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16 Day Highlights Of Antarctica Expedition & Iguazu Falls Extension

A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.

Escorted Type
Partially Escorted

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.

Pace
Moderate Pace

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.

Cruise Style
Expedition
2094 people have travelled to this destination

✓ Add return international airfares from only $999 per person
✓ Incredible sightseeing including an in-depth exploration of Antarctica to discover the icy continent with a world-class expedition team, both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, plus time in glamorous Buenos Aires after the cruise
✓ Return South America charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
✓ 10-night Antarctica cruise with expedition leaders Hurtigruten on board MS Fridtjof Nansen in Polar Outside (RR) cabin, upgrades available
✓ 5 nights in 4-star accommodation in Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls
✓ Breakfast daily, 9 lunches, 10 dinners, drinks package on Hurtigruten cruise
✓ Zodiac landings, shore excursions and guiding and lectures by a world-class expedition team
✓ Complimentary WiFi onboard, wind and water-resistant jacket to keep, no gratuities expected
✓ Airport transfers included on the last day of tour

What we love about this tour

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.

Itinerary

Hotel
Emperador Hotel Buenos Aires or similar or Similar

On arrival at Buenos Aires international airport make your way to your hotel.

Hotel
MS Fridtjof Nansen or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Hotel
MS Fridtjof Nansen or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, 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.

Remainder of your day is at leisure.

Hotel
MS Fridtjof Nansen or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Hotel
MS Fridtjof Nansen or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Hotel
MS Fridtjof Nansen or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another day in Antarctic waters learning about the natural flora and fauna, joining Zodiac landings and various activities (weather depending).

Hotel
MS Fridtjof Nansen or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another day in Antarctic waters learning about the natural flora and fauna, joining Zodiac landings and joining various activities (weather depending).

Hotel
MS Fridtjof Nansen or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another day in Antarctic waters learning about the natural flora and fauna, joining Zodiac landings and joining various activities (weather depending).

Hotel
MS Fridtjof Nansen or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another day in Antarctic waters learning about the natural flora and fauna, joining Zodiac landings and joining various activities (weather depending).

Hotel
MS Fridtjof Nansen or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Hotel
MS Fridtjof Nansen or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is another day at sea as your ship makes its way back to South America. Relax and enjoy your ship's facilities, or join one of the lectures conducted throughout the day.

Hotel
Dazzler San Martin or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Sadly, our Antarctic adventure comes to an end, as 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.

Hotel
Panoramic Garden Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in time to board your flight to Puerto Iguazu.

Upon arrival, you will be met by your local driver/guide and transferred to your hotel.

Hotel
Panoramic Grand Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Iguazu Falls is one of the most famous attractions. These 275 massive waterfalls are divided between Argentina and Brazil and provide vastly different views and experiences depending on which side they are viewed from. In the "Land of the Falls," visitors can revel in the splendour of the natural forests, rivers and lakes. Travellers also have the unique opportunity to experience the falls and attractions not only in Brazil but in Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) and Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) as well.

Today visit the Argentinean side of Iguazu Waterfalls. Gain a deep perspective of the breathtaking waterfalls, recently named one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Three set of trails and walkways allow exploring the natural beauty of the falls and the surrounding jungle as you walk through the National Park. On the lower circuit take in a view of the falls from below, feeling part of the natural surroundings, and sensing their great magnitude. The upper circuit takes you above the falls where you get a different perspective of the same waterfalls you just saw on the lower circuits.No visit to Iguazu is complete without viewing the Devil’s Throat Falls, where you stand just feet from the thundering cascades of water tumbling to depths below.

Hotel
Dazzler San Martin or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today enjoy a tour to the Brazilian side of the falls. During the walk along footbridges, get a panoramic view of the Isla San Martín, one of the most majestic waterfalls: the Bossetti, the San Martín and the Three Musketeers. Towards the end of the walk is the viewpoint, from which you can appreciate a unique 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.

At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport to board the flight back to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival at Jorge Newbery Airport, you will be met by your local guide and 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!

Inclusions

  • Return South America charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
  • 10-night Antarctica expedition cruise onboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen or MS Roald Amundsen (500 people max). 
  • On board accommodation on Polar Outside Window cabin (RS). Note: RS cabins are only available in double configuration. If you require twin bedding please upgrade to RR or higher. See Cabin Bedding & Upgrades.
  • Complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket to keep
  • Landings with small Zodiac boats and activities onboard and ashore
  • Free WiFi onboard for all guests
  • Tour both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of Iguazu Falls
  • 3 nights 4-star accommodation in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires, 2 nights 4-star accommodation at Iguazu Falls
  • Daily breakfast, 9 lunches and 10 dinners including beer, wine, soft drink and mineral water with meals
  • Airport transfers included on the last day of tour

  • Buenos Aires - Explore the colourful capital of Argentina, known as the ‘Paris of Latin America'
  • Ushuaia - Travel to the city nicknamed the 'End of the World'
  • Drake Passage - Cross the famous body of water on your journey towards Antarctica
  • Antarctica - Experience awe-inspiring glaciers, ice-filled bays and a host of wildlife
  • Antarctic Peninsula - Set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula and meet penguins and elephant seals up-close
  • South Shetland Islands - Land on these remote islands and visit whaling stations and scientific facilities
  • Iguazu Falls - Marvel at one of most magnificent natural wonders of the world

For detailed information on your ship, click HERE

Compulsory Cruise Forms

  • Personal Questionnaire - This form must be received by Hurtigruten at least 8 weeks prior to your voyage departure.
  • Medical Certificate - If applicable, the cruise Medical Certificate is to be completed and approved by your personal physician not more than 8 weeks before your departure date. The completed forms must be presented to the ship’s doctor upon boarding. Boarding will be denied if part III of the Medical Certificate is not approved by your personal physician. Even if the forms have been duly submitted and approved by your personal physician, the ship’s doctor and the captain reserve the right to deny the boarding of guests who do not seem to be sufficiently fit for travel.

