Journey to Antarctica – A Luxury Expedition Aboard Ponant’s L’Austral

Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive in Argentina’s capital and transfer to the host hotel where you’ll enjoy early check-in. Latin passion and European romance define the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, a dynamic mecca known for its wide-ranging architectural styles, contemporary and historic arts, and culinary pleasures and parrillas (steakhouses). This afternoon, go on an optional Panoramic City Tour. In the evening, there will be a Welcome Cocktail. Host Hotel: Sofitel Recoleta

Ushuaia

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to the charming port town of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch, take a walk in Cerro Alarkén Nature Reserve, or enjoy the scenic views of Ushuaia. The capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia, is considered the gateway to Antarctica. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. This afternoon, transfer to your ship and settle in for your first night on board. Take in views from your private balcony or the outside decks as you cruise the beautiful Beagle Channel before heading out to sea.

Crossing the Drake Passage

Set out on the Drake Passage, a 600-mile-wide swath of ocean which was an important trade route in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

You’ll have time to familiarize yourself with your ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will explain everything you need to know about the zodiac outings. Lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic will be an opportunity for you to learn more about this magical region, where every voyage is a unique experience. You will experience exceptional sailing moments on board and join the naturalist-guides on your ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.

Antarctica

As the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands appear on the horizon, a sense of excitement begins to build. Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. Glaciers, ice floes, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of otherworldly scenery surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals, and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas.

Each day, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest zodiac outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Antarctic expeditions demand spontaneity, and no two days are ever the same. With that in mind, your itinerary and daily excursions may include the following areas:

Antarctic Sound: At the northernmost tip of the Antarctic mainland, this body of water features some of the best sightseeing on the peninsula and a proliferation of giant icebergs. Noted for its vast numbers of bird species, the sound is home to the largest breeding colonies of Adélie penguins in Antarctica. Look forward to opportunities to land on remote, wildlife-laden islands and options to experience a continental landing on the northwest tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.

South Shetland Islands: Antarctic research stations, remarkable history, unique geological features, and abundant wildlife define these islands off the shore of the Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team looks for opportunities to visit a wide range of sites: working research stations, volcanic islands, and historic sites, as well as Gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguin rookeries.

Danco Coast: Bordering the South Shetland Islands, it is famed for its scenic waterways. After mornings discovering native species and striking terrain, return to the ship for lunch. Back aboard, you can search for everything from fin whales humpback whales, and orcas. By afternoon, set out for the day’s second planned excursion, which may include visiting a scientific research station, hiking on a sheltered beach with crabeater seals, or circumnavigating the ice floes that serve as floating homes to seals and penguins.

Crossing the Drake Passage

Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, the Drake Passage is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbors a very diverse marine fauna. Don’t forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.

Ushuaia

Experience the culmination of our remarkable Antarctica voyage as we disembark in Ushuaia. Following breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a flight to Buenos Aires. Connect with your international flights, or consider extending your journey by embarking on an optional extension to explore the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls.

Disembarkation starts at 8:00 am for a mid-morning return flight to Buenos Aires. If booking a flight home, schedule it for the evening after 8 pm.