Brazil & Argentina & Antarctica
A journey of a lifetime from Rio to Antarctica at Christmas or New Year
Christmas or New Year in Antarctica Tour - 19 Night Itinerary
Travel in the peak Antarctica season with like-minded travellers enjoying longer days of sunshine, more time ashore and a wonderful celebratory atmosphere on the classic M/V Sea Spirit.
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Travel Highlights
- Enjoy a Christmas or New Year adventure of a lifetime
- Explore the inspiring cities of Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires
- Observe awe-inspiring Iguassu Falls from the Brazilian and Argentine sides
- Sail to Antarctic on the M/V Sea Spirit with maximum 114 passengers
- Enjoy the Sea Spirits convivial atmosphere with like-minded travellers - perfect to travelling at Christmas or New Year.
- Enjoy more time on excursions ashore in Antarctica than on large cruise ships
- Staying in a spacious, luxury suite on board the M/V Sea Spirit
- Drinks included on the December 2026 cruises
- Explore the icy landscapes, with sheltered bays, huge glaciers and icebergs
- Encounter penguins, sea birds, seals and whales on daily excursions ashore
Tour Route
- Rio de Janeiro - 3 Nights
- The Iguazu Falls - 2 Nights
- Buenos Aires - 2 Nights
- Fly to Ushuaia - 1 Night
- Antarctic Peninsula cruise - 10 Nights
- Fly back to Buenos Aires - 1 Night
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.
Request QuotationTour Itinerary
Rio de Janeiro
3 NightsDay 1 - Fly to Rio de Janeiro
Day 2 - Arrive Rio
Day 3 - Guided City tour
Day 4 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to Rio
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Rio.
Monday, 23 June 2025
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
Arrive in Rio in the morning and transfer to your chosen hotel for a 3-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Tuesday, 24 June 2025
Full day guided city tour
Enjoy a full day exploring the famous sights of Rio, from the awe-inspiring to Corcovado statue overlooking the city, to local markets, the historical centre and the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana.
Wednesday, 25 June 2025
At leisure
A day for you to relax on the beach or explore Rio at your leisure. Our guide can offer a wide range of optional excursions, depending on your interests.
Luana Seara
Ipanema Inn Hotel
The Ipanema Inn has a wonderful location in the trendy residential district of Ipanema with numerous shops, bars and restaurant and only 300 meters from the beach.
All the rooms have private facilities, free WiFi, air conditioning, cable TV and minibar. Some have private balconies. The restaurant and bar serve Brazilian specialties and exotic local…
Ritz Copacabana
The Ritz Copacabana Boutique Hotel is situated just 100m from Copacabana white sandy beach's and close to the bars and restaurants.
The 46 modern rooms and suites are air-conditioned with cable TV, mini bar and free Wi-Fi. The Ritz is an ideal retreat for leisure holiday in the centre of the action.
Public areas include…
Fairmont Copacabana
Located by Copacabana Beach with views of Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Fairmont Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana is one of the top luxury hotels in Rio. The hotel has been inspired by the glamour carioca in the 1950's, with elegant and stylish public areas and guest rooms.
The hotel has two swimming pools, a spa, sauna, fitness…
The Iguazu Falls
2 NightsDay 5 - Fly to Iguassu and explore the Brazilian side
Day 6 - Explore the Argentine side of the falls
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to the Iguassu Falls
Transfer to the airport and fly to Iguassu. Here, our guide will meet you for a tour of the falls from the Brazilian side. Observe this spectacular wonder of nature on raised walkways where you can experience the full power of the gushing water. Later today, cross the border into Argentina and check into your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast.
Friday, 27 June 2025
Explore the Argentine side of the falls
Morning guided tour of the falls with our local guide, including walking to the most famous section of the falls, Devil's Throat. The rest of the day is free for your own explorations of this incredible natural wonder.
Gran Melia Iguazu
Set within the Iguazu National Park the Gran Melia Iguazu Hotel is a three-story hotel with spectaculars views of the magnificent Iguazu Falls. It is the only hotel with rooms that look directly over the Falls.
