We Love —
- Strolling the bustling streets of the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, for two days before the cruise.
- Discovering Ushuaïa, a city full of contrasts and nicknamed 'the end of the world', just before boarding your boat
- Marvelling at the white landscapes of glaciers, fjords and mountains on an Antarctic cruise.
- Meeting the local wildlife: penguins, whales and seals that make up this unique ecosystem.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Welcome to Argentina and Antarctica —
Set off on the trip of a lifetime to discover the hidden secrets of South America. An original journey off the beaten track awaits you...
Your 14-night trip encompasses:
- 2 nights in Buenos Aires
- 1 night in Ushuaïa
- 10 nights on cruise
- 1 night in Buenos Aires
Your Arctic itinerary —
Set off on a wonderful adventure to discover the vast expanses of the Antarctic and admire fabulous landscapes. Leave Ushuaia and begin your polar adventure!
Your itinerary:
Day 2 and 3: Drake Channel
Days 4 and 5: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Days 6 to 8: Sund Antarctica - Weddell Sea
Days 9 and 10: Drake Channel
Please note that the order of activities may be changed without affecting the interest of the programme.
Your itinerary in detail —
Day 1: Ushuaia - Embarkation
Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina, the world's southernmost city.
- In the afternoon, you board the boat waiting for you in the harbour.
- After the obligatory safety drill, our expedition begins with a crossing of the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named after Charles Darwin's boat).
- This steep strait separates southern Tierra del Fuego from Chile and Argentina, and has been the starting point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown.
- Be on the lookout for whales and dolphins as we chart our course through the tumultuous Drake Channel!
- Your days in the Drake Channel will be spent preparing for your arrival in Antarctica: your expedition leader will explain how to behave safely and minimise your impact on this precious wilderness, and will provide you with detailed information about our plans for your exploration period, including tips and tricks for observing wildlife.
- The expedition team will help you protect your clothing and equipment (a vital process in protecting Antarctica's fragile ecology) and give you personalised talks on the history of Antarctic exploration, wildlife, geology, glaciology and much more!
- On the third day of the voyage, you'll cross the Antarctic Convergence: you'll watch the mercury drop as you sail south through Antarctic waters, a sudden cooling that marks the intersection of Antarctic waters with the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific.
- As the sea cools, so does the wildlife; these are some of the most biologically active waters on the planet, so you'll see petrels, albatrosses and possibly penguins, seals and whales in large numbers. Weather permitting, you could disembark on the afternoon of our second day in the Drake Channel on the South Shetland Islands (a small but spectacular archipelago north of the Antarctic Peninsula), marking the start of our exploration of the last continent.
Days 4 and 5: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Over the next few days, you'll enjoy a safe and exciting Antarctic experience that the explorers of yesteryear could only dream of.
- Your Antarctic adventure begins in the South Shetland Islands. This jagged chain of rocks marks the northernmost point of Antarctica and is the most exposed to the force of the Southern Ocean.
- It is one of the richest islands in terms of biodiversity, with large colonies of pygmy penguins and gentoo penguins, as well as a multitude of large seabirds such as predatory giant petrels.
- The ice-capped mountains of Livingstone, Greenwich and King George Islands give us a taste of what awaits us if we venture further south. Among the landing sites we can visit in South Shetland are the smoky black sands and rusty ruins of Deception Island (an active volcanic crater), the bustling penguin colonies of Aitcho and Half Moon Islands or the ancient seal anchorage of Yankee Harbour.
- The next few days are devoted to exploring further south on the Antarctic Peninsula, in the Gerlache Strait. This region is generally covered in ice, so our exact itinerary will depend on the careful planning of the expedition leader and captain, but our aim will be to visit a number of sites that show the best of this exceptionally beautiful region.
- Consisting of the 'backbone' of the Antarctic Peninsula and a large number of glacial and mountainous islands, Gerlache Strait is what comes to mind when you think of Antarctica.
