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Multi-Country Landmark Tours Holidays

Wildlife & wilderness of the Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Drake Tour - 27 Night Itinerary

Total Antarctica, Falklands & South Atlantic on a 19-night M/V Sea Spirit expedition cruise exploring Falkland Islands, South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands, South Shetland and Antarctic Peninsula, plus the Lake District, Ushuaia and Buenos Aires

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Tour Route

Travel Highlights

  • Explore the remote wilderness at the end of the world on a three week expedition cruise
  • Discover Buenos Aires and the stunning Argentine Lake District
  • Sail from Ushuaia to the Falkland Islands - a birdwatchers paradise
  • Continue to South Shetland Islands & the Antarctic Peninsula on a first class expedition cruise
  • Explore the South Shetland Islands 
  • Encounter penguins, seals, sea birds, whales & extraordinary icy landscapes
  • Enjoy fascinating lectures and talks from expert guides and tour leaders
  • Travel in comfort and style onboard the new M/V Sea Spirit  expedition cruise ship

Webinar with Live Reports from our Guides in Buenos Aires and Bariloche


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

Tour Itinerary

Building Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires - 2 Nights

Day 1 - Overnight flight to Buenos Aires

Day 2 - Buenos Aires

Day 3 - Buenos Aires

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Monday, 11 November 2024

Overnight flight to Buenos Aires

Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires. 


Tuesday, 12 November 2024

Buenos Aires

On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a 3 night stay. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Buenos Aires, named the “Paris of South America” for its turn of the century French architecture. We visit La Boca, with its brightly coloured houses, the cathedral, the Recoleta area and the Presidential Palace, with its famous balcony where successive leaders have made appearances. Optional evening dinner and tango show. 

 


Wednesday, 13 November 2024

Buenos Aires

Day at leisure to explore Buenos Aires or choose from a number of optional tours & excursions: tango classes; traditional bars & cafes of San Telmo; Colon Theatre; Evita and Peronism tour; art in Buenos Aires; Argentine Dinner experience; Buenos Aires' Jewish heritage; hidden Buenos Aires; underground tunnels of Buenos Aires; the life and times of Diego Maradona; estancias of the Pampa; Delta del Tigre day trip; day trip across the Rio Plata to Uruguay. All optional excursions are bookable locally through your Veloso Tours guide.

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.

Bar

Loi Suites Recoleta

Buenos Aires - First Hotel

The Loi Suites Hotel is located in the Recoleta area of Buenos Aires, close to the best shops and the trendy cafes overlooking the park. The hotel has 112 fully equipped rooms and suites combining style comfort and technology, and all decorated with tasteful beiges and creams creating a relaxing home away from home. There is a restaurant, bar, indoor heated swimming pool and health club.

1943 Loi Suites Recoleta

Legado Mitico

Buenos Aires - First Boutique

In Palermo Viejo a neighbourhood with an interesting past and an avant-garde present we find the Legado Mitico hotel, ideal for those who seek the authentic & sophisticated. Eleven ensuite rooms with air conditioned, LCD TV, minibar, and safe. There is a jacuzzi and solarium and internet access.

1940 Legado Mitico
Gaby (78)

Argentine Lake District - 3 Nights

Day 4 - Bariloche and the Lake District

Day 5 - Exploring the Lake District

Day 6 - Exploring the Lake District

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 14 November 2024

Bariloche and the Lake District

Fly to Bariloche, in Argentina’s Lake District, staying for three nights. This alpine town is surrounded by beautiful mountain countryside, with excellent hotels and country lodges. The scenery ranges from lush, snow-covered mountain peaks and beautiful lakes, to the dry Pampa in the lowlands. It is a hub for outdoor activities, horse riding and walking the numerous trails; a wonderful place for picnics on the shore of picturesque lakes. Gabriela, our local guide, has a detailed knowledge of the area.


Friday, 15 November 2024

Exploring the Lake District

Depending on your interest, take an optional excursion led by our local guide. 


