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Antarctica

Antarctic Circle - Crossing 66º South Latitude

Antarctic Circle Tour - 17 Night Itinerary

An extended voyage with 8 days exploring the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula and further south into the lesser-visited Antarctic Circle. An adventure of a lifetime awaits.

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Travel Highlights

  • Embark on a 13-night expedition cruise south to the Antarctic Circle
  • Travel aboard the classic M/V Sea Spirit with expert lectures and guides
  • Explore the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Guided excursions ashore daily with longer time ashore
  • Marvel at remote icescapes seen by so few - ideal for photographers
  • Enjoy on board photography masterclasses
  • Observe a wide variety of wildlife, penguin colonies, seals and sea birds
  • Optional kayaking or camp underneath the stars
  • Enjoy free time in Buenos Aires to get to know the 'Paris of the South'
  • Fly direct to the Argentine capital with British Airways

Tour Route

This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of departure date, route, duration, flights, cabin, hotels, transport and excursions.

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Map of Antarctic Circle

Tour Itinerary

IMG 1241
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  • Accommodation
Sunday, 22 June 2025

Fly to Buenos Aires

Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires.


Monday, 23 June 2025

Buenos Aires

Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to your chosen hotel for a 1-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is free for you to explore with wonderful city, known as the 'Paris of South America'.

Bar
Buenos Aires - Tourist Hotel

Cyan Hotel de las Americas

An elegant hotel with spacious rooms and situated in the heart of the Barrio Norte, an elegant residential and commercial district, within comfortable walking distance of the exclusive shops of the Santa Fe and 9 de Julio avenues. All 162 rooms have private facilities, TV and telephone, mini-bar, and air-conditioning. There is 24 hour room…

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1941 Regal Pacific
Buenos Aires - First Hotel

Hotel Regal Pacific

Located in Puerto Madero the hotel is within walking distance to many of the city's attractions. The hotel offers comfortable air-conditioned guest rooms with luxurious bedding, bathroom linens and exclusive amenities, the most advanced in room technology and classy contemporary furnishings.

Public areas include a restaurant, a wine bar and heated indoor swimming pool.

The…

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Sofitel Recoleta
Buenos Aires - Luxury Hotel

Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta

Located in the elegant Recoleta neighbourhood, Sofitel Recoleta is a luxurious 5-star hotel providing an authentic experience. 

The comfortable, air-conditioned, double or twin rooms have free WIFI, private bathroom, safe, mini bar, city or garden views. 

Public areas include the Alma Buenos Aires restaurant specialising  in seasonal local meats and vegetables. There is also a swimming pool,…

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Ushuaia Argentina
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Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Fly to Ushuaia

Transfer to the airport and fly to Ushuaia, the most southerly city in South America. On arrival, you will be met by representatives of the expedition cruise operator and transferred to a good first class hotel for a 1-night stay including breakfast.

Expedition cruise lands in Antarctica amid glaciers, mountains, and wildlife.
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  • Accommodation
Wednesday, 25 June 2025

Embark the M/V Sea Spirit and set sail

After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Ushuaia. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the scenery and gorgeous evening light as we pass through the Beagle Channel.

On this special voyage, we have additional days devoted to pushing even farther south in our attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle. The sublime icescapes in Crystal Sound and beyond are particularly austere, the weather is especially wild, and the waters are full of constantly shifting ice. Very few people have ventured this far south. This is a true expedition.

Due to the small ship size, we normally have an average of two activities per day, each lasting about 2.5 hours — ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the polar world! Enjoy landings with scenic hikes for all levels (walking sticks provided), wildlife encounters with insights from experts, and Zodiac cruises. Onboard, you’ll find expert-led lectures, masterclasses, bridge visits, and polar photography tips. Alternatively, you can relax in the jacuzzi, unwind in the library, or enjoy a drink at the bar. On one of the days, we’ll host a BBQ on the open deck! For the bravest, there’s the Polar Plunge — those who prefer not to participate can enjoy watching the fun. Each day is packed with exciting, unforgettable experiences.

