Discovering the 7th Continent

Antarctic Explorer:

Discovering the 7th Continent

Nov - Mar

From £10,850pp

Cruise & Stay

14 Nights

Shore Excursions Quark Expeditions Antarctica

Journey to Antarctica from Buenos Aires to pristine penguin colonies, glaciers and extraordinary wildlife encounters

Embark on an unforgettable Antarctic expedition from Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, crossing the legendary Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Travel aboard the ice-strengthened Ocean Explorer from Quark Expeditions, witnessing pristine glaciers, bustling penguin colonies, and whales and seals in their natural habitat. Enhance your adventure with expert-led presentations on wildlife, history, and glaciology, and Zodiac or kayaking excursions for an immersive polar experience.

Itinerary highlights

9-night Antarctic expedition aboard the Ocean Explorer from Quark Expeditions.

Witness Antarctica’s untouched wilderness, from glaciated bays to pristine landing sites.

Photograph penguins, seals, and whales framed by towering glaciers.

Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula by Zodiac or on foot.

Learn from onboard polar experts with talks on wildlife, history, and glaciology.

Pre- and post-cruise stay in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, soaking in local culture and scenery.

Journey to Antarctica from Buenos Aires to pristine penguin colonies, glaciers and extraordinary wildlife encounters

Itinerary highlights

9-night Antarctic expedition aboard the Ocean Explorer from Quark Expeditions.

Witness Antarctica’s untouched wilderness, from glaciated bays to pristine landing sites.

Photograph penguins, seals, and whales framed by towering glaciers.

Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula by Zodiac or on foot.

Learn from onboard polar experts with talks on wildlife, history, and glaciology.

Pre- and post-cruise stay in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, soaking in local culture and scenery.

Day 1

Journey begins

Your journey begins as you board your flight to Buenos Aires, the gateway to Antarctica. Excitement grows with each mile, as thoughts of icy landscapes, towering glaciers and remote wildlife fill your mind. Today is about settling into the rhythm of travel, watching the skies change from city lights to endless horizons, and feeling the first spark of adventure that will guide you to the southernmost reaches of the world.

Day 2

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive in Buenos Aires and receive a warm welcome from your guide, followed by a private transfer to your hotel. Take the afternoon at leisure to rest and soak in the city’s energy, preparing for the extraordinary Antarctic journey that awaits.

Day 3

Ushuaia, Argentina

Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and enjoy a transfer to your hotel for a pre-cruise stay. Nestled between snow-capped peaks and the Beagle Channel, this bustling port town feels both remote and alive. Wander along streets lined with colourful buildings, admire the mountains looming above, or pause at a local café to savour handcrafted chocolate. The crisp Patagonian air hints at the icy landscapes ahead, while the town’s warmth and charm make it the perfect introduction to your Antarctic adventure.

Day 4

Embarkation

This afternoon, board your expedition vessel and feel the thrill of setting sail. As the ship glides through the Beagle Channel, turquoise waters wind between rugged peaks of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Wildlife may peek from the shoreline, and the crisp southern air fills your lungs. A quiet excitement builds on deck, for once you leave Ushuaia behind, the next land you see will be Antarctica itself. The historic channel fades into the horizon, and the adventure of the world’s southernmost continent begins.

Day 5-6

Drake Passage

Crossing the legendary Drake Passage, the ship becomes your moving sanctuary amid endless waves. Spend your days attending talks by the Expedition Team on wildlife, glaciology, history, and photography, deepening your understanding of Antarctica. In between presentations, spend time on deck to watch seabirds wheel overhead and spot whales breaking the ocean’s surface, or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.

Day 7-10

South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Reaching Antarctica evokes awe like no other place on Earth. Each day brings unique discoveries, from glaciated bays and pristine landing sites to research stations tucked among snow and ice. Zodiac excursions reveal penguin colonies bustling with Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins, while seals lounge on ice and whales’ surface nearby. The crack of a calving glacier and the chatter of birds punctuate the serene silence. Every excursion is different, carefully guided by the Expedition Team, leaving you with unforgettable encounters and a deep appreciation for this untouched, extraordinary wilderness.

Day 11-12

Drake Passage

As the ship retraces its path across the Drake Passage, take a final deep breath of crisp Antarctic air. Time on deck offers chances to look for wildlife. The Expedition Team’s presentations reflect on your discoveries, sharing insights into wildlife, glaciers, and Antarctic history. Evenings are for quiet reflection or celebrating the moments that made the continent unforgettable. The endless horizon and rolling waves provide a gentle reminder of the vast, remote world you have just explored.

