Overview & Highlights
Cruise beyond the Antarctic Peninsula to the Weddell Sea in search of Emperor penguins, aided by helicopters.
- City tour of Buenos Aires
- Shore excursions on the Antarctic cruise
Rather than just taking a cruise along oft-sailed routes, be part of a real expedition voyage. As a passenger on the sturdy ice-strengthened European cruise ship Ortelius, travel beyond the Antarctic Peninsula towards the Weddell Sea. An Emperor penguin rookery lies south of Snow Hill Island within the Weddell Sea off the peninsula’s east coast.
In recent seasons, the ice conditions have often thwarted access to the Emperor Penguin rookery, but the most recent attempt, in November 2017, was a success. Whatever the outcome, the beauty and emptiness of the relatively unvisited Weddell Sea, with its striking tabular icebergs and abundant wildlife make this a memorable expedition. If the ship doesn't make it as far as Snow Hill island, it will position itself on the edge of the ice to try and spot lone Emperors - the largest and most striking of all the penguin species - heading out to open water, and there may be trips by helicopter to search for individual birds.
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Buenos Aires. Transfer to your hotel in Recoleta.
Day 2
Guided walking tour of Recoleta and Retiro.
Day 3
Fly to Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, transfer to your hotel.
Day 4
Transfer to the port to embark MV Ortelius and set sail.
Days 5-6
At sea en route to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Days 7-10
Reach the Weddell Sea, search for Emperor penguins.
Day 11
Visit Half-moon and Deception islands.
Days 12-13
At sea en route to Ushuaia.
Day 14
Disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to airport for flight to Buenos Aires.
Day 15
Transfer to the airport for your international flight.
What our clients say
97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.
So many great memories, it is impossible to pick one.... The mix of landscapes, cultures and activities was amazing. Probably the best holiday I have been on and certainly won't be my last to South America!
LN, Billericay
I was so impressed by the service JLA provided - both beforehand in helping me to organise the perfect holiday to suit me and my interests and then in making sure everything worked smoothly during the trip itself. It all ran like clockwork. I have fallen in love with South America and will definitely be going back!
Tailor made holiday
Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for 40 years. We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.
Sophie Barber - Travel Consultant
Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation . Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you’ll relax in utter comfort.