 


Thursday, 26 June 2025

Crossing Drake Passage

After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we turn south to begin our crossing of the Drake Passage. We watch for humpback and fin whales along the way. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Briefings, bio-security procedures and presentations by our lecture staff prepare you for our arrival in Antarctica. We hope to arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of our second day at sea.


Friday, 27 June 2025

Crossing Drake Passage


Saturday, 28 June 2025

South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle

Within the next days, we undertake an in-depth exploration of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice and reflect towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to huge numbers of marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land. Here we also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first area of exploration. This wildly beautiful island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and abundant wildlife. We will also explore the supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals and bustling penguin colonies. We plan to pass through the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer snowy mountains.

On this special voyage, we have additional days devoted to pushing even farther south in our attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle. The sublime icescapes in Crystal Sound and beyond are particularly austere, the weather is especially wild, and the waters are full of constantly shifting ice. Very few people have ventured this far south. This is a true expedition.

Throughout the islands and on the mainland, we find large colonies of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, sometimes side by side. It is a dramatic time at the colonies. While some parents remain at the nest to guard against skua attack, others go fishing in seas patrolled by predatory leopard seals and killer whales. Meanwhile, fluffy chicks are starting to explore away from their nests. Also at this time, humpback and minke whales have arrived in great numbers and the feeding frenzy in is full swing. Crabeater and Weddell seals abound in these highly productive waters.

In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. For sea kayakers, the wildlife-rich waters of Antarctica offer many chances to paddle with seals and penguins in some of the world’s most scenic waterways. To make the most of your time on the White Continent, you can also spend a night camping ashore, surrounded by untamed Antarctic nature.


Sunday, 29 June 2025

South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle


Monday, 30 June 2025

South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle


Tuesday, 01 July 2025

South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle


Wednesday, 02 July 2025

South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle


Thursday, 03 July 2025

South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle


Friday, 04 July 2025

South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle


Saturday, 05 July 2025

South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle


Sunday, 06 July 2025

Crossing Drake Passage

Today we head north across Drake Passage on our way back to Ushuaia.


Monday, 07 July 2025

Crossing Drake Passage

Sea Spirit mooring close to shore
Antarctica Cruises - First Expedition Ship

Sea Spirit

View the M/V Sea Spirit amazing Antarctica video

The 114 passenger M/V Sea Spirit is our favourite Antarctica expedition vessels for size and value allbeit, slightly old fashioned in decoration. It has a comfortable and welcoming feel, with spacious cabins, lounge areas and superior manoeuvrability. Guests are infused with an adventurous spirit by the enthusiastic crew…

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Tuesday, 08 July 2025

Fly back to Buenos Aires

Disembark after breakfast and fly back to Buenos Aires. Transfer to your chosen hotel for a 1-night stay including breakfast. 


Wednesday, 09 July 2025

Fly back to the UK - or extend your stay

Morning at leisure in Buenos Aires. Afternoon transfer to the airport and take an overnight flight back to the UK. Or extend your stay in South America with extended tailor made land arrangements.


Thursday, 10 July 2025

Arrive in the UK

Arrive back in the UK in the morning.

Price Guidelines

Season High Season
Travel Dates 23 January 2026 & 24 January 2027
Room Arrangement First
Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms £18,629

Prices are a guideline per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.

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What's Included

  • 20 Days / 17 Nights
  • International flights (2 overnight)
  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • 13-night M/V Sea Spirit Antarctic Circle cruise in a main deck suite
  • All meals on the Antarctica voyage
  • Welcome and farewell cocktails
  • Soft drinks, house wine, beer and house spirits included in the 2027 departure 
  • All shore excursions on the cruise
  • FREE expedition parka jacket to keep
  • FREE use of rubber boots or snow shoes for shore landings
  • All port fees on the cruise
  • Breakfast every day on land arrangements 
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Prices per person sharing a twin cabin

Request an Itinerary

Telephone Number

020 8762 0616

Contact Email

travel@veloso.com

Opening Times

Monday - Saturday : 9am - 6pm

Closed Sunday & Public Holidays

Speak with a Specialist

  • Free Proposal Itinerary
  • Tour can be completely Customised
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Complete a form or call our specialist advisors to start planning your trip. Please provide as much information as possible, and we will aim to respond to your enquiry the same or next working day.

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