ANTARCTIC PENINSULA, USHUAIA, CAPE HORN AND DRAKE PASSAGE
On this epic adventure, you begin by exploring the historic city of Buenos Aires before boarding a ship for your 11-night Antarctic expedition. Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, you’ll sail out of the Beagle Channel into Drake Passage, spotting wildlife along the way. Stopping throughout the South Shetland Islands next, you can start to explore the Antarctic landscape, take in incredible views of glaciers, and find animals such as seals, penguins, seabirds, and more. As you continue on, the ship will navigate through the many beautiful bays of the Antarctic Peninsula, offering rare landings to discover even more of this dramatic landscape. Finally, pass the famous Cape Horn en route back to Argentina for your last night of this one-in-a-lifetime journey.
*November 2020 onward, the tour will be 16 days long and will feature a brand new, state-of-the-art cruise ship, the MS Fridtjof Nansen! Earlier departures are 17-day tours featuring the ice-class 1X ship, MS Midnatsol.
Itinerary at
a Glance
- International flight
- 2 nights in Buenos Aires
- 10/11-night Antarctica Cruise*
- 1 night in Buenos Aires
Tour
Highlights
Your Tour
Includes
- Round-trip international airfare from Miami
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- All intra-South America flights, ground transportation and transfers
- 3 nights in a deluxe hotel in Buenos Aires
- Once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic expedition
- Buenos Aires City Tour
- Ushuaia Orientation Tour
- 37 Meals: 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 13 dinners
- English-speaking Tour Director throughout
- Experienced Cruise Expedition Team
Tour Itinerary
Note that weather conditions may affect the cruise itinerary. The itinerary below is subject to change without prior notice and serves only as a guide of possible sightseeing. During your cruise you can expect regular briefings with updates regarding the route and shore landings.
Buenos Aires
After breakfast enjoy a city tour of Buenos Aires! Begin at the famous 9 de Julio Avenue, known as the widest avenue of the world. Pass by the beautiful Colon Theater, the cultural pride of Buenos Aires. Next, visit Plaza de Mayo, the main square, which is surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Government House), the Cabildo (first City Hall), and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Inside the Cathedral, you’ll find that the walls and ceilings are decorated with beautiful frescoes, while the floor features Venetian-style mosaics. Continue to San Telmo, a historical neighborhood and the eldest…
Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Today, transfer to the airport for your flight to charming Ushuaia located at the southern tip of Argentina. Upon arrival in Ushuaia you will be met and transferred to the MS Midnatsol cruise ship for your Antarctic Cruise. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner aboard the ship. MS Midnatsol |Breakfast|Dinner|
*Note: The MS Midnatsol will take you as close as possible to Antarctica’s wildlife and untouched wilderness. Weather conditions may affect the cruise itinerary. The itinerary below is subject to change without prior notice and serves only…
Antarctic Cruise: Drake Passage
Today you’ll travel through the Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, located on the southern tip of South America. You’ll enter Drake Passage, named for the privateer Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in the 16th century. This body of water is where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet and divides the sub-polar conditions of South America from the polar climate and conditions of Antarctica. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to see whales and numerous seabirds like the black-browed albatross and white-chinned petrels. Today you’ll also…
Antarctic Cruise: South Shetland Islands
See the spectacular South Shetland Islands which consist of eleven major islands and some minor ones with a total land area of 1,424 square miles. Despite the harsh climate, the South Shetland Islands serve as a wildlife haven for seabirds, seals, and penguins, and support vegetation like algae, mosses and lichens. Weather permitting, enjoy a hike at one of the minor islands, Half Moon Island, a stunning crescent-shaped island with serrated cliffs. Identified as an Important Bird Area, this island is home to a breeding colony for south polar skuas. Here you may also see kelp gulls,…
Antarctic Cruise: Antarctic Peninsula
Visit the aptly named Paradise Bay. Here you’ll have another rare opportunity to land on the Antarctic mainland for breathtaking views of the Antarctic. You’ll also find the Argentinean Almirante Brown Antarctic base, and the Chilean Gonzalez Videla Antarctic base. |Breakfast|Lunch|Dinner|
The MS Midnatsol will take you as close as possible to Antarctica’s wildlife and untouched wilderness. The cruise itinerary that follows highlights the landings we hope to make. During your cruise you can expect wet landings with typically 60 – 90 minutes on…
Guided Tour Pricing
| Depart | Return | Depart - Return | Best Value Pricing - Reserve by Jan 31, 2020 | Reserve after Jan 31, 2020 | Select Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| November 5 | November 20 | Nov 5 - Nov 20 | $9,999 | $10,099 | $10,399 | Book Now: |
| November 15 | November 30 | Nov 15 - Nov 30 | $9,999 | $10,099 | $10,399 | Book Now: |
| November 25 | December 10 | Nov 25 - Dec 10 | $9,999 | $10,099 | $10,399 | Book Now: |
| December 5 | December 20 | Dec 5 - Dec 20 | $9,999 | $10,099 | $10,399 | Book Now: |
| December 15 | December 30 | Dec 15 - Dec 30 | $9,999 | $10,099 | $10,399 | Book Now: |
Rates are based on double occupancy.