Saturday, 16 November 2024

Exploring the Lake District

Relax at your hotel or take further optional excursions discovering the scenic beauty of the Lake District. 

Las Lengas

Bariloche & Lake District - Tourist Lodge

Located in the village of San Martin de los Andes, at the foot of the mountain you will find Hosteria Las Lengas, in a lush corner of a quiet road, three blocks from downtown and five from Lake Lacar. A cozy lodge with excellent services customised to your requirements. Las Lengas is a place where you will experience an enjoyable stay. The lodge has a lounge, bar, restaurant and swimming pool. Accommodation includes room and breakfast.

1955 Las Lengas

Sol Arrayan

Bariloche & Lake District - First Hotel

Located in the heart of Argentine Patagonia, Sol Arrayán is less than a mile away from Villa La Angostura's city center, in the Province of Neuquén, Argentina. The resort overlooks the Nahuel Huapi lake, with 42 rooms leaning on a hillside, affording all its guests an incomparable view, with the snowed mountain peaks reflected on the lake. It is surrounded by hundred-year-old trees - the highlights being myrtle (arrayán) specimens, which are unique to the region. The grounds lead to an exclusive beach on the lake shore. All 42 hotel rooms overlook the lake and are equipped with TV,Telephone, WI-FI Internet, Safe. The resort offers a restaurant and spa services as well. Accommodation includes room and breakfast.

1951 Sol Arrayan

El Casco Art

Bariloche & Lake District - Deluxe Hotel

Nestled by the shore of the Nahuel Huapi Lake in one of the most beautiful spots of the Patagonia, EL CASCO ART HOTEL blends into its surrounding landscape with its stylish architecture, comfort and advanced technology. From its 33 Suites, all with breathtaking views of lake "Nahuel Huapi" and decorated with 300 exclusive master pieces of the Zurbarn Collection, EL CASCO invites you to live a unique and memorable experience of "Art" & "Nature". The Gardens, designed by Engineer Carlos Thays, house 24 sculptures from both Argentinean and European artists. "Al fresco" receptions, lunches or dinners can be enjoyed at its Terraces facing the Lake. EL CASCO Art Hotel is the only hotel in Bariloche to offer air conditioning in all rooms. The modern accommodations also include state-of-the-art plasma screens and musical equipment, and WiFi is available throughout the hotel. The restaurant serves up specially elaborated cuisine by the prestigious Chef Fernando Trocca, Prix de Chaîne de Rôtisseurs. Guests can also partake of the exclusive cocktail menu within the unique ambiance of the Wine-Bar. Additional facilities include a "Health Club", beauty parlor and massage. Accommodations include room and breakfast.

1948 El Casco Art
Los Naranjos, Ushuaia

Fly to Ushuaia - 1 Night

Day 7 - Ushuaia

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Sunday, 17 November 2024

Ushuaia

Fly to Ushuaia and transfer to your hotel for one night on a bed and breakfast basis, in preparation for embarkation tomorrow.

Los Naranjos

Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego - Tourist Hotel

Located in central Ushuaia, Los Naranjos offers comfortable rooms with panoramic views of the surrounding Andean mountain range, the city or the Beagle Channel. All rooms have private facilities, free WiFi, and safe deposit box. The restaurant serves traditional Andean food as well as international dishes.

1994 Los Naranjos
2019-05-20-16.jpg

Falklands, South Shetlands & Antarctic Peninsula - 19 Nights

Day 8 - Embark the M/V Sea Spirit 

Day 9 - South Atlantic Ocean

Day 10 - Falkland Islands

Day 11 - Falkland Islands

Day 12-13 - Sail to South Georgia

Days 14-18 - South Georgia Island

Day 19 - Towards the South Shetlands & Antarctic Peninsula

Day 20 - Sailing to Antarctica 

Day 21 - Awe-inspiring Antarctica

Day 22 - South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

Day 23 - Exploring the White Continent  

Day 24 - Last Day in Antarctica

Days 25-26 - Sail to Ushuaia 

Day 27 - Captain's Farewell Dinner

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Monday, 18 November 2024

Embark the M/V Sea Spirit

Spend the morning at leisure in Ushuaia. Embark the M/V Sea Spirit in the afternoon. 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.