- See huge icebergs and glaciers on a zodiac trip around Paradise Bay. Be enchanted by the penguins of Cuverville Island, who care for their precious eggs and fiercely defend their nests. Hike the active glaciers of Neko Harbour and watch the cataracts of ice flow into the clear ocean. Discover the Antarctic of yesteryear in historic huts such as Damoy Point, which have been lovingly restored and are open to all. Feel the spray of a humpback whale on a zodiac safari in Wilhelmina Bay. Take in the breathtaking scenery on a boat trip through the Lemaire Channel. Wherever you go on the Antarctic Peninsula, you'll find endemic wildlife, fascinating history and breathtaking natural beauty.
- While wind, ice and sea conditions determine our destinations and precise timetable, our plans will be explained to you at regular evening meetings with your expedition leader.
- These evening meetings are also an excellent opportunity to listen to your experienced expedition team, who will explain and expand on your experience so that you can make the most of your trip.
Days 6 to 8: Antarctica - Weddell Sea
Over the next few days, we will begin to explore the exciting region at the edge of the continent, starting with Antarctic Sound.
- Named after the Swedish ship Antarctic (itself named after Antarctica) in 1902, Antarctic Sound is much colder than the rest of the peninsula.
- Despite its northerly location, the area is exposed to winds and currents coming from far to the south, in the Weddell Sea, bringing with them freezing temperatures, sea ice rafts and huge tabular icebergs that can only form on the vast ice shelves in the interior of the continent.
- Although difficult to reach, this region is home to some of the peninsula's most spectacular sites, from the vast Adelie penguin colonies of Hope Bay and Devil's Island to the historic sites of Esperanza Base and the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Brown Bluff.
- As we enter the Weddell Sea today, we can see numerous tabular icebergs the size of a city and catch a glimpse of the ice floe, the huge mosaic of floating ice that never melts and stretches as far as the Filchner-Ronne ice floe.
- This sea ice is the nursery of Antarctic krill, the tiny crustaceans that form the basis of the food chain: Where krill can be found, predators are not far away. In addition to penguins, Weddell seals, leopard seals and elephant seals, numerous seabirds and often also humpback whales are among the fauna that feed on the abundant krill. Due to the considerable sea ice and huge icebergs in the Weddell Sea, navigation in this remote nature is borderline.
- Your experienced captain and expedition leader are aware that the fluctuating ice means that no part of this area is guaranteed to be accessible at all times. This is part of the wonder of this part of the world: embarking on a true expedition into the unknown and visiting an area that few people have seen.
- To round off our Antarctic adventure, we want to sail to Elephant Island, the legendary scene of Shackleton's daring escape from the lifeboat (sea conditions permitting).Although landing here is almost impossible, we hope to see the spot where the Elephant Island group waited to be rescued at Point Wild. A famous part of the expedition's history, the ideal end to our Antarctic adventure.
Days 9 and 10: Drake Channel
Finally, you will leave Antarctica and spend two days at sea, returning north through the infamous Drake Channel to the friendlier shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia in Argentina.
- During the time at sea, various activities are organised on board to allow our guests to take stock of their voyage. Relax over an expertly prepared cocktail in the Nordic Bar with new friends, absorb the knowledge and passion of your expedition team with courses in the Shackleton Lounge or simply enjoy the flight of the albatrosses as they accompany you north.
- On your last evening on board, enjoy a farewell cocktail with the captain and officers, followed by a photo and video presentation by the ship's photographer - the perfect opportunity to relive your Antarctic adventure. Skål!
Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaïa
- Trees, grass and a bustling small city may seem strange after the wild, white expanses of Antarctica!
- After a hearty breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the crew and team of the Albatros Expedition and return to land via the landing stage with the memories of a unique voyage.
Welcome aboard the Ocean Albatros! —
The Ocean Albatros has become one of the world's most popular shipping vessels. It emits more than 50% less CO2 than traditional shipping vessels and is one of the most environmentally friendly thanks to the implementation of the Green Initiative programme, which guarantees absolute comfort and sustainability for customers.
Your Cabin
You will spend the night in a category C cabin with porthole or in a category D cabin with balcony.
