Setting foot on the wild and rugged Galapagos Islands and exploring the Antarctic base on foot are just two of the many unforgettable experiences awaiting guests aboard Seabourn Odyssey during its 73-day South America circumnavigation in 2011.

The Yachts of Seabourn is offering a choice of more than 120 optional shore excursions during the journey around South America, providing guests with numerous opportunities to see, hear, touch, taste and feel the amazing diversity of environments, historic and modern cultures, and the breathtaking natural scenery of the continent.

“South America is an amazing destination, with so much variety and beauty. From the driest desert in the world to towering glaciers and unmapped forests, and from remote villages to sophisticated, vibrant cities,” says Pamela Conover, Seabourn’s president and CEO. She continues, “We have created small-group excursions to provide our guests a wealth of authentic, culturally rich experiences in South America that they will always remember and cherish.”

Seabourn’s new shore excursions in South America include:
Galapagos in a Day, Guayaquil, Ecuador: Since their exploration more than 150 years ago, these remarkable islands have not lost their ability to inspire and are home to many unique, indigenous species. Seabourn guests fly from Guayaquil, Ecuador to the islands, visiting the Giant Tortoises Reserve, the Twin Pit Craters and stop at the world renowned Charles Darwin Research Centre.

Antarctic Expedition, Punta Arenas, Chile: From Punta Arenas, Seabourn guests board a chartered airplane due south, crossing the Polar Circle and touch down at Frei Base, maintained by the Chilean Air Force and situated on an ice-free area.  Stepping off the plane, guests explore the base and its surroundings on foot.  A mile downhill walk on a dirt road brings them to the base and from here they board an inflatable boat to visit Ardley Island, a highly protected area occupied by breeding colonies of penguins. 

Transatacama Train Adventure, Iquique, Chile: This unique day trip explores the sources of Chile’s Nitrate boom of the late 1800s, travelling just over 60 miles in two privately chartered, fully restored TransAtacama train cars built in Belgium in 1930. At El Tambo, guests enjoy a lunch of the region’s excellent gastronomy in the desert and view a sacred ritual dedicated to Mother Earth. Guests will also visit the perfectly preserved nitrate ghost town of Humberstone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in one of the driest and most hostile areas on earth.

Flight to El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier, Punta Arenas, Chile: Perito Moreno Glacier is the most important of the 13 glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This excursion provides a unique opportunity to visit El Calafate and see the Perito Moreno Glacier in one day from Punta Arenas.  A chartered flight carries Seabourn guests to the village, located on the shore of Lake Argentino at the entry to the park. Los Glaciares is part of the largest ice cap outside Antarctica and Greenland and the park is filled with rugged, towering mountains and numerous glacial lakes. Perito Moreno creates an unforgettable first impression – its 230-foot wall of ice glowing in a thousand shades of blue. 

The Majestic Penguins of Volunteer Point, Port Stanley, Falkland Islands: The Falkland Islands is an archipelago comprising of two large islands and about 700 smaller islands spread over approximately 4,700 square miles.  On this adventurous excursion, guests drive through the mountains in a 4x4 vehicle, passing sites now associated with the Falklands War of 1982.  Volunteer Point is a bird lover’s paradise and guests have the opportunity to view a wide array of sea and shore birds such as oystercatchers, sandpipers and the long-tailed meadowlark.

A tremendous variety of excursions are available at the 31 ports of call during Seabourn Odyssey’s 73-day South America circumnavigation. Capital cities such as Quito, Santiago, Lima, Buenos Aires and Montevideo as well as world class metropolises such as Rio de Janeiro and Salvador de Bahia combine with exotic locations in Patagonia and the Amazon.

The voyage departs 4th January 2011 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  To reserve space on Seabourn’s optional shore excursions online prior to the cruise guests can visit www.seabourn.com.  Fares for the entire voyage begin at £17,998 per person, based on double occupancy.  For travellers who are unable to sail on the full 73-day voyage, shorter itineraries are available, starting from £4,999 per person for 19 days.