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An unforgettable 15-day journey taking discerning travellers to distant lands
Flight - 1 night
Buenos Aires - 1 night
Ushuaia - 1 night
Beagle Channel - 1 night
Drake Passage - 2 nights
South Shetland Islands - 2 nights
Antarctica Peninsula - 2 nights
Drake Passage - 2 nights
Buenos Aires - 1 night
Flight - 1 night
A small ship luxury cruise to the Great White Continent, an expedition of
epic proportions
Enjoy the immense beauty of the seventh continent on an expedition cruise to Antarctica, a voyage in the pioneering spirit to a land less visited, filled with scenic wonders; breathtaking landscapes, ethereal icescapes and amazing wildlife. Truly a land like no other, there is no feeling comparable to that of standing on the Antarctica peninsula, an absolute transformational experience.
Aboard the small but luxurious MS Ocean Victory awaits a unique experience for the few. As we glide in the calm, pristine Antarctic waters, only the songs of nature and crackling of ice are audible, serving as a wonderful reminder of just where we are. Enjoy zodiac landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts as we cruise deep into the inlets of Antarctica. Pass through the breathtaking Gerlache Strait, where 3000-ft ice cliffs rise from still waters, stopping a while in stunning Paradise Bay. On no other journey can you experience such pristine nature and varied wildlife in so short a time. Shore landings, zodiac excursions, lectures and whale safaris are easily accommodated from this small ship which has the distinct advantage of better access to the shore, the deep fjord systems and dramatic coastlines, enabling guests to set foot several times on some of the best sites on the Antarctic continent and surrounding sub-Antarctic islands.
The focus of the cruise is to experience nature from close-up and develop a greater understanding of all that you see. The expedition crew, comprised of expert geologists, scientists, naturalists, climatologists, marine biologists and a photographer, are on hand to enrich your experience.
Chauffeur Driven Transfers*
Deluxe Outside Cabin
Full Board on Cruise
Expedition Parka
Zodiac Excursions
Local Expert Guides
Distinguished Lecture Programme
Price Guarantee
Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires.
Day 2 On arrival transfer to the Sofitel Recoleta or Hotel Palladio for an overnight stay, enjoy a full afternoon sightseeing tour of this fascinating city.
Day 3 Fly to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost town, transfer to Los Cauquenes Hotel, overlooking the Beagle Channel for an overnight stay. Explore the quaint city and local countryside. (B)
Day 4 Morning at leisure, afternoon transfer to the MS Ocean Victory. Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago. (B, D)
Days 5 & 6 Sailing onward, we cross the famed passage named after Sir Francis Drake – a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, the MS Ocean Victory boasts the innovative X-Bow®-Infinity design, which provides high stability even in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on the high seas. In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view, we would hope to catch our first sight of seals and penguins as well as an abundance of birdlife. (B, L, D)
Days 7 & 8 Over the next two days, we begin our exciting Antarctica experience, we will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain with their busy penguin and sea bird rookeries. Our projected land falls include: King George Island; Deception Island Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson’s storm petrels and chinstrap penguins. Essential for expedition cruises, Zodiacs are robust boats that can go up on a beach, a rocky outcrop, a river bank or even in an ice floe, pushing through bergy bits of ice floating in the water. Zodiacs enable us to explore the scenery from a very different perspective, they allow us to safely land in wild places with no infrastructure and they are a great way to get up-close to wildlife or to watch the ice formations; take unimaginable photographs and feel a closer connection to nature. If you can negotiate normal stairs you can also get in and out of a Zodiac. In the gangway we have strong seamen that will give you a firm and helping hand. It’s important to keep both hands free, so you can accept the provided support. On shore you will also get help when needed. Sitting on the zodiac you just need to hold on to the rope and enjoy the fresh Polar air and the magnificent scenery. (B, L, D)
Days 9 & 10 As Antarctica looms on the horizon, the presence of wildlife multiplies by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals. Wildlife abounds on our projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula; leopard, fur and Weddell seals off Cuverville Island, humpback whales off Gerlache Strait and Paradise Bay and Lemaire Channel’s orcas. The peninsula has some of the most dramatic scenery and richest variety of native wildlife of the entire 'White Continent.' The voyage offers ample time to experience the special magic of the wilderness region which so few people have visited. The itinerary and activities during our Antarctica experience are dependent on weather and ice conditions. The final route, landfalls and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings. (B, L, D)
Days 11 & 12 We spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En route we will cross Drake’s Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America. During our time at sea a variety of activities and workshops will be arranged which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travellers who share your passion for discovering the world, enjoy the lectures by our expedition leaders and onboard experts. Relax and enjoy your time at leisure. (B, L, D)
Day 13 This morning we arrive back in Ushuaia. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires and the Sofitel Recoleta for our final night. Enjoy a farewell dinner and elegant Tango show. (B)
Day 14 Transfer to the airport for the homeward flight. (B)
Day 15 Arrive London Heathrow.