D Category Cabin (Porthole)
Make yourself comfortable in the spacious cabins in category D with porthole. These have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds and a bathroom. Inside you will find everything you need to enjoy your cruise.
Maximum room capacity
C Category Cabin (Balcony)
The Category C cabins with balcony are ideal for those looking for a comfortable retreat during their stay on board the Ocean Albatros. The cabin has a double bed or 2 single beds and a bathroom.
Maximum room capacity
Your dining choices
Enjoy full board during your cruise with breakfast, lunch, and evening meal served in the main buffet restaurant (you can select this at the next stage of the booking process). Not all restaurants may be applicable to your board basis and may be available at selected times only – drinks are excluded
On board the Ocean Albatros, you'll find two restaurants, an Albatros Nordic Bar as well as a deck terrace. Let yourself be tempted by the delicious flavours of the gastronomic offerings on board!
Life On Board
Between explorations, you can relax in the panoramic sauna or the Polar spa. Or keep fit in the fitness room fully equipped!
Ilum Experience Home Hotel 4* —
Just for you:
- Included return private transfers between airport and hotel
In the heart of the Palermo Hollywood district, a fashionable area where stores and restaurants form the establishment's environment, the Ilum Experience Home is a boutique hotel with only 28 rooms, ideally located in Buenos Aires. You will discover a 4* establishment where design and harmony are at the heart of the decoration and architecture, for an elegant and modern atmosphere. Let yourself be carried away by an environment inspired by Buddhist traditions, with white, clean lines and the use of natural materials, such as stone, water, or natural light.
Your room —
This offer is based on a stay in a Standard Room.
Standard Room (26 m²)
Enjoy a view of the garden from the Standard Room. Its relaxing atmosphere makes it a natural cozy nest for restful nights and peaceful mornings!
Maximum room capacity
Your dining choices
This offer is based on a breakfast only stay.
Enjoy the first meal of the day in the breakfast room! You'll discover a varied buffet of local and international specialties prepared with carefully selected ingredients. For your other meals, feel free to use room service or explore the culinary talents of local restaurants to take your taste buds on a journey.
Your time
Discover the hotel's outdoor space, right in the heart of the city! Overlooking a green wall, the pool and solarium will allow you to enjoy the mild local climate before working out in the gym. Of course, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the city thanks to the location of your hotel. You are only a few minutes away from the city center by public transportation and can also visit the Buenos Aires Zoo, close to the hotel, as well as the Botanical Gardens!
Your Optional Excursions —
4-hour city tour of the south of Buenos Aires
Discover the favourite spots in South Buenos Aires on this enjoyable private city tour with an English-speaking guide.
- Start the day at your hotel reception where, over a cup of coffee, your guide will introduce you to Buenos Aires, with the aid of good old fashioned maps!.
- After this short introduction, you'll make your way to the famous Plaza de Mayo, opposite the Casa Rosada (presidential palace).
- You will then take a stroll along the docks of Puerto Madero, a former port that has now been renovated into a modern, trendy district. You will then be guided to the famous district of La Boca, known for its colourful tin houses and tango dancers in the street.
- To round off the morning, you follow your guide into the bohemian and popular San Telmo district, one of the oldest in the city. Today it is home to antique shops, bookshops, hardware stores, milongas and flea markets.
Further information:
- Private tour
- English-speaking guide
- Transport: On foot and by public transport
- Duration: 4 hours
Note: The order of the tour and the areas indicated may be changed according to your wishes and external constraints (weather, public holidays, etc.).
Tango and folklore evening in Buenos Aires
Plunge into the authentic atmosphere of Buenos Aires' famous San Telmo district, birthplace of the mesmerising Tango dance. Enjoy this lively private tour with an English-speaking guide.
Itinerary:
- Head to the San Telmo district at 7.30 PM to attend a private tango and Argentinian folklore show with Elise, a passionate professional dancer!
- Share an authentic moment in the daily life of tango artists from the porteña capital (Buenos Aires).
