Crossing the Antarctic Circle
This once-in-a-lifetime journey will take us to the breathtaking landscapes of the southernmost continent, where we’ll have the opportunity to witness massive icebergs, explore rugged coastlines, and encounter diverse wildlife, from playful penguins to majestic whales. Our adventure will include shore landings, zodiac safaris, and even a polar plunge!
Overview
Travel Itinerary
DAY 1 Buenos Aires
Today we’ll travel to Buenos Aires and transfer to our hotel. This evening we’ll have dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant. (L, D)DAY 2 Buenos Aires
During the day we will take a few different tours exploring the highlights of Buenos Aires such as Plaza de Mayo, La Boca neighborhood, and the Recoleta Cemetery. After we savor authentic Argentinian cuisine for lunch, we’ll head back to the hotel for some rest before we head out for a traditional tango performance and delicious dinner. (B, L, D)DAY 3 Ushuaia, Argentina
Today we’ll take a private charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Although its nicknamed the "End of the World" - derived from its location along the southernmost tip of South America - Ushuaia is far from the end of our adventure. Before embarking on our expedition to Antarctica, we’ll marvel upon scenes of subantarctic Patagonia at the southernmost nation park, Tierra Del Fuego. We’ll journey through the park from the comfort of a coach while viewing wildlife and incredible landscapes. After this journey we will head to the port to board our ship. (B, L, D)DAY 4 Drake Passage Navigation
Navigating the intrepid Drake Passage is made for the boldest of explorers. It leads us from the southernmost region of the Americas to the Antarctic Peninsula, the northern point of The White Continent. This waterway where cold southern ocean meets warm northern sea water creates powerful currents . Whether we’ll encounter the ‘Drake Shake’ or the ‘Drake Lake’ will be a mystery each day. As we emerge from the Drake Passage, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead, greeting us on our victorious landing. (B, L, D)DAY 5 Crossing the Antarctic Circle
As we cross the Antarctic Circle at the 66th southern parallel, we’ll enter what feels like another world, creating a connection with your inner explorer spirit. It’s a space rarely navigated, with narrower channels that bring us closer to ice floes, snow-capped mountain peaks and wondrous icebergs, making for a picture-perfect scene. When we do make the crossing, we’ll join the Order of the Red Nose, the select few who navigate deep into the furthest reaches of The White Continent. (B, L, D)DAY 6 Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As we navigate Antarctic waters, we may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning us to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before. Our Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from our expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as our Captain works with our expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. (B, L, D)DAY 7 Exploring the South Shetland Islands
Part of the greater Antarctica region, the South Shetland Islands contain plenty of wildlife, scenic landscapes, hiking opportunities and magnificent viewpoints that inspire a sense of discovering another world. A possible landing on Elephant Island, named for the shape of its cliffside and the elephant seals that call it home, puts us on the same path as the famous Shackleton Expedition. Deception Island, another possible landing and named for its very nature, is in fact a volcanic caldera where we can find heated springs amid the striking black sands. Other stops could include Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbor, Point Wild and Barrientos Island, where we can find plenty of Gentoo penguin rookeries. (B, L, D)DAY 8 Drake Passage Navigation
On our way back to South America, we must once again cross the Drake Passage. While there is still a chance for either calm or not-so-calm waters, we will definitely have time to regale each other with the amazing stories and photos we were able to gather while exploring Antarctica. (B, L, D)DAY 9 Ushuaia & Buenos Aires, Argentina
Once we dock back at Ushuaia, we will disembark and take another charter flight back to Buenos Aires. Once here we will have the evening at leisure to explore the city or rest up before traveling home. (B)DAY 10 Fly Home
Today, we will have part of the day at leisure before we will make our way to the airport and back to the States as we end our amazing journey. (B)Inclusions
Fully-escorted tour with Travel Leaders/Destinations Unlimited agent Lia Pontarelli | Airport transfers | 3 Nights in Buenos Aires (2 pre / 1 post cruise), 11 Nights cruise accommodations | In travel Flights | Tierra del Fuego excursion | Onboard Unlimited Drink Package | Afternoon and high tea on board ship | Stocked in-room minibar | Free 24-hour room service | Pre-paid crew gratuities | Shore landings led by expert field guides | Escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac | Polar Plunge | Enrichment lectures and destination briefings | Parka, vest & water bottle to keep | 1 GB of Wi-Fi | $200 on board credit per person | Complimentary bottle of champagne per stateroom | 40 meals: 14 Breakfasts (B), 13 Lunches (L), 13 Dinners (D)
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Crossing the Antarctic Circle
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