Notes
This is a full itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven or slippery surfaces.
Some cruise excursions involve the use of zodiac boats and are subject to weather conditions.
Groups will be divided for cruise sightseeing. The cruise vessel takes a maximum of 210 passengers.
The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.
A stylish hotel in the heart of Recoleta, surrounded by elegant restaurants, traditional cafes, art galleries and boutiques. The hotel has a pool, gym, garden and WiFi (free). 175 air-conditioned rooms styled in cream-coloured hues, stylish mahogany furniture, with mini-bar, tea and coffee making facilities and TV.
Palladio Hotel Buenos Aires MGallery by Sofitel overlooks a large leafy plaza in one of Buenos Aires’ most convivial neighbourhoods. 1.7 km from Recoleta Cemetery, 1.3 km from Colon Theatre and 2 km from the National Museum of Fine Arts. The modern tower was built on the site of the former residence of independence hero Rodríguez Peña. Part of the original house has been incorporated into its facilities, combining with the marble-floored lobby. The hotel has an outdoor pool, fitness centre, hot tub, terrace, restaurant and lounge. The 113 rooms air-conditioned rooms have tea/coffee making facilities, safe and TV.
The only luxury hotel situated on Beagle Channel beach, located 7km from Ushuaia with access to a private beach. The restaurant serves award-winning cuisine with a strong Patagonian influence. There is a spa, fitness room and WiFi throughout. The 54 rooms decorated in soft creams with subtle red and olive accents, offer spectacular views over the Beagle Channel. Rooms have fridge, safe and TV.
The new luxury infinity vessel, MS Ocean Victory, is one of the most modern small polar ships, part of a brand new generation of low-energy vessels. The 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines are all controlled electronically to optimize speed, lower fuel consumption and manage fewer emissions. Holding the highest Polar code 6, Ice class 1A and a pioneering new design and bow shape, X-Bow®-Infinity class, inverting typical cruise ship design, splitting wave energy and providing faster, more comfortable travel. This luxury cruise vessel, ideally suited for small ship expeditions, has a total of 93 comfortable cabins, all with a view of the ocean allowing you to behold the magnitude of the open waters and polar landscape, a wellness area, a bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge and two restaurants. The MS Ocean Victory features unique viewing platforms, custom-built for the this new class of vessel, the two platforms fold out hydraulically for unobstructed views of passing marine life and seabirds.The vessel will implement the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for all guests.
CABIN CATEGORIES:
Category G: Single cabin with porthole16 sq.m.
Category D: State cabin with porthole 22 sq.m.
Category C: State cabin with balcony 24 sq.m.
Category B: Suite with balcony 28 sq.m.
Category A: Junior Suite with balcony 42 sq.m.
Patagonia:A Journey to the Ends of the Earth - Pre -tour Extension
Marvel at the vast Perito Moreno glacier close to the town of El Calafate. True wilderness is seldom as magnificent as the landscapes of El Calafate in southern Patagonia. The picturesque mix of vibrant blue waters, jagged peaks and colourful flora are what make this area of the world so inspiring. Home to the elusive puma, and multiple glaciers, all the while maintaining a strong cultural heritage. Continue to Explore Tierra del Fuego, the archipelago at the end of the world.
