The Antarctic
The World's last great wilderness is Antarctica, the breathtaking continent at the South Pole. For many, this is a must do on their travel list – for others just a step too far.
Those who have taken an Antarctica holiday can never forget the extraordinary wildlife here – the seething mass of penguins, the sealions and fur seals, the mass of marine and birdlife enjoying the all too short summer months.
But more than that, the scenery itself is formidable: the icebergs with their glowing colours and extraordinary sculpted shapes, the snow-covered mountains, the steaming pools, all is quite alien and amazingly beautiful.
An Antarctic holiday should be taken between November and March, with December and January being considered the height of the summer.
In our view there are three types of Antarctic cruises: those departing from Ushuaia and visiting South Georgia; those departing from Ushuaia and NOT visiting South Georgia; and more unusually, those departing from Bluff in New Zealand which takes you to Antarctica via the Southern Ocean, following in the footsteps of the great Antarctic Explorers.
Holidays to the Antarctic Peninsula are as individual as nature. The itinerary is guided by the movements of the ice, and the weather conditions from hour to hour.
Ice…The Final Frontier
Day 1 - Fly London to Buenos Aires. Transfer for a two night hotel stay
Day 2 - Buenos Aires. Take a city tour of Buenos Aires
Day 3 - Fly Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Embark Hanseatic
Day 4 - At sea
Day 5-6 - Falkland Islands.
Day 7-8 – At sea
Day 9-11 - South Georgia. Three days surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, huge glaciers, icebergs and of course the wildlife. Fur seals, Elephant seals, penguins, albatross to name but a few of the highlights
Day 12 – At sea
Day 13-18 - Cruise & explore the South Orkney Islands, Weddell Sea , South Shetland Islands & the Antarctic Peninsula. See spectacular scenery of mountains, glaciers and icebergs, travel through the pack ice and land on the continent by Zodiac.
Day 19-20 – At sea. Sail through Drake Passage
Day 21 – Ushuaia, Argentina. Disembark and fly to Buenos Aires for a one night stay.
Day 22 - Fly Buenos Aires to London
Day 23 - Arrive London
Highlights:
- Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires
- The huge array of wildlife on the stunning island of South Georgia
- Ice landings by Zodiac on the Antarctic Peninsula
Extend your trip:
- Visit the majestic Iguassu Falls on the Argentine/Brazil boarder
- Take a side trip to the dramatic Torres del Paine National Park in Chile
- Cruise the Chilean Fjords
This is not all we can offer. If you would like to discuss more ways to visit this destination give us a call. Contact us for more options.
Ushuaia Round-trip
Day 1 - Fly Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Embark Silver Explorer
Day 2 - At sea
Day 3 - New Island & Westpoint Island, Falkland Islands
Day 4 - Stanley, Falkland Islands
Day 5-6 - At sea
Day 7-9 - South Georgia
Day 10-11 - At sea
Day 12 - Elephant Island, South Shetland Islands
Day 13-15 - Cruise & Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
Day 16-17 - Drake Passage
Day 18 - Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
When to go:
Cruises to Antarctica operate during our winter. Although you can cruise to Antarctica at anytime throughout these months, we would recommend travelling in January through to March as this is when the penguins and baby seal pups are born. We would also strongly recommend ensuring that the wildlife haven of South Georgia is part of your trip.
What to pack:
Practical, comfortable clothing is a must. For any Antarctic cruise layers and thermals are essential, as well as good quality sunglasses, and high factor sunblock. This destination is all about the scenery and very appealing to photographers – remember to come well equipped as you are unlikely to be able to get everything you need locally.
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