Antarctica: Spirit of Shackleton
Suggested Itinerary
To view images fullscreen please turn device
21 Days From £13,340
Overview
An adventure of unsurpassed majesty, this remarkable three-week voyage into the Southern Ocean takes you through some of the most pristine wilderness anywhere on the planet. Recounting some of the spirit of the golden age of exploration, this awe-inspiring journey recounts some of the legendary exploits of Ernest Shackleton, one of the greatest polar explorers of his age.
Departing from Ushuaia, on the southern tip of South America, you’ll venture down the Beagle Channel and across ...
An adventure of unsurpassed majesty, this remarkable three-week voyage into the Southern Ocean takes you through some of the most pristine wilderness anywhere on the planet. Recounting some of the spirit of the golden age of exploration, this awe-inspiring journey recounts some of the legendary exploits of Ernest Shackleton, one of the greatest polar explorers of his age.
Departing from Ushuaia, on the southern tip of South America, you’ll venture down the Beagle Channel and across the open oceans towards the remote Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Here you’ll discover the resilience and variety of both the human and animal populations in these remote settings and have a chance to visit former whaling stations, penguin rookeries and the grave of Shackleton himself.
Continuing across the Scotia Sea, you’ll then head for the vast white expanse of the Antarctic Peninsula, where you will enjoy daily zodiac excursions and have an opportunity to set foot on the world’s southernmost continent, before heading back through the infamous waters of Drake Passage to the South American mainland.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Learn about the history of humans and nature of the region
- Visit the Falkland Islands
- See a variety of whales and marine life
- See the various colonies of penguins that inhabit the area
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: USHUAIA
DAY 1: USHUAIA
Arrive in Ushuaia today and be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.
DAY 2: USHUAIA
DAY 2: USHUAIA
Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia where you can explore the town or the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia, after which you'll depart the southernmost tip of the South American continent and sail through the Beagle Channel. Running through the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, the channel forms part of the border between Chile and neighbouring Argentina.
DAY 3: AT SEA
DAY 3: AT SEA
As the ship sails east, you will be treated to lectures and information sessions on the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
DAY 4: FALKLAND ISLANDS
DAY 4: FALKLAND ISLANDS
A stop in the Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to discover a staggeringly rich landscape of scenic and biological diversity. Penguins and albatross abound, the islands can boast the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world. The Islands are also home to a resilient human population too and there will be an opportunity during the visit to meet the locals in Stanley and take in the colourful houses that provide a stark contrast to the long, dark winters.
DAY 5: FALKLAND ISLANDS
DAY 5: FALKLAND ISLANDS
A further day to explore this remote wilderness and discover its wildlife.
DAY 6: AT SEA
DAY 6: AT SEA
Continuing east, the next two days sees you sailing deep into the heart of the world's southernmost ocean.
DAY 7: AT SEA
DAY 7: AT SEA
The days at sea provide a perfect opportunity to fill the days enjoying informative lectures, relaxing on the observation deck looking for whales and seabirds, or preparing for the shore landings to come.
DAY 8: SOUTH GEORGIA
DAY 8: SOUTH GEORGIA
Home to a fascinating array of interesting sites, South Georgia includes amongst its attractions the grave of polar explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, a number of former whaling stations and an abundance of local wildlife. The island supports numerous seabird colonies including a huge colony of king penguins and a collection of species, such as the Georgia shag and the South Georgia pipit, which are unique to the archipelago. Weather permitting the aim is to spend three full days here exploring the island.
DAY 9: SOUTH GEORGIA
DAY 9: SOUTH GEORGIA
A further day to explore the jewel in the crown of the Antarctic region.
DAY 10: SOUTH GEORGIA
DAY 10: SOUTH GEORGIA
A further day to explore the jewel in the crown of the Antarctic region.
DAY 11: SOUTH GEORGIA
DAY 11: SOUTH GEORGIA
A further day to explore the jewel in the crown of the Antarctic region.
DAY 12: SCOTIA SEA
DAY 12: SCOTIA SEA
Retracing Shackleton's route backwards, the next two days will be spent crossing the cold waters of the Scotia Sea. The journey takes you on towards the ice-covered mountains of Elephant Island, lying on the outer extremes of the South Shetlands, and then on to the vast white expanse of the Antarctic Peninsula.
DAY 13: AT SEA
DAY 13: AT SEA
Attend informative lectures as you cruise towards the Antarctic Peninsula.
DAY 14: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
DAY 14: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Over the coming days you'll discover some of the most unique wildlife and experience some of the most inspiring scenery on the planet, as you head for the vast white wilderness of Antarctica. Attempting two shore landings a day, there will be opportunities to encounter Gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries, see Weddell and leopard seals and hopefully come across orcas and humpbacks in the cold Antarctic waters. During the voyage you'll also have a chance to learn about the peninsula's remarkable human history.
DAY 15: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
DAY 15: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
A further day to encounter the unique wildlife and spectacular landscapes of the Great White Continent.
DAY 16: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
DAY 16: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
A further day to encounter the unique wildlife and spectacular landscapes of the Great White Continent.
DAY 17: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
DAY 17: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
A further day to encounter the unique wildlife and spectacular landscapes of the Great White Continent.
DAY 18: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
DAY 18: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
A further day to encounter the unique wildlife and spectacular landscapes of the Great White Continent.
DAY 19: DRAKE PASSAGE
DAY 19: DRAKE PASSAGE
The journey north takes you back across the open waters of Drake Passage, presenting the perfect time to reflect on the highlights of this incredible voyage with your crew and fellow passengers.
DAY 20: AT SEA
DAY 20: AT SEA
Keep an eye out from the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings as you head back towards the port of Ushuaia and the end of this incredible adventure.
DAY 21: USHUAIA
DAY 21: USHUAIA
Disembark in Ushuaia early this morning, where your journey ends.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Albatros Hotel, Ushuaia
Overlooking the Beagle Channel, Albatros Hotel has a prime location close to Ushuaia’s harbour and the city centre. The rooms are decorated in a homely style and feature private bathrooms. After exploring the incredible nature of the area, the sauna, massage room and gym are a welcome retreat. Fuel your travels at the restaurant and bar which serves a blend of local and international dishes using local ingredients.
Expedition, Ushuaia
Refurbished in 2009, the Expedition holds a capacity of 134 passengers, with the option of quadruple, triple, twin and double category cabins. All rooms have private bathrooms and portholes or windows for viewing the passing landscapes and wildlife. The ship has a cosy and relaxed atmosphere, especially felt when reading a book in the library or a sipping on a drink at the Polar Bear Pub. There is also a resident band and regular pub quizzes at the pub for added entertainment. Enjoy delicious meals alongside friendly service at the Albatross Dining Room, perfect for fuelling another day of activities. During cruising days, why not make use of the ship’s gym and sauna. There is also a computer room for sending emails to home (service is extremely limited and unpredictable). For fresh air and the best views, head to the top deck with its 360° views. When it is time to head out, get ready in the heated mud room with your fellow passengers before embarking on the zodiacs.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
ACCOMMODATION
Book With Confidence
We understand that flexibility is now a key factor when booking a holiday, and we believe our Covid Promise and Covid Viable Test provide that.
We believe these terms and conditions for making a booking are amongst the most generous in the travel industry right now, and we hope they will give you the confidence, when you feel ready, to go ahead and book your next adventure.
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640