Southern Hemisphere Adventure to Antarctica

19 Day Voyage from £7,662 per person

MS Fridtjof Nansen

Experience the amazing sights of Patagonia, the magic of the Falkland Islands and the majestic White Continent on this superb expedition voyage. Look out for the abundant wildlife as your Expedition Team takes you ice-cruising and on unforgettable landings.

Day 1 : Montevideo

Your expedition begins with an overnight stay in vibrant city of Montevideo.

Day 2 : Montevideo

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay is a vibrant, eclectic place with a rich cultural presence. The city revolves around the Plaza de la Independencia, which was once home to a Spanish citadel. This plaza will lead you to the old town, with its art deco buildings, colonial homes and landmarks including the neoclassical performance hall Solís Theatre and towering Palacio Salvo. Visit Mercado del Puerto, the old port market filled with its many steak houses. Immerse yourself in the rich architectural beauty of the capital city before embarking on the hybrid powered MS Fridtjof Nansen, your expedition ship.

Days 3 - 4 : At sea

Your ship sets sail heading south, and the Expedition Team begins their lecture series on history, biology, the great explorers and more. Take time to acquaint yourself with the ship and your fellow travellers, follow the on board lecture series, enjoy the fresh air out on deck or simply relax in the keep-fit area or panorama lounge as you make your way south. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife from the deck.

Day 5 : Puerto Madryn

Spend half a day at Puerto Madryn, an Argentine city on the northern coast of Patagonia. Its sandy beaches and restaurant-lined promenade face Golfo Nuevo bay, where southern right whales breed from May to December. Join optional excursions to get closer to the magnificent wildlife of the Valdez Peninsula, and learn about the colourful local Gaucho lifestyle.

Day 6 : At Sea

During the time at sea, enjoy the fresh air out on deck as you watch out for a wandering albatross or a surfacing whale or simply relax in the panorama lounge. Your on board lecture series will help prepare you for the wonders of the Falkland Islands.

Days 7 - 9 : The Falklands

The Falkland Islands offer beautiful clear blue skies, seamless horizons, vast open spaces and stunning white sand beaches. Enjoy meeting the penguins, as they approach close to you, stop and observe you, before continuing on their way in total disregard to your presence, offering you some fantastic photo opportunities. Stanley, the islands' capital, makes a great starting point for the various excursions on offer in the area. The town is easy enough to discover on foot, and most shops and services are centred on the port. You will hopefully go ashore to see the rich bird life of Carcass Island, and the pristine beaches of New Island before calling on charming Stanley, with its pubs and red buses.

Days 10 - 11 : At Sea :

As you set sail towards Antarctica you have a chance to enjoy lectures in the Science Centre as well as all the amenities of the Wellness Area and lounges.

Days 12 - 16 : Antarctica

When you believe you have seen it all, Antarctica will make you re-consider. The last untouched place on Earth, with its crisp air, icebergs and endless, white mountain ranges. Your captain and the Expedition Team will make the most out of the conditions to find chances for landings, launch kayaks, enjoy ice-cruising and scout for whales, seals, birds, penguins and more. See the Antarctic Landings page for details of where you might visit. Of course, the crew take special care to protect and never disturb the amazing wildlife that thrive on the ice. There will be attempted landings at several sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula on this voyage for an unforgettable experience.

Polar Cirkel boats for shore landings

A pair of Rockhopper Penguins

An Elephant Seal

Days 17 - 18 : At Sea

MS Fridtjof Nansen takes you safely back across the Drake Passage as the on board lecture series continues in order to recap your adventure in Antarctica. As you sail, you'll notice the majestic wandering albatross following the ship, utilising the winds around the vessel. The likelihood of observing whales at this point will also be very good.

Day 19 : Ushuaia

After disembarkation in Ushuaia, your flight to Buenos Aires brings your adventure to an end. You can extend your voyage with an exciting Post-programme from Buenos Aires.

Please note: This itinerary offers one southbound and one northbound expedition. The map and the itinerary above describe the planned southbound cruise. Weather and ice conditions will determine your final itinerary.

DEPARTURE DATES :

21 October, 2020 Southbound
17 March, 2021 Northbound