 


Tuesday, 19 November 2024

South Atlantic Ocean

Though you’re now at sea, there’s rarely a lonesome moment here. Several species of bird follow the vessel southeast, such as albatrosses, storm petrels, shearwaters, and diving petrels.


Wednesday, 20 November 2024

Finding the Falkland Islands

The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. We anticipate spending two days in the remote outer islands where large colonies of penguins and albatross are easily accessible. The Falklands are also a great place to observe marine mammals. Fur seals and elephant seals can be found on sandy beaches while the waters around the archipelago are home to cetaceans such as Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins. Our exact route and exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these isolated and windswept islands.


Thursday, 21 November 2024

Falklands culture - Stanley

Today we intend to visit Stanley, the charming capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within pleasant walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, a cathedral with impressive whalebone arch outside, a war memorial, quality gift shops, pubs, and views of shipwrecks in the harbour.


Friday, 22 November 2024

Sail to South Georgia Island

En route to South Georgia, you now cross the Antarctic Convergence. The temperature cools considerably within the space of a few hours, and nutritious water rises to the surface of the sea due to colliding water columns. This phenomenon attracts a multitude of seabirds near the ship, including several species of albatross, shearwaters, petrels, prions, and skuas.


Saturday, 23 November 2024

Sail to South Georgia Island

Further exploration towards South Georgia Island.


Sunday, 24 November 2024

South Georgia Island

We arrive at South Georgia. Please keep in mind that weather conditions in this area can be challenging, largely dictating the program. 

Sites you might visit in the next four days include:

Prion Island – This location is closed during the early part of the wandering albatross breeding season (November – January). The previous summer’s wandering albatross chicks are almost ready to fledge, and adults are seeking out their old partners after a year and a half at sea.

Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour – These sites not only house the three largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia, they are also three of the world’s largest breeding beaches for southern elephant seals. Only during this time of year do they peak in their breeding cycle. Watch the four-ton bulls keep a constant vigil (and occasionally fight) over territories where dozens of females have just given birth or are about to deliver. You can also see a substantial number of Antarctic fur seals here during the breeding season (December – January).

Fortuna Bay – A beautiful outwash plain from Fortuna Glacier is home to a large number of king penguins and seals. Here you may also have the chance to follow the final leg of Shackleton’s route to the abandoned whaling village of Stromness. This path cuts across the mountain pass beyond Shackleton’s Waterfall, and as the terrain is partly swampy, be prepared to cross a few small streams.

Grytviken – In this abandoned whaling station, king penguins walk the streets and elephant seals lie around like they own the place – because they basically do. Here you might be able to see the South Georgia Museum as well as Shackleton’s grave.


Monday, 25 November 2024

South Georgia Island

Exploring South Georgia.


Tuesday, 26 November 2024

South Georgia Island

Exploring South Georgia Island.


Wednesday, 27 November 2024

South Georgia Island

Last day exploring South Georgia Island.

 


Thursday, 28 November 2024

Towards South Shetlands & Antarctic Peninsula

There may be sea ice on this route, and at the edge of the ice some south polar skuas and snow petrels could join the other seabirds trailing the vessel south.


Friday, 29 November 2024

Sailing to Antarctica

We continue on our voyage to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.


Saturday, 30 November 2024

Awe-inspiring Antarctica

If the ice conditions permit, you now sail into the Weddell Sea. Here colossal tabular icebergs herald your arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Paulet Island, with its large population of Adélie penguins, is a possible stop. You might also visit Brown Bluff, located in the ice-clogged Antarctic Sound, where you could get the chance to set foot on the Antarctic Continent itself. 

