Trip Code: ACPOLAESL
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina
SHIP: L'AUSTRAL
South Georgia Island & Antarctic Peninsula
05/12/2024
Breakfast at Hotel, All Meals & Beverage Package Whilst Onboard the Ship
Transfer To Hotel In Buenos Aires, Ship Transfer & Departure Transfer from the Ship in Ushuaia
Hotel & Cabin on board ship
During an 19-day arctic expedition voyage, walk in the footsteps of the greatest explorers in South Georgia and along the White Continent's coasts. Walk in the footsteps of the greatest explorers in South Georgia and along the White Continent's coasts. These great figures—Jan-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache, and Ernest Shackleton—call to mind the most incredible journeys that you will have the opportunity to experience.
You'll depart Ushuaia and go to South Georgia. During the renowned Endurance Expedition in 1916, Sir Ernest Shackleton somehow got aground there amid the snow-covered mountains. He then went back to retrieve the remainder of his crew, who had been left behind on the isolated Elephant Island. You will go back in time to learn more about this amazing narrative and life during this little-known period of history. To get to the frozen coasts of the almost inaccessible White Continent, Antarctica, you must sail via the Southern Ocean. As it covers the icebergs, glaciers, mountains, and frozen sea all around you, white tints assume a thousand subtleties. You will be one of the select few tourists to have seen this renowned place, which served as the setting for the biggest expeditions and the scene of the most incredible exploits.
Our team of naturalist guides will reveal to you the mysteries of these remote places home to unusual creatures along your journey. Find out where the Adelie, King, Chinstrap, Gentoo, Magellanic, and Southern Rockhopper penguins live, along with albatrosses, many species of seals, and beautiful whales spouting in the distance. You will have to travel via the Drake Passage in order to disembark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego. You will enter this fabled maritime path at the boundary between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Till the end of your adventure, the wind blows, the waves pound the ship's stem, and you are accompanied by cape petrels in the sky.
Your cruise package includes an overnight in Buenos Aires. You will be met at the hotel by our local representative where you will receive a quick briefing before having the rest of the day at your leisure.
Buenos Aires, Argentina’s elegant, historic and cosmopolitan capital, is known as the “Paris of the South” due to its European atmosphere with glamorous avenues lined with fashionable shops and Parisian-style restaurants and cafes. Located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, Buenos Aires has many fascinating neighbourhoods to explore including the colourful and lively La Boca, home to art galleries and tango shows; San Telmo with its restored mansions and antique stores and Recoleta, the city’s most exclusive area.
You will have an early morning breakfast before being transferred to the airport for your included flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival in Ushuaia you will be met at the airport and then transferred to your vessel to begin your incredible voyage to Antarctica. (Approximate flight time, 3 hours and 30 minutes. Embarkation is scheduled for 4pm).
Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Aboard your ship, discover South Georgia, a region formed by an underwater mountain chain that extends from the Andes to the Antarctic Peninsula. All the wildlife of the Far South can be found there: king and Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, fur seals… You might get the chance to discover the majestic glaciers of Gold Harbour and the vast plains of Fortuna Bay. If you are fortunate enough to land at Salisbury Plain, you can expect a wonderful spectacle: more than 300,000 king penguins, which you will recognise by the bright orange mark on their head and neck, have taken up residence there.
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. Depending on which sites you will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.
Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest zodiac outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.
If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.
Today comes the end of your magnificent journey. You will disembark in Ushuaia at approximately 8AM where you will be met and transferred to the airport for your included flight back to Buenos Aires (Approximate flight time, 3 hours and 30 minutes)
The French ship L’Austral is a sleek mega-yacht that blends luxury with intimacy and well-being. It offers an elegant ambiance and refined personalized service combined with gastronomic cuisine. Chic yet casual, L’Austral can accommodate up to 264 passengers in 132 outside cabins ranging from suites to staterooms. The ship has 7 decks with elevators connecting all decks. Features of the ship include an open air bar, sundeck, pool, library, internet station, panoramic lounge and terrace, fitness centre, beauty corner and medical centre in addition to the main lounge and lecture theatre. There are 2 restaurants, the Gastronomic Restaurant serving French and International cuisine, with the Grill Restaurant serving buffet lunches and themed dinners outside.
Ice Class:
Length: 142 m (466 ft)
Breadth: 18m (59 ft)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:264
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn MoreExpedition To Southern Lands -19 Day| L'Austral from AUD 20,160 | ||
Departing | Ending | Duration |
---|---|---|
05 Dec 2024 | 23 Dec 2024 | 19 |
Cabin accommodation whilst on board Le L'Austral
1-night accommodation in a 4* hotel the night before embarkation
Group Transfer from Hotel to Airport on Day of Embarkation
Return flights Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires selected by PONANT, in economy class
Group Arrival & Departure Transfers in Ushuaia
All meals whilst on board
Open bar (no premium brands)
Mini bar in your stateroom (Champagne additional fee)
All scheduled landings and excursions
Guiding and lectures by expedition team
Complimentary Polar expedition jacket
Free use of rubber boots for shore excursions
All port taxes
Comprehensive pre and post voyage informational material
Free WIFI
Arrival Airport to Hotel Transfer in Buenos Aires (shuttle is available)
Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel and medical insurance
Beverages (other than tea and coffee)
Personal expenses such as laundry, on board communication (telephone calls, faxes, email)
Gratuities for the crew
Pre or post cruise travel expenses
Optional activities
Please note there is no single supplement on select voyages. Please contact us for more information.
Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated for triple/quad cabins)
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions
Departure date, fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.