A richly contrasting journey from Argentina’s vibrant cities and wine regions to the ice-sculpted landscapes and remarkable wildlife of Antarctica.
This three-week journey begins in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital, where grand European-style architecture meets lively cafés and late-night tango. Explore elegant avenues and characterful neighbourhoods, then savour the country’s renowned cuisine in traditional parrillas and contemporary restaurants alike.
Fly west to Mendoza, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes. Here, vineyard visits and private tastings reveal how altitude, climate and meticulous craftsmanship shape Argentina’s celebrated Malbec and other varietals. From Mendoza, continue to Iguazú Falls, where immense curtains of water surge through subtropical rainforest, creating one of Latin America’s most impressive natural spectacles.
Your adventure then leads south to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica. Board your 10-night expedition cruise and sail into a world of sculpted ice, luminous glaciers and vast, silent horizons. Navigate ever-changing polar waters by expedition ship and Zodiac, stepping ashore to encounter penguin colonies, seals and, with luck, whales surfacing in icy channels. This seamless blend of culture, cuisine and polar exploration offers a richly contrasting journey from Argentina’s vibrant cities to the extraordinary landscapes of the White Continent.
10 nights cruise
Accommodation detailed in itinerary
See details in itinerary below
18 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners
What you'll experience
- Discover the sights of Buenos Aires: Explore the city where tango was born, with a guided tour through its historic neighbourhoods, grand avenues and cultural landmarks, followed by an evening tango show and dinner that brings Argentina’s heritage to life
- Sample Argentina’s renowned wines in Mendoza: Visit vineyard regions set beneath the Andes, touring local wineries and tasting Malbec shaped by altitude, climate and generations of winemaking expertise
- Visit Iguazú Falls from both Argentina and Brazil: Walk panoramic trails on the Argentinian side and admire sweeping views from Brazil, witnessing one of the world’s most powerful waterfall systems from multiple perspectives
- Sail from Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel: Begin your Antarctic expedition at the southern tip of Argentina, settling into life on board as your ship journeys towards the White Continent
- Cross the Drake Passage with expert guidance: Attend engaging lectures from the polar expedition team, preparing for landings while watching for seabirds and the first sculpted icebergs
- Navigate an ever-changing world of ice around the Antarctic Peninsula: Cruise past luminous glaciers and vast ice formations, with flexible daily itineraries shaped by weather and wildlife conditions
- Step ashore in Antarctica: Travel by zodiac for guided landings, walk across snow-covered terrain, hike to panoramic viewpoints and gain rare access to one of the most remote environments on Earth
- Search for Antarctic wildlife, including penguins, seals and whales: Observe chinstrap and gentoo penguins, watch seals resting on ice floes and scan the waters for humpback whales during the peak austral summer season
- Learn from on-board experts and photographers: Deepen your understanding of Antarctica in the Science Room, attend daily briefings and capture striking polar landscapes with guidance from the ship’s photography team
- Return enriched by extraordinary contrasts: Experience a seamless journey that blends Argentina’s vibrant cities and natural wonders with the silence, scale and wildlife of Antarctica
What's Included
- International flights
- 8 nights’ hotel as detailed
- 10 nights all-inclusive cruise onboard MS Fridtjof Nansen
- 18 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners
- Excursions as mentioned.
- Tips on the cruise included
Prices from £13,299 pp
Excludes:
- Meals not indicated in your itinerary
- Local departure taxes payable locally
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc
- Tips for guides in Argentina, drivers and crew (discretionary)
- Camera or video fees at any sites
Quick Itinerary
Highlights of Argentina and Antarctica - 21 Day Itinerary
Days 1-3 UK - Buenos Aires
Today you will depart the UK on your international flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires you will spend two nights in the home of the tango, at a centrally located hotel.
The following morning, enjoy a fascinating half-day city tour and learn about the fascinating history of Argentina which has shaped what the country has become today. You will also discover great places to see with the rest of your time.
In the evening, continue your cultural experience and enjoy a local tango show with dinner.
Day 4-5 Mendoza
Fly to Mendoza, an elegant city located in the foothills of the Andes and surrounded by wine estates, vineyards and orchards. Learn about the winemaking process on a tour of two local wineries followed by a tasting of the regional speciality, Malbec.
Day 6-7 Iguazu Falls
Fly to Puerto Iguazu and enjoy a full-day tour of the Argentinian side of the Iguazu Falls to discover one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls. Follow walkways, get up close to the thundering water, and appreciate the magnificence of the natural wonder from a panoramic vantage point. During the rest of your time, you can explore national parks or try one of the numerous adventure activities.
Day 8 Buenos Aires
Enjoy a half-day tour of the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls before returning to Buenos Aires for the night. Why not visit one of the many excellent steakhouses in the city.
Day 9 Ushuaia
You will fly early in the morning to Ushuaia, and transfer onto your ship where a warm reception awaits. After settling into your cabin, enjoy the stunning views surrounding the Beagle Channel as the vessel sets sail, relax and unwind with a sumptuous welcome-onboard dinner.
Day 10-11 Drake Passage
Over the coming two days, the ship heads south across the infamous Drake Passage, en route to Antarctica. You can enjoy fascinating lectures from the expert polar team which will prepare you for your first landings, learning about the unique world of Antarctica and the wildlife that inhabits this magical continent. Or simply relax and enjoy the wonderful scenery and onboard facilities, keeping watch for the first icebergs as you enter scenes from another world.
Day 12-16 Antarctic Peninsula
On arrival in Antarctica the captain and expedition crew will create a unique itinerary to ensure you get the very best from your time in this spectacular environment, based on the local weather and ice conditions. Every cruise is different depending on when in the season you travel. You may see glacier-covered landscapes, witness enormous glaciers calving chunks of ice into the bay, and majestic icebergs of bright blue and green hues.
Throughout the expedition you can experience a varied range of activities, including setting foot on the Antarctic ice sheet and getting up close to penguins, hiking to panoramic vantage points for photographs, Zodiac cruising past massive glaciers and icebergs, and searching for wildlife, from chinstrap and gentoo penguins, to seals, seabirds and humpback whales.
Back on board, the array of activities continues, with the Science Room welcoming guests for deeper discovery, and the onboard photographer is on hand to help you capture the perfect Antarctic shots. Your expedition team will organise presentations to discuss the day’s highlights and brief you on exciting plans for the next day. These gatherings are always fascinating as you share your memories with your fellow travellers and crew, leaving you with stories to last a lifetime.
It's a busy time for the wildlife of Antarctica between November and March. In October and November, penguins court and nest, while December and January are when penguin chicks hatch. February and March offer peak whale-watching opportunities.
Day 17-18 Drake Passage
Feeling enriched with memorable experiences, the captain steers the ship northbound as you head back to civilisation. Enjoy the free time to relax, edit photos, partake in the onboard guest lecture programme and recap your experiences with your newfound friends and crew.
Days 19-21 Buenos Aires - UK
Today you say goodbye to the crew, disembark the ship and fly from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires for your final night. The following day, depart for the UK, arriving on day 21.
Speak to a dedicated Argentina and Antarctica Travel Specialist today
All our itineraries can be tailored to your unique requirements. Enquire about our Discover Patagonia holiday and let us plan your perfect Latin American adventure.
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