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The White Continent (Smithsonian Journeys) | L'Austral

Available on 8 Jan 26 & 16 Jan 27 Departure

Not available on Superior Staterooms or Owners Suites

Contact us for the latest availability and pricing

See additional promotional T&Cs below

12 Days
From £ 11,573

STYLE: Luxury Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACPOWAS

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina

DestinationDestination

Antarctica, Antarctic Peninsula

DestinationDeparture Date

08/01/2026, 16/01/2027

MealsMeals

All Meals & Beverage Package Whilst On board the Ship & Breakfast in Buenos Aires Hotel 

TransportTransport

Group transfers in Buenos Aires to the hotel & in Ushuaia to/from the ship. Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (return, economy class)

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board a ship & hotel



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Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Daily Antarctica Excursions in location, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team

 

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions 

OVERVIEW

Enjoy exploring the White Continent on the luxury expedition ship, L'Austral. On this 11 day voyage you will explore the icy realms of Antarctica. Start by crossing the infamous Drake Passage, where you will be able to spot a range of seabirds who accompany the ship on it's jouney south. On arrival in Antarctica you will enjoy a range of excursions that are guided by the expert onboard expedition crew. Look out for Gentoo, Adélie, and Chinstrap penguins, Humpack whales, seals and a range of birds. Onboard you will enjoy a range of dining, entertainment and lectures. 

This voyage is run in conjunction with Smithsonian Journeys and in addition to the usual elements of the experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

ITINERARY

Arrival in Buenos Aires

Your cruise package includes a pre-voyage night in Buenos Aires. Here you will have a meet and greet at your hotel by our local representative.

Buenos Aires, Argentina’s elegant, historic and cosmopolitan capital, is known as the “Paris of the South” due to its European atmosphere with glamorous avenues lined with fashionable shops and Parisian-style restaurants and cafes. Located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, Buenos Aires has many fascinating neighbourhoods to explore including the colourful and lively La Boca, home to art galleries and tango shows; San Telmo with its restored mansions and antique stores and Recoleta, the city’s most exclusive area.

Please Note: Check in is scheduled for the late morning. You will have time at your leisure to explore the city in the afternoon.

Embarkation

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible.

Crossing the Drake Passage - Day 2 & 3

Use your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarise yourself with your ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will explain everything you need to know about the zodiac outings. Lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic will be an opportunity for you to learn more about this magical region, where every cruise is a unique experience. You will experience exceptional sailing moments on board and join the naturalist-guides on your ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.

Antarctic Peninsula - Day 4 to 8

Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. Depending on which sites you will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.

Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest zodiac outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.

Crossing the Drake Passage - Day 9 & 10

If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.

Disembarkation - Day 11

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS ITINERARY

  • Explore the wonders of Antarctica onboard the premium expedition vessel L'Austral. 

  • See a range of wildlife in Antarctica including various species of whales, penguins, seals and marine birds. 

  • Explore Antarctica via zodiacs and on landings with your expert expedition crew acting as your guides to this fascinating destination. 

Important Information

  • * Single Supplement Offer

    No Single Supplement available on 8 Jan 26 & 16 Jan 27 Departure Only 
    Not available on Superior Staterooms & Owners Suite
    Offer is correct at the time of publishing however availability is strictly capacity controlled and only available until sold out
    This promotion may be withdrawn or varied without notice by the operator at any time 
     

    Prices from the operator are dynamic in nature and includes any Booking Bonus Discounts. They are correct at time of publishing (9 June 2025) but are subject to change at any time until the time of booking. Please Contact us for the most current availability and up to date cabin pricing. 

    Pricing is subject to change based on currency fluctuation, selected cabin, availability at the time of booking and may be withdrawn or varied at any time without notice.

  • Prices are based on per person, twin share.

    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.

    Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.

  • INCLUSIONS

    1 night of accommodation in Buenos Aires
    Group transfers to/from the Airport in Buenos Aires
    Cabin accommodation whilst on board L'Austral
    Flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (economy class)
    Group transfers in Ushuaia from Port to Airport
    All meals whilst on board
    Open bar (no premium brands)
    Mini bar in your stateroom (Champagne additional fee)
    All scheduled landings and excursions, conditions permitting
    Guiding and lectures by expedition team 
    Complimentary Polar expedition jacket
    Free use of rubber boots for shore excursions
    All port taxes 
    Comprehensive pre and post voyage informational material 
    Free WIFI    

     

    EXCLUSIONS

    Airfares other than specified 
    Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable) 
    Travel Insurance
    Personal expenses such as laundry
    Gratuities for the crew (recommend US$15 per person per day)
    Optional Activities not mentioned in itinerary

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Available upon request, contact us for more details.

  • Departure date, fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.

FROM PRICE & PROMOTIONAL DETAILS

  • From Price based on 16 Jan 27 Departure - Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3 
  • Includes Booking Bonus - 25% Discount
  • Pricing is dynamic in nature and subject to change until booking is confirmed
  • Please enquire for solo cabin pricing - no single supplement offer available on selected cabins/voyages
     

Please Contact Us for the latest availability, pricing and details of your preferred voyage. Chimu Adventures are Antarctica experts and we will endeavour to find you the perfect Antarctica expedition cruise to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure!

See detailed promotional T&Cs below

NOTE: Pricing is subject to change, currency fluctuation and availability at the time of booking and may be varied without notice by us or any of the operators and partners we work with. It is only confirmed and guaranteed at the time of making a booking, agreeing to our terms and conditions and paying a deposit.