright sunshine and temperatures around -5C. With our modern polar clothing and thick winter boots, you will be kept nice and warm. Specially modified 4x4s then take you to the Guesthouse chalets, where you will be able to go on a number of guided excursions. They can be easy or challenging – the choice is entirely up to you.

No environment on earth can prepare you for Antarctica's stark beauty. The summer weather is normally mild with bright sunshine and temperatures around -5C. With our modern polar clothing and thick winter boots, you will be kept nice and warm. Specially modified 4x4s then take you to the Guesthouse chalets, where you will be able to go on a number of guided excursions. They can be easy or challenging – the choice is entirely up to you. We offer gentle treks over to the 200-foot cliffs which offer amazing views out to the coast. There are trips to the ice tunnels winding through the glacier – a place that is as surreal as it is beautiful. There is even the chance for a sauna!

A few hours later, one of Cape Town’s premier chefs will serve a champagne lunch preparewith fresh ingredients flown in from Cape Town, while you relax with a cocktail from our ‘Ice bar’.

You will have the whole day to enjoy Antarctica at your leisure, with a whole range of new activities to choose from. From 4x4 trips to rock climbing, tours of the nearby scientific base to treks down to the Adelie penguin rockery – there is a huge amount to do. The flight out of Antarctica is scheduled for the evening in the IL-76 jet, arriving in Cape Town in the early morning on the 22nd December. We will organize transfers to your hotels from the airport.

Five hour flight across the Southern Ocean to Cape Town.  The choice of plane varies according to the weather and logistics. We use an Illuyshin-IL76, Falcon 900, or a Gulfstream IV.

Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

Overnight at Cape Grace.