Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Antarctica – Argentina – Buenos Aires – Ushuaia – Falkland Islands – South Georgia – South Shetland Islands
100% customisable for you
Your Antarctic adventure begins today. Grab your thermals, head to the airport and, while you’re waiting for departure, slip away to the lounge for a moment of peace and quiet (and some complimentary nibbles, of course). Flights to Buenos Aires take between 15 and 20 hours, with a stopover in either a European or South American transit city, so you’ll have plenty of time to sit back, relax and free up space on your camera roll.
You’ll land at Ezeiza International Airport the next morning, where you’ll be met by your private driver and whisked off into the heart of the city. Once here, check in for two nights in your central hotel.
The rest of the day can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you like. If you’re raring to go, head out for an afternoon stroll; but if you’re fighting off a bout of jet lag, don’t worry – there’ll be plenty of time to explore tomorrow. So, simply grab a good book (or a refreshing cocktail) and drift off towards a quintessentially Argentinian siesta.
You have one full day to soak up the splendour of Buenos Aires, so hit the ground running with a private tour through this culturally rich charmer – guided by a friendly and knowledgeable local.
As you stroll through the city’s blend of modern and colonial architecture, you’ll pass a variety of iconic landmarks, including the Obelisk at the Plaza de la Republica, the picturesque Plaza de Mayo, the Colon Theatre and the National Congress.
This afternoon, having acquainted yourselves with Argentina’s bustling capital, venture out to one – or several – of its beautiful neighbourhoods, such as San Telmo, Recoleta, La Boca, Palermo and Puerto Madero.
For dinner tonight, bypass the back-and-forth (phew) and contact your trusty Concierge for some stellar restaurant recommendations. Time to sink your teeth into an iconic Argentinian steak.
After a delicious breakfast this morning, meet your private driver and head to the airport for the three-and-a-half-hour internal flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.
When you land, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel for the night. Once you arrive, settle in, freshen up and peek out the window. Perched between the snow-capped Andes and the Beagle Channel, your surroundings are chock-full of majestic mountains, gleaming glaciers and waters clear enough to see your own reflection in them. In short, it’s simply stunning.
Don your seafaring caps. Today, you’re pushing off the coast for the first leg of your Antarctic cruise, journeying south to the Falkland Islands.
Beforehand, there’s the option to venture out on an early-morning tour of Lake Escondido, driving through pristine panoramas, sweeping valleys and the vast Andes Mountain Range on the way to this (superbly photogenic) hidden gem.
But if you’re all tuckered out from your travels, simply spend the day enjoying the facilities at your hotel instead. After all, you're in for the adventure of a lifetime tomorrow.
This evening, it’s time to transfer to the pier and check into your cushy cabin. Once the ship has pushed out to sea, enjoy a delicious welcome dinner and toast to the beginning of your epic Antarctic expedition.
Today is your first full day at sea. Rise, shine, and dine on a hearty breakfast before meeting the expedition team, who’ll prepare you for your first land adventure with a series of fascinating talks and briefings.
As the ship heads south, keep your eyes peeled (and your cameras poised) because the wildlife wonders start right now. Look out for majestic albatrosses and giant petrels as they rise and fall alongside the ship, using air currents created by the vessel to gain momentum – the iconic photo practically takes itself.
Today, set foot in the Falklands, a smattering of over 700 islands (all but seven of which are uninhabited) on the Patagonian Shelf. Boasting jagged coastlines, beautiful beaches and sparkling waters, this incredible expanse is home to an impressive range of birdlife, including the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world.
Once you’ve layered up (it’s rather chilly down here), disembark in Stanley, the historic capital of the Falklands. This quaint town has a distinctly British feel, full of terraced houses, cosy cottages and even an iconic red telephone box – yes, really. There’s also the Historic Dockyard Museum for lovers of naval history and, of course, penguin colonies.
Later on, hit the water to explore the hidden coves and rocky cliffs around the archipelago, searching for seals, sea lions, (even more) penguins and dolphins. If there’s time, you could also indulge in some brilliantly British tea and scones at a local cottage before heading back to the ship.
Over the next two days, you'll officially enter Antarctic waters as your ship makes its way east across the Antarctic Convergence, the constantly moving point where the cold waters from Antarctica meet the (relatively) warmer waters circulating southwards.
This area is another prime spot for birdlife, so keep your eyes on the skies as you cruise along. As you sail, more onboard talks and presentations will share fascinating stories about the exciting history and wildlife awaiting you at your next destination: South Georgia.
South Georgia's abundant wildlife and dramatic scenery are yours to enjoy for the next five days. This is a bucket list landscape like no other, boasting the densest concentration of marine mammals and birds on the planet – talk about a claim to fame.
Known as the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean, it’s home to four different penguin species – gentoos, chinstraps, macaronis and a huge number of king penguins, from fuzzy brown chicks to fully grown adults. South Georgia also boasts four seal species and 65 million breeding birds, including the world’s only sub-Antarctic songbird, the endemic South Georgia pipit.
If weather permits, you'll be able to cruise by Shag Rocks, a fascinating group of jagged and (you guessed it) rocky islets protruding from the sea. T here will also be the chance to visit the historic Grytviken Whaling Station, the Norwegian Anglican Church, King Edward Point Research Station and the graveyard where the great Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried.
Your journey south continues over the next few days as you sail through the Scotia Sea towards the jaw-dropping White Continent (we’re talking about Antarctica, of course).
Along the way, continue to watch out for wildlife – your constant companions on this trip – while you take in the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding icebergs, which become more and more plentiful as you go.
Keen to indulge in some downtime? Slip into the sauna, head to the gym or crack open a good book between sightseeing stints on deck.
Over the next four days (each as long as you like, thanks to the nearly 24 hours of daylight), explore the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula by inflatable Zodiac boats to experience ice cliffs and icebergs up close.
Your expedition leader and Captain will adapt your itinerary based on the elements to give you the best chance of enjoying as much of Mother Nature as possible. They'll aim for the most scenic bays and channels of the peninsula, with stops at penguin colonies, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale-feeding areas, as well as historic and scientific landmarks.
Wildlife wonders continue as you spot Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins along the coast, as well as Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, who can be found hanging out with their cousins: leopard and fur seals.
Depending on the season, you might also be able to see humpback whales and orcas as they migrate through the area. Just another bucket list item to tick off on your epic expedition to Antarctica.
Sadly, it's time to leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind today. As the ship approaches Frei Base on King George Island, take in your last panorama of this icy wonder before disembarking and boarding the one-hour-and-45-minute flight to Punta Arenas, reflecting on the highlights of your epic expedition while you’re in the air.
When you land, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel, passing handsome 19th-century mansions (and possibly a few more penguins) along the way. After checking in and freshening up, it’s time to tuck into the final dinner of your trip – cue a well-earned toast to your travels.
After breakfast this morning, bid a fond farewell to the charming town of Punta Arenas as you’re privately transferred to the airport for your connecting flight back to the UK.
Due to connections and time differences, the journey home takes around a day and a half, giving you plenty of time to rest up, scroll through your photos and prepare to regale friends and family with tales of your epic Antarctic exploration.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
