The great adventure - Antarctic Cruise

The great adventure | Le Lyrial | Antarctica ToursThe great adventure | Le Lyrial | Antarctica Tours
Embark on an 18-day adventure starting in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and journey across the Drake Passage to explore the enchanting Antarctic Peninsula, with its stunning glaciers, ice floes, and remarkable wildlife. Experience the vast beauty of South Georgia, home to thousands of penguins and seals. Enjoy days at sea with onboard activities and relaxation before concluding your voyage in Buenos Aires, a vibrant city blending European charm with Latin American flair. This expedition offers a unique blend of remote exploration, natural wonders, and cultural immersion.

18 Day Antarctica Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia

As the capital of Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is regarded as the gateway to Antarctica and the South Pole. Known as "El fin del mundo" by locals, this city, perched at the edge of the world, is nestled between mountains and fertile plains that wildlife has chosen as their sanctuary. Ushuaia, with the Andes mountains plunging into the sea, is a truly captivating destination, its name evoking the sense of journeys to remote and inaccessible places.

Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner

Day 2 & 3: Drake Passage

Use your time in the Drake Passage to get acquainted with your ship and learn more about Antarctica. The Expedition Leader will present the guidelines for landings in the region and explain zodiac excursions. Lectures on Antarctic history and wildlife will enrich your understanding of this magical area, where every voyage is a unique experience. Enjoy moments of sailing and join naturalist-guides on deck to spot albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4 to 7: Antarctic Peninsula

Experience the enchantment of a truly unique place. The Antarctic Peninsula continues to captivate with unforgettable moments. During your time here, you'll find yourself in a stunning landscape of blues and whites, surrounded by remarkable wildlife. You'll have the chance to see penguins, humpback whales, seals, giant petrels, elephant seals, fur seals, minke whales, and orcas. Depending on the sites visited, you may observe and share the beauty of these extreme regions.

Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and Expedition Leader will propose zodiac outings or landings to explore the Antarctic Peninsula's riches. Glaciers, ice floes, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks plunging into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, and remnants of the whaling industry are among the features of this realm that will unfold in a serene and surreal setting. You'll follow in the footsteps of great Antarctic explorers who ventured into these remote lands in the 19th century.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8 & 9: At Sea

Enjoy the various onboard services and activities during your sea days. Relax in the spa or stay active in the fitness center. Depending on the season, you might enjoy the swimming pool or sunbathe. Without port calls, take advantage of onboard conferences, shows, shopping in the boutique, or meet the ship’s photographers. For those who love the open sea, the upper deck offers views of the waves and potential sightings of marine species. A delightful interlude of comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10 to 12: South Georgia

Discover South Georgia, formed by an underwater mountain chain extending from the Andes to Antarctica. This region is home to diverse wildlife, including king and Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals. You might explore the majestic glaciers of Gold Harbour and the vast plains of Fortuna Bay. If you land at Salisbury Plain, you'll witness a spectacular sight: over 300,000 king penguins with bright orange markings on their heads and necks.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 13 to 17: At Sea

During your sea journey, enjoy the onboard services and activities. Relax in the spa or use the fitness center. Depending on the season, you may enjoy the swimming pool or sunbathe. This period without port calls is also a chance to attend conferences, shows, or shop in the boutique. Meet the ship’s photographers or visit the upper deck to appreciate the waves and possibly spot marine species. A perfect blend of comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 18: Buenos Aires

Located on the south-western shore of the Rio de la Plata between the Atlantic Ocean and the Argentine Pampas, Buenos Aires is a distinctive city in Latin America. Often called "the Little Paris of South America," the Argentine capital combines European architectural influences with vibrant Latin American culture. With its 48 unique districts, diverse styles like Belle Époque, gothic, and baroque, lively markets, cultural and architectural heritage, and tango music, Buenos Aires offers a rich and captivating experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast
 | Falkland | Commerson’s dolphins
Beagle Channel | Ushuaia | Fur Seal
+12
 | Faroe Islands |  Antarctica
Beagle Channel | Ushuaia |  AntarcticaFortuna Bay | South Georgia |  AntarcticaFortuna Bay | South Georgia | Fur sealsSalisbury Plains | South Georgia | King PenguinsGold Harbour | South Georgia | Elephant SealsSt. Andrews Bay | South Georgia | King penguins | Falkland | Black-browed AlbatrossBrown Bluff | Antarctic Peninsula | Zodiac landing | Cierva Cove | Leopard Seal | Falkland | Rockhopper, Black-browed Albatross colony | Paradise Bay |  Antarctica | Falkland | Bird

18 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)

18 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

18 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights

  • Spot thousands of king penguins on South Georgia's Salisbury Plain.
  • Witness the breathtaking glaciers and diverse wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula.
  • Observe albatrosses and other seabirds during your journey across the Drake Passage.

Itinerary Map

The great adventure

18 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 18 Days
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Book your 18-day Antarctica tour now and create memories to last a lifetime!

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Galapagos experienceOver 20 years of experience
South America & Antarctica SpecialistsSouth America & Antarctica Specialists
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