The journey begins in the Argentinean capital of Buenos Aires on the shores of the Rio de la Plata. Following a short introductory tour of the city you are free to enjoy the historic city that many have called the ‘Paris of the South, including perhaps a tour of its grandiose colonial architecture and maybe a chance to take in a fabulous Tango show.

Fly to Ushuaia, located at the very tip of the South American continent, and embark on MS Fram later this afternoon. Set sail towards the majestic waters of the Southern Ocean, via the Beagle Channel and Cape Horn.

Cross the infamous waters of the Drake Passage, where the two great oceans of the Atlantic and the Pacific meet beneath a maelstrom of countless seabirds head for the northernmost tip of the vast white continent of Antarctica, the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Our estimated arrival will be during the afternoon of day 4. On board lectures and ample opportunities for wildlife sightings.

Our landing sites in Antarctica will vary from voyage to voyage, depending upon ice and weather conditions, we plan to take in old abandoned whaling settlements and idyllic bays, penguin colonies and the breathtaking setting of the Lemaire Channel en route to the Polar Circle. We then aim to cross the Antarctic Polar Circle at 66°33’ South and enter a world rarely seen by outsiders, to explore Marguerite Bay and its surrounding islands.

Located on the western edge of the Antarctic Peninsula, Marguerite Bay is a favourite wintering ground for krill and the nutrient rich waters are an abundant feeding ground for an array of marine life, so we hope to enjoy some magnificent encounters whilst in and around the area. Pass by the polar research station at Stonington Island and the emperor penguin colony of the Dion Islands, before retracing the journey back across the Polar Circle.

Cross the Drake Passage back to Ushuaia, passing Cape Horn en route. Cape Horn marks the southernmost point of the South American continent, a region with a long and vital role in the exploration of these southern seas and which, during the 18th and 19th centuries, was one of the most feared sea passages on Earth.

Arrive back in Ushuaia and disembark ship. There may be an opportunity to visit the nearby landscapes of the Tierra del Fuego National Park before the transfer to the airport. Fly to Buenos Aires for overnight stay.

Transfer for international flight.

2009/10 Flight departures from £985 per person

Your flight package includes: Return economy class usually overnight flights from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires (via Madrid or similar), including applicable taxes and current fuel surcharges (except departure tax from South America which has to be paid locally).
Not included: Departure tax from South America which has to be paid locally (details will be forwarded with your travel documents), optional carbon balancing fee (£30.00 per person).
Departures & supplements from other UK airports are available on request.

View our detailed dossier for this voyage