If traveling to the ends of the earth is on your "once-in-a-lifetime" list, do it right with the leaders in polar travel—Quark Expeditions. Whether you choose the frozen tundra of the Arctic region or prefer the far reaches of Antarctica, Quark assures you of having an immersive expedition led by experts affiliated with such renowned organizations as The Explorer's Club and the Royal Geographic Society. Programs are crafted to visit some of the polar regions' most pristine, wildlife-laden landings. And excursions like helicopter sightseeing, hot-air ballooning, and camping under the stars will leave you breathless.

Quark Expeditions is recognized for its ground-breaking travel, including the first voyage to the North Pole in 1991, the first circumnavigation of Antarctica in 1997, and the launch of its first carbon-neutral voyages to Antarctica in 2011. Today, its bucket-list adventures include cracking through dense, 15-foot-thick ice to get you to the North Pole, where you'll celebrate with a champagne toast; or cruising the majestic fjords of East Greenland, where you'll enjoy one of the world's most brilliant displays of the Northern Lights; or crossing the Antarctic Circle for a visit to Adelaide Island, enjoying sightings of penguins and leopard seals along the way.

Of course, your polar expedition is designed with pure comfort in mind. Quark's four ships offer cabins and suites with private bathrooms, and most accommodations have flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access. To top it off, facilities like a polar library and observation lounge make your down time more interesting and educational, and each ship's on-board naturalists, researchers, and travel experts will keep you entertained with their insight on ecology, history, and marine biology. Meaning you're sure to return from your polar exploits a changed person, with an even greater appreciation for these fragile ecosystems.

For more information about Quark Expeditions, call your Hideaways Travel Specialist at 800-843-4433, or email ts@hideaways.com.