VIP Antarctica Charter with John Key | Ocean Albatros

Welcome to Buenos Aires, the birthplace of the tango, and like the dance itself, it is captivating, seductive and bustling with energy. Atmospheric old neighbourhoods are filled with romantic restaurants and Buenos Aires' European heritage is evident in its architecture, boulevards, and parks. On arrival at Ezeiza International Airport, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in one of Buenos Aires’ most elegant, historic, and picturesque neighbourhoods, Recoleta, where you will be free to relax for the rest of the day.

Join a half-day city tour where you will discover the history and essence of Buenos Aires. Highlights include Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, La Boca, famous for its colourful houses and tango dancers on the streets, and finish up with a wander through Recoleta Cemetery, one of the world’s most famous and exclusive cemeteries.
Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing before being collected from your hotel and transferred to experience a traditional tango show with dinner, a dance that originates from this city and is famous around the world. (B,D)

A transfer will take you to the airport for your flight to Ushuaia (Flight included, 1 piece carry on, 1 piece check in luggage 15kg), the most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire). After your transfer has dropped you at the hotel, the day is at leisure and you are free to explore, maybe making a few last minute purchases from the many shops or artisan markets, or relax in a café. Avenida San Martin is the main street and there are some excellent museums to visit or you may prefer to wander the streets taking in the town’s dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.

You have a free morning to explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, board the Ocean Albatros and navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago. The ship will be buzzing with excited explorers as we start our epic Antarctica journey.

Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, Ocean Albatros, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!

In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, we will catch our first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well-know for its abundance of birds.

Over the next two days, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience our ancestors only dreamed of. During these days we will explore the sub Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way.

Weather permitting, our projected landfalls include: King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.

The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.

As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals.

Wildlife abounds along our projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas and much more.
The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
Please note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favourable both for the ship to access the areas, as for the zodiacs and kayaks to manoeuvre under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all our passengers and staff.

We depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, we will cross Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America.

During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers equally passionate for discovering the world, enjoy the lectures by our expedition on board, visit our shop or relax at leisure on our ship’s facilities, designed to provide a comfortable, relaxing time.

This morning you will arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of your Antarctic journey. Take this time to say farewell to your fellow passengers and newfound friends. Reflect on the incredible memories you have made together, and gather inspiration for the next adventure to come.

You will be transferred to the airport for an afternoon flight back to Buenos Aires, where your tour will finish on arrival at the airport.
(Flight included to either AEP or EZE airport depending on flight schedules, 1 piece carry on, 1 piece check in luggage 15kg)

**Please keep in mind, the itinerary and outdoor activities during each voyage are solely dependent on weather and operational conditions to ensure the safety and quality of experience of our guests. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings. We reserve the right to modify the landings and locations visited during a voyage based on weather and local conditions and climate to ensure a safe and delightful experience for all our guests and staff. Our trips are expeditionary in nature, and thus changes to timings are commonplace due to the environment we operate in as well as wildlife opportunities and locations.