Once-in-a-lifetime cruise expedition with landings in Antarctica

A high-spirited, wildlife-rich Antarctica expedition cruise with activity-filled landings - includes city stays in Argentina, tours & travel

Day 1: UK - Buenos Aires, Argentina

Hello, Buenos Aires! At your UK departure airport, board your flight bound for the vibrant Argentinian capital, where upon your arrival you'll be picked up and transferred to your hotel for check-in. As you shake off the jet lag, take some time to enjoy the city at your own pace, perhaps indulging in some deliciously-barbecued beef (locally known as asado) before an overnight stay.

Day 2: Buenos Aires

Today you'll have a full day to spend getting to know Buenos Aires, a mesmerising metropolis that seamlessly blends colonial architecture with Latino flair. There’s so much to keep you occupied here, from lively Recoleta, whose arty cemetery is filled with famous mausoleums, to the colourful clapboard houses of Camino in La Boca. Don’t miss out on sampling more local delights – dulce de leche and empanadas are not to be missed – and spending an afternoon in Plaza Dorrego to watch the locals tangoing the day away.

Day 3: Buenos Aires - Ushuaia, Argentina

After breakfast and checking out of your city hotel, you'll be transferred to the airport for a local flight to Ushuaia, known as the southernmost tip of South America and nestled on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Here, you'll journey on to your hotel for check-in, and find yourself in a beautiful location surrounded by greenery on the city's outskirts. Enjoy the quiet pace here as you soak up the mountain vistas and prepare for the spectacular next leg of your trip: a 10-night full-board expedition to Antarctica.

Day 4: Ushuaia - At sea

After breakfast, you'll start the day with a half-day city tour. You'll then head back to your hotel for 3.45pm, when you will be picked up and transferred to the cruise port for embarkation aboard the Sylvia Earle cruise ship. Settle into your cabin before tuning into important mandatory briefings, then as the ship pulls away from port, you'll gather on the deck to soak up spectacular views of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. You'll later enjoy a convivial welcome dinner, getting to know other passengers on board.

Days 5-6: Drake Passage crossing

As you get used to the motions of the sea, the cruise expedition team will prepare you for the first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures, followed by a presentation to learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment. You'll then begin watching and photographing the many seabirds that you spot as you cruise on, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels. Alternatively, spend some downtime enjoying the facilities on board, from the wellness centre and gym to the relaxing observation lounges.

On the afternoon of day 6 the cruise will near the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, at which point you can ready your camera to spot your first iceberg. The ocean landscape will transform before your eyes as you travel below the Antarctic Convergence, surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. Time and weather permitting, the ship may attempt its first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.

Days 7-11: Antarctic Peninsula

These next few days of the Spirit of Antarctica voyage are purely for exploring, spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of the crispest air on earth, all memories that will stay with you forever. The western side of the Antarctic Peninsular and the South Shetland Islands are yours to explore over the next few days, you will have a range of activities available to you. An incredible thing to note is that because you will be so far south, you will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight, meaning your days can be as busy as you wish.

The experienced expedition team onboard have made many journeys to this area and will use their expert knowledge to help design your day to day voyage, including choosing the best options based on the weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities, to make sure you get the most out of your expedition.

The team generally make two Zodiac excursions a day, giving you plenty of opportunity to get up close to the icebergs. You’ll want to wrap up when heading out on a Zodiac as you will be cruising close to incredible ice cliffs, or among grounded icebergs, on your journey keep a close eye out for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also be your mode of transport from the ship to land, on these journeys you will have the opportunity to visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of the teams favourite spots along the peninsula.

With your time ashore you will be able to stretch your legs, wander along pebbly beaches and walk up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points surrounded by mountains above and oceans below. If you have chosen an optional added activity you will have the opportunity to partake whenever the conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters, again conditions permitting! The polar plunge can take place at any time during the voyage, so listen out for the announcement onboard from the expedition team and get ready for the most exhilarating dip of your life!

It’s not all about Zodiac cruises onboard an AE Expeditions voyage, the captain may also make the decision to cruise down some of the narrow and dramatic straits, separating offshore islands from the mainland, or possibly drop anchor in scenic bays to watch whales as they travel through the region or even stop to feed. This is the perfect time to pull up a spot at the observation lounge or even make your way to the bridge, which may be open at the captain’s discretion.

Days 12-13: Drake Passage crossing

Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before re-entering the Drake Passage for your return journey to South America. Film presentations and lectures will be available for you to learn even more about this magical part of the world. On its return, your ship may even sail close to the legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.

Day 14: Ushuaia - Buenos Aires

After a final night on board, you'll cruise up the Beagle Channel in the early morning, before arriving back onto Ushuaia's shores. Disembark at around 8am and say your goodbyes to the crew, after which you'll transfer to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. On arrival here, check back into your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 15: Buenos Aires

After breakfast, spend your last day in the capital at leisure, making the most of your time here before one final overnight stay.

Day 16: Buenos Aires, Argentina - UK

It's time to bid farewell to Argentina today: after one last breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.