Day 1 Fly to Buenos Aires with British Airways.
Day 2 Transfer to the Sofitel Recoleta Hotel for overnight, enjoy a full afternoon tour.
Day 3 Fly to Calafate for two nights at the Xelena Hotel, time to relax. Enjoy the true wilderness and landscape of southern Patagonia. The picturesque mix of blue waters, jagged peaks and colourful flora are truly incredible. (B)
Day 4 Cross the Patagonia Steppe and Andean forest to Perito Moreno glacier. Enjoy a navigation of the Tempanos Channel and get up close to the glacier wall, explore the walkways for incredible views and proximity to the glacier. Free time before the return to El Calafate. (B)
Day 5 Fly to Ushuaia, transfer to Los Cauquenes Hotel, overlooking the Beagle Channel, for a two night stay. Time at leisure. (B)
Day 6 Spend the morning exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia Peninsula and the archipelago. Cross the Pipo River and take a journey on the ‘End of the World Train’. Continue to the National Park visiting Ensenada Bay, Lake Acigami and Bahía Lapataia. (B)
Day 7 Optional helicopter ride over Laguna Esmerelda (15 mins £250) Embark MS Ocean Victory to begin your epic voyage to the seventh continent. Join Day 4 of itinerary. (B)
A stylish hotel in the heart of Recoleta, surrounded by elegant restaurants, traditional cafes, art galleries and boutiques. The hotel has a pool, gym, garden and WiFi (free). 175 air-conditioned rooms styled in cream-coloured hues, stylish mahogany furniture, with mini-bar, tea and coffee making facilities and TV.
Located at quiet and majestic Argentino Lake, the hotel provides an elegance and beauty conveyed by the Patagonian spirit. Guests staying here can admire the landscape of the splendid Cerro Calafate while unwinding in the health club and swimming pool. With a coffee shop, bistro, restaurant and WiFi throughout. 70 large rooms, with under floor heating, mini-bar and satellite TV.
The only luxury hotel situated on Beagle Channel beach, located 7km from Ushuaia with access to a private beach. The restaurant serves award-winning cuisine with a strong Patagonian influence. There is a spa, fitness room and WiFi throughout. The 54 rooms decorated in soft creams with subtle red and olive accents, offer spectacular views over the Beagle Channel. Rooms have fridge, safe and TV.
2023
Wednesdays
per person
in a twin Cat. C Cabin with balcony
or a single Cat. G Cabin with porthole
2024
Sunday
per person
in a twin Cat. C Cabin with balcony
or a single Cat. G Cabin with porthole
February 25 | £14995 |
Wednesdays
per person
in a twin Cat. C Cabin with balcony
or a single Cat. G Cabin with porthole
Sunday
per person
in a twin Cat. C Cabin with balcony
or a single Cat. G Cabin with porthole
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £1555
Cabin Upgrades
Category B: Suite with Balcony Twin £1785
Sole use of twin cabins:
Cat C Cabin £6995
Cat B Cabin £8575
Flight Options
British Airways World Traveller Plus - On request
British Airways Club World - On request
Extension Options
Pre-tour Extension - Patagonia:A Journey to the Ends of the Earth
6 nights £1395
Single supplement £495
Extra nights - Buenos Aires
(per night) £195
Single supplement £125
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, VIP return transfers*, included on board gratuities, expedition parka, deluxe outside cabin with balcony, full board on the cruise with wine, beer and soft drinks at meal times, visits to sub-Antarctic and South Shetland Islands, exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula, Zodiac excursions and shore landings, on board activities, lectures, workshops and wildlife spotting, port fees, taxes and IAATO fees, expert local guides and expedition leader, distinguished lecture programme. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government and local tourist taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Notes
*On all of our Great Journeys, we provide a VIP chauffeur driven transfer for passengers living within a 70-mile radius of the point of departure. For those passengers that live outside of this 70-mile radius, we will provide the most competitive quotation for the additional mileage.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm