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The Great Adventure | L'Austral

17 Days
From USD 14,280

Trip Code: ACTSPTGA

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina

SHIP: L'Austral

DestinationDestination

Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia & South Orkney Islands

DestinationDeparture Date

09/11/2024

MealsMeals

All Meals Onboard The Ship, Including In Room Dining, Beverages (Excluding Premium Labels) And In-Room Mini Bar (Excluding Champagne) 

TransportTransport

Charter Flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires & Transfers from the ship 

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board ship



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Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Daily Antarctica Landings, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team

OVERVIEW

This incredible 18-day cruise takes you from the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires to wildlife-rich South Georgia, the South Orkneys Islands and then on to the Antarctic Peninsula, before ending your cruise back in Tierra del Fuego’s capital, Ushuaia. Explore the remote yet ruggedly beautiful sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, with its immense colonies of king penguins and rich history. See the relics of whaling activities and the grave of the famous British explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. The South Orkney Islands will become visible as you travel farther south. You are currently above the fabled Screaming Sixties latitude-wise. In the middle of the Antarctic Ocean, a mountain range created by the Scotia Arc can be seen rising in the distance. A stop at Laurie Island, where the Orcadas research station is housed in a former whaling station, may be an opportunity you are given. Then it’s further into the heart of the White Continent as you sail to the Antarctic Peninsula, a stunning desert of ice where drifting icebergs, glaciers, snow-capped peaks and a fascinating array of wildlife is waiting. Our team of naturalist guides will reveal to you the mysteries of these remote places home to unusual creatures along your journey. Find out where the Adelie, King, Chinstrap, Gentoo, Magellanic, and Southern Rockhopper penguins live, along with albatrosses, many species of seals, and beautiful whales spouting in the distance.

 

ITINERARY

Arrival and Overnight in Buenos Aires

Your cruise package includes a pre-night in Buenos Aires.

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.

You will be met at your hotel by our local representative who will provide you with all the information you need for the upcoming departure. Check-in from late morning and the rest of your day is at your leisure.

Ushuaia (Argentina) - Embarkation

Today you will enjoy an early morning breakfast at your hotel before leaving to the airport for your flight to Ushuaia.

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 urrounded 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.

Please note: Your flight time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Embarkation is scheduled between 4-5pm

At sea - Drake passage - Days 2 & 3

To reach the mythical “White Continent” we cross the notorious Drake Passage named after the famous explorer, Sir Frances Drake, who sailed in these waters back in 1578. You will then traverse the Polar Front which marks the area where waters from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans meet. The Antarctic Convergence is a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters.

The first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we have reached Antarctica.

Neko / Paradise Bay (Antarctica)

Deep in Andvord Bay, we find this little corner of paradise at the foot of an immense glacier. Neko Bay is without doubt one of the most beautiful sights of the Antarctic Peninsula. Wildlife is as abundant as it is exceptional with seabirds such as gulls, Cape petrels and cormorants, as well as marine mammals such as seals, orcas and whales. Excursions aboard our Zodiacs allow you to sail close to blue-tinged icebergs or disembark near colonies of penguins, observe leopard seals basking on the shore or watch the Antarctic terns flying overhead.

Paradise Bay (or Paradise Harbour as it is also known) is surrounded and protected by glaciated mountains and ice cliffs. It is a stunningly beautiful wide bay and natural harbour, home to a colony of gentoo penguins, with Argentina's “Almirante Brown Antarctic Base” standing on its coast.

Port Lockroy / Wilhelmina Bay (Antarctica)

On the small island of Goudier, we hope to have the opportunity to visit Port Lockroy, discovered by the French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot in 1903. Initially it served as a relief and repair base for whalers, but in 1944 Port Lockroy became a British base. It owes its name to Edouard Lockroy, a French politician and the partner of Jean-Baptiste Charcot during his expedition. You will be able to visit the small museum that retraces the life of the base in the 1950’s. Since 1996, it has been open to the public during the short southern summer and is used for carrying out research on gentoo penguins. Nowadays, this base is the most visited site of the White Continent and, thanks to its small store and post office, it is the only place to offer you the opportunity to write to your friends and family and share this unique moment.

Wilhelmina Bay is surrounded by steep snow-covered cliffs and glaciers, with a pyramid-shaped peak towering over the water. Named after Queen Wilhelmina, who reigned the Netherlands from 1890 to1948, this spectacular bay is known for its abundant whale population including humpback whales.

Deception Island (Antarctica)

Weather permitting, we will sail into the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island for its rugged scenery, great sites of geological interest and the remains of an old whaling station. Deception Island is the largest of three recent volcanic centres in the South Shetlands and sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island is truly amazing.

Nestled at the heart of the South Shetland Islands, in the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, Deception Island is easy to recognise for its horseshoe shape. On the black sand of the volcanic beaches, there are remains of abandoned huts that have been overrun by the extraordinary wildlife found here. It is on these ash beaches that the largest colony of chinstrap penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula has taken up residence. Excursions aboard our Zodiacs will allow you to set foot on this expanse of land where more than 100,000 pairs of penguins, elephant seals and fur seals live side by side.

At sea - Days 7 & 8

The next two days are spent crossing the Scotia Sea towards the South Georgia offering opportunities to watch for wildlife from the deck, catch up on some reading, check through and edit your photos, or simply to reflect on the magical experiences of the last days on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Cooper Bay / Gold Harbour (South Georgia)

Majestic snow-covered mountains greet us on the island of South Georgia - the most rugged island in this region.

South Georgia has been a British Overseas Territory since 1775. It is the largest island in the territory and one of the wildest and most remote places on earth with dramatic scenery of snow-capped mountains and huge glaciers. In the 19th century South Georgia was a prominent whaling base, but whaling ceased in the 1960’s and the only remnants are museums and well-preserved buildings. South Georgia teems with wildlife due to the currents that bring nutrients to the island from the Atlantic. Huge numbers of penguins and seals breed here.

Cooper Bay is home to one of South Georgia’s most accessible macaroni penguin colonies. The island is covered in tussock grass and is home to snow petrels, Antarctic prions, black-browed albatross, chinstrap penguins and fur seals.

Gold Harbour has not only spectacular scenery but also a vast range of wildlife. It is a breeding ground for king and gentoo penguins as well as sooty albatrosses. Elephant seals also breed here, in particular at the western end of the beach where a glacial stream runs into the sea.

Grytviken (South Georgia)

Grytviken is the largest of South Georgia’s whaling stations, situated at the head of Cumberland Bay. It is here where the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton can be found in the whaler’s cemetery. There is an excellent museum at Grytviken, maintained by the South Georgia Heritage Trust, and the restored church, built by the original Norwegian whalers, provides a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Fortuna Bay (South Georgia)

King penguins and seals inhabit the beaches of Fortuna Bay, named after the Fortuna, one of the Norwegian-Argentine whaling expedition ships under Larsen that participated in establishing the first permanent whaling station at Grytviken.

At sea - Days 12 to 15

Leaving South Georgia behind, the ship sails across the Southern Atlantic Ocean bound for Montevideo. Relax on the outdoor decks scanning the horizon for wildlife. Look out for several species of albatrosses, storm petrels, shearwaters, skuas and diving petrels as we cross the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters.

Montevideo (Uruguay) - Disembarkation

Disembarkation is scheduled for 9am.

Montevideo is the historic yet cosmopolitan capital of Uruguay. Situated on the east bank of the Rio de la Plata it is home to half of Uruguay’s population. The city has much to offer including the historic Old City with the Plaza Independencia at its heart and its Citadel Gate used up until 1829 to protect the city from invasion. The plaza separates the Ciudad Vieja (old town) with its art deco buildings, colonial homes and landmarks such as the towering Palacio Salvo, from the city's downtown. Explore the covered market of Mercado del Puerto or the Centenario Football Stadium where the first World Cup was played in 1930. Stroll along La Rambla, hugging Montevideo’s scenic waterfront or maybe head to the beachside suburbs of Carrasco or Pocitos.

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WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

  • Undertake this incredible voyage on board the L'Austral, a luxury mega-yacht, which perfectly combines luxury and elegance, with sleek design and a focus on sustainable technology. 

  • Encounter unique wildlife including a vast array of sea birds, seals and a number of different penguin and bird species.

  • This Antarctic itinerary is easily combined with a land based tour of Latin-America, allowing you to experience two of the most extraordinary continents in just one incredible journey. 

  • This itinerary includes a visit to the beautiful South Georgia, the most stunning gateway to Antarctica, where crescent peaks and hardy wildlife reign superior. 

L'Austral

L'Austral

The French ship L’Austral is a sleek mega-yacht that blends luxury with intimacy and well-being. It offers an elegant ambiance and refined personalized service combined with gastronomic cuisine. Chic yet casual, L’Austral can accommodate up to 264 passengers in 132 outside cabins ranging from suites to staterooms. The ship has 7 decks with elevators connecting all decks. Features of the ship include an open air bar, sundeck, pool, library, internet station, panoramic lounge and terrace, fitness centre, beauty corner and medical centre in addition to the main lounge and lecture theatre. There are 2 restaurants, the Gastronomic Restaurant serving French and International cuisine, with the Grill Restaurant serving buffet lunches and themed dinners outside.

Ice Class: Length: 142 m (466 ft)
Breadth: 18m (59 ft)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:
264

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Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.

Kayaking

Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.

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Pricing per person & date

The Great Adventure | L'Austral from USD 14,280
Departing Ending Duration
09 Nov 2024 25 Nov 2024 17

Important Information

  • INCLUSIONS

    All accommodation on board L'Austral
    All meals whilst on board including snacks
    All scheduled landings and excursions
    Guiding and lectures by English-speaking expedition leader and team
    Expedition jacket provided (yours to keep) 
    A pair of expedition boots for use during your voyage
    Flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires on disembarkation day 
    Group transfers mentioned in itinerary in Ushuaia
    Open Bar (excluding premium brands)
    Room Service
    All port taxes

     

    EXCLUSIONS

    Airfares other than specified 
    Visa fees (if applicable)
    Travel Insurance
    Personal expenses such as laundry, on-board communication (telephone calls, faxes)
    Gratuities for the crew (recommend US$15 per person per day)
    Optional Activities whilst on-board

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

  • Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated for triple/quad cabins) 

    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

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

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