ANTARCTIC PENINSULA – Land of Penguins & Icebergs

Breakfast in the hotel. Full day private city tour.

In the morning, visit of South Area with Tortoni snack. Starting from Plaza de Mayo square, Metropolitan Cathedral, the Pink House and the Cabildo. We will go on through De Mayo Avenue, a splendid boulevard with fascinating architectural heritage, and we will stop to enjoy a quick snack in the emblematic Café Tortoni, open to the public since 1858. Our journey continues southwards, walking along old-stoned streets of San Telmo: “Tango” neighborhood. Following the same direction we arrive to La Boca to visit Caminito street. Finally, on our return, we will pass through the most modern and one of the more exclusive areas of the city, Puerto Madero, where we will have lunch.

After lunch, we continue with the North Area. Neighborhoods “north” are characterized by their European appearance and have been since the late nineteenth century, the residential areas of the city’s upper class. This tour goes back to the origins of the “Paris of South America”, emphasizing the lifestyle of the old families during the belle époque Buenos Aires. The history returns to Retiro, San Martín Square remembers us to the epic of our big Argentinean hero; meanwhile the neighborhood is scenery of buses, cars and people coming and going to the porteño downtown. Then we visit Recoleta´s neighborhood, with its French style buildings, the impressive Cemetery, exclusive and fancy clothe shops, museums, art galleries and beautiful wooded parks which come out onto Palermo. Palermo covers a large swath of residential Buenos Aires, including Palermo Viejo, Palermo Alto, and Palermo Chico as well as Palermo Park. Palermo Viejo is a large area that can be further subdivided into Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood. Palermo Hollywood is home to the trendiest restaurants in Buenos Aires. Return to the hotel.

In the evening, Dinner & Tango Show at Tango Porteño, Vip area: A three-course set dinner with drinks included (water, soft drink, wine) and an amazing and entertaining Tango show. Includes round trip transfers and a tango lesson of 1-hr before the dinner (is optional to do It or not). (B, L, D)

Transfer from your hotel to the city airport for your included flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The small city of Ushuaia combines everything to be a perfect starting point for Antarctic cruises. It locates at the southern tip of South America Continent and is regarded as the world’s southernmost city. Being the capital of Tierra del Fuego archipelago Ushuaia boasts the southernmost Tierra del Fuego National Park and beautiful landscapes of Beagle Bay and Andes mountains. Not less important (and even more for someone) the local restaurants offer super delicious king crab, cooked to dozen different recipes.

Arriving at the ship in the afternoon, you will be greeted by our Expedition Team and ship’s officers at a safety and orientation briefing followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the mountainous scenery on our early evening sail down the Beagle Channel past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies. (B, D)

Among the wildlife spotting opportunities as we sail south are the Albatrosses, Prions, and Petrels that frequently follow the ship. Our Expedition Team will be out on deck as well, looking for the Whales and Dolphins that may also be seen in the area. Our experts will hold informative and entertaining presentations on the wildlife, history, and geology of Antarctica. Helpful briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety will also be held in the comfortable lounge. The length of our journey depends on sea conditions but we should approach the South Shetland Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula in the evening of Day 6.

The Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands provide exceptional opportunities to discover the unique wildlife and awesome landscapes. Depending on weather and ice conditions, the captain and expedition team will direct the Sea Spirit to a variety of secluded bays and harbors to optimize Zodiac landings and wildlife viewing. While we have a plan, flexibility is the key to successful expedition cruising. With the help of our expedition team, look for the four penguin, six seal and several whale species on your Antarctic checklist. We’ll also find a time for our most adventurous travelers to take a polar plunge, perhaps in Neko Harbor or the relatively warm waters of volcanic Deception Island.

As we head south along the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ill understand why the imposing, snow-covered Lemaire Channel is called “Kodak Alley.” We’ll also try to visit a research station during the voyage, although the work schedules of the scientists may not always permit this. At the Ukrainian base of Academician Vernadskiy, you might want to sample the throat-burning gorilka, or Ukrainian pepper vodka, distilled on location. A Zodiac cruise of Paradise Bay, with its many glaciers, offers an experience like no other on the globe. Cruise by massive icebergs, with cracks and crevices reflecting an amazing spectrum of blue colors. Conditions permitting, we’ll set foot on the actual Antarctic Continent at Hope Bay or perhaps another site.

As the Sea Spirit heads back to Ushuaia, there are some final opportunities to ask questions of our Antarctic experts, to share photos and experiences with newfound friends, and to enjoy our festive farewell dinner. Wave goodbye to the birds and whales, until you meet again on your next voyage to the White Continent!

Our morning disembarkation in Ushuaia is followed by group transfer to the airport. Or you may stay at the city center, if you plan a longer stay in Ushuaia.

Ocean view stateroom with large pictures window(s), Three twin beds, or one Queen and one twin. (Deck 3).

Large ocean view stateroom with portholes, two twin or one queen bed (Deck 2)

Ocean view stateroom with large pictures window(s), two twin or one queen bed (Deck 3)

Ocean view stateroom with large pictures window(s), sweeping views, two twin or one queen bed (Deck 4)

Ocean view stateroom with direct access to their private balcony, two twin or one queen bed (Deck 5)

Ocean view stateroom with direct access to their private balcony. Added amenities include: two twin or one queen bed, armoire, minibar, evening canapés, complimentary laundry service, and the services of a dedicated butler, fresh fruit upon arrival (Deck 6)

Ocean view suite boasting sweeping views, interior entrance, a private terrace, a complimentary minibar (restocked daily), one queen bed and one sofa bed, sitting area, in-room safe, (Deck 6)