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18 Day Antarctica & Falklands Expedition

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
2083 people have travelled to this destination

✓ Add return international airfares from $699
✓ Incredible sightseeing including an in-depth exploration of Antarctica to discover the icy continent with a world-class expedition team, three days to discover the remote Falkland Islands archipelago, plus time in glamorous Buenos Aires after the cruise
✓ Return South America charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
✓ 14-night Antarctica cruise with expedition leaders Hurtigruten on board MS Roald Amundsen (500 people max) in Polar Outside (RR) cabin, upgrades available
✓ 3 nights in 4-star accommodation in Buenos Aires
✓ Breakfast daily, 13 lunches, 14 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 own way to your hotel.

Cruise
MS Roald Amundsen 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.

Cruise
MS Roald Amundsen 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.

Cruise
MS Roald Amundsen 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.

Cruise
MS Roald Amundsen 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.

Cruise
MS Roald Amundsen 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).

Cruise
MS Roald Amundsen 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).

Cruise
MS Roald Amundsen 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).

Cruise
MS Roald Amundsen 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).

Cruise
MS Roald Amundsen 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.

Cruise
MS Roald Amundsen or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Cruise
MS Roald Amundsen or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The remote Falkland Islands archipelago is split between the two main islands: East and West Falkland, and nearly 800 smaller islands. For many years, both the United Kingdom and Argentina have claimed sovereignty over the islands.

Your three days of exploration here, along with each day’s landing sites, will be determined by local weather conditions at the time. After the barren, white scenery of Antarctica, it may be reassuring to see grassy hills, blooming wildflowers, stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise waters! It won’t be too different, though, especially since several thousand penguins will be there for you to catch sight of, too! These few days will entail an attempt to view these penguin colonies, which often have families of fur seals sprinkled in among them. We will keep a safe distance, of course, in order not to disturb them or their tuxedoed neighbors.

For the first time in more than a week, you’ll spot signs of civilization in the family-owned farms scattered along the island, and in the capital of Stanley on East Falkland, where 80% of the islands’ population live. When you visit, you’ll find that the town is a slice of typical English life. Watch for the iconic red buses and phone booths, and of course the typical old pubs serving up British beer and friendly banter.

Cruise
MS Roald Amundsen or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Cruise
MS Roald Amundsen or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Cruise
MS Roald Amundsen or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your expedition is approaching its end. Make sure you enjoy your last day at sea. Head to the bar and share some drinks with the new friends you made during your journey. Swap adventure stories with the Expedition Team and learn more about these modern-day explorers. Treat yourself to a fine-dining experience at the à la carte restaurant or a refreshing massage treatment in the Wellness Spa. Or simply relax on deck. Watch the waves and relive fond memories of the voyage’s many highlights.

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
Dazzler San Martin or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Enjoy a day in Buenos Aires, the bustling capital of Argentina. Spend the evening at your leisure and discover `Paris of South America´ for yourself on a warm spring or summer day.

Meals
Breakfast

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
  • 14-night Antarctica expedition cruise onboard the 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
  • 3 nights 4-star accommodation in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires
  • Daily breakfast, 13 lunches and 14 dinners including beer, wine, soft drink and mineral water with meals
  • Guiding and lectures by the world-class expedition team
  • No gratuities expected
  • Airport transfers included on the last day of tour

  • Buenos Aires - Undertake a city tour of this colourful capital, 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
  • Falkland Islands - Land on these remote islands and visit a small piece of English life in a remote location

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 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:

  • Arctic Superior Balcony cabin (XT): from $2,099 per person, twin share (single $3,899). *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. 
  • Suite cabin (ME): from $4,199 per person, twin share (single NOT AVAILABLE) *Great for wildlife photography* Suites feature private balcony, top-high decks, ensuite, 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). Enjoy free access to the upscale Lindstrom restaurant for breakfast and dinner.

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.

Fine Print

Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognized and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and well-being of our guests are 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 
We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and now operating across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Our head office is located in Melbourne, Victoria, with offices around the globe to provide you with 24/7 support while you travel. When you book with Inspiring Vacations, you'll receive the support of travel professionals who are committed to the mission of inspiring people everywhere to experience the world.

Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling-off period.  Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.

Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to support@inspiringvacations.com, including the reason for cancellation.

