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Midnight sun over the flat-topped icebergs of the Weddell Sea

In Shackleton's Footsteps

Roundtrip Ushuaia - Example 19 Day Cruise aboard SH Vega
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On this 19-day In Shackleton's Footsteps Expedition Cruise Roundtrip Ushuaia aboard SH Vega, start your exploration from the top of the Peninsula and venture into the Weddell Sea to reach Elephant Island, where Sir Ernest Shackleton's crew lived for several months. Finally, you will sail across the Scotia Sea to South Georgia, where Shackleton, Worsley, and Crean faced several challenges on land. Throughout the trip, the expert expedition team will be available to provide captivating information, and interesting stories, and guide you to significant sites from that incredible adventure.
Kayaking glassy waters around incredible icebergsMarveling at all the shades of blue!King PenguinsObserve beautiful fur sealsGlacier trekkingA Base camp on Antarctica.Midnight sun over the flat-topped icebergs of the Weddell Sea
Highlights
  • Enjoy a zodiac cruise with the onboard team and learn about the Falkland's wildlife
  • Explore Shackleton's Endurance expedition and its 2022 shipwreck discovery
  • Discover South Georgia's King penguins breed, moult and raise chicks
  • Hike across the undulating dramatic grassy landscape to the Devil's Nose
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Buenos Aires

Arrive in Buenos Aires, relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*specific hotel and location to be announced.

Day 2: Ushuaia | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and embark on SH Vega for your Polar adventure.

Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colorful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Board the boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world.

Day 3: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Day 4: West Point Island | Saunders Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Birdlife is the big draw on this lush, sheep-farming island, where thousands of rams and ewes roam. Settled by British explorers in 1765, the island’s unique scenery includes the beaches at The Neck filled with the cacophony of rockhopper, Gentoo, and king penguin colonies, and the pillar-shaped nests of black-browed albatross. Nine of the Falklands’ 14 endemic plants, including silvery buttercup and hairy daisy, grow here and are a real treat.

Included Excursions:
Zodiac tour with the expedition team
  • Enjoy a zodiac cruise with the onboard team and learn about the Falkland's wildlife.
  • Spot the small Peale's or Commerson's Dolphins and Magellanic Penguins.
Nature walk with the expedition team
  • Hike across the undulating dramatic grassy landscape to the Devil's Nose
  • See Black-browed Albatross and Rockhopper Penguins nesting
Black-browed albatross grace the skies over this remote Falkland Island, while Commerson's dolphins play in its waters. With a sparse population of people and sheep, the island is also a sanctuary for fur seals, burrowing rockhopper penguins, Magellanic penguins, and imperial cormorants, nesting amid its cliffs and the impressive Cliff Mountain. Hiking through the moss-covered terrain unveils beautiful wildflowers like pink-petalled Felton's.

Included Excursions:

Nature walk with the expedition team
  • Explore the rugged rock cliffs and beaches on foot
  • Search of Gentoo, Magellanic, Rockhopper Penguin, and Black-browed Albatross

 

Day 5: Port Stanley

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Anyone familiar with Britain’s trademark red post boxes might spot a resemblance in this British outpost. Port Stanley, on East Falkland, is the tiny capital of the Falkland Islands and is small enough to get around on foot. The Historic Dockyard Museum is devoted to maritime history and exploration. Magellanic penguins gather in hordes at nearby Gypsy Cove, and sea lions and dolphins frolic in the harbor.

Included Excursions: 

Stanley Highlights
  • Panoramic Views of Stanley
  • Key Highlights of Stanley
  • Hystoric Dock Yard Musuem

Day 6-7: At Sea

  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind, and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

Day 8-10: South Georgia

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Often called the 'Galapagos of the Poles,' South Georgia has a number of landing sites with half a million king penguins or three million breeding pairs of macaroni penguins, making up the largest population in the world alongside harrumphing elephant seals. Among its remarkable sites is Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) rests in peace.

Day 11: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea allows you to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our onboard lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Day 12-16: Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent live their Antarctica dream. It's the most accessible part, with scientific bases and incredible scenery. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.

Day 17-18: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Spend your day at sea enjoying your boutique 5-star ship. Treat yourself to a spa day, attend an expert-led onboard lecture or enjoy the ocean views from the deck or the comfort of our Observation Lounge.

Day 19: Ushuaia | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Ushuaia is the gateway to the White Continent. Found at the southernmost tip of South America in Argentinian Patagonia, the city is often described as “the End of the World”. The city’s mountain backdrop rises above the harbor and entrance to the Beagle Channel. The town itself is walkable and has a few small museums as well as pubs, restaurants, and cafes - a good place to try Patagonian lamb cooked over open fire pits.

Ship/Hotel

SH Vega

SH Vega

SH Vega

5-star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage.
SH Vega
SH Vega Club Lounge
SH Vega Club Lounge

Buenos Aires - Hotels

Cyan Recoleta Hotel

Cyan Recoleta Hotel

The Cyan Recoleta Hotel is located in an upscale neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Enjoy the modern, functional feel during your stay in one of the 65 rooms. Experience the culture of the area by walking to one of the nearby restaurants, churches, museums, malls and landmarks.
Puerto Madero in Buenos Aires

Hotel Madero

Hotel Madero reflects the avant-garde expression of modern times. During your stay, discover Puerto Madero, an exclusive neighborhood that gathers the latest trends, setting the pace of the city. Walk along the dams, find contemporary architecture and enjoy the best of Buenos Aires.
Upgrade
Enjoy a restful stay at the Casa Calma

Casa Calma

The only certified eco-hotel in the city, guests to Casa Calma Hotel will encounter the finest in modern sustainable accommodations. Spacious rooms each equipped with a personal spa center, minimalist public spaces, organic eateries and more at this boutique hotel.
Congress building in Buenos Aires

More Buenos Aires Hotels

Dates & Prices

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Book early and save on 2025 departures
Book early and save on 2025 departures!

Plan the experience of a lifetime, and save on your 2025 adventure. Uncover the wonders of South America, experience authentic Africa, explore true wilderness in the Arctic or sail back in time revealing the secrets of the Mediterranean. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.

 
Applicable to all 2025 departure dates.
Per person starting at
$21,180
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
SH Vega Suite OceanViewOceanview
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Oceanview D4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Vega Suite OceanViewOceanview
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Oceanview M4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Balcony
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Balcony D5
28 m2, Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony
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Balcony M5
28 m2, Located at the center of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony
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Balcony D6
28 m2, Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
SH Vega SuitePremium suitePremium Suite
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Suite
44 m2, Our Suites features a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
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Premium Suite
49 m2, Our grandest suites feature a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a 12 sq.m private balcony.
Included
  • 17 Breakfasts, 16 Lunches, 17 Dinners
  • 18 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Room Service 
  • Wifi
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
  • Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes
  • Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
  • Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
  • One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
  • Regional flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
  • Regional flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Buenos Aires Hotel tax (up to $2 per person/night) - paid at checkout
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
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The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
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2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent. Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio. In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day. Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took. Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
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3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
Tina
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4 days ago
Rapid response.
kym
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4 days ago
Jess and her non pushy salesmanship!!!!!
Cristen Crawford

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