If conditions aren’t favorable to enter the Weddell Sea from the east, the ship will set course for Elephant Island and head into the Bransfield Strait, between the South Shetland Island's and the Antarctic Peninsula. 

The volcanic islands of the South Shetlands are windswept and often cloaked in mist, but they nonetheless offer many subtle pleasures. A wide variety of flora (mosses, lichens, flowering grasses) and fauna (gentoo penguins, chinstrap penguins, southern giant petrels) live here. Chinstrap penguins and Weddell seals often haul out onto the beach near Cámara Base, an Argentine scientific research station on Half Moon Island.

On Deception Island, the ship plunges through Neptune’s Bellows and into the flooded caldera. Here you can find hot springs, an abandoned whaling station, and thousands of cape petrels. A number of kelp gulls, brown skuas, south polar skuas, and Antarctic terns can be spotted too. Wilson’s storm petrels and black-bellied storm petrels also nest in the ruins of the whaling station in Whalers Bay. As an alternative, you can take part in activities near Telefon Bay, further inside the caldera.

This extended voyage gives you the chance to sail even farther down the icy coast of the western Antarctic Peninsula. There are several opportunities for great landings where you might set foot on the Antarctic Continent, surrounded by an epic landscape of alpine peaks and mammoth glaciers calving at sea level. Gentoo penguins, leopard seals, Weddell seals, humpback whales, and minke whales are often seen here.


Sunday, 01 December 2024

South Shetland Islands & the Antarctic Peninsula

There are also various research stations here, some even with a gift shop and post office.The wilderness of Antarctica is subject to unpredictable weather and ever-changing ice conditions, which will dictate the ship's  route and exploration opportunities. This is a real expedition. Every opportunity will be taken to experience excellent wildlife viewing, amazing scenery and excursions via Zodiac.


Monday, 02 December 2024

South Shetland Islands & the Antarctic Peninsula

Immerse yourself in the icy wilderness of this remote and spectacular environment. Enjoy small zodiac boat excursions, get close to the region's abundant wildlife on land and sea and admire towering snow-covered mountains and magnificent icebergs of every shape and size. Large penguin colonies bring the area to life, foraging in the waters and congregating on land.

 


Tuesday, 03 December 2024

Last day in Antarctica

Your last day to enjoy with White Continent.


Wednesday, 04 December 2024

Drake Passage

Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.


Thursday, 05 December 2024

Towards Ushuaia

Sailing towards Ushuaia, reflecting on your amazing journey.


Friday, 06 December 2024

Captain's Farewell Dinner

Enjoy the captain's farewell dinner tonight on the last night of your incredible journey.

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.

Download the Sea Spirit E-Brochure

Sea Spirit mooring close to shore
Building Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires - 2 Nights

Day 28 - Disembark and fly to Buenos Aires

Day 29 - Buenos Aires 

Day 30 - Overnight flight to UK

Day 31 - Arrive in the UK

  • Full Description

Saturday, 07 December 2024

Disembark and fly to Buenos Aires

After breakfast disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, staying for two nights.


Sunday, 08 December 2024

Buenos Aires

A free day to enjoy Buenos Aires: perhaps explore the artistic, bohemian district of Palermo with cafes, galleries and shops; take the ferry across the river to the old colonial settlement of Colonia in Uruguay; or enjoy cafes and shopping.


Monday, 09 December 2024

Overnight flight to UK

Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.

 


Tuesday, 10 December 2024

Arrive in the UK

Price Guidelines

Season High Season
Travel Dates Oct 23 - Mar 24
Room Arrangement First
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £25,187

Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.


What's Included

  • 31 Days / 28 Nights
  • International flights (2 overnight)
  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • 20-night M/V Sea Spirit Antarctica Expedition Cruise, all meals & excursions 
  • FREE use of rubber boots or snow shoes for shore landings
  • All port fees
  • Breakfast every day in Buenos Aires, the Lake District and Ushuaia
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
  • Prices are per person (twin share) based on a shared cabin. Supplement for exclusive use.

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