Day 13

Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and take a private transfer to the airport. Fly back to Buenos Aires, reflecting on your extraordinary Antarctic journey. The city welcomes you for a final night, offering a gentle transition from the icy wilderness to familiar comforts before your journey home.

Day 14

Depart Buenos Aires

After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to the airport for your return flight. As you leave Argentina, reflect on the incredible landscapes, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable moments of your Antarctic expedition that will stay with you long after you return home.

Day 15

Arrive home

What's Included

International return flights from the UK (upgrade options available)
Domestic flights
Seamless ground transfers
Expert-led shore excursions and onboard lecture programme
Zodiac transfers, cruising, and shore landings as indicated
Onboard snacks and selected beverages
Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard and at hotels
Taxes, fees, and port expenses

Dates & Pricing

Prices are per person, based on two sharing.

10 Nov '26 - 24 Nov '26 from £12,100 pp

19 Nov '26 - 3 Dec '26 from £11,920 pp

28 Nov '26 - 12 Dec '26 from £12,040 pp

7 Dec '26 - 21 Dec '26 from £12,600 pp

16 Dec '26 - 30 Dec '26 from £13,040 pp

25 Dec '26 - 8 Jan '27 from £13,040 pp

3 Jan '27 - 17 Jan '27 from £12,030 pp

26 Feb '27 - 12 Mar '27 from £12,220 pp

7 Mar '27 - 21 Mar '27 from £10,850 pp

10 Nov '27 - 24 Nov '27 from £11,550 pp

19 Nov '27 - 3 Dec '27 from £11,550 pp

28 Nov '27 - 12 Dec '27 from £11,550 pp

7 Dec '27 - 21 Dec '27 from £11,550 pp

What's Included

International return flights from the UK (upgrade options available)
Domestic flights
Seamless ground transfers
Expert-led shore excursions and onboard lecture programme
Zodiac transfers, cruising, and shore landings as indicated
Onboard snacks and selected beverages
Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard and at hotels
Taxes, fees, and port expenses

Dates & Pricing

Prices are per person, based on two sharing.

10 Nov '26 - 24 Nov '26 from £12,100 pp

19 Nov '26 - 3 Dec '26 from £11,920 pp

28 Nov '26 - 12 Dec '26 from £12,040 pp

7 Dec '26 - 21 Dec '26 from £12,600 pp

16 Dec '26 - 30 Dec '26 from £13,040 pp

25 Dec '26 - 8 Jan '27 from £13,040 pp

3 Jan '27 - 17 Jan '27 from £12,030 pp

26 Feb '27 - 12 Mar '27 from £12,220 pp

7 Mar '27 - 21 Mar '27 from £10,850 pp

10 Nov '27 - 24 Nov '27 from £11,550 pp

19 Nov '27 - 3 Dec '27 from £11,550 pp

28 Nov '27 - 12 Dec '27 from £11,550 pp

7 Dec '27 - 21 Dec '27 from £11,550 pp

Bespoke Excursions

Extend your journey with our bespoke excursions, personalized adventures crafted just for you. Discover hidden gems, immerse in local culture, and enjoy exclusive experiences tailored to your interests. Turn your trip into an unforgettable, one of a kind journey.

The Art of Tango

5 Days / 4 Nights

From £1,450

Discover the vibrant rhythm of Buenos Aires on this five-day journey through the world’s tango capital. Begin with a warm welcome and a guided tour of the southern districts, exploring the Casa Rosada, Plaza de Mayo, and the colourful streets of La Boca and San Telmo. In the evening, take part in a tango lesson before enjoying a spectacular dinner and live tango show at La Ventana, one of the city’s most authentic venues. Continue to explore elegant Recoleta and its famous cemetery, the chic parks and boulevards of Palermo, and the trendy cafés and boutiques of Palermo Soho. Experience the city like a true porteño at a local milonga, where locals gather to dance, listen to live orchestras, and celebrate the true spirit of tango. Your cultural exploration continues with a visit to two architectural icons—the magnificent Teatro Colón, one of the world’s premier opera houses, and the beautifully restored El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore. Private tango lessons with expert instructors complete this immersion into Argentina’s most passionate art form.

Curate your exclusive expedition

Let’s get started. Share your details below and your personal Expedition Expert will be in touch to design your dream adventure.

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Speak to one of our team

+44 (0)808 164 4210

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Every journey I plan starts with a conversation. Tell me what excites you, what you've always dreamed of experiencing, and I'll craft something extraordinary. The best expeditions begin with a single question: What would make this unforgettable for you?

Ashley | Expedition Planner

Discovering the 7th Continent

Antarctic Explorer: