Embark on an unforgettable 18-day expedition to Southern Lands, tracing the footsteps of legendary explorers like Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache, and Ernest Shackleton. Sets sail from Ushuaia to South Georgia, where Shackleton's historic Endurance Odyssey unfolded in 1916, offering a glimpse into this captivating saga.

From there, travel across the Southern Ocean to the frozen shores of Antarctica, witnessing the stunning beauty of icebergs, glaciers, and wildlife unique to this remote region. Expert naturalist guides unveil the secrets of these faraway lands, home to diverse species, including penguins, albatrosses, seals, and whales.

Sail through the legendary Drake Passage before reaching Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego.

Highlights

Observe colonies of penguins, humpback and small fin whales, and seals
Marvel at giant icebergs, ice floes, glaciers and snow-covered mountains
Learn from expert guides about the region's geography and wildlife
Join shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced guides

Activities

Places Visited

Activity Level: Relaxed

Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.

Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires

Hotels
1 Dinner

Arrive in Buenos Aires, relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure. (Meet at Ezeiza International Airport in the arrival hall. Look for the PONANT sign and be greeted by a local representative. A shuttle from the airport permits you to join your hotel.)

Day 2: Fly Buenos Aires to Ushuaia | Embark

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

After an early morning breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible.

Day 3-5: At Sea

Ship
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call is an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they are able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Day 6-8: South Georgia

Ship
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Aboard your ship, discover South Georgia, a region formed by an underwater mountain chain that extends from the Andes to the Antarctic Peninsula. All the wildlife of the Far South can be found there: king and Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, fur seals… You might get the chance to discover the majestic glaciers of Gold Harbor and the vast plains of Fortuna Bay. If you are fortunate enough to land at Salisbury Plain, you can expect a wonderful spectacle: more than 300,000 king penguins, which you'll recognize by the bright orange mark on their head and neck, have taken up residence there.

Day 9-10: At Sea

Ship
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Day 11-15: Antarctic Peninsula

Ship
5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners

Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, find yourself in the heart of spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals, and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. Depending on which sites, are lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.

Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader suggest zodiac outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You'll sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache, and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.

Day 16-17: Crossing the Drake Passage

Ship
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers, and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly the Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water m15asses, the Drake Passage harbors a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.

Day 18: Ushuaia | Disembark | Flight to Buenos Aires

1 Breakfast

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow traveler and disembark from the ship then transfer to the airport in Ushuaia for the included flight to Buenos Aires.

Ship/Hotel

Le Lyrial

Name: Antarctica Cruises & Tours
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.8 (176 reviews)

Le Lyrial

The sleek, intimate Le Lyrial sails under the French flag and entrances her passengers with her contemporary decor, comfortable suites, and refined ambiance. Her elegant design allows her to be an ideal sailing vessel.

Buenos Aires - Hotels

NH Latino

The exceptional NH Latino is situated in the heart of Buenos Aires, just a short walk away from the cultural sites of the Obelisk, Plaza de Mayo Square, Teatro Colon, and Florida Street. The hotel's sleek glass style and pleasing contemporary decor creates a soothing atmosphere and comfortable home away from home as you tour Argentina.

Recoleta Grand Hotel

Recoleta Grand Hotel is the best option for your leisure or business trip in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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Casa Calma

The only certified eco-hotel in the city, guests to Casa Calma Hotel will encounter the finest in modern sustainable accommodations. Spacious rooms each equipped with a personal spa center, minimalist public spaces, organic eateries and more at this boutique hotel.

More Buenos Aires Hotels

Dates & Prices

Per person starting at

$20,220 2-3 travelers

Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.

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Superior Stateroom

Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, desk, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.

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Deluxe Stateroom

28 cabins, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Located on Deck 3. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, desk, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.

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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4

35 cabins, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.

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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5

37 cabins, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.

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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6

1 cabin, 200 sq. ft. + 43 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.

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Deluxe Suite

3 cabins on Deck 6, 290 sq. ft. + 54 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually-controlled A/C, en suite shower, sofa, armchair and pedestal table, Wi-Fi access, TV, and stereo.

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Prestige Suite - Deck 5

11 cabins, 398 sq. ft + 86 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with shower, desk, sofa, armchair & table, 2 TVs, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.

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Privilege Suite

8 cabins, 398 sq. ft + 86 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with shower, desk, sofa, armchair & table, 2 TVs, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.

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Grand Deluxe Suite

1 cabin, 484 sq. ft. + 96 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with jacuzzi and shower, desk, TV, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.

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Grand Privilege Suite

7 cabins, 398 sq. ft. + 86 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with bathtub and shower, desk, minibar, TV, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.

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Owner Suite

On Deck 6, 592 sq. ft. + 129 sq. ft. private balcony. Individually controlled A/C, ensuite bathroom with jacuzzi and shower, desk, sofa, table with 4 chairs, armchair and table, 2 televisions, stereo, Satellite telephone, Wi-Fi access.

Payment Details

Terms & Conditions

Operated by Ponant

Included

17 Breakfasts, 16 Lunches, 17 Dinners
17 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.

Excluded

Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Buenos Aires Hotel tax (up to $2 per person/night) - paid at checkout
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses

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When to Go

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Nov

Dec

Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.

Nancy Sin

TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews

TrustScore 4.8 of 5

Based on 176 reviews on

9 hours ago

Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.

Scott Trochim

2 days ago

The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!

Susan Campo

4 days ago

The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent. Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio. In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day. Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took. Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.

Kenneth Dropek

5 days ago

Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.

Tina

6 days ago

Rapid response.

kym

Expedition to Southern Lands

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires

Day 2: Fly Buenos Aires to Ushuaia | Embark

Day 3-5: At Sea

Day 6-8: South Georgia

Day 9-10: At Sea

Day 11-15: Antarctic Peninsula

Day 16-17: Crossing the Drake Passage

Day 18: Ushuaia | Disembark | Flight to Buenos Aires

Ship/Hotel

Le Lyrial

Le Lyrial

Buenos Aires - Hotels

NH Latino

Recoleta Grand Hotel

Casa Calma

More Buenos Aires Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Map

When to Go

Inquire

We Love to Talk Travel

Antarctica Travel Guide

Favorite Antarctica All Trips

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