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.
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.
What our clients say
97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.
Group tour was all memorable - for all the right reasons! A trip with JLA is a trip with the local experts. They respond quickly to challenges such as FCO advice not to visit an area and know the local people who can make the holiday really memorable. One other comment about Colombia - the people we encountered, of all ages, in the streets, shops, hotels etc were friendly, welcoming and the most polite I have met anywhere in the world!
HR, Brentford
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.

Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert
Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.
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