- You'll be seated in a traditional 'pulperia'. Once known as the village meeting place and used as a grocery bar by Gauchos (Argentine cowboys), this space is now a restaurant.
- The pulperia remains steeped in history and acts as an enchanting folklore museum of objects from times past.
- Enjoy a lively dinner with Elise (who has made tango her profession and has lived in Argentina for more than 10 years), while watching the performance.
- After your dinner, you are welcome to chat with the musicians who will circulate with guests in the restaurant.
Further information:
- Start time: 7.30 PM
- Departure point: San Telmo neighbourhood
Your tour includes:
- Private tango and folklore show (with two dancers and one musician)
- Explanations of the history of tango and related folklore
- An aperitif
- Dinner, comprising: starter + main course + dessert + wine
4-hour private tour of the Tierra del Fuego National Park
Discover the flora and fauna of the stunning Tierra del Fuego National Park on this private tour with an English-speaking guide.
Itinerary:
- Your guide will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Tierra del Fuego National Park, situated some 14 km from the city centre.
- Enjoy discovering this magnificent place, accompanied by your English-speaking guide.
- There are many must-see places in the park: Lapataia Bay, Lake Roca and its view of the mountain ranges, beaver dams, etc. The fauna and flora are very abundant and there are plenty of wonderful photo opportunities!
- In high season, you can meet the postman at the end of the world and send a card to your loved ones from the southernmost post office on the planet.
- Stop off at the interpretation centre to find out more about the park. At the end of the tour, your driver will take you back to your accommodation.
Your excursion includes:
- 4-hour Tierra Del Fuego National Park excursion
- Private service
- English-speaking guide
Please note: This excursion possible only if you arrive in Ushuaïa before 1 PM.
Hotel Arc Recoleta —
A contemporary hotel situated in the Recoleta district of Buenos Aires, Hotel Arc Recoleta comprises 57 rooms decorated in a modern style. Paintings by local artists adorn the walls of common areas and guest rooms alike, and the combination of warm colours makes for a harmonious space, and a pleasant place to stay. With a hearty breakfast offering, and thanks to its location in what is considered the most elegant neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, the Hotel Arc Recoleta makes the ideal HQ during your stay in the Argentinian capital.
Your room —
This offer is based on a stay in a Superior Room.
Superior Room (32 m²)
Enjoy a stay in a Superior Room situated in the heart of the property, for a stay with all the modern amenities you might need.
Maximum room capacity
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Guests at Hotel Arc Recoleta can enjoy a tasty and substantial breakfast before heading out to discover the sights and sounds of this iconic South American city.
Your time
When you're not out and about exploring, enjoy the fitness centre fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment. Season and weather-permitting, the swimming pool and solarium situated on the terrace permit total relaxation with a view.
Enjoy the relaxation room, spa with Jacuzzi, dry sauna, wet sauna and Scottish shower.
Your Optional Excursions —
4-hour city tour of the south of Buenos Aires
Discover the favourite spots in South Buenos Aires on this enjoyable private city tour with an English-speaking guide.
- Start the day at your hotel reception where, over a cup of coffee, your guide will introduce you to Buenos Aires, with the aid of good old fashioned maps!.
- After this short introduction, you'll make your way to the famous Plaza de Mayo, opposite the Casa Rosada (presidential palace).
- You will then take a stroll along the docks of Puerto Madero, a former port that has now been renovated into a modern, trendy district. You will then be guided to the famous district of La Boca, known for its colourful tin houses and tango dancers in the street.
- To round off the morning, you follow your guide into the bohemian and popular San Telmo district, one of the oldest in the city. Today it is home to antique shops, bookshops, hardware stores, milongas and flea markets.
Further information:
- Private tour
- English-speaking guide
- Transport: On foot and by public transport
- Duration: 4 hours
Note: The order of the tour and the areas indicated may be changed according to your wishes and external constraints (weather, public holidays, etc.).
