This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
For the true explorer, expedition small-ship cruising is the best way to get off the beaten track.This experience is not just about the ship’s creature comforts but very much the destination, its nature and wildlife. Daily shore excursions by Zodiac inflatable boats allow you to step onshore and explore. A world-class, expert expedition team will help you discover each exciting destination. Onboard you’ll enjoy informative and educational lectures. These trips will be a mix of fully guided or self-guided depending on your chosen package. There’s a land touring component with shared sightseeing and transfers.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Return airfares with a full-service airline
✓ Return charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
✓ All airport and port transfers
✓ 8 nights in 4-star accommodation throughout Brazil and Argentina
✓ 10-night thrilling Antarctica expedition cruise onboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen
✓ Onboard accommodation on Polar Outside Window cabin
✓ Complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket to keep
✓ Landings with small Zodiac boats and activities on board and ashore
✓ Free WiFi on board for all guests
✓ 3 nights accommodation in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires
✓ A 2-day exploration of Iguazu Falls, both from the Argentinian and Brazilian side
✓ Expert expedition teams that give lectures and accompany landings and activities
✓ Daily breakfast, 9 lunches and 10 dinners including beer, wine, soft drink and mineral water with meals
✓ No gratuities expected (on cruise)
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
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.
Today, board your flight bound for South America to begin your expedition to Antarctica.
On arrival at Buenos Aires international airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
This morning you will be transferred to the airport to take an early flight to Ushuaia. On arrival you will be collected and transferred to board your expedition ship MS Fridtjof Nansen. Settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship.
Tonight, we kick off our journey with a welcome dinner.
Prepare yourself for Antarctica as we cross the infamous Drake Passage, and trust us – it will take your breath away! Take it all in onboard MS Fridtjof Nansen with her two-storey panorama lounge over the bow, with wall-to-wall windows bathing the room in natural light and providing extraordinary views.
Today is another day at sea as your ship makes its way to the Antarctic Peninsula. Relax and enjoy your ship’s facilities, or join one of the lectures conducted throughout the day.
Welcome to one of the most remote areas on Earth!
There have been spectacular photo opportunities so far, but Antarctica is in an entirely different category. Go ashore by Zodiac boat to explore the breathtaking Antarctic scenery and get close to penguins and seals. You will feel like a real explorer from the moment you set foot on the endless expanse of snow and ice and from the deck there will be ample opportunities to see whales.
Over the next six days we’ll be making various landings in different locations throughout the peninsula. Enjoy close encounters with wildlife and glaciers, and visit old whaling stations and its relics. Trust us when we say that every second of this journey has something new to offer.
One of the highlights of the South Shetlands is Deception Island. When we sail into the natural harbor of this volcanic island, you will see an abandoned whaling station known as Hektor and a derelict British base.
Over the course of the next few days we’ll also visit Wilhelmina Bay, Paradise Harbor and other remote locations. Join gatherings where the various members of the expedition team recount the day’s activities, make presentations, and discuss the next day’s plan. These gatherings are great opportunities to share experiences and mingle with your fellow explorers.
Another day in Antarctic waters learning about the natural flora and fauna, joining Zodiac landings and various activities (weather depending).
Another day in Antarctic waters learning about the natural flora and fauna, joining Zodiac landings and joining various activities (weather depending).
Another day in Antarctic waters learning about the natural flora and fauna, joining Zodiac landings and joining various activities (weather depending).
Spend another day in this unforgettable landscape undertaking a shore landing, listening to lectures and enjoying your spectacular vessel.
After exploring this exhilarating continent, we set course back to civilisation. Spend the day at sea recapping your experiences with fellow explorers, or just relaxing on deck.
Today is another day at sea as your ship makes it way back to South America. Relax and enjoy your ship's facilities, or join one of the lectures conducted throughout the day.
Sadly, every adventure must come to an end. It is time to say goodbye to the crew and all your new friends when we reach Ushuaia. We transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. On arrival at the airport you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
Today is a free day to relax after your expedition to Antarctica.
