Expedition to Southern Lands - Antarctic Cruise

Expedition to Southern Lands | Le Lyrial | Antarctica ToursExpedition to Southern Lands | Le Lyrial | Antarctica Tours
Embark on a 17-day adventure starting in Ushuaia, Argentina’s gateway to Antarctica. Enjoy onboard amenities and activities while at sea. Explore South Georgia, known for its wildlife and glaciers, before heading to the Antarctic Peninsula to experience its dramatic ice formations and unique animals. Navigate the challenging Drake Passage, rich in marine life, before returning to Ushuaia to conclude your journey at the end of the world.

17 Day Antarctica Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia

Ushuaia, the capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, is known as the gateway to Antarctica and the South Pole. Often referred to as “the end of the world” by locals, this city sits in a sheltered location between mountains and fertile plains, which wildlife have chosen as a haven. With the Andes descending directly into the sea, Ushuaia's dramatic landscape makes it one of the world's most captivating destinations, evoking images of remote and adventurous travels.

 

Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner

Day 2, 3 & 4: At Sea

While at sea, take advantage of the onboard amenities and activities. Enjoy some relaxation in the spa or keep fit in the gym. Depending on the season, you might use the swimming pool or sunbathe. This sea voyage, without port stops, also provides opportunities to attend onboard lectures or shows, shop in the boutique, or meet photographers in their special area. For those who enjoy the open ocean, the upper deck offers a chance to view the waves and possibly spot marine life. It's a time for comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5, 6 & 7: South Georgia

Explore South Georgia, a region formed by an underwater mountain range stretching from the Andes to the Antarctic Peninsula. Here, you can find diverse wildlife such as king and Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals. You might see the impressive glaciers of Gold Harbour and the vast plains of Fortuna Bay. If you land at Salisbury Plain, you could witness the spectacular sight of over 300,000 king penguins, identifiable by their bright orange markings.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8 & 9: At Sea

On these days at sea, make the most of the ship’s amenities. Relax in the spa or stay active in the gym. Depending on the season, enjoy the swimming pool or sunbathe. Without port calls, you can attend onboard talks or shows, shop in the boutique, or visit the photographers' area. Sea enthusiasts can visit the upper deck to watch the waves and possibly spot marine species, combining relaxation with entertainment.

 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10 to 14: Antarctic Peninsula

Experience the allure of the Antarctic Peninsula, a place of striking beauty and fascination. This icy realm offers a dramatic landscape of blues and whites, along with extraordinary wildlife including penguins, humpback whales, seals, and giant petrels. Depending on your itinerary, you might encounter these animals and explore their stunning environment. The captain and expedition leader will offer zodiac outings or landings based on ice conditions, revealing glaciers, icebergs, mountain peaks, volcanic beaches, research stations, and remnants of the whaling industry. Follow in the footsteps of historic Antarctic explorers like Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache, and Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 15 & 16: Drake Passage

The Drake Passage, infamous among travelers, researchers, and seasoned sailors, connects Antarctica with South America. Located at the latitude of the notorious Furious Fifties winds, it is the shortest route between these regions. The passage is rich in diverse marine life due to the meeting of cold southern currents with warmer equatorial waters. Keep an eye out for albatross and Cape petrels gracefully gliding around the ship.

 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 17: Ushuaia

Return to Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego, which serves as the gateway to Antarctica and the South Pole. This city, surrounded by mountains and fertile plains, remains one of the most intriguing locations on Earth, embodying the spirit of remote and adventurous travel.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fortuna Bay | South Georgia |  Antarctica
Neko Harbour | Antarctic Peninsula |  Antarctica
+12
Fortuna Bay | South Georgia | King Penguins
Brown Bluff | Antarctic Peninsula | Zodiac landingFortuna Bay | South Georgia | Fur sealsBeagle Channel | Ushuaia |  Antarctica | Neumayer Channel |  Antarctica | Lemaire Channel  |  Antarctica | Falkland | Rockhopper, Black-browed Albatross colony | Faroe Islands |  Antarctica | Scoresby Sund | Icebergs floating | Falkland | OrcaBeagle Channel | Ushuaia |  Antarctica | Cierva Cove |  Antarctica | Falkland | Bird

17 Day Antarctica Itinerary Includes

  • All-inclusive dining (gourmet French cuisine)
  • 24-hour room service
  • Free Wi-Fi (location-dependent)
  • Zodiac excursions
  • Entertainment: live music, shows, lectures
  • Spa access (limited free services)

17 Day Antarctica Itinerary Does not Include

  • Shore excursions (varies by destination)
  • Premium spa services and treatments
  • Alcoholic beverages (some exclusions)
  • Personal shopping expenses
  • Tips for the local guide

17 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights

  • Encountering vast colonies of king penguins in South Georgia.
  • Witnessing the stunning ice formations and diverse wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula.
  • Navigating the Drake Passage and spotting unique marine species.

Itinerary Map

Expedition to Southern Lands

17 Day Antarctica cruise activities

Sea Kayaking
Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
Ice Camping
Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
Snowshoeing
Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
Photography
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.
Explorer Boats
Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.
Yoga
It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.

Animals you might see on this itinerary

Antartida 17 Days
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