In a Groupon International first, Groupon Australia has launched a deal to send travelers to the Antarctic today.

Thanks to a partnership with Adventure Associates, Groupon members are invited to fly from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island* before setting off on a cruise around the Antarctic Peninsula. They will visit century-old Antiguan mansions, go adventuring on expedition vessels, and sail amongst ice-filled fjords and icebergs for the seven-day trip of a lifetime.

Lisa Maroun, General Manager Groupon Travel, says “Summer is on its way in Australia, but at Groupon we encourage our members to shake up their routine - and what could be more different than exploring Antarctica?”

“Groupon is a lifestyle guide that allows members to experience more out of life… We’re really excited to be stretching our members’ expectations with our first cruise deal to Antarctica” says Maroun.

The deal with Adventure Associates will be available until 10 October 2012.

Schedule Overview
On arrival into Chile, overnight at Hotel Rey Don Felipe in Punta Arenas before heading south on a flight to Frei Station, Antarctica. Board  a purpose-built ice strengthened ship to cruise along the Western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula for five nights, before returning to Punta Arenas from Frei Station.

Price / Package Options
a) $8,830 for a seven-day Antarctica tour for one person, based on twin share
With return flights from Chile to Antarctica, five-night Antarctic cruise in a twin cabin, one night at Hotel Rey Don Felipe in Punta Arenas, option to spend seventh night at Hotel Rey Don Felipe as well as all meals, drinks and excursions, and a $200 return voucher for your next tour. 
Total value: $11,038

b) $12,745 for a seven-day Antarctica tour for one person travelling alone
With return flights from Chile to Antarctica, five-night Antarctic cruise in a single cabin, one night at Hotel Rey Don Felipe in Punta Arenas, option to spend seventh night at Hotel Rey Don Felipe as well as all meals, drinks and excursions, and a $200 return voucher for your next tour 
Total value: $15,152

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Punta Arenas
Arrival at the city of Punta Arenas where you will be met by our staff, to be transferred to Hotel Rey Don Felipe. During the afternoon, you will meet your expedition mates and receive instructions concerning the guidelines that should be followed in Antarctica and the procedures for Zodiac boat embarkation and disembarkation. Later, you will enjoy our welcome dinner at the José Nogueira Hotel, a French-style mansion that is over one hundred years old. Passengers should be in Punta Arenas at 15:00 hours, at the latest. 

Day 2: Punta Arenas – King George Island
Our Antarctic adventure will begin with the flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands). The flight takes a little over one and half hour. Upon arrival, we will be able to tour around the area where the Frei Chilean Base and the Bellingshausen Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation by Zodiac boats on board our expedition vessel. 

Days 3 – 6: South Shetland Islands -  Antarctica Peninsula
While cruising between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular icebergs, we will enjoy the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Our journey southwards will include visits to some of the most magnificent spots in the white continent, such as: Livingston Island, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Cuverville and Deception Islands amongst others. Our target will be the crossing of the Lemaire Channel and latitude 65° South. Our adventure will be very active, with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiac boats, lectures and a very enjoyable time on board. 

Day 7: King George Island – Punta Arenas
Return to King George Island where we will disembark, in Zodiac boats, at the Frei Chilean Base, and head to the aerodrome to take the flight back to Punta Arenas. The program ends upon arrival at the Airport in Punta Arenas.

*International flights to/ from Australia to Punta Arenas, Chile are not included in the deal.