Experience the sensual dance of tango in a romantic and intimate atmosphere. International cuisine, regional dishes, desserts and a wide selection of Argentine wines will be offered to accompany the La Ventana Tango Show as you experience the tango, a dance which reveals the spirit of Buenos Aires’ beginnings.
Discover the heart of the city: the Plaza de Mayo. Around it are the historic Cabildo (Town Hall) where the movement for independence from Spain was first planned; the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace), and other old buildings. Visit La Recoleta, here one gets to know why Buenos Aires is considered as the ‘Paris of Latin America’.
This morning you will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Iguazu Falls.
In the northeast of Argentina, the Iguazu River joins the Parana River creating a natural border with Brazil and Paraguay. It is here that one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, the “Cataratas del Iguazu” plunge into a gorge of over 275 falls, in a length of over 3 kilometres and more that 70 metres down. Almost all of the falls are on Argentine territory since the natural boundary goes through the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) completely surrounded by a dense tropical forest, home of native small mammals, over 400 different kinds of birds and full of butterflies.
You will be met on arrival by our local representative and transferred to your hotel.
Get a spectacular aerial view of Iguazu Falls during a 10-minute helicopter ride. Board a state-of-the-art helicopter flown by an experienced pilot in Foz do Iguaçu. You’ll soar above the magnificent falls to get a bird's-eye view of the rushing water and the surrounding rainforest while enjoying commentary from your pilot. Be sure to bring your camera for amazing photo opportunities and your passport for the border crossing.
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of the Argentinean side of the Falls including a visit to the famous “Devil’s Throat”. The falls are visited on foot following a series of pathways that afford different views of the cascades. The lower walkway, some 1200 metres long, follows the river and will take you to the foot of some of the falls. The upper walkway follows a similar path and will enable you to see the falls up close.
The best way to experience the falls is to get right in the action. You’ll travel through lush landscape by specially designed tracks. This five-kilometre long ride ends at Puerto Macuco. Board a small boat and explore Lower Iguazu River for as long as six kilometres, heading towards the waterfalls area to enjoy the sight of plenty of small cascades. From the Tres Mosqueteros Falls, see the falls on both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides crowned by the view of the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Afterwards, it’s surely a highlight when you face the incomparable San Martín waterfall. After that we’ll navigate downriver to Puerto Macuco. You’ll walk up the hill, about 150 metres, and ride a truck back to the starting point. This tour goes for 2 hours, 15 minutes.
Today, enjoy a tour to the Brazilian side of the falls. During the walk along footbridges, get a panoramic view of Isla San Martín and the majestic waterfalls of the Bossetti, the San Martín and the Three Musketeers. Towards the end of the walk is the viewpoint, from which you can appreciate a dazzling view of the Devil’s Throat, which, at this point, is only about 150 metres away. This wonderful view is even more enhanced by the constant formation of rainbows. Your sightseeing concludes with a transfer to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
Today, you will be transferred to Buenos Aires International Airport for your scheduled flight home. We hope you enjoyed your journey to Antarctica with us!
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.
Compulsory Cruise Forms
For more information, click HERE.
Bedding on board the cruise is restricted to the following configurations.
If you wish to upgrade your cabin, the following amounts are payable in addition to the package price prior to travel:
Cabin Upgrades and prices are subject to availability upon booking. Please note your upgrade option as a special request when booking and our team will be in touch with a confirmed quote. If we are unable to confirm your request, we will quote alternative options.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $1500 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares and transfers. 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.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. 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, 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.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes 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
Arrival and departure airport shuttle transfers (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Please note, the transfers are not private and you may be grouped 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. Alternatively, you may purchase 1 pre or post-night accommodation + transfers, at time of booking.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities:
Please note - on Day 2, both optionals can be selected.
Optional tours 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 Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Additional optional tour:
The day this activity takes place will depend on weather conditions. Please note:
Physical Fitness: A good level of physical fitness is essential. You must fit into a dry suit size S to XXL. You must be able to get from a floating platform to the kayaks and you must be able to swim. The ship's doctor and kayak instructor assess every participant individually and have the final say on a participant's suitability for this activity.
