Following in Footsteps of Shackleton’s Antarctic

Those fascinated by the ill-fated 1914-16 Antarctic voyage of explorer Ernest Shackleton, the subject of a TV miniseries broadcast earlier this month by A&E;, can retrace his steps this winter on trips run by adventure tour operators. You won’t have to take a lot of provisions--just a lot of money.

Toronto-based Fathom Expeditions Inc. has drafted explorer Conrad Anker to accompany an 18-day “Spirit of Shackleton” trip to Antarctica, South Georgia Island and the Falkland Islands beginning Feb. 21. There will be an option to hike part of Shackleton’s route across South Georgia. The price is $8,395 per person, double occupancy. International air fare is extra. (800) 621-0176, www.fathomexpeditions.com.

Connecticut-based Quark Expeditions offers two trips. A 20-day South Georgia voyage, departing Nov. 1, includes an option to don 20 to 30 pounds of gear (mostly provided by Quark) and spend five days trekking across the island. Another 20-day voyage in February follows Shackleton’s path from Antarctica to Elephant Island to South Georgia and ends in the Falklands. Prices for both cruises begin at $7,195 per person; add $3,350 for the five-day South Georgia trek. Air fare is extra. (800) 356-5699, www.quarkexpeditions.com.