Join us for a memorable tour to South America and Antarctica. Our experience starts in the Chilean Lakes District town of Puerto Varas. Experience spectacular scenery as you cross the Andes Mountains from Chile to Argentina, to the picture-postcard town of Bariloche. Enjoy an extended stay at the impressive Iguazu Falls, allowing time to explore both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. We spend some time in Buenos Aires and then it is onto the highlight of the tour, Antarctica. Enjoy your expedition cruise from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula. Experience scenic Zodiac cruising in search of wildlife and shore landings at different sites around the peninsula. Our tour finishes with three nights in Santiago, including a tour to the UNESCO Heritage-listed port town of Valparaiso.

Get Printable PDF Itinerary for this holiday

TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Return economy class airfares between Brisbane to Santiago
• Internal economy class airfares within South America as per the itinerary
• 1 night accommodation at a Sydney airport hotel
• 10 nights onboard Hurtigruten MS Fridtjof Nansen to Antarctica
• 14 nights 4-5 star accommodation within South America
• Local English-speaking guide throughout the tour
• Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
• Meals as specified in the itinerary • Gratuities, tips and porterage
• All visa costs for Australia passport holders
• Hosted by an experienced Travel Associates Advisor

DAY 1 - BRISBANE TO SYDNEY

This afternoon we will meet at the Brisbane Domestic Airport for the start of our Hosted Holiday to South America and Antarctica. We stay tonight at the airport hotel in Sydney. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers at our welcome dinner at the hotel.

Meals: D

Accommodation: Sydney Airport Hotel (to be advised)

DAY 2 - SYDNEY TO PUERTO VARAS

This morning, we fly from Sydney to Santiago, and onto Puerto Montt. On arrival, you will be transferred by coach to the hotel at Puerto Varas. Located on the shores of the glistening Lago Llanquihue, Puerto Varas or “La Ciudad de las Rosas” (the City of Roses) was founded in 1854 by German immigrants. With views of snow-capped volcanoes and the magnificent Andes Mountain range, Puerto Varas is a scenic starting point for our adventures ahead. The rest of today is at leisure as we recover from the long travel day.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Hotel Cumbres

DAY 3 - PUERTO VARAS
Today we start our sightseeing with a half day tour of the Chilean Lakes District. Travelling along the shores of Lake Llanquihue, we head north to Frutillar. This is a beautiful village that recalls the old Bavaria, a reference to the first settlers from the mid 1800’s, with old houses of German style and extensive gardens. The towns pedestrian pier offers great views across the lake to the surrounding volcanoes of Osorno and Puntiagudo. This evening, we come together for a group dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Hotel Cumbres

DAY 4 - PUERTO VARAS TO SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE (LAKES CROSSING)
Today we hope for clear skies as we cross the mighty Andes into Argentina on our full day Lakes Crossing trip. A combination of four scenic bus rides and three ferry trips fills our day and takes us to Bariloche. En route we pass waterfalls, cross beautiful mountain lakes and enjoy stunning views of the snow capped volcanoes and mountain scenery. We arrive into Bariloche in the late evening after a long but wonderful day.

Meals: B + L

Accommodation: Alma del Lago Suites & Spa Lakeview room

DAY 5 - SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE
Today we admire Bariloche in its greatest splendor, as we drive along the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi. We take the chairlift to the summit of Mount Campanario for one of the most beautiful views over the lakes and downtown Bariloche. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy Bariloche. Maybe try some of the local chocolate the town is famous for. This evening we have a group dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Alma del Lago Suites & Spa Lakeview room

DAY 6 - SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE
After breakfast we head out for our full day tour to San Martín de los Andes, a picturesque town overlooking Lake Lacar in the Lanin National Park region. To get there we take the Route of the Seven Lakes, one of the most beautiful drives in Argentina. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the lakes and mountains. We enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant in San Martin as part of our tour

Meals: B + L

Accommodation: Alma del Lago Suites & Spa Lakeview room

DAY 7 - SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE TO IGUAZU FALLS
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we are transferred by coach to the airport for our flight to Puerto Iguazu. Puerto Iguazu is only 18 kilometres from the world famous Iguazu Falls. Iguazu Falls is the spectacular semicircular cascading waterfalls bordering the countries of Argentina and Brazil. It is nearly three times wider and two times taller than North America’s Niagara Falls with a diameter of approximately 2,700 metres and plunges from 64 metres in height. Upon arrival to Iguazu you will be transferred to your hotel and your evening is free.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Iguazu Grand Hotel, Resort & Casino

DAY 8 - IGUAZU
Today is a spectacular day spent across the border in Brazil. The Brazilian side of the falls offers the best panoramic view of the falls, all from within a tropical rainforest reserve. Be prepared to get wet as you follow the walking tracks close to the base of the falls. We include the Macuco Safari navigation tour, a combination of a National Park tour by electric vehicle, a guided rainforest walk and a thrilling boat ride close to the base of the falls. Then we finish with a short helicopter ride for the magnificent views of the falls from above, before it is time to cross back into Argentina and return to our hotel.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Iguazu Grand Hotel, Resort & Casino

DAY 9 - IGUAZU
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of the Argentine side of the Iguazu Falls including the famous Devil’s Throat. Enjoy walking along the many tracks on the Argentine side of the river and observing the falls from platforms that bring you extremely close to the water. There are three main walking trails, each offering a unique perspective of the thundering waterfalls.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Hilton Buenos Aires or similar

DAY 10 - 3rd February - IGUAZU FALLS TO BUENOS AIRES
This morning we say goodbye to Iguazu as we fly to the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. This afternoon enjoy some free time in Buenos Aires before we get together tonight for a group dinner at a local Argentinean Steakhouse.

