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Antarctica expedition

From Penguins to Patagonia

Example 18 Day Cruise aboard MS Fram
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Starting in Ushuaia, cross the ocean to explore the wonders of the great white continent. Come ashore on isolated beaches, get close to huge colonies of penguins, hike in the haunting landscapes, and enjoy kayak trips in untouched waters with icebergs floating by. Continue to Cape Horn and the wild fjords of Chile and visit one of the most scenic national parks in the world. This wild and remote area seems almost untouched by humans, with mountains plunging into icy waters. The steep valleys with snow-capped mountains make a striking contrast to an otherwise green area that is rich in wildlife. Spend time kayaking, hiking, and enjoying close encounters with penguins, birds, seals, and the rich wildlife of Patagonia before the voyage ends in Valparaíso, Chile.
Chilean FjordsA huge colony of king penguins.Chilean FjordsPuerto Natales, Torres del PaineAntarctica expedition
Highlights
  • See Port Lockroy in Antarctica and glimpse into a 1950s base
  • Enjoy optional off-shore excursions like kayaking and hiking
  • Watch for wildlife in the richly-populated Chilean Fjords
  • Explore Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile
  • Visit the unique village of Puerto Edén, population 250
  • Sightsee in the colorful and poetic city of Valparaíso
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Ushuaia | Embark

If you have time, join the optional excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park before embarking on MS Fram

Day 2: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy life on board and keep a lookout for wildlife, or join the Expedition Team as they start the onboard lecture series.

Day 3-7: Antarctica

  • Ship
  • 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
As you reach Antarctica, gaze at the endless white wilderness full of vistas of nature and wildlife. Staggeringly photogenic and blessed with some of the most spectacular Antarctic scenery imaginable, Half Moon Island is a glittering gem among these island treasures. Cuverville Island boasts the largest known colony of gentoo penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula. Sail through the narrow Errera Channel to and from Cuverville and see the icebergs that have become trapped and grounded in the nearby shallows. Danco Island lies peacefully among the icebergs in the Errera Channel, just a few hundred yards from the Antarctic mainland, and is a breeding site for gentoo penguins. Go ashore and explore, go kayaking to see the ice up close, or take a trip on one of the small boats. Port Lockroy is a British station from the World War II that was turned into a museum in 1996. It is one of the most popular sites in Antarctica and offers a peek into life on an Antarctic base in the 1950s. Pleneau Island is situated just south of the Lemaire Channel and is a beautiful landing site, with many stranded icebergs in the bay area.

Day 8: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After four unforgettable days in Antarctica, MS Fram takes you safely back across the famous Drake Passage.

Day 9: Cape Horn

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
At almost 56 degrees south, Cape Horn is the southernmost point of South America, and one of the most mythical places on Earth. Before the Panama Canal, seafarers had to pass this infamous rocky island in order to cross from one side of the Americas to the other. The MS Fram does her best to land on Cape Horn, despite the high seas and challenging conditions.

Day 10: Chilean Fjords in Patagonia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sail through the Magellan Strait and the Beagle Channel, with channels, fjords, and mountains plunging into the icy water. This wild and remote area seems almost untouched by humans. The ice has scoured its way between the mountains, creating the isolated islands and hidden bays that form the unique fjord landscape of Chile. Nature enthusiasts are excited by the Chilean fjords. The snow-capped mountains and steep valleys make a striking contrast to an otherwise very green area that is rich in wildlife. Come ashore and you might be able to spot sea lions, Andean condors, and several other birds that can only be found here. 

Day 11-12: Puerto Natales, Torres Del Paine National Park

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Puerto Natales is the gateway to the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most attractive national parks in Chile. The ‘towers,' the impressive rock formations, both colossal and unique, called ‘Torres del Paine’ (Towers of Paine), are the main attractions of the park. The towers are made up of the Torre Central (9,186 feet high), Torre Sur (9,350 feet) and Torre Norte (7,375 feet). Enjoy hiking, glacier traversing, kayaking, and landings in these amazing surroundings. The diversity of environments here has led to very rich fauna and flora. While you are here you might see llamas, pumas, chilla foxes, and skunks – in addition to more than 100 species of birds such as the Andean condor and black-chested buzzard eagle. 

Day 13: Puerto Eden, Chile

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After an unforgettable voyage through the Patagonian Archipelago, visit the unique village of Puerto Edén. Known for its geographical isolation, its population of 250 includes the 15 remaining members of the Kawéskar people. Stroll among the laneways or join the Expedition Team for hiking, mountain climbing, or kayaking. 

Day 14: Chilean Fjords

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy another day in the Chilean fjords. From the deck or the panorama lounge you have front-row seats to the majestic mountains and beautiful scenery.

Day 15: Puerto Montt

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Puerto Montt boasts great views of the ocean and the towering peaks of the Andes. Going ashore on one of these excursions gives you a great overview of the scenery, culture, and architecture of this area. You can also explore this city on your own. 

Day 16: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a day at sea. Relax on deck or join the lectures from the Expedition Team.

Day 17: Valparaiso | Disembark

  • Hotels
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Described as both colorful and poetic, Valparaíso is a unique, artistic city undergoing an impressive cultural resurgence, although poets, painters, and philosophers have long been drawn to this place. After disembarkation, learn more about the city during a sightseeing tour before you are transferred to your hotel in Santiago de Chile.

Day 18: Santiago de Chile

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast in the hotel your expedition comes to an end.

Ship/Hotel

MS Fram

Take advantage of the large windows aboard the MS Fram
Enjoy views from the bridge as you sail on the MS Fram
Attend informative lectures as you sail on the MS Fram

Santiago - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$10,231
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Cabin I MS Fram
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Polar Inside - I
113-140 square feet. Inside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc
Cabin FJ MS Fram
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Polar Outside - FJ
172-226 square feet. Outside cabin: Double bed, seating area, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc, limited or no view. (FJ 503 with twin beds).
A comfortable twin cabin on the MS Fram
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Polar Outside - N
113-140 square feet. Outside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, table, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc. (N-352 with upper/lower berths).
Cabin U MS Fram
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Arctic Superior - U
118-252 square feet. Outside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, table, TV, refrigerator, kettle, shower/wc. (U-526 with upper/lower berths).
Cabin F MS Fram
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Arctic Superior - F
183-248 square feet. Double bed, seating area, TV, refrigerator, kettle, shower/wc.
Cabin M MS Fram
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Expedition Suite - M
172-215 square feet. One room with seating area, TV, mini-bar, kettle, double bed, shower/wc.
Cabin MG MS Fram
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Expedition Suite - MG
260-420 square feet. One room with private balcony, seating area, TV, mini-bar, kettle, double bed, shower/wc.
Included
  • 17 Breakfasts, 16 Lunches, 17 Dinners
  • 17 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Photography Guide on Expedition Team
     
  • Complimentary Expedition Jacket
  • Loan of Boots, Trekking Poles, & All Equipment for Activities
  • Photos & Film/Video Footage from the Voyage Shared in The Expedition Logbook
  • Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship
  • Coffee and tea are included throughout the day. Beverages (beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water in all ship restaurants)
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with very limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
  • À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Luggage Handling 
  • Mandatory medical evacuation insurance

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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