Australia: Poles closer

To Antarctica and back in a day! “Impossible,” we said, until we heard of Antarctica Sightseeing Flights’ 12-hour trip to the South Magnetic Pole. The agency organises trips along 19 routes from five Australian cities — Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane — on a Qantas 747-400ER aircraft. The southern-most con­tinent comes into view three hours after take-off. The flights take you over landmarks such as the South Pole, Commonwealth Bay and the Ninnis and Mertz glaciers, flying as low as 10,000 feet, depending on weather conditions. On board, the cabin is divided into seven classes, experts describe the sights, and two comple­mentary meals, snacks and bar services are provided. (from A$1,199-7,999; antarcticaflights.com.au)