15 Day Alluring Antarctica
This tour is categorised as 1 out of 5
Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. Options include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day trips for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
Expect a memorable stay throughout with hotels often centrally located, with creature comforts and unique features.
Hotel stars are based on local ratings provided and the expected standard may differ depending on the destination. Hotels listed within the itinerary are indicative of the typical hotel we intend to use for that package but is subject to change.
Inspiring Vacations Private Collection
✓ Return business class airfares included with a full-service airline
✓ Ultra small group touring – 10 people or less
✓ VIP in-destination private airport transfers
✓ Handpicked best in destination accommodation
✓ 2-to-1 coach seating (2 seats for every 1 guest)
✓ Tipping & porterage included
✓ Visa service & personalised documentation wallet
✓ Learn about your 15 day Luxury Antarctica & Buenos Aires inclusions HERE
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Board your international flight bound for Buenos Aires. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Today you will join the rest of your group as you are transferred to the airport to board your charter flight to the end of the world, Ushuaia, where MS Fridtjof Nansen awaits. Once onboard, we start our journey with a welcome dinner.
Prepare yourself for Antarctica as we cross the fabled Drake Passage. MS Fridtjof Nansen is designed to make polar exploration a pleasure for all ages and learning levels, and as such, there will be lectures on the environment and films about Antarctica in the Science Center. Guests can also make use of the pool, hot tubs and wellness center onboard to enrich their journey.
Spend another day relaxing at sea, as we continue our journey to Antarctica.
Welcome to the most remote area on Earth! Come ashore to explore breathtaking Antarctic scenery and encounter penguins. From on deck, there will be ample opportunities to see whales and seals. We intend to land on the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula and to sail through the world-famous Lemaire Channel before we venture further south to Marguerite Bay to cross the legendary Antarctic Circle. The places we visit offer opportunities to discreetly observe different types of penguin colonies, seals, and whales, as well as see glaciers and icebergs in every shape and color. We also visit whaling stations and scientific facilities.
Spend another day in this unforgettable landscape undertaking a shore landing, listening to lectures and enjoying your spectacular vessel.
Spend another day in this unforgettable landscape undertaking a shore landing, listening to lectures and enjoying your spectacular vessel.
Spend another day in this unforgettable landscape undertaking a shore landing, listening to lectures and enjoying your spectacular vessel.
Spend another day in this unforgettable landscape undertaking a shore landing, listening to lectures and enjoying your spectacular vessel.
After five days of exploring this exhilarating continent, we set our course back to civilisation. Spend the day at sea recapping your experiences with new friends, having fun in the Science Center or just relaxing on deck, spotting the many seabirds that follow our ship.
Today marks our last day at sea. Tomorrow we will make land back at Ushuaia. Enjoy your last night on the ship with your newly made friends.
Our Antarctic expedition cruise ends as we reach Ushuaia, and we transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. On arrival in Buenos Aires, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel to relax after your expedition.
This beautiful city, on the banks of the Río de la Plata, is a city of contrasts. You’ll find grand avenues with fine European architecture, and vibrant neighbourhoods buzzing with Latin American flair – it is the birthplace of tango, after all. There’s an array of things to do and see, whether it’s cultural, artistic or sporting.
You’ll enjoy a day’s touring in this dynamic city today to see the sights and explore the varied, interesting barrios (neighbourhoods), each with their own charm and flair. The ultra-small size of your touring group – no more than 10 people – makes for a personal, in-depth experience.
Start by visiting one of the main avenues: the 9th of July Avenue, where we'll see the Teatro Colon and the Obelisco de Buenos Aires, an iconic monument located in the Plaza de la República that serves up the classic postcard picture of Buenos Aires. It’s the centre of daily life for Porteños (Buenos Aires locals).
We’ll head to Plaza de Mayo (Main Square) and see the pink-hued Casa Rosada (Government Palace) – this is, of course, where Juan and Eva Perón delivered famous speeches from the balconies. See Metropolitan Cathedral and the Buenos Aires Cabildo before we head south through San Telmo, known as the tango neighbourhood. It’s the oldest neighbourhood in the city and its narrow cobblestone streets, colonial character, tango parlours and a lively street market are all part of its charm.
