Unexplored East Antarctica & French Southern Lands

Unexplored East Antarctica & French Southern Lands | Le Commandant Charcot | Antarctica ToursUnexplored East Antarctica & French Southern Lands | Le Commandant Charcot | Antarctica Tours
This 29-day expedition begins in Hobart, Tasmania, where you'll explore Australia's second-oldest city before embarking on a luxury polar exploration ship. Sail through remote Antarctic regions, including Adélie Land, Wilkes Land, and Queen Mary Land, while observing stunning glaciers, ice shelves, and rare wildlife like penguins and seals. You'll also visit the elusive Magnetic South Pole and explore the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. Throughout the journey, engage in scientific research and learn from polar experts aboard the ship. The adventure ends in the vibrant city of Cape Town.

29 Day Antarctica Itinerary

Day 1: Hobart, Tasmania

Hobart sits at the mouth of the Derwent River, with stunning views of Mt. Wellington and surrounding bushland. As Australia’s second-oldest city, after Sydney, it boasts a charming waterfront lined with 19th-century warehouses and colonial homes. Salamanca Place is filled with shops, galleries, and eateries, while a short ferry ride takes you to an acclaimed art museum. Hobart also offers easy access to top Tasmanian attractions like Port Arthur, the rugged Tasman Peninsula, Bruny Island, and Mount Field National Park.

Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner

Day 2 to 5 : At Sea

Spend unforgettable days aboard a luxury polar ship designed for navigating through ice-covered seas and inaccessible regions. Equipped with scientific gear, the vessel offers lectures and discussions with experts to learn more about polar regions. You’ll also have the chance to participate in scientific research and explore hidden aspects of these fascinating areas.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6 & 7: Adélie Land

Adélie Land spans 400,000 km² in Antarctica and is home to a scientific station on Petrel Island. This remote region is known for its harsh weather, with low temperatures and strong winds. Alongside the few scientists who reside there, you'll encounter wildlife such as penguins, seals, and orcas. The pristine landscape and ice-filled surroundings create a mesmerizing atmosphere.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8: Magnetic South Pole

The Magnetic South Pole attracts the compass needle due to the Earth's magnetic field. Unlike the fixed Geographic South Pole, the Magnetic South Pole shifts over time. It was first localized in 1838 during a French expedition. On this day, you will venture towards the Magnetic South Pole, with hopes of reaching this elusive point.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9 & 10: Adélie Land

Return to Adélie Land, where you'll once again experience its remote beauty, icy silence, and stunning landscapes. As the sun reflects off the snow and ice, you’ll have another chance to observe the local wildlife and the pristine environment.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 11 & 12: Wilkes Land

Named after American explorer Charles Wilkes, this remote part of Antarctica features ice-covered mountains and vast glaciers. The stark yet beautiful landscapes, with moss and lichen forming tundra, create a one-of-a-kind experience in this frozen wilderness.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 13: Ice Shelf

As you sail past this massive ice shelf, you’ll witness the quiet beauty of the Antarctic landscape. The silence is occasionally broken by the distant sounds of cracking ice, while various marine animals like whales, seals, and penguins can be spotted in the area.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 14, 15 & 16: Queen Mary Land

Located on Antarctica’s eastern shores, Queen Mary Land features icy mountains and glaciers that create stunning scenery. Discovered in 1912, it is home to colonies of emperor penguins and other wildlife, offering a glimpse into the harsh, yet captivating, environment of the region.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 17, 18 & 19: At Sea

Continue your journey aboard the luxury polar vessel, engaging in discussions and lectures about polar science. Enjoy the ship’s amenities while contributing to ongoing scientific research on this extraordinary voyage.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 20 & 21: French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Explore these remote volcanic islands in the southern Indian Ocean. Known for their unique biodiversity, these UNESCO World Heritage sites are home to massive colonies of penguins and seals. The landscape is dominated by towering icebergs and otherworldly views.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 22: At Sea

Enjoy another day at sea aboard your vessel, with more opportunities to learn from on-board experts and participate in scientific research while observing the stunning polar landscapes.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 23: French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Return to the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, where the volcanic landscapes and thriving wildlife colonies offer another chance to marvel at the beauty of these remote islands.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 24, 25, 26, 27 & 28: At Sea

Spend several more days aboard the ship, taking part in expert-led discussions, enjoying the luxurious accommodations, and continuing your exploration of polar regions.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 29: Cape Town

Cape Town is a vibrant city located in one of the world’s most beautiful bays. With Table Mountain as its backdrop, the city offers a blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural diversity. Discover its fashion, art, and cuisine, or venture out to the nearby Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, known for its diverse wildlife.
Meals Included: Breakfast
 | Westman Islands |  Antarctica
 | Faroe Islands |  Antarctica
+12
 | Lemaire Channel  |  Antarctica
 | Jan Mayen |  Antarctica | Cierva Cove | Leopard Seal | Paradise Bay |  Antarctica | Faroe Islands | Puffin | Scoresby Sund | Icebergs floating | Falkland | Orca | Falkland | Bird | Falkland | Penguins Colony | Neumayer Channel |  Antarctica | Falkland | Rockhopper, Black-browed Albatross colony | Falkland | Bird | Chilean Fjords |  Antarctica

29 Day Antarctica Itinerary Includes

  • All-inclusive dining (gourmet French cuisine)
  • 24-hour room service
  • Excursions: Zodiac rides, kayaking, dog sledding
  • Entertainment: live music, shows, lectures
  • Scientific activities (citizen science programs)
  • Access to spa, heated pool, Blue Lagoon​

29 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

29 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights

  • Visit the Magnetic South Pole, a rare and elusive destination.
  • Spot Adelie and emperor penguins in their natural Antarctic habitat.
  • Sail along towering ice shelves and glaciers in remote polar regions.

Itinerary Map

Unexplored East Antarctica & French Southern Lands

29 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 29 Days
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