Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands 2018-2019

17 days with Abercrombie & Kent Rating:

Book this Trip Now and Save!

Abercrombie & Kent Marco Polo Club members save 5% when you book a trip within nine months of your last Abercrombie & Kent tour. Click here for eligible departures.

Offers subject to change or withdrawal, availability is limited. Some discounts are not combinable.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive in Argentina’s capital city, where immediate check-in has been arranged. With its wide boulevards and classical buildings, romantic Buenos Aires boasts an energy all its own. Relax before this afternoon’s tour of the city’s highlights, including the Plaza de Mayo, the stately Casa Rosada, the Cabildo and the Metropolitan Cathedral. You may drive past the colorful La Boca District or San Telmo, the birthplace of tango. Get to know your fellow guests th. (B)

Day 2: Ushuaia | At the Edge of the World

Fly to the port city of Ushuaia, located at the southern tip of South America. On arrival, enjoy lunch at the Arakur resort and, time and weather permitting, take a guided trek in the Cerro Alarken Nature Reserve or simply relax with a cappuccino and enjoy the views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. Later, board ‘Le Lyrial’ and settle into your cabin, where you can take in views right from your own private balcony. Walk the decks and explore the common spaces as you familiarize yourself with the luxury cruiser, your home for the next 15 nights at sea. You may even want to toast to your journey in the bar with your fellow guests. (B L D)

Day 3: At Sea | Riches of the Southern Ocean

As you sail east toward the Falkland Islands, your Expedition Team begins their informal series of enlightening daily discussions on the flora and fauna, geology and history of the region. These expert lectures span diverse topics, such as seabirds and penguins of the Southern Ocean, the formation of sea ice over thousands of years, and personal accounts of living and working in Antarctica. While a professional photography enrichment coach is on hand to assist with questions, enthusiasts will especially enjoy A&K’s dedicated Photography Expedition departing January 16. The cool waters in these parts are rich in krill, making them a favorite with local wildlife searching for food. Alongside your naturalist guides, spot various species of whales and seabirds from ‘Le Lyrial’s’ deck.. (B L D)

Day 4: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands | Remote Archipelago

Today, ‘Le Lyrial’ arrives at the remote Falkland Islands. Disembark to visit Port Stanley, the tiny, quaint capital with its small shops, brightly painted houses and friendly locals. Choose from one of several sightseeing excursions of Stanley, including a city highlights tour, a nature trek or an excursion by 4x4 vehicles to visit a gentoo penguin colony. History buffs may prefer a tour that visits some of the Falkland battlefields as well as the memorials to those who lost their lives in the conflict between Britain and Argentina in 1982. (B L D)

Days 5-6: Cruising the South Atlantic | Abundant Wildlife

As you approach South Georgia, deck-side sightings of whales and other wildlife become more frequent. Time spent cruising is once again filled with informative lectures and casual talks with your guides. Scan the seas to spot marine mammals and seabirds, as the ship cruises the nutrient-rich waters past the islands of Shag Rocks. (B L D)

Days 7-9: South Georgia | Footsteps of Ernest Shackleton

South Georgia is a nearly submerged continuation of the Andes mountain range, and your days here are spent exploring its glacier-carved coves and rugged shores. While weather and ice conditions determine the schedule, stops may include Eleshul Bay to see nesting, wandering albatrosses as well as Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour, all three of which are home to vast colonies of king penguins and Southern elephant seals. You may also visit Ernest Shackleton’s gravesite in Grytviken alongside your onboard historian, an expert on the great explorer’s life. (B L D)

Days 10-11: Cruising the Scotia Sea | Antarctic Anticipation

During your time cruising the Scotia Sea — rich with marine mammals and fish — your expert lecturers recap your adventures in South Georgia. They also share more enriching lectures, revealing more of what is to come on the Seventh Continent, from the terrain to the hardy wildlife that inhabits this dramatic environment. (B L D)

Days 12-14: Antarctica | The White Continent

Your itinerary calls for landings on the Antarctic Peninsula and a number of South Shetland Islands, which may include Half Moon, Penguin and Deception. Other possible visits may include Cuverville, Paulet and Goudier islands as well as a sail through Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, known as “Kodak Alley” for its picture-perfect beauty. Further adventures may include a visit to Wilhelmina Bay, noted for its prolific humpback whale activity. As you cruise along Antarctica, scan the seas daily for these gentle giants, all from the comfort of your private balcony and the outer decks of your ship. (B L D)