The superb public facilities include an infinity pool with views of the Iguazu Falls, the Yasi Spa and health club,…
Awasi Iguazu
Awasi Iguazú is located on the Argentinian side of the Iguazú Falls. The hotel has the same philosophy as all Awasi hotels: assigning a private vehicle and guide per room to provide guests with personalised services and tailor-made experiences.
The 14 suites (including one master suite) are located in a private reserve on the edge of…
Buenos Aires
2 NightsDay 7 - Fly to Buenos Aires
Day 8 - Guided tour of Buenos Aires
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to Buenos Aires
Transfer to the airport and fly to Buenos Aires. On arrival, transfer to your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Sunday, 29 June 2025
Half-day guided tour of Buenos Aires
This morning explore the history and culture of this magnificent city, known as the 'Paris of South America'. Our local guide will design your tour according to your interest. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Emiliano Carrascal
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…
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…
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,…
Fly to Ushuaia
1 NightDay 9 - Fly to Ushuaia
- Full Description
Fly to Ushuaia
Transfer to the airport and fly south the Ushuaia, the most southernly city in South America. On arrival, you will be met by the expedition cruise representatives and transferred to a good first class hotel for a 1-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Ushuaia.
Antarctic Peninsula cruise
10 NightsDay 10 - Embark the M/V Sea Spirit and set sail
Days 11 & 12 - Crossing Drake Passage
Days 13-17 - South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
Days 18 & 19 - Back across Drake Passage
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Embark the M/V Sea Spirit
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.
Due to the small ship size, you will enjoy normally 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.
Wednesday, 02 July 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.
Thursday, 03 July 2025
Crossing Drake Passage
Friday, 04 July 2025
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Within the next days, we explore the highlights 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, some with gift shops and post offices.
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 hope to show you the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer snowy mountains.
Throughout the islands and on the mainland, we find nesting colonies of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, sometimes side by side. At this time, penguin chicks have started to appear in the nests. Also at this time, a high concentration of sea ice provides opportunities for seals and penguins to congregate on ice floes, a situation that attracts killer whales. Minke whales have started to arrive and leopard seals can be spotted patrolling the coast near penguin colonies. Photographers will appreciate the pristine appearance of undisturbed snow across the landscape in this early summer month.
In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. Our knowledgeable guides will offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness. 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.
This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather and ice. Our experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment. With nearly 20 hours of daylight per day, we seize every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing and amazing scenery on shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
Our Antarctic adventures will be even more memorable as Christmas Day falls during our days of exploration! We will celebrate it with special meals and festivities that honor the diverse traditions of our multinational passengers. Santa Claus will make an appearance, and you'll have the opportunity to take your photo with him in the snow. We encourage you to dress in festive attire for an evening
Saturday, 05 July 2025
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Sunday, 06 July 2025
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Monday, 07 July 2025
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Tuesday, 08 July 2025
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Wednesday, 09 July 2025
Back across Drake Passage
It is now time to head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are our constant companions and there is always the possibility of whale encounters in these wild waters. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. Finally, as we enter the calm Beagle Channel, we enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.
Thursday, 10 July 2025
Back across Drake Passage
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…
Fly back to Buenos Aires
1 NightDay 20 - Fly to Buenos Aires
Day 21 - Fly back to the UK
Day 22 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
Fly back to Buenos Aires
Disembark the Sea Spirit after breakfast and fly to Buenos Aires. On arrival, transfer to your chosen hotel for a 1-night stay including breakfast. Enjoy your last night in Argentina - perhaps at a Tango show.
Saturday, 12 July 2025
Fly back to the UK
This morning explore Buenos Aires at your leisure. Afternoon transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
Sunday, 13 July 2025
Arrive in the UK
Arrive in the UK in the morning.
Price Guidelines
| Season | High Season |
|---|---|
| Travel Dates | 9 or 19 Dec 2025, 10 or 20 Dec 2026 |
| Room Arrangement | First |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms | £20,772 |
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
- 22 Days / 19 Nights
- International flights (2 overnights)
- Internal flights
- All transport as described
- Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
- 10-night Antarctica Expedition Cruise aboard M/V Sea Spirit in a main deck suite
- All meals & excursions on the cruise
- Captain's welcome and farewell reception
- Soft drinks, wine, beer and house spirits on 2026 departures
- Parka Jacket and rubber boots for shore landings
- All port fees on the cruise
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
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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