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 for your friends and family? Find out more about pricing and options for your group.
Itinerary at
a Glance
- International flight
- 2 nights 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
- 3 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
- 37 Meals: 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 13 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.
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.
| Depart | Return | Depart - Return | Best Value Pricing - Reserve by Oct. 29, 2021 Flight included unless otherwise indicated. |
Reserve After
Oct. 29, 2021 Price Increase |
Select Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2021 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| December 6 | December 21 | Dec 6 - Dec 21 | $10,499 | $10,599 | $10,899 | Sold Out |
Rates are based on double occupancy.
Nov – Dec 2021 Departures (except Dec. 26 ’21): Single room supplement is $2,999
Dec. 26 ’21: Single room supplement is $3,299
NOV 2021 – DEC 2021 MS FRIDTJOF NANSEN CABIN UPGRADES:
Except Dec. 26th ’21 departure, which is a New Year’s Eve sailing
Polar Outside Cabin (TY, RR): Included Cabin
Arctic Superior Cabin (XT, XTD, XY): Add $1,049 double occupancy / $3,148 single occupancy
Expedition Suite (MA, MB, MC, MD, ME, MF): Add $2,249 double occupancy / $7,898 single occupancy (ON REQUEST)
Note: Cabin layouts vary within each category. Specific cabin placement is at the ship’s discretion and cannot be arranged in advance.
Dec. 26 ’21 MS FRIDTJOF NANSEN CABIN UPGRADES:
This is a New Year’s Eve sailing
Polar Outside Cabin (TY, RR): Included Cabin
Arctic Superior Cabin (XT, XTD, XY): Add $1,149 double occupancy / $3,598 single occupancy
Expedition Suite (MA, MB, MC, MD, ME, MF): Add $2,599 double occupancy / $9,098 single occupancy (ON REQUEST)
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 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 $99 per person for all 2021 departures, and $1000 per person for all 2022 departures. Full payment is due 120 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. 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.
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.
Featured Accommodations
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 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 |
|
2021: Nov. 16, Dec. 6 |
LATAM Airlines |
9:00PM |
6:00AM |
|
2021: Dec. 26 |
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 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. 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).