Duration: 3-4 hrs (including getting dressed and preparation time)
Important: Kayaking takes place during a landing and you will have less time ashore during that landing. Outings are subject to weather and prevailing ice conditions. Experienced guides will accompany you on the adventure. This activity is done in two-person kayaks. The suitability for single kayaks is only assessed on board. We cannot promise viewing ice and wildlife - every location is different.
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 “2”:
2 – Easy Tour: An average level of fitness and mobility is required for this tour. There is a considerable amount of free time throughout the itinerary, though some sightseeing may be conducted on uneven terrain, including some incline and walking over short distances. For Safari tours, you will be required to get on and off vehicles with minimal assistance.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
However, no gratuities expected on cruise.
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 $9,999 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
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.
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 your return.
Australian passport holders do not require a visa for travel to Argentina or Antarctica.
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.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
2-40 people (up to 500 on expedition cruise)
Trip Style - Expedition Cruise
These trips are for the true explorer. Expedition small ship cruising is the best way to get off-the-beaten-track and see some of the world's most unspoilt and remote destinations. The experience on an expedition cruise is very different from that of a conventional, larger cruise ship. The focus is not about the ship’s creature comforts but very much about about the destination, it’s nature and wildlife.
Daily shore excursions by zodiac inflatable boats allow you to step on to shore in the world's most remote locations where few have ever been before. These trips will be a mix of fully guided or self-guided depending on your chosen package, on board your small ship you'll have an expert expedition team giving you informative lectures and educational lectures in many different scientific fields.
Children
Children must be 12 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
18 Sep 2020
From penguins to whales and birds, wildlife are the star attractions on an Antarctic adventure An expedition to the Antarctic is a once in a lifetime journey. Traversing the mighty Drake Passage, circling the Antarctic Peninsula, watching icebergs drift by in the southern ocean and stepping onto the icy continent for t...
16 Sep 2020
Exhausted, cold, beaten. Expeditions aren't for the faint-hearted and these first explorers will not be forgotten At the turn of the 20th century, during an era of exploration and adventure, expeditions were sent to the most remote corners of the earth to discover places where man had never walked. The race was on to g...
16 Sep 2020
It may be a frozen desert but there’s still a whole lot of wildlife in Antarctica Here, 12 Antarctica residents you're most likely to encounter on your icy adventures. PENGUINS Six out of 17 species of penguin can be seen waddling, swimming, nesting or just playing on any trip to Antarctica. Chinstrap penguins One of t...
16 Sep 2020
The frozen continent is the most remote corner of earth. We speak to one of the only people on earth who has spent two years living at the South Pole Just a century ago, man first set foot on this frozen land. This dry, cold desert supports no mammals or plant life, and only a couple of hardy grasses manage to survive...
16 Sep 2020
Hurtigruten’s new addition is a world leader in innovation and environmentally-conscious expedition cruising Exploring the Antarctic is a dream come true for many, and with the remote continent becoming more accessible every year, it’s no longer a choice of "how do I get there?" But rather, "which option do I choose?"...
16 Sep 2020
Shore excursions are the highlights of any expedition cruise - here's what you need to know For most, travelling to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. The frozen continent is home to extraordinary wildlife, a baffling landscape and 90% of the world’s ice. It’s also one of the most remote places in the world, m...
16 Sep 2020
From temperature to sights and safety, we answer the most commonly asked questions It’s hard to believe that wild and untamed frontiers still exist today, but that’s exactly what Antarctica is. Nature at its most raw and unfiltered; where penguins, seals, whales and birds roam the icy land unencumbered. The only place...
16 Sep 2020
Antarctica is one of the most pristine pieces of wilderness on the planet. But, when is the best time to go? Antarctica is like another world. In this far southern continent, Mother Nature rules; cross the Drake Passage and you’ll enter the domain of natural wonder at its finest. Here, wildlife from penguins to whales...
16 Sep 2020
Before travelling to the icy continent, its sights and fascinating history are best explored through screen and literature As the most remote destination on earth visited by a few thousand every season (November to March), it’s no surprise that Antarctica is shrouded in mystery. If you’re considering a trip to the migh...
