Antarctica Holidays
Experience a far away icy continent of penguins, glaciers, icebergs and snow-covered mountains
Lemaire Classic Tour - 12 Night Itinerary
Head straight to Ushuaia to embark on a classic 9-night M/V Sea Spirit expedition cruise to the remote South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
Select your Preferred Departure Date OR Default to Today's Date
Tour Route
- Buenos Aires - 1 Night
- Antarctica Expedition Cruise - 10 Nights
- Return to Buenos Aires - 1 Night
Travel Highlights
- Departing from the UK in November, December 2023 and February 2024
- Embark on a 9-night expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula
- 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 and kayaking or camp on the ice for 1 night
- Marvel at remote icescapes seen by so few
- Get up close to penguin colonies, seals and sea birds
- Undertake a range of activities to immerse yourself in the frozen landscapes
- Enjoy free time in Buenos Aires to get to know the 'Paris of the South'
- Fly direct to the Argentine capital with British Airways
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.
Tour Itinerary
Buenos Aires - 1 Night
Day 1 - Overnight flight to Buenos Aires
Day 2 - At leisure in Buenos Aires
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Meet your Guide
Our hand-picked guides offer you an exclusive insight into the best excustions and activites on offer.
Saturday, 14 December 2024
Overnight flight to Buenos Aires
Depart London on an overnight direct British Airways flight to Buenos Aires (other airlines/airports are available).
Sunday, 15 December 2024
At leisure in Buenos Aires
On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your chosen hotel in the centre of the city for a 1 night stay. In the afternoon you will have some free time to explore the city at your own pace, perhaps discovering its colourful La Boca neighbourhood, the old-time cafes of San Telmo and the grand architecture of the northern barrios.
De las Americas
Buenos Aires - Tourist Hotel
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 service, a restaurant, two bars and a weekend tango show.
Mine Boutique
Buenos Aires - First Boutique
This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Palermo Soho, metres from Plaza Julio Cortazar and many other touristic points of the city such as La boca, San Telmo, and the Plaza de Mayo. With strong Thai influences mixed with modern elements, the ground floor is warmly decorated.
Alvear Palace Hotel
Buenos Aires - Deluxe Hotel
In 1932 a classic was born in Buenos AIres, the Alvear Palace Hotel, a genuine palace right in the heart of the city. Constructed of materials imported from France, the hotel became one of the most characteristic buildings in town, strictly keeping the Louis XVI style.
Situated in the elegant quarter of Recoleta, close to the Park, lined with excellent restaurants and street cafes. Rooms are spacious and service and decor are first class
Recently the hotel has been completely refurbished, sticking to the original glory.
Antarctica Expedition Cruise - 10 Nights
Day 3 - Fly to Ushuaia
Day 4 - Embark Sea Spirit and set sail
Day 5 - Crossing Drake Passage
Day 6 - Crossing Drake Passage
Day 7 - The Antarctic Peninsula
Day 8 - The Antarctic Peninsula
Day 9 - Last day in the Antarctic Peninsula
Day 10 - South Shetland Islands
Day 11 - Back across Drake Passage
Day 12 - Towards Ushuaia
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Monday, 16 December 2024
Fly to Ushuaia
Transfer to Buenos Aires airport and fly to Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
Tuesday, 17 December 2024
Embark Sea Spirit and set sail
Morning free to explore Ushuaia. Embark the M/V Sea Spirit in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!
Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Crossing Drake Passage
Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team who will prepare you for the wildlife, glaciology and history that will greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
Thursday, 19 December 2024
Crossing Drake Passage
Continue sailing towards the Antarctic Peninsula.
Friday, 20 December 2024
Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travellers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other, creating a unique, personal experience.
Saturday, 21 December 2024
Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or consorting with chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
Sunday, 22 December 2024
Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.
Monday, 23 December 2024
South Shetland Islands
Depending on the weather, we explore the South Shetland Islands. The volcanic islands of the South Shetlands are windswept and often cloaked in mist, but they do offer subtle pleasures: There’s a wide variety of flora (mosses, lichens, flowering grasses) and no small amount of fauna (gentoo penguins, chinstrap penguins, southern giant petrels). In Deception Island, the ship plunges through Neptune’s Bellows and into the flooded caldera. Here you find hot springs, an abandoned whaling station, and thousands of cape petrels – along with kelp gulls, brown and south polar skuas, and Antarctic terns. A good hike is a possibility in this fascinating and desolate volcanic landscape.
Tuesday, 24 December 2024
Back across Drake Passage
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team and celebrate the experiences shared exploring Antarctica.
Wednesday, 25 December 2024
Towards Ushuaia
Sail to Ushuaia. Enjoy a memorable farewell dinner with your fellow explorers tonight to celebrate the end of your Antarctic adventure.
Sea Spirit
Antarctica Cruises - First Expedition Ship
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 and highly experienced guides, who lead excursions in the boats and shore landings on the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands and South Georgia.
The M/V Sea Spirit offers the unique opportunity to take a sea kayak on the water (i.e. no engine noise) and in addition, to sleep one night shore, (weather permitting) on the snow, with the ship anchored nearby. Check the video of these experiences by clicking the link at the top of this page.
There are a number of different suites to choose from, all with a minimum of 20 square metres, with en-suite facilities and either two porthole windows, a large picture window or, in the case of Deluxe and Premium suites, private balconies.
There are large communal areas, including an outdoor bistro, the Club Lounge and a library. A presentation lounge features state-of-the-art technology to facilitate informative discussions, lectures and social gatherings to prepare you for the upcoming excursions and reflect upon the unforgettable experiences enjoyed.
Return to Buenos Aires - 1 Night
Day 13 - Fly to Buenos Aires
Day 14 - Return flight to UK
Day 15 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Thursday, 26 December 2024
Fly to Buenos Aires
After breakfast disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, staying for one night.
Friday, 27 December 2024
Return flight to UK
This morning you will have some time for some last minute sightseeing or shopping before being taken to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK.
Saturday, 28 December 2024
Arrive in the UK
Mine Boutique
Buenos Aires - First Boutique
This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Palermo Soho, metres from Plaza Julio Cortazar and many other touristic points of the city such as La boca, San Telmo, and the Plaza de Mayo. With strong Thai influences mixed with modern elements, the ground floor is warmly decorated.
Price Guidelines
| Season | High Season |
|---|---|
| Travel Dates | October 2023 - March 2024 |
| Room Arrangement | First |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | £11,489 |
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.
What's Included
- 15 Days / 12 Nights
- International flights (2 overnight)
- Internal flights
- Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
- 9-night M/V Sea Spirit Antarctica Cruise in a Main Deck Suite
- Welcome and Farewell cocktails
- 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
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