All of our arrangements have been specially designed to incorporate a reason to travel and, for ease of choice, these have been categorised under the titles shown below.
17 nights from
£10225
In the vast expanse of South America’s southernmost reaches, Patagonia spreads from the Argentinian Atlantic shore to the Chilean Strait of Magellan, encircling the Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire), straddling the two countries, and named for volcanic eruptions, frequent until recent times. Where Chile forms the end of the earth, it seems to have shattered into a thousand pieces, each a part of the Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn puzzle, a magical maze where cormorants cling to cliff walls, single-storey houses hunker down on the shores, and 200 glaciers slip seaward. Our journey begins in Buenos Aires, looking elegantly European, but feeling unmistakably Latin American. El Calafate, once quaint and quiet, burgeoned as the gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier; Ushuaia, tucked between soaring peaks and the Beagle Channel, acts the last place of comfort before Antarctic exploration; and on the forbidding rocks of Isla Hornus is a haunting artwork of the albatross in flight, a maritime symbol of the souls of shipwrecked sailors. Puerto Natales’ colourful houses contrast with the scenic grandeur of its setting in Torres del Paine National Park; while Santiago has markets, malls, parks and plazas, and the air of a city that knows its own worth.
The primary focus of expedition cruising is contact with your natural surroundings, visiting remote and isolated sites often only accessible by zodiacs. Zodiacs are used on scenic and adventurous excursions among icebergs, surfacing whales and sea birds. These heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe and designed for Polar expeditions. Their flat bottom design permitting landings on cobble and ice strewn Polar beaches.
In Buenos Aires, visit the former Teatro Gran Splendid, now the world’s most beautiful bookstore, for a coffee break.
Experience Santiago’s vibrant central market and taste some wholesome typical Chilean everyday food.
This is a full itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven or slippery surfaces.
Cruise excursions may 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, water levels or congestion at certain sites.
The MV Ventus Australis is an expedition vessel, registered in Chile, and was built in 2017. The crew is mainly Chilean and English is an official language on board.
Open bar with selected beverages, liquors and wines is included. Enjoy International and Argentinian/Chilean cuisine in the Patagonia dining room. Breakfast and lunch are buffet, dinner is served.
Reception, three lounges, two bars and a spacious viewing deck. No WiFi coverage during the cruise. Lectures about the region are provided by the on-board guides.
All 100 twin/double outside cabins are spread over three decks with private facilities, heating, hairdryer, safe and a picture window with panoramic views.
Three Cat. B cabins (177 sq. ft.) and 34 Cat. A cabins (177 sq. ft.) with a slightly smaller window on the Magallanes Deck. 36 Cat. AA cabins (177 sq. ft.) and two Cat. AA Superior cabins (220 sq. ft.) with large picture window on the Tierra del Fuego Deck. 23 Cat. AAA cabins (177 sq. ft.) and 2 Cat. AAA Superior cabins (220 sq. ft.) on the Cabo de Hornos Deck.
The driest desert in the world with geysers, salt lake and moon valley. Three nights at the 3-star Hotel Terrantai, breakfast daily and excursions included.
Notes on altitude
San Pedro de Atacama sits at a height of 7,900ft (2,407m), which may lead some visitors to initially experience mild altitude sickness. We recommend that you drink plenty of water in order to avoid dehydration, and take it easy on the first day with only light meals and avoiding alcohol.
Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements
Marriott Hotel
(per night) £75
Single supplement £70
Transfer from airport £50
Ola Santiago Providencia, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
(per night) £75
Single supplement £65
Transfer to airport £55
Air travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 15 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 3 dinners, full board and most drinks on cruise, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government and local tourist taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Notes
Accommodation tax to be paid in Buenos Aires locally, currently 1.5 USD per person/per night (can be paid in USD or Pesos).
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