2019 Departures: Single room supplement is $3295.
Feb – Mar 2020 Departures: Single room supplement is $3395.
Nov – Dec 2020 Departures: Single room supplement is $3569.
MS MIDNATSOL CABIN UPGRADES:
Polar Inside Cabin (I): Included Cabin
Polar Outside Cabin (J): +$200 double occupancy / $350 single occupancy
Polar Outside Cabin (N & O): +$550 double occupancy / $950 single occupancy
Arctic Superior Cabin (P, U, & QJ): +$950 double occupancy / $1650 single occupancy
Note: Cabin layouts vary within each category. Specific cabin placement is at the ship’s discretion and cannot be arranged in advance.
MS FRIDTJOF NANSEN CABIN UPGRADES:
Polar Outside Cabin (TY, RR): Included Cabin
Arctic Superior Cabin (XT, XTD, XY): +$1649 double occupancy / $5,948 single occupancy
Expedition Suite (MA, MB, MC, MD, ME, MF): +$2889 double occupancy / $13188 single occupancy
Note: Cabin layouts vary within each category. Specific cabin placement is at the ship’s discretion and cannot be arranged in advance.
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00-9:00 EST and Sat-Sun, 10:00-6:30 EST) at 800-337-7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1-800-337-7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of $1000 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit which must be received within 48 hours of reservation. Full payment is due 120 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. For complete booking information and terms & conditions click here.
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
To enhance and make your visit to Argentina & Antarctica more complete and memorable, your tour director will offer optional tours. Payment for the optional tours in Argentina (non-refundable) should be made in U.S. dollars by cash or credit card. Optional tours are subject to a minimum number of participants and may be canceled if the minimum is not met. Additional optional tours may be added for your enjoyment, and the optional tours listed below may not be available on all departure dates. Note that optional tours are non-refundable.
Tigre Delta Morning Excursion
- Day 16
- From approx. $86 Per Person
The Tigre Delta, located on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, with its rivers, streams and numerous green islands is one of the most attractive areas for visitors. The continuous sediment of the Parana River, which gives the river and estuary their particular brownish-red color, forms the Delta Islands. After arrival, enjoy a delightful one-hour ride on a comfortable boat along the water passageways. En route to the Delta, you will cross the Northern suburbs of the city, where you’ll see some of the most exclusive mansions facing the river. (A minimum of 8 participants…
Featured Accommodations
Antarctica Cruise: MS Midnatsol
Built in 2003, the MS Midnatsol features nine decks which include an outdoor Jacuzzi area, fitness room and sauna, library, restaurant, bars, shop, and more! Enjoy exciting lectures led by your Expedition Team, or take in the stunning views of pristine Antarctica either from the indoor, two-story panorama lounge with its wall-to-wall windows, or from the uncovered deck viewing area which offers unobstructed views.
Typically breakfast and lunch will be served buffet style while dinners may be seated dining or buffet style. The food on board is locally sourced with a Scandinavian…
Antarctica Cruise: MS Fridtjof Nansen
The brand new MS Fridtjof Nansen features eleven decks which include three restaurants, a lounge, large gym and wellness center, massive in and outdoor Observation Decks with the aft infinity pool and hot tubs. The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas.