We offer two payment options – the choice is yours. Our advertised price is based on our 'Pay in Full' option, which includes a discount by making full payment at the time of booking. Alternatively, choose our 'Installment Payment Plan' option for the flexibility of incremental payments, beginning with a low deposit.

Please click 'Book Now' and proceed to the payment page to select your preferred option under the heading ‘Choose how to pay’. The total due will be reflected accordingly.

Pay In Full Option:

  • Full payment due at the time of the booking.
  • Please select this option at the payment page prior to finalizing your booking

Installment Payment Plan Option:

  • Book now and secure your package with only a $99.00 deposit per person.
  • Pay a 1st installment of $3,492.00 per person within 7 days.
  • Pay a 2nd installment of $2,154.00 per person within 90 days.
  • You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Booking Process

  • Select the purple 'Reserve Your Seat' tab to begin your booking (you must 'Sign Up' first by entering your email and creating a password)
  • Then select the purple 'Book now' tab of the tour you have selected
  • Select your Departure Date, Departure City, Number of Passengers, Room Configuration, any Upgrade Options, and enter any Special Requests
  • Click the purple ‘Proceed to Secure Checkout' tab
  • Enter your credit card or PayPal details to secure your deposit/payment.
  • Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a Booking Form so that we can fulfill your booking
  • Your booking is confirmed once your Booking Form is submitted and you can begin the countdown to your Inspiring Vacation!

Please refer to conditions below, which are agreed to at time of purchase. 

Can I extend my stay pre- and/or post-tour?

This depends on the package you are booking. 

Where available, extensions must be added at time of purchase and cannot be added post-purchase unless inside the 7-day cooling off period.

We can assist in arranging your airfares to accommodate an extension; however, you must also book the additional nights’ accommodation through us at time of booking (where available as an add-on):

  • At check-out, please ensure you add the numbers of extra nights you would like pre- and/or post-tour (where available as an add-on). This can only be done at time of booking and cannot be added after purchase.
  • Some packages may only offer the opportunity to book one (1) extra night pre and/or post. If you want more nights’ than what is available to book you must choose Land Only (refer below).
  • If there is no option to add additional nights’ accommodation to your booking, then extending your stay with Inspiring Vacations is not an option and you can instead choose to change your booking to Land Only so you can arrange both your airfares and additional accommodation independently. 

When adding additional nights to your booking, the cost of the extra nights’ accommodation will be reflected on your invoice and payable with the final balance. 

Airfare surcharges may apply if extending due to airfare seasonal changes and possible fare differences. These are payable at the time of selecting your desired airfare. 

The second installment of your booking must be made before airfares can be booked. 

Outside of extending your stay you must select Land Only if:

  • You would like to stopover
  • You would like to upgrade your cabin class
  • You would like a specific airline booked 
  • You would like to extend longer than what is available within the package 
  • You intend to book additional accommodation independently
  • You would like to arrive and/or depart from another city or airport or; 
  • Your preferred domestic departure city point (ie Perth, Australia) is not an option

If you are interested in one of the above options, please select LAND ONLY at time of check-out and you will need to arrange your own airfares. Inspiring Vacations will not be accountable for flight delays or missed tour components due to late arrival or airline changes.

Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:

  • Flights from Miami, for only $699 per person
  • Flights from Los Angelesand San Francisco, for only $899 per person
  • Flights from New York City and Chicago , for only $999 per person
  • Flights from Dallas, for only $1399 per person
  • Flights will be booked with the best available airline/s. 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 select land only. 
  • Flights may not be direct and may include multiple connections
  • All tickets will include carry on luggage allowance, sizes and weights restrictions may apply as per the airline policy.
  • 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 and change fees. 
  • Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required at the time of submitting your traveler booking form. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to fees to amend with the airline or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required. 
  • Depending on departure date and time of booking, the required booking class for airfare offer may be too far in advance to book with the appropriate airline.
  • 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 beyond our control and it is the responsibility of the customer to ensure they are familiar with the most up to date airline schedule prior to departure
  • 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.
  • 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.

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points

Inspiring Vacations do not arrange seat selection. It is important to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats or they may charge a fee to do so. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

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. 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 $4,101.00 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.

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://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html 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.

  • International Airfares (optional)
  • 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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