Visit the Antarctic and ‘name that berg’

If you were to name an iceberg, what would you call it? One Hampshire boy got just that opportunity thus, unimaginatively named Antarctic Iceberg C19AF, became ‘Melting Bob’.

You may or may not see ‘Melting Bob’ but encounters with many other icebergs are a certainty during Trips Worldwide’s Antarctic Fly & Cruise. Utilising a quick 3-hour air transfer from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island, passengers avoid the stomach-churning swells of the infamous Drake Passage and commence their Antarctic voyage in the calmer waters of the South Shetland Archipelago.

11-day holidays incorporating 6-day voyages onboard the Grigory Mikheev research vessel, depart London by air 25th & 30th November, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th & 25th December 08.

For those unsure of their sea-legs (the Drake Passage in a force 10 gale can test even the most cast iron constitutions) or for travellers who do not have time for a lengthier cruise, Trips Worldwide’s Antarctic Fly & Cruise is the perfect solution. After an overnight in both Santiago and Punta Arenas, passengers transfer by air to King George Island, avoiding Drake Passage, for the start of the voyage.

The next six days are spent navigating the staggeringly beautiful rugged shores of the South Shetland Islands and the neighbouring Antarctic Peninsula. Cruise along ice-filled fjords, through spectacular glacial channels and enjoy expertly guided shore excursions - zodiac inflatables allow exploration in all but the most inaccessible bays. Marvel at the staggering icebergs in Paradise Harbour, pass through the stunning Lemaire Channel and visit the penguin rookery on Petermann Island, before taking a surreal dip in the thermal waters of Deception Island, the largest active volcano in the area.

Finally, return to King George Island for the flight to Punta Arenas and onward journey to the UK.

The holiday costs from £5,959 p/p including international and domestic flights, transfers, 4-nights pre and post-voyage hotel accommodation, Antarctic Fly & Cruise and expertly guided viewing activities.

For more information and bookings, visit Tripsworldwide.co.uk.