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Blue ice of Antarctica

In Shackleton's Footsteps

Ushuaia Roundtrip - Example 20 Day Cruise aboard SH Minerva
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Experience a 20-day expedition from Buenos Aires to Antarctica and back to Buenos Aires aboard SH Minerva. Begin with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires before a charter flight to Ushuaia for embarkation. Cross the Southern Ocean, explore the Falkland Islands including West Point Island, Saunders Island, and Port Stanley, then continue to South Georgia to visit king penguin colonies, elephant seals, Grytviken, and Ernest Shackleton's resting place. Continue to the Antarctic Peninsula, where conditions determine landing opportunities among glaciers, icebergs, research stations, and wildlife including penguins, seals, and seabirds. Sea days include lectures, photography sessions, observation decks, and the ship's library before returning to Ushuaia and flying back to Buenos Aires.
Emperor & Adelie PenguinsIn touch with nature in StromnessIceberg off coast of AntarcticaAdelie Penguin, pygoscelis adeliae, Group Leaping into Ocean, Paulet Island in AntarcticaSeals rest on a floating piece of iceNights in UshuaiaHumpback Whale in the AntarcticaBlue ice of Antarctica
Highlights
  • Explore West Point Island spotting albatross, penguins, seals, and dolphins
  • Visit Port Stanley exploring Gypsy Cove and maritime history
  • Discover South Georgia with king penguins, elephant seals, and Grytviken
  • Cruise Antarctic Peninsula among glaciers, icebergs, penguins, and seals
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 at the airport and head to your hotel. Relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*Pre/Post hotels and flights are always subject to change until the Travel Documents are provided. Specific hotel and location to be announced

Day 2: Ushuaia | Embarkation

Set at the foot of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia stretches from the mountains to the shores of the Beagle Channel. Known as one of the world's southernmost cities, it serves as a gateway to Antarctica and the surrounding subantarctic wilderness.

Before embarkation, travel from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia on a Swan Hellenic–arranged charter flight, providing a convenient transfer to the start of your expedition.

Board your expedition ship in Ushuaia and begin your voyage through the remote landscapes of Antarctica.

Day 3: Dat at Sea

Spend time at sea enjoying the facilities on board as the ship crosses the Southern Ocean. Take in ocean views from the observation decks, visit the library's collection of reference books, attend presentations from the expedition team, or join photography sessions led by the onboard photographers. Sea days also provide time to meet fellow travelers and share experiences from the voyage.

Day 4: West Point Island | Saunders Island

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 golden sand beaches filled with the cacophony of rockhopper, gentoo and Magellanic 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

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, 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.

Day 5: Port Stanley

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 on the beach at nearby Gypsy Cove, and sea lions and dolphins frolic in the harbor.

Day 6-7: Day at Sea

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 the library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of the on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the onboard professional photographers.

Day 8-11: South Georgia

Often called the 'Galapagos of the Poles,' South Georgia has a number of landing sites with tens of thousands of King Penguins and gentoo penguins, making up some of the largest populations 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) is laid to rest.

Day 12: Day at Sea

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 the library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of the on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the onboard professional photographers.

Day 13-17: Antarctica Peninsula

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, like the photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Mikkelsen Harbor, where among gentoo penguins, snowy sheathbills and skuas, Antarctic Weddell seals haul out.

Day 18-19: Dat at Sea

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 the library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of the on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the onboard professional photographers.

Day 20: Ushuaia | Disembark | Fly to Buenos Aires

  • 1 Breakfast
Ushuaia is the gateway to the White Continent. Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range in Argentina's Patagonia region, 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. Often described as 'the End of the World', the city carries the reputation well - the moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help.

On this day, make your farewell to your fellow travelers and crew. Head to the airport via the group transfer and fly from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires.

Ship/Hotel

SH Minerva

SH Minerva in Arntarctica
Minerva sundeck
Minarva Jacuzzi

Buenos Aires - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

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Per person starting at
$22,000 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Minerva Ocean View
Oceanview D4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Minerva Ocean View
Oceanview M4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Minerva BAlconyMinerva Balcony
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
Minerva BalconyMinerva BAlcony
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
Minerva BAlconyMinerva Balcony
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
Minerva Suite
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.
Minerva Premium Suite
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
  • 19 Breakfasts, 17 Lunches, 18 Dinners
  • 19 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • 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)
  • 24-hour room service
  • One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call (kayaking not included – however this can be pre-booked)
  • Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep
  • 24/7 self service laundry
  • Memory Package
  • Gym, sauna, pool
  • One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (exemptions apply)
  • Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
  • Charter flights to the port of embarkation/disembarkation (Longyearbyen, Ushuaia, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk, Honiara, Jayapura and Sorong)
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Spa Treatments
  • Several optional activities you can participate in for an extra cost. These include kayaking, private tours, special arrangements, and private Zodiac tours on request and based on availability.
  • Premium wines and spirits from the bar menu
  • Purchases from the ship’s boutique
  • Laundry expenses
  • Premium WiFi packages

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider

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