4-hour city tour of the south of Buenos Aires
Tango and folklore evening in Buenos Aires
Plunge into the authentic atmosphere of Buenos Aires' famous San Telmo district, birthplace of the mesmerising Tango dance. Enjoy this lively private tour with an English-speaking guide.
Itinerary:
- Head to the San Telmo district at 7.30 PM to attend a private tango and Argentinian folklore show with Elise, a passionate professional dancer!
- Share an authentic moment in the daily life of tango artists from the porteña capital (Buenos Aires).
- You'll be seated in a traditional 'pulperia'. Once known as the village meeting place and used as a grocery bar by Gauchos (Argentine cowboys), this space is now a restaurant.
- The pulperia remains steeped in history and acts as an enchanting folklore museum of objects from times past.
- Enjoy a lively dinner with Elise (who has made tango her profession and has lived in Argentina for more than 10 years), while watching the performance.
- After your dinner, you are welcome to chat with the musicians who will circulate with guests in the restaurant.
Further information:
- Start time: 7.30 PM
- Departure point: San Telmo neighbourhood
Your tour includes:
- Private tango and folklore show (with two dancers and one musician)
- Explanations of the history of tango and related folklore
- An aperitif
- Dinner, comprising: starter + main course + dessert + wine
4-hour private tour of the Tierra del Fuego National Park
Discover the flora and fauna of the stunning Tierra del Fuego National Park on this private tour with an English-speaking guide.
Itinerary:
- Your guide will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Tierra del Fuego National Park, situated some 14 km from the city centre.
- Enjoy discovering this magnificent place, accompanied by your English-speaking guide.
- There are many must-see places in the park: Lapataia Bay, Lake Roca and its view of the mountain ranges, beaver dams, etc. The fauna and flora are very abundant and there are plenty of wonderful photo opportunities!
- In high season, you can meet the postman at the end of the world and send a card to your loved ones from the southernmost post office on the planet.
- Stop off at the interpretation centre to find out more about the park. At the end of the tour, your driver will take you back to your accommodation.
Your excursion includes:
- 4-hour Tierra Del Fuego National Park excursion
- Private service
- English-speaking guide
Please note: This excursion possible only if you arrive in Ushuaïa before 1 PM.
Los Altos Hotel —
Also known as the city of the End of the World, Ushuaia is a beguiling place. Owing to its strategic location just moments from Ushuaia's airport, the Altos Ushuaia Hotel makes the perfect place to stay during your visit to this unique destination.
The hotel enjoys a scenic setting, surrounded by forest and overlooking the bay. Situated in a nature reserve in proximity to the Martial Glacier, the hotel permits guests to enjoy wonderful panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and the chilly waters of the renowned Beagle Channel. Modern and functional common areas, are all at once comfortable and warm, while the rooms are both spacious and welcoming. After a day spent discovering the Ushaia or hiking the Martial Glacier, enjoy the Patagonian panorama from the hotel's elevated exterior Jacuzzi, year 'round, before dining on traditional dishes at the hotel's restaurant, Bartolomé.
Your room —
This offer is based on a stay in a Standard Room.
Standard Room (26 m²)
The comfortable Standard Room offers you a marvellous view of the Beagle Channel and the Bay of Ushuaia or of the surrounding forest and mountains.
Maximum room capacity
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Guests staying at Los Altos Hotel can enjoy coffee and breakfast at the hotel's restaurant, Bartolomé, whilst drinking in the breathtaking view of the renowned Beagle Channel.
Your time
Set off to discovering the secrets of Ushaia, which is also known as the city of the End of the World. If time and energy permits, hike the Martial Glacier nearby. Return the hotel and relax tired muscles from the hotel's elevated exterior Jacuzzi, while simply savouring the Patagonian panorama.
Los Cauquenes Resort 5* —
Los Cauquenes Resort 5* sits perched on the Beagle Channel, with the snowy peaks of the imposing Andes mountain range providing a most picturesque backdrop.The only high-end resort & spa in what's known as the City at the end of the world, it enjoys a pervading atmosphere of calm and relaxation, while being situated less than 5 miles from the city of Ushuaia. Comprising 45 rooms and suites, this handsome hotel built in the traditional Patagonian alpine style enjoys direct access to a private beach and outstanding views from all rooms and hotel areas.
Your room —
This offer is based on a stay in a Standard Room.
Standard Room (26 m²)
Your comfortable and spacious Standard Room provides views of the surrounding mountains and is furnished to ensure an unforgettable stay right at the end of the world! in the middle of nowhere.
Maximum room capacity
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Guests at Los Cauquenes Resort 5* can enjoy an ample American buffet breakfast with a view, to start the day the right way! Come evening time, why not opt to enjoy a glass of Argentinian wine at the hotel's wine bar or lounge, or dinner in the hotel's Reinamora Restaurant.
Your time
Enjoy a swim in the hotel's panoramic indoor/outdoor pool, a dip in a hot bubbling deck-top Jacuzzi, or a session in the sauna. Hit the hotel's gym, or reserve a deliciously relaxing treatment at the spa. Relish the calm with a relaxing morning or afternoon reading in the spa's relaxation room which, with floor to celing windows, permits magnificent views over the Beagle Channel.
Staff at the hotel will be happy to assist guests to organise sailing, adventure or gourmet-based activities.
Your journey to the Weddel Sea Peninsula in Antarctica —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking. This flight may include one or more stopovers. The stopover may be technical (without a change of aircraft) or transit (with a change of aircraft).
Luggage information
Baggage, meals and other services on board certain flights may be subject to a charge. You will find out whether your airfare includes baggage when you choose your airline and timetable. If your fare does not include baggage, please go to the airline's website before your departure with your travel file reference to find out the exact fare and purchase your extra baggage. If you choose a low-cost airline, you will be able to add your baggage during the booking process. For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving baggage, so you will have to pay for it at the airport counter. You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your Destinations —
Buenos Aires
Cosmopolitan, cultural and constantly exciting, the sprawling city of Buenos Aires is the ultimate place to begin a South American adventure.
From the dynamic dining scene, to the magnificent architecture and the buzzing nightlife that centres around everything from trendy jazz venues to glamorous nightclubs, Buenos Aires is South America's answer to the 'city that never sleeps', and is welcoming record numbers of visitors every year.
The streets of Argentina's thriving capital are alive with passion, and offer no end of thrilling attractions and opportunities. Begin your trip in this sophisticated destination by exploring the antiques and hidden treasures of the Feria de San Telmo street fair, a colourful market that draws in thousands of visitors each week.
Soak up the sights at the Casa Rosada, a historically and politically cruicial spot in the city, and the workplace of the country's very own President. As your afternoon continues, stop by MALBA, one of the city's most beloved art museums, before heading to one of the city's greatest steak establishments for a taste of Argentine culture and a sample of the country's incredible beef.
Finally, no trip to this capital is complete without trying your hand at a tango - this city is the birthplace of this iconic dance and we highly recommend heading to an authentic 'milonga' to make the most of your stay!
Ushuaia
Welcome to Tierra del Fuego! The city Ushuaia is the southernmost city of the world and is therefore also called 'the end of the world'. Lakes, forests, rugged mountains and unique wildlife await you on your unforgettable journey towards Antarctica!
Antarctica
Antarctica, located at the South Pole, is bordered by the Southern Ocean and remains a little-visited land. Almost everything, 98% of its surface, is covered in ice.
The Inlandsis, the name of the immense glacier that forms the frozen surface of this area, can reach a thickness of 5,000 metres. Incredible as it may seem, this place is home to unusual and fascinating species. Some plant species are resistant to Antarctica's extreme climate.
More than 350 species of lichens, mosses, fungi and algae make up almost the entire flora. The Southern Ocean, on the other hand, is home to a large number of animal species: birds, fish and marine mammals. The emperor penguin is one of the most representative and moving of these. Colonies can reach up to 100,000 individuals. You can also see albatrosses, cormorants, sperm whales, orcas, seals, dolphins and the largest mammals in the world: blue whales!
