Please note that the itinerary only visits South Shetland Islands, not Antarctica Peninsula.
Please click "Prices and Departures" above for departure dates, cabin types and prices.
For trips leaving from Ushuaia
DAY 1 Start of the Air-Cruise
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board your ship in the afternoon and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Explore the surroundings before setting sail to Cape Horn.
DAY 2 Cape Horn and Drake Passage
After an overnight crossing of Nassau Bay, you awake in full view of legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, board a Zodiac and be one of the few privileged adventurers to step foot on this famous and rarely visited island. Back on board, set sail towards Antarctica and cross the Antarctica Express Air-Cruise famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer.
DAY 3 Drake Passage
As you sail through the Drake Passage en route to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica
DAY 4 Drake Passage and Antarctica
After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the first sight of Antarctic land. Reaching the South Shetland Islands, sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Board a Zodiac for your first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Taking advantage of the endless Antarctica daylight, exploration will continue well into the evening.
DAY 5 Antarctica and scheduled return fight
Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay and explore the area, such as the Chilean Base Frei and the Russian Base Bellingshausen. Bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the fight back to Punta Arenas, Chile. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).
DAY 6 End of the Air-Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward fight.
For other trips leaving from Punta Arenas
Day 1 - Start of the Air-Cruise
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM where you are welcomed by our staff and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your voyage and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.
Day 2 - Scheduled flight to Antarctica
Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, where you transfer to your expedition vessel and begin your Antarctic Adventure.
Day 3 – Exploring Antarctica
Marvel at the overwhelming beauty of Antarctica’s South Shetland Islands. Sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Board a Zodiac for a memorable shore visit to a penguin colony and taking advantage of the endless Antarctic daylight to explore well into the evening.
Day 4-5 – Drake Passage
As we head north through the Drake Passage, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales.
Day 6 - Cape Horn and Port Williams
Weather permitting, board a Zodiac and be one of the few privileged adventurers to step foot on legendary Cape Horn! We plan to explore this famous and rarely visited island before continuing our journey. Sail along the Beagle Channel towards Port Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Explore the surroundings before setting sail to Ushuaia, Argentina.
Day 7 – End of the Air-Cruise
Arrival to Ushuaia, where your journey ends.
