Trip Reports
Duration
12 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
4 Ports
26 January
Setting sail from Punta Arenas
The weather-beaten city of Punta Arenas is a laid back and welcoming place, in spite of its inhospitable location on the shores of the Strait of Magellan. Nearby attractions include penguin colonies and the dramatic scenery of Torres del Paine National Park, while beyond the southern horizon lie the frozen wastes of Antarctica.
27 January
Antarctica: King George Island
The relative proximity of King George Island to South America, together with the fact that around 10% of the island is ice-free, means that there are several research stations clustered here, along with an airfield. It’s the biggest island in the South Shetlands archipelago, and is also home to the world’s most southerly Russian Orthodox church!
28 January - 4 February
Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica is the world’s last great wilderness, an alien landscape of snow-covered mountains, jagged icebergs and extraordinary wildlife. January is a great time to visit, with temperatures at their warmest (by Antarctic standards), long hours of daylight (great for photographers), and the chance to see penguin chicks and seal pups. Expedition trips will spend time exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, making several landings at various sites and cruising through scenic channels.
5-6 February
At sea
7 February
Arriving in Ushuaia
Ushuaia is sometimes described as 'the city at the end of the world', though its rugged beauty is far from apocalyptic. Perched on the ragged southern edge of Argentina, where the snow-capped Andes fall away into the churning sea, the city has a frontier town feel to it, and serves as the base for expeditions into the icy waters of Antarctica. There are also plenty of outdoor pursuits on offer here, including hiking, skiing and fishing, and the Tierra del Fuego National Park is home to spectacular scenery and wildlife including penguins, guanacos, sea lions and condors.
Don't miss
What can we say? You can’t miss anything in the town, it’s so small!
Your home from home
The Greg Mortimer is an exciting new purpose-built expedition ship with a revolutionary design, which joined the Aurora Expeditions fleet in 2019.
What we love
Just take a look at the pictures - quite different from anything we have seen before, with a revolutionary new patented X-BOW design which has a number of benefits. Not only does it increase passenger comfort by eliminating slamming in heavy seas, but also the journey is speeded up so uncomfortable rides in heavy seas are minimised. This also results in environmental benefits, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
On board, AE Expeditions passengers will enjoy the company's established style - a comfortable, friendly and laid-back vibe in the company of like-minded travellers, for whom the time ashore is everything. The focus is on small group exploration, with a commitment to getting off the ship as much as possible for up close and personal encounters with wilderness and wildlife.
| Capacity | A maximum of 130 guests in the polar regions |
|---|---|
| Crew | 95 Staff |
| Style | Relaxed, authentic, cosy - a totally unpretentious and educational experience for true adventurers. |
| Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Ushuaia
Los Cauquenes Resort and Spa is your best option, if you have time to stay.
Tours from Ushuaia
What you choose to do on tour will need to supplement whatever cruise you are taking. So if you are heading to Antarctica, whilst here you will want to go to the Tierra del Fuego National Park.
