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 10-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 once-in-a-lifetime journey.
For COVID-19 updates, please scroll down to our Before You Depart section.
Did you know that you can make this tour private? Find out about pricing and options for groups of 10 or more travelers.
Itinerary at
a Glance
- International flight
- 1 night in Buenos Aires
- 10-night Antarctica Cruise
- 1 night in Buenos Aires
Tour
Highlights
Your Tour
Includes
- Round-trip international airfare from Miami (passengers may also book this tour without flights)
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- All intra-South America flights, ground transportation and transfers
- 2 nights in a deluxe hotel in Buenos Aires
- Once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic expedition
- Free WiFi on the ship when available
- Buenos Aires City Tour
- Ushuaia Orientation Tour
- 34 Meals: 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 12 dinners
- House wine and house beer available at lunch and dinner
- 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.
Map
Click the Day by Day itinerary above (or swipe on mobile devices) to see the experiences that await on each day of your tour.
Day 1: Depart USA
Day 2: Arrive in Buenos Aires
Day 3: Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Day 4: Antarctic Cruise: Drake Passage
Day 5: Antarctic Cruise: Drake Passage
Day 6: Antarctic Cruise: South Shetland Islands
Day 7: Antarctic Cruise: South Shetland Islands
Day 8: Antarctic Cruise: Antarctic Peninsula
Day 9: Antarctic Cruise: Antarctic Peninsula
Day 10: Antarctic Cruise: Antarctic Peninsula
Day 11: Antarctic Cruise: Returning
Day 12: Antarctic Cruise: Returning
Day 13: Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
Day 14: Depart Buenos Aires
Day 15: Arrive in USA
Guided Tour Pricing
Prices and dates below include round-trip airfare from Miami (MIA). Travelers may choose to purchase the tour only, and arrange their own arrival in destination.
| 2022 Tours | Tour Only | With Flights | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuesday
December 27 Tuesday
January 10 |
From
$9,399
$8,999
|
From
$10,399
$9,999
|
Call to book |
Rates are based on double occupancy.
Nov 27 2022 Departure: Single room supplement is $2,699
Dec 27 2022 & Jan 16 2023 Departures: Single room supplement is $2,999
Feb 21 2023 Departure: Single room supplement is $2,899
MS FRIDTJOF NANSEN CABIN UPGRADES (Nov 27 Departure)
Polar Outside Cabin: Included Cabin
Arctic Superior Cabin: Add $999 per person double occupancy (plus $1,449 single supplement)
Expedition Suite: Add $2,299 per person double 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 (Dec 27 2022 & Jan 16 2023 Departures)
Polar Outside Cabin: Included Cabin
Arctic Superior Cabin: Add $1,129 per person double occupancy (plus $1,599 single supplement)
Expedition Suite: Add $2,549 per person double 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 (Feb 21 2023)
Polar Outside Cabin: Included Cabin
Arctic Superior Cabin: Add $1,099 per person double occupancy (plus $1,549 single supplement)
Expedition Suite: Add $2,449 per person (double 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, 9:00am – 5:30pm EST) at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1.800.337.7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $1,000 per person. Full payment is due 125 days prior to departure. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
Enhance your trip with our recommended optional tours. Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book when you reserve your trip and can be added to your reservation up to final payment. This is the best option to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour! Optional tours require a minimum number of participants. Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and may cost extra. The payment methods and currency information to purchase tours in-destination will be provided on final documentation.
Fiesta Gaucha
Featured Accommodations
Hotel Emperador Buenos Aires
Antarctica Cruise: MS Fridtjof Nansen
Before You Depart
COVID-19 UPDATE
Departing the U.S.: For the safety of everyone in the group, smarTours has implemented some COVID-19 travel requirements which apply to all tours regardless of destination. To learn more, click here.
Returning to the U.S.: In accordance with U.S. entry requirements, smarTours will arrange testing for the group in destination. Full details and requirements can be accessed here. More details including cost will be added when available.
Note: If you are traveling with us on a land-only basis please share your travel plans with us and let us know if you will also need to be tested with the rest of the group.
Please note entry requirements are changing rapidly. For up-to-date information, please click the links below.
- Entry requirements
- State Department Travel Advisory Updates (Antarctica, Argentina)
- Center for Disease Control Updates & Information (Antarctica, Argentina)
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 or signature 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 on the below 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 |
|
2022: Dec. 27 |
American Airlines |
10:30 PM |
7:00 AM |
|
2023 Departures: All Dates |
TBA |
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 15 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.
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).