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. The classic shorter cruises run more regularly and suit many passengers offering the 48 hour Drake Passage crossing, plentiful wildlife and fantastic awe inspiring icescapes. This shorter cruise itinerary can be reduced to just five nights by taking local flights from Punta Arenas in Chile as part of an air cruise option direct to the Peninsula. The extended cruises include the Sub-Antarctic islands of South Georgia with its mountains, deep valleys, flora, fauna and historical landmarks and the impressive animal rich frontier islands of the Falklands.
Recommended accommodation
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Air Cruise Option
If time is an important consideration this unique air cruise option flies from Punta Arenas over Cape Horn and the mythical Drake Passage arriving at King George Island to the gates of the white continent.
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M/V Lyubov Orlova
Lyubov Orlova is a spacious, elegant ice-strengthened 295 foot expedition ship that carries up to 110 passengers. All cabins and two suites are located outside with private facilities.
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Professor Multanovskiy
Professor Multanovskiy is a 235 foot polar research vessel fitted to carry forty-eight passengers in comfortable outside cabins with an ice strengthened hull and low draft.
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Akademik Ioffe
Setting the Ioffe apart is the unique opportunity to mix pampering and well-being with adventure against the Antarctic backdrop
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Akademik Sergey Vavilov
Vavilov is recognised as one of the finest expedition ships to ever sail the polar seas.
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Ani South Pole, Union Glacier Camp
Union Glacier is the only facility of its kind in Antarctica, the setting is spectacular. The accommodation spacious and comfortable. The meals fresh and delicious. The service and support unparalleled.
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Antarctic Dream
The Antarctic Dream allows a true expedition experience, in the spirit of the early explorers, with multiple landings in the most unique and marvelous settings of Antarctica.
Sample itinerary
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.