Bedding on board the cruise is restriced 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:

  • Arctic Superior Balcony cabin (XT): from $2,828 per person, twin share (single $4,100). Great for wildlife photography. Arctic Superior class cabins are comfortable and roomy accommodation and have balconies. They have flexible sleeping arrangements (double or twin), TV and ensuite and other features make this one of our most popular categories. Twin and double share available. 

Fine Print

Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.

Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.

Instalment Schedule:

  1. At the time of booking pay a $99.00 deposit per person.
  2. Pay a 1st installment of $4,350.00 per person within 7 days.
  3. Pay a 2nd installment of $3,000.00 per person within 90 days.
  4. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Please note that if you have selected a cabin upgrade or are booking a single cabin, your first installment will differ from your initial invoice.  At the time of confirmation we will adjust your invoice accordingly to ensure we collect the correct amount in order to secure your booking with our supplier.

This package includes international airfares or has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city.

If international airfares are included this will be stated in the ‘Inclusions’ section

Alternatively, if international airfares can be added to your booking you will be able to select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’ and a cost will be stated next to your selected departure city. This cost will then be added to your booking and flights will be added to your booking.

Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:

  • Flight Offer valid from select departure cities within the purchase path only
  • Flights will be booked with the best available airline/s with luggage included. Low-cost carriers may be booked in conjunction with a full-service airline. Depending on the carrier, entertainment and meals may not be included but payable at an extra cost on-board. We cannot specify or guarantee the airline booked. If you would like a specific airline, please request this at the time of purchase. To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?  By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchases to make your request. 
  • Flights may not be direct and may include multiple connections
  • Due to disrupted airline schedules globally with the pandemic, stopovers/transit times may be longer than usual (up to 12 hours in duration in some circumstances).
  • Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules, Airline change fees and an Inspiring Vacations change fee of $250 per person.
  • Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required at the time of submitting your traveller booking form. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to an Inspiring Vacations name change fee of $150 plus any applicable fees charged by the airline, or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required. 
  • If the required booking class is unavailable at time of booking, surcharges may apply. Total cost is final only at time of ticketing. Once issued, air tickets are subject to amendment and cancellation fees or may be non-refundable
  • Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are outside of our control. It is important that you, as the customer, stay up-to-date with the latest airline schedule information prior to your departure. If a schedule change results in extended transits or an earlier/later departure from your destination, any additional accommodation or alternative arrangements will be at the traveler's expense.
  • After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of Inspiring Vacations. Inspiring Vacations reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer's invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
  • Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in. 
  • If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability. 
  • You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.
  • In the event of that you no-show on your scheduled flight, please be aware the airline will require you to pay a no show fee, Airline reissue fee plus any additional airfare and taxes. Inspiring Vacations will also charge a $250 admin fee to assist re accommodating you on the next available flight. Please note that depending on the airline's policy, purchasing a new ticket may be required.

 

Baggage

Included baggage differs based on your country of origin. Included baggage will be as per the following:

Country of Origin

Carry-on Baggage

Checked Baggage

Australia

7kgs

20kgs

New Zealand

7kgs

20kgs

United States of America

15lbs

45lbs

Canada

15lbs

45lbs

India

7kgs

20kgs

United Kingdom

7kgs

20kgs


Baggage allowances provided by the airline might differ to the values stated above. However limitations are required due to transport storage restrictions on your selected tour or package.

Flight requests, amendments or preferences

We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements.

To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?  By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchase to make your request.

We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:

  • Airline Preferences - You may wish to fly with a particular airline
  • Cabin Preferences - These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
  • Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) - You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
  • Meal Requests - You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
  • Seat Requests - If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.

We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:

  • Stopovers - Is where you might want to stop in transit for a certain amount of days prior to your tour or after your tour.
  • One way flights
  • Different start or end city to the tour - you may not amend the arrival or departure city of your itinerary. 
  • Around the world tickets  - Is when a ticket includes multiple stops in different continents.
  • Return home to a different city from the one you departed.
  • Frequent Flyer point redemption - Is when an airline allows you to redeem points to pay for your flights or upgrade your ticket.  

If we can’t fulfill your request and you still wish to proceed with the booking, please select Land Only (excluding UK customers). This will allow you to travel on the land portion of the package without the included airfares. You will then be able to arrange your own flights separately.

FAQs

For more frequently asked questions please view our FAQs  section. 

Online check-in 

Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.

COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.

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.

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. Suggested amount for your guide, 500Y per person per day. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

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 $5,574.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.

Triple Share
Not available.

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.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.

 Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.

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.

Visas may be required.

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
2-500 people

Children
Children must be 12 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

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.

  • Visas
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Tipping
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Arrival airport transfers
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses

Click HERE for more information on weather in Argentina

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