Antarctica is accessible from Argentina’s Tierra de Fuego on expeditionary ships that combine the spirit of adventure with levels of comfort unthinkable in the days of the great explorers. Cruising waters framed by turquoise cathedrals of ice and dotted with drifting blue-green icebergs is an unforgettable experience. However, breathtaking scenery is only half of the magic. Virtually unchanged since the days of Scott and Shackleton, this ice-bound paradise and its chilly waters are home to a huge concentration of wildlife. Zodiac expeditions ashore are guided by expert naturalists with bottomless funds of knowledge while the dazzling daylight and lingering twilight of the polar night are a photographer’s dream.
Experiences
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Antarctic Peninsula
Ushuaia in southern Argentina is the most popular gateway to Antarctica and from here, with some exceptions, the cruise itineraries last for either nine or eighteen nights.
Choose a sample itinerary
Exploring Antarctica
DAYS 1 - 3 Buenos Aires/Ushuaia
Arrive in Buenos Aires in Argentina in the early morning for one night. Consider an optional tour of the city. Fly to Ushuaia for one night.
DAYS 4 - 7 Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands
Board the vessel and set off south across the Drake Passage with lectures on the natural wonders, geology and history of Antarctica by guest lecturers along the way. On day six reach the South Shetlands, go ashore to see penguin rookeries, fur & elephant seal & a research station.
DAYS 8 - 10 Antarctic Peninsula
Travel along the Peninsula with endless vistas of windswept ice & massive glaciers. Exact stops will vary but may include Port
Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Cuverville and Deception Islands among others. Many islands are populated with huge colonies of seal; Gentoo, Chinstrap & Adelie Penguin, Orca, Humpback & Minke Whale as well as every kind of Antarctic bird.
DAYS 11 - 13 Antarctic Peninsula/Buenos Aires
Return across the Drake Passage with many more wildlife spotting & lecture opportunities. After a last breakfast depart the vessel in Ushuaia & fly north to Buenos Aires for one night.
DAY 14
Transfer from the hotel for an international flight or local Itinerary.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS:
- Explora Patagonia in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. A superb luxury, frontier lodge ideal for trekking, mountain
biking and 4x4 tours in beautiful southern Patagonia.
- Superb fly fishing and riding in the Andes around San Martin de los Andes
- Stopovers in Rio de Janeiro or even the Caribbean are also available
Prices start from £4,300 including flights.
Please call us for a bespoke itinerary and quotation.