Meals: B+ D

Accommodation: Hilton Buenos Aires or similar

DAY 11 - BUENOS AIRES
Our day begins with a city tour of Buenos Aires. From the downtown area and the iconic Obelisk and the Avenida 9 de Julio, we explore the local neighbourhoods like La Boca where they tango in the street to the upmarket Recolata and a visit to the famous cemetery with the grave of Eva Peron. In the evening, discover the beauty and passion of Argentine culture at a traditional tango show and dinner

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Hilton Buenos Aires or similar

DAY 12 - BUENOS AIRES
Enjoy a day at leisure in Buenos Aires to relax and refresh as you prepare for the highlight of this tour, your Antarctica cruise on the luxurious Hurtigruten MS Fridtjof Nansen. If you prefer to keep busy, book an optional tour to the Tigre Delta or out to a classic Gaucho Ranch or maybe a private tango lesson.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Hilton Buenos Aires or similar

DAY 13 - BUENOS AIRES TO USHUAIA
Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where you’ll meet the Hurtigruten hybrid-powered expedition ship, specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters. The bustling port is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s most southernmost city. After we board the ship, you will have a briefing from your Expedition Team, then you’ll have time to locate your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board before we set sail this evening

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: MS Fridtjof Nansen

DAY 14 + 15 - DRAKE PASSAGE
Today we begin the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage. Over these days the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your polar expedition. Visit the onboard Science Centre and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You will learn how to make your visit as safe and as low impact as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join. There is plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine, and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: MS Fridtjof Nansen

DAY 16-20 - ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder. Over five magical days, you will explore this beautifully remote part of the world. Having no set itinerary, but flexibility around weather and ice conditions, ensures you see the best of the Antarctic Peninsula. Your experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. Each day will offer something different and thrilling. The expedition team will organise daily landings to walk to a stunning viewpoint or to see the local penguin colony, zodiac cruises amongst the floating ice exploring the wildlife rich waters or a visit to a research station. February is arguably the peak wildlife viewing time in Antarctica. The migratory whale pods have all arrived, lured by the large amounts of krill in the area. Hungry penguin chicks are chasing their parents for food and learning to swim. Leopard seals are on the hunt for an easy meal. Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping you grow in your insights of the frozen continent. Over five magical days, you’ll experience this amazing world in a way that will stay with you for a lifetime

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: MS Fridtjof Nansen

DAY 21 & 22 - DRAKE PASSAGE
After five incredible days exploring the peninsula, enjoy your time at sea and a chance to reflect on the experience of visiting the seventh continent. Spend the time sorting through your photos, listening to more expect lectures from the expedition team or take the chance to unwind in the sauna, or enjoy a few relaxing spa treatments in the wellness area.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: MS Fridtjof Nansen

DAY 23 - USHUAIA TO SANTIAGO
Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province. Upon disembarkation you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Buenos AIres and on to Santiago. Upon arrival at Santiago transfer to our hotel for the next three nights. This evening is at your leisure.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: The Ritz Carlton

DAY 24 - 17th February - SANTIAGO
Today we head out of the city towards the coast. We will visit the elegant and sophisticated city of Vina Del Mar, known for its beaches, coastal scenery and gardens. Then it is onto the historic UNESCO Heritage listed port town of Valparaiso for a short city tour. We then visit one of the local vineyards for which this area is famous, enjoying some tastings and a beautiful lunch before heading back to Santaigo in the late afternoon.

Meals: B + L

Accommodation: The Ritz Carlton

DAY 25 - SANTIAGO
After breakfast, we begin our city tour of Santiago with a visit to the old town and its highlights, such as Plaza de Armas, and the Cathedral. Then we will visit the civic neighbourhood, with the ministerial buildings and the presidential palace of “La Moneda”. Later enjoy a panoramic view from one of the hills of the city. The remainder of your day is free for you to explore further on your own, before we get together this evening for our farewell group dinner

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: The Ritz Carlton

DAY 26 - SANTIAGO TO SYDNEY
Our adventures come to an end and we bid farewell to South America. You will be transferred to Santiago airport by coach for your flight back to Australia. As we cross the international dateline on the journey home arrival back into Australia will be the next day.

Meals: B

DAY 27 - SYDNEY TO BRISBANE
Today our Hosted Holiday ends. On arrival back into Brisbane, farewell your new friends and tour host as you head home after an amazing trip to Antarctica and South America