An Example Itinerary

Spirit of Antarctica

Antarctica

12 Day Itinerary

Guide Price

£12,500pp

$15,000pp

Explore Antarctica to uncover the singular essence of the polar terrain. Encounter wildlife amid penguin colonies, orcas, and minke whales, or dive into the icy blue waters for an immersive experience.

Highlights

Search for orcas and minke whales
Discover penguin colonies busy preparing their nests for the breeding season
Incredible opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography
Try swimming in Antarctic waters
Enjoy fascinating lectures from leading scientists, historians and conservationists

Day 1: Ushuaia

Enjoy dinner in the world’s most southerly city
Final preparations for tomorrow’s Antarctic adventure
Ushuaia is the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the world’s most southerly city.

When you arrive in Ushuaia, a representative from The Greg Mortimer will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel in town. If you are arriving by land, we will arrange for your guide and driver to take you directly to the hotel.

This evening at about 6 pm you will gather in the hotel to meet your expedition crew and fellow passengers. Dinner is not included, and True Travel can arrange a table reservation for you at one of the many restaurants in town.

Day 2: Embarkation Day

Explore the highlights of Ushuaia

Make your luxury cabin feel like home as your luxury cruise to Antarctica begins

Step on board The Greg Mortimer and settle into your cabin as you set sail for Antarctica

This morning your luggage will be collected from your hotel and delivered to your cabin ahead of time. This takes all the hassle of port clearance out of your hands. You will have the morning free to explore Ushuaia and the opportunity to join a short sightseeing tour. Some highlights include the old neighbourhood with the very same houses built by the town’s first settlers. The city tour also takes you to the Government building and the Old Prison Museum.

Embarkation usually begins at about 4 pm. You will be shown to your cabin with time to settle in before mandatory safety briefings and orientation of the vessel. As the ship pulls away from the port, you will enjoy views of Ushuaia receding into the distance as you begin your journey to Antarctica.

Day 3: Drake Passage Crossing

Enjoy lectures and film screenings as the ship sails into the open ocean

Fantastic bird-watching opportunities from the observation deck

The Drake Passage is the body of water between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands where the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern Oceans meet.

During the sailing of the Drake Passage, the expedition team will prepare guests for what to expect on their first landing tomorrow (weather permitting). Watch outside as seabirds swoop and swirl over the ship’s wake, including albatrosses and giant petrels.

Day 4: South Shetland Islands

Weather permitting, enjoy the first landing in the South Shetland Islands

Marvel at the changing ocean as icebergs begin to pierce the surface of the ocean

The South Shetland Islands are 90 miles north of the Antarctic Peninsula and home to some of the most influential research stations in the world.

Gather on the observation deck and look for the first sight of an iceberg sculpture floating in the water. Entering the Antarctic Convergence you will notice the colour and mood of the ocean changes. There is always a feeling of excitement on board today as the icebergs become more plentiful and the South Shetland Islands come into view. Weather permitting, there will be a chance to board zodiac boats and take the first steps on Antarctic land.

Day 5 - 9 : The South Shetland Islands & The Antarctic Peninsula

Enjoy some of the world’s most dramatic scenery and wildlife spotting

Experience the best of Antarctica alongside world-class guides and crew

The next few days will be designed by your captain, choosing the best options based on weather, ice conditions and wildlife.

Arriving on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, there is an array of adventures to enjoy. With 18 – 24 hours of daylight and two zodiac excursions a day, there is a chance to visit penguin rookeries and icy beaches and hike along snowy ridgelines for spectacular views.

Cruise between dramatic straits with beautiful mountain backdrops and icebergs sparkling all around. When the weather is calm there may be a chance to linger in beautiful bays watching sealife and birdlife. In quiet moments the sound of rumbling icebergs can be heard as they carve into the ocean.

In the hands of some of the most experienced crew in Antarctica, we are confident this experience will meet and exceed even the highest expectations of what this continent can offer.

Day 10: - 11: Drake Passage Crossing

Time for rest and reflection after a life-changing Antarctic experience

Enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by the ship’s Captain

Enjoy a final morning in the South Shetland Islands before crossing the Drake Passage back to South America.

With a host of lectures and film presentations available, there is time to let the wonder of Antarctica sink in as the ship makes its journey back to Argentina. Enjoy a farewell dinner with a four-course meal and cocktails to celebrate the adventure.

Day 12: Disembark at Ushuaia

Arrive back in Argentina in the morning

True Travel will arrange the logistics for your onward journey

During the early morning hours, the ship will cruise up the Beagle Channel and dock in Ushuaia.

Timings are subject to weather conditions, and disembarkation is usually at 8 am. Airport transfers are included for those with onward flights. For those departing by land, True Travel will arrange for a guide and driver to meet you at the port.

What is typically included

All land transfers
1 night in Ushuaia with breakfast included
10 nights full board accommodation on board the Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earl.
All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during the voyage
Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
All shore excursions and zodiac cruises
A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket