The Southern Adventure - Antarctic Cruise

The Southern Adventure | Le Lyrial | Antarctica ToursThe Southern Adventure | Le Lyrial | Antarctica Tours
Embark on a 15-day adventure starting in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina, known as “The End of the World.” Spend a day at sea enjoying onboard amenities and activities before exploring the rugged New Island and serene Grave Cove in the Falklands. Visit Volunteer Point for a king penguin colony and Port Stanley for a blend of South American and Victorian charm. Continue with six days discovering the Antarctic Peninsula’s icy landscapes and wildlife, followed by two days crossing the Drake Passage. Conclude your journey back in Ushuaia, reflecting on a voyage to the remotest corners of the Earth.

15 Day Antarctica Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia

Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego province in Argentina, serves as the gateway to Antarctica and the South Pole. Known as “El fin del mundo” (The End of the World), this city sits at the edge of the world, sheltered by mountains and surrounded by fertile plains that wildlife have made their sanctuary. With its unique location where the Andes meet the sea, Ushuaia is a captivating destination, symbolizing journeys to remote and inaccessible places.

Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner

Day 2: At Sea

Enjoy a range of onboard services and activities during your sea journey. Relax in the spa, stay active in the fitness center, or, depending on the weather, use the swimming pool and sunbathe. With no port calls today, take advantage of onboard lectures, shows, shopping opportunities, or meet photographers. For those who love the open sea, the upper deck offers spectacular views of the waves and a chance to spot marine wildlife. This is a time for comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3: New Island & Grave Cove

New Island

New Island, with its distinctive rugged terrain, is located on the western edge of the Falklands. It is home to a small village of two families. Walk along its golden sandy beaches lined with flowers and visit an old stone house, immersing yourself in this natural paradise. A path through the typical Falkland moorlands leads to a colony of southern rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrosses, and imperial shags. Observe albatrosses swooping from cliffs and skimming the waves below.

Grave Cove

Navigate through the turbulent Woolly Gut strait to reach the calm of Grave Cove, located at the northern edge of the Falklands. Named for the remnants of whalers' graves overlooking the beach, this bay features white sands where you might be greeted by friendly Commerson's dolphins. A walk across grassy dunes will lead you to a lush plain tended by a few sheep, and on the opposite side of the island, one of the largest gentoo penguin colonies in the region. With some luck, you may also spot a sea lion hunting for food.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4: Volunteer Point & Port Stanley

Volunteer Point

Located in the far northeast of the Falklands, Volunteer Point, named after a ship that visited in 1815, offers profound experiences in untouched nature. This area, identified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), is renowned for its large king penguin colony. These majestic birds are both expressive and approachable, providing excellent photo opportunities and memorable encounters, especially with their fluffy brown chicks.

Port Stanley

Port Stanley, the capital of the Falklands, lies on the largest island's eastern edge. Settled by pioneers in 1764 and later influenced by both Spanish and British rule, the town combines South American and Victorian elements. Its colorful houses stand out against the moorland landscape, reminiscent of Scotland's Orkneys or Shetland. A whale jawbone arch in front of the 1933 Cathedral recalls the town’s history as a whaling port.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5 & 6: At Sea

Take advantage of various onboard services and activities during these days at sea. Relax in the spa, work out in the fitness center, or enjoy the pool and sunbathing if the weather permits. Without port calls, you can attend onboard lectures, shows, or shop. The ship's upper deck provides a great vantage point for viewing the waves and spotting marine life. It’s a period of luxury, relaxation, and entertainment.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7 to 12: Antarctic Peninsula

Experience the magic of the Antarctic Peninsula, a region that captivates visitors with its stunning scenery and exceptional wildlife. Marvel at the icy landscapes of blues and whites, and encounter penguins, whales, seals, and giant petrels. Depending on ice conditions, the Captain and Expedition Leader will suggest zodiac outings or landings to explore glaciers, ice floes, mountain peaks, volcanic beaches, research stations, and whaling industry remnants. Follow in the footsteps of great Antarctic explorers like Charcot, de Gerlache, and Shackleton.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 13 & 14: Drake Passage

The Drake Passage, known for its challenging conditions, connects Antarctica to South America and is a notable route for explorers. Situated in the region of the Furious Fifties winds, it is rich in diverse marine life. Look up to see albatrosses and Cape petrels gliding around your ship, offering a glimpse into the passage’s dynamic ecosystem.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 15: Ushuaia

Returning to Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego, this city remains the gateway to Antarctica and the South Pole. With its dramatic setting at the world’s end, Ushuaia, surrounded by mountains and fertile plains, continues to captivate with its sense of adventure and remote beauty.
Meals Included: Breakfast
 | Falkland | Bird
 | Falkland | Commerson’s dolphins
+12
 | Lemaire Channel  |  Antarctica
Beagle Channel | Ushuaia | Fur Seal | Faroe Islands |  AntarcticaBeagle Channel | Ushuaia |  Antarctica | Falkland | Black-browed AlbatrossBrown Bluff | Antarctic Peninsula | Zodiac landing | Cierva Cove | Leopard Seal | Paradise Bay |  Antarctica | Westman Islands |  Antarctica | Scoresby Sund | Icebergs floating | Jan Mayen |  AntarcticaNeko Harbour | Antarctic Peninsula | Zodiac landing | Chilean Fjords |  Antarctica

15 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)

15 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

15 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights

  • See king penguins and chicks at Volunteer Point.
  • Spot Emperor penguins, whales, and seals in Antarctica.
  • Admire glaciers and ice floes on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Itinerary Map

The Southern Adventure

15 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 15 Days
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