Typically breakfast and lunch will be served buffet style while dinners may be seated dining or buffet style. The food on board is locally sourced with a…
Before You Depart
NOTE ON CRUISE
Note that weather and cruise conditions may affect the cruise itinerary. The itinerary below is subject to change without prior notice and serves only as a guide of possible sightseeing. During your cruise you can expect regular briefings with updates regarding the route and shore landings.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Due to the destination and nature of the sightseeing, this tour requires that you be in good physical condition to enjoy this trip. Given the remote destination, please note that sophisticated medical facilities will not be available throughout the trip so you should bring a full supply of any required medication with you.
A Medical Declaration Form will be required for each traveler with a doctor’s stamp in order to travel. The medical Declaration form is to be completed and approved by your personal physician (medical doctor only) no more than 8 weeks before your departure date. The completed forms must be presented to the ship’s doctor upon boarding. Boarding will be denied if part III of the Medical Declaration Form is not approved by your personal physician. Even if the forms have been duly submitted and approved by your personal physician, the ship’s doctor and captain reserve the right to deny the boarding of guests who do not seem to be sufficiently fit for travel.
Please note that all information contained in the Medical Declaration Form is intended as a medical reference for the onboard doctor and will be retained by him/her throughout the duration of the voyage. All sections of the Medical Declaration form must be completed. To ensure personal information remains confidential do not send the medical form to smarTours nor to Hurtigruten. Please take the form with you on board the ship and present it to the ship’s doctor.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Your flights from the U.S. to Buenos Aires and back are via LATAM Airlines. You need to arrive at the designated airport at least 3 ½ hours before your scheduled departure. Schedules are as follows:
Departure Date | Airline | Depart | Return |
2019: Dec. 26 | LATAM Airlines | 8:00PM | 5:00AM |
2020: Nov. 5, Nov. 15, Nov. 25, Dec. 5, Dec. 15 | LATAM Airlines | TBA | TBA |
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
LATAM Airlines does not accept advance seat assignment. Actual seat assignment will be provided at the airport. Please note that smarTours is not involved with your seat assignments.
LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging the entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.
Main Tour: Land-only services start upon independent check in at Buenos Aires hotel on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on the tour page. Land-only services end after breakfast at Buenos Aires hotel on Day 16 of the itinerary. Round-Trip charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia is included in the land-only package.
PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION
You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return. American passport holders do not require a visa. Non U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates as to the most current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. It is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS & FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets along with final instructions and travel tips will be sent to you 7 – 10 days before the scheduled departure of your tour. Please make sure to advise us in writing in case of a change of your address.
CLIMATE
Typically the Antarctic Peninsula can be accessed between the beginning of November through March when the pack ice breaks up enough to sail. You can expect daily temperatures around 27 – 33°F, but keep in mind that the weather as you approach Antarctica can be very temperamental and that sunshine, rain, snow, and heavy winds can all affect the outside temperature. In Buenos Aires you can expect daytime temperatures as high as the high-70’s to low 80’s.
NON-INCLUDED MEALS
You may dine at the hotel used on this tour, or other nearby restaurants recommended by your guide. Average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) in the coffee shop is about $20 – $25 per meal per person. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency. Your hotels will be able to exchange your cash to local currency. it is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.
On board the MS Midnatsol major credit cards are accepted (American Express, Visa & Mastercard Accepted; Discover not accepted) and the currency is the Norwegian Krone. Currency exchange is not available on board the ship. Please contact your bank or credit card company for foreign transaction fee information.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage not to exceed 44 pounds and one carry-on piece not to exceed 18″ x 10″ x 8″.
ANTARCTICA PACKING LIST
Layering is recommended, especially for the Antarctic Cruise portion of this itinerary. The MS Midnatsol recommends a waterproof outer layer (a jacket will be provided to you, but we recommend you bring a waterproof outer pant layer), a warm inner layer (ie fleece or wool), and a base layer (ie. long johns). Accessories like sunglasses, gloves, scarves, hats, thick socks, sunscreen, and a waterproof or water-resistant bag (ie. for your camera) are also recommended. For more details, click here. Please note aboard the ship you will need an adapter for your electronics (outlets will be standard continental European two-prong outlets).