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Great Austral Loop 25/26 | L'Austral

Available on 12 Dec 25 departure

10% additional discount applies on the cruise fare only and is only combinable with bonus discount

For new bookings made until 15 Feb 25 

Contact us for the latest availability and pricing.

See Additional T&Cs below

19 Days
From £ 17,334

STYLE: Small Ship Luxury Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACPOAUAL

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina

SHIP: L'Austral

DestinationDestination

Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctica

DestinationDeparture Date

12/12/2025

MealsMeals

Dinner & Breakfast at Hotel, All Meals & Beverage Package Whilst On board the Ship

TransportTransport

Group transfers throughout & return flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia

TransportAccommodation

Hotel & Cabin on board a ship



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Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Daily Antarctica Excursions in location, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team

 

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions 

OVERVIEW

Embark on an unforgettable expedition into the heart of the South Atlantic, where your journey begins amidst the enchanting Falkland Islands. Sei whales gracefully escort your vessel as you navigate through an archipelago of 200 islands, encountering the untamed beauty of white sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and windswept moors adorned with swaying grass. Continuing your voyage, your ship ventures towards the mountainous sanctuary of South Georgia, where Sir Ernest Shackleton once made his remarkable landing during the famed Endurance Odyssey in 1916. Amidst towering glaciers, encounter king penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals inhabiting black-sand beaches framed by majestic peaks unveiling the Scotia Arc. Finally, set foot on the pristine frozen landscapes of Antarctica, a realm of ethereal white hues blanketing icebergs, glaciers, and frozen seas. Become one of the privileged few to witness this legendary land, home to diverse penguin species, seals, whales, and seabirds, accompanying you on an unforgettable expedition into the heart of the White Continent.
 

ITINERARY

Arrive Buenos Aires

Your cruise includes a pre-embarkation night in Buenos Aires. You can check in in the late morning where you will be met at the hotel by our local representative. The rest of the afternoon will be spent at your leisure.

Buenos Aires, Argentina’s elegant, historic and cosmopolitan capital, is known as the “Paris of the South” due to its European atmosphere with glamorous avenues lined with fashionable shops and Parisian-style restaurants and cafes. Located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, Buenos Aires has many fascinating neighbourhoods to explore including the colourful and lively La Boca, home to art galleries and tango shows; San Telmo with its restored mansions and antique stores and Recoleta, the city’s most exclusive area.

Ushuaia - Embarkation

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name is evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible.

At Sea

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the local photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Grave Cove & New Island

Make your way through the turbulent Woolly Gut strait and emerge in the stillness of Grave Cove. Located in the northern edge of the Falkland Islands, this bay owes its name to the vestiges of whalers’ graves that overlook the beach. As you step off the boat and onto the white-sand beach, you might find yourself escorted by a few hospitable Commerson's dolphins, elegantly adorned in black and white. A stroll along the grassy dunes will lead you to a vast plain of lush green grass, tended by a few sheep. On the other side of the island you'll find one of the largest gentoo penguin colonies in the area. With some luck, you'll also glimpse a sea lion scouring the waves for his next meal.

New Island has a distinctive jagged relief is located on the western edge of the Falkland Islands and is home to a tiny village of two families. Step onto the golden sand of its flower-lined beaches, beside which an old stone house still stands, and you'll feel like you've entered a natural paradise. A narrow pathway weaves around typical Falkland moorlands. Follow it and in under 20 minutes you'll find yourself at the heart of a colony of southern rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatross and imperial shags. It's the perfect opportunity to watch the albatross swoop down from the cliffs and skim the waves that crash against the rocks on the exposed side of the island.