Days 15-16: Cruising the Drake Passage | Time for Reflection

Bid farewell to Antarctica as ‘Le Lyrial’ points north for her return to Ushuaia. Enjoy more opportunities to observe marine and birdlife while reflecting on an incredible journey with fellow guests and new friends.(B L D)

Day 17: Depart Ushuaia

After breakfast, disembark your luxury expedition ship in Ushuaia. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires, where you connect to your flight home. (B)

Map

All This Included

Set sail on an extraordinary panoramic voyage for the best of the Southern Ocean, exploring epic Antarctica, the colorful Falkland Islands and wildlife-packed South Georgia with its rookeries of king penguins.

All accommodations.
Meals as specified.
Arrival and departure transers.
Fully-guided sightseeing as noted in the itinerary.
Bottled water supplied during Sightseeing.
Handling of two pieces of baggage per person for international fights.
Hotel taxes.
Gratuities throughout, except to your Tour Director, and camp staff/driver-guides/rangers/trackers.

Highlights

Cruise for 15 nights aboard new and luxurious 'Le Lyrial' with guaranteed balcony accommodations for all guests, only when exclusively charted by A&K
Gain a deep understanding of the region with enriching lectures by award-winning A&K experts, including scientists, historians and those awarded the coveted Polar Medal
Learn about the fascinating life of one of Antarctica's greatest explorers, Ernest Shackleton, when you visit his gravesite in Grytviken
Set off for exciting shore excursions in swift Zodiacs (sturdy inflatable boats), where closer views of the land and wildlife reveal the remarkable biodiversity of the Southern Ocean
Experience the benefits of all-inclusive cruising with onboard gratuities, unlimited house drinks, and all excursions and port charges included on your voyage
Stay at the luxurious Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt on beautiful Alvear Avenue in Buenos Aires
Take advantage of convenient A&K charter flights to and from Ushuaia
Discover family-friendly programming on our December 22 cruise, which features exciting youth-focused workshops on board and excursions led by dedicated Young Explorers Guides, also experienced educators

Accommodations

Buenos Aires: Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

Cruising: Cabin onboard 'Le Lyrial'

Pre and Post Add-ons

Pre-Tour Extension: Iguazu Falls

Days: 4 | From: $1,695

Internal Air: Buenos Aires/Iguazu/Buenos Aires (from $390)

Available to add to select departure dates.

Day 1: Fly to Buenos Aires, where you are met and transferred to your historic hotel in the heart of the city.

Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

Day 2: Fly to Iguazu Falls and explore the Brazilian side, with its cascading aterfalls along a gulf. Join your guide on a tour through the national park to a catwalk within arm’s reach of the falls. (B)

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

Day 3: Today, experience the Argentine side of the park, walking the trails above and along the falls. Choose to venture out on a catwalk that extends 3,600 feet over the tropical basin of the Devil’s Throat. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. (B)

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

Day 4: Fly to Buenos Aires to begin your cruise. (B)

Notes

Cabin upgrades are available.
Dec 22, 2018 departure | Special Family Holiday departure featuring an A&K Young Explorers Guide, with special pricing available for children 7-18. Contact A&K for details.
Internal Air is not included in the prices shown above: Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires (from $850)
This itinerary is subject to change based on weather, wildlife, ice and other conditions beyond A&K's control. The final itinerary will be determined at the sole discretion of the captain and Expedition Leader. This journey contains some active elements.
Minimum age is 7 years old on the December 22 departure and 10 years old on the January 16 departure. Special pricing is available for children ages 7-18 on December 22 departure.
First group event: afternoon walking tour on Day 1. Last group event: disembarkation in Ushuaia at 9:00 a.m. on Day 16.
Reserve Suite categories 4-9 for suite accommodations at Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires. Butler service is included in Suite categories 5-9.
Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

Terms and Conditions

For Abercrombie & Kent terms and conditions, please click here.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.

Speak to a Cruise Specialist