Learn more about Argentina’s passion – fútbol (football) – by visiting vibrant La Boca. We’ll pass by La Bombonera, the iconic stadium of the Boca Juniors. We’ll then visit the colourful street Caminito, known as the artist’s area, and Puerto Madero on the waterfront, the most modern neighbourhood of the city.
We’ll visit trendy Palermo, a fashionable area known for its beautiful green spaces, gastronomy, a plethora of shopping options and happening nightlife.
We’ll end with the upscale Recoleta neighbourhood, with its elegant buildings and the most exclusive pocket of the city, Alvear Avenue.
At night, we’ll head to Piazzolla Tango for live music, tango dancers and exquisite food. You’ll experience the magic, spirit and memories of Buenos Aires on this night out.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Antarctic adventure comes to an end. After checking out of your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or, alternatively, please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.
Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!
For detailed information on your ship, click HERE.
Cabin type included - Suite
Suites include a private balcony, top-high decks, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV, minibar, amenity kit, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker. They have flexible sleeping arrangements (double or twin).
Pre-cruise requirements:
For more information on these requirements, click HERE.
The Private Collection lets you enjoy your holiday from the moment you turn left on to the plane. Slide into your business class seat and enjoy a refreshment as you take off for your destination in style and comfort.
All packages come standard with international business class flights on a selection of premium airlines allowing you to arrive in your destination refreshed and ready to explore.
For more information on seating configurations, aircraft and amenities, please visit the airline's website.
Deposit & Payment
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Downgrading your airfares
When selecting a tour that is part of our Private Tour Collection, Business Class is included for your international flights. If you wish to book Economy Class, you will need to purchase Land Only and purchase your own airfares. Surcharges apply for the following capital cities.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $6,000 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
How to extend your stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
Please note, a supplement of $150 per person (plus any applicable fare and tax differences) applies to deviate from the standard itinerary. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Trip Style - Private Collection
A truly deluxe, upscale experience at undeniable value. These tours offer ultra-small group touring (no more than 10 people), handpicked luxury accommodation, business class air and inspiring, immersive sightseeing. With select extras like 2:1 coach seating and private VIP in-destination airport transfers, every comfort has been considered. These tours are fully escorted.
Group Size
2-10 people.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $12,000 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Porterage & Luggage Requirements
Porterage is included in your package, this means that you will have someone assist with your luggage between coach and the hotel throughout the tour. While understanding that various airlines will have their own luggage requirements, please note that for the comfort of yourselves, as well as our local partners who assist you on the ground, we restrict the luggage allowance to no more than one suitcase at 20kg per person, plus a small backpack / carry on size bag. This is to ensure that there is enough storage on the coach, as well as when travelling via rail (where applicable in the itinerary).
Where internal flights are applicable in your itinerary, please note that the airline allowance will vary and if you exceed the airline allowance, excess baggage fees may apply.
Coach Transportation
Our standard bus size is a 20 seater, this will accommodate our group of no more than 10 guests. Please keep in mind that while the flight, accommodation and guide arrangements are luxury, the coach transportation provided, while not luxurious in a sense, still provides comfortable, air-conditioned and spacious seating.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Health
We are not able to provide medical advice since we are not trained to do so, therefore we recommend you visit your GP to discuss whether or not vaccinations are required for your trip.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Australian passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Argentina or Antarctica, for the length of this tour.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Children
Due to the style of touring, we limit our Private Collection for adults only, therefore the minimum age for this tour is 18 years old. For those wishing to travel with children, please contact our Travel Specialists directly and we can assist in a private quotation for you.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Please note the itinerary is intended as a guideline. We are always working to approve our tours based on customer feedback. Therefore, the itinerary may differ from when you booked. It’s important to read over your itinerary prior to departure. However, sometimes for reasons beyond our control it may be necessary to alter your itinerary whilst on tour.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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