At Sea - Day 5 to 7

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the local photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

South Georgia - Day 8 to 10

Aboard your ship, discover South Georgia, a region formed by an underwater mountain chain that extends from the Andes to the Antarctic Peninsula. All the wildlife of the Far South can be found there: king and Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, fur seals… You might get the chance to discover the majestic glaciers of Gold Harbour and the vast plains of Fortuna Bay. If you are fortunate enough to land at Salisbury Plain, you can expect a wonderful spectacle: more than 300,000 king penguins, which you will recognize by the bright orange mark on their head and neck, have taken up residence there.

At Sea - Day 11 & 12

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the local photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Antarctica - Day 13 to 16

Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. Depending on which sites you will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.

Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest zodiac outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.

At Sea - Day 17 & 18

If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.

Disembarkation

After an extensive journey in Antarctica, say your goodbyes to the crew and fellow travelers as you disembark in Ushuaia. From there, you'll be seamlessly transferred to the airport for your onward travels.

Please note: Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

  • Explore the Antarctic peninsula and witness the marvel of huge glaciers, blue ice floes and towering icebergs. 

  • Cruise onboard the premium expedition ship L'Austral. In Antarctica she takes a maximum of 200 guests. Delight in fine dining and room service and relax after a busy day in your well appointed stateroom. 

  • Enjoy the historic Falkland Islands and learn more about the history of expedition pioneers and whaling in this region. 

  • Marvel at a range of wildlife on the island of South Georgia. Here you will find penguin and seal colonies numbering in the tens of thousands. 

Important Information

  • 10% Additional Discount**
    Available on 23 Jan 25 & 10 Dec 25 departures 
    10% additional discount applies on the cruise fare only and is not combinable with other offers or discounts apart from booking bonus
    Advertised price includes booking discount - additional 10% discount to be applied, please contact us for pricing
    For new bookings made until 15 Feb 25 

     

    Prices from the operator are dynamic in nature. They are correct at time of publishing (7 Jan 25) but are subject to change at any time until the time of booking. Please Contact us for the most current availability and up to date cabin pricing. 

    Pricing is subject to change based on currency fluctuation, selected cabin, availability at the time of booking and may be withdrawn or varied at any time without notice.

  • Prices are based on per person, twin share.

    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.

    Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.

  • INCLUSIONS

    Cabin accommodation whilst on board L'Austral
    1-night accommodation in a hotel the night before embarkation
    Arrival Shuttle Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Buenos Aires
    Group Transfer from Hotel to Airport on Day of Embarkation
    Return flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia in economy class
    Group Arrival & Departure Transfers in Ushuaia
    All meals whilst on board
    Open bar (no premium brands)
    Mini bar in your stateroom (Champagne additional fee)
    All scheduled landings and excursions, conditions permitting
    Guiding and lectures by expedition team 
    Complimentary Polar expedition jacket
    Free use of rubber boots for shore excursions
    All port taxes 
    Comprehensive pre and post voyage informational material 
    Free WIFI    

     

    EXCLUSIONS

    Airfares other than specified 
    Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable) 
    Travel Insurance
    Personal expenses such as laundry
    Gratuities for the crew (recommend US$15 per person per day)
    Optional Activities not mentioned in itinerary

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Available upon request, contact us for more details. 

  • Departure date, fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.

FROM PRICE & PROMOTIONAL DETAILS

  • From Price based on 12 Dec 25 Departure - Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3 
  • Includes Booking Bonus of 15% Discount 
  • Pricing is dynamic in nature and subject to change until booking is confirmed
  • Please enquire for solo cabin pricing - single supplements may be waived or discounted on selected voyages
  • Prices last updated 7 Jan 26

Please Contact Us for the latest availability, pricing and details of your preferred voyage. Chimu Adventures are Antarctica experts and we will endeavour to find you the perfect Antarctica expedition cruise to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure!

See detailed promotional T&Cs below

NOTE: Pricing is subject to change, currency fluctuation and availability at the time of booking and may be varied without notice by us or any of the operators and partners we work with. It is only confirmed and guaranteed at the time of making a booking, agreeing to our terms and conditions and paying a deposit.