JOIN US FOR A MEMORABLE TRIP TO SOUTH AMERICA AND ANTARCTICA. STARTING IN CHILE, WE ENJOY THE BEST OF SANTIAGO’S CITY CULTURE AND COASTAL SCENERY, BEFORE HEADING SOUTH TO THE MAJESTIC ANDES MOUNTAINS. THE SCENERY AS YOU CROSS THE MOUNTAINS FROM CHILE TO ARGENTINA IS SPECTACULAR. BARILOCHE IS A PICTURE POSTCARD TOWN SURROUNDED BY MAJESTIC MOUNTAINS AND BEAUTIFUL LAKES. NEXT WE VISIT THE IMPRESSIVE IGUAZU FALLS WITH AN EXTENDED STAY, ALLOWING TIME TO EXPLORE BOTH THE ARGENTINIAN AND BRAZILIAN SIDES OF THE FALLS. WE SPEND SOME TIME IN BUENOS AIRES AND THEN IT IS ONTO THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP, ANTARCTICA . ENJOY YOUR LUXURY 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.

Get Printable PDF Itinerary for this holiday

TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Return economy class airfares between Brisbane to Santiago
• All internal airfares as required within South America
• 1 night accommodation Rydges Airport Hotel, Sydney
• 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 - 28th JANUARY - 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: Rydges Sydney Airport

DAY 2 - 29TH JANUARY - SYDNEY TO SANTIAGO

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before we walk from our hotel to the International Terminal to check in for our flight to Santiago. Upon arrival at Santiago, we will transfer to our hotel by private coach. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore and adjust to the new time zone. This evening we get together for a group dinner.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: The Ritz Carlton

DAY 3 - 30TH JANUARY -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.

Meals: B

Accommodation: The Ritz Carlton

DAY 4 - 31ST JANUARY- SANTIAGO TO PUERTO VARAS

After an early breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Puerto Varas. On arrival to Puerto Varas, you will be transferred by coach to the hotel. On the shores of the glistening Lago Llanquihue lies the city of Puerto Varas of Argentina’s Lake Region. Puerto Varas or “La Ciudad de las Rosas” (the City of Roses) was founded in 1854 by German immigrants and named after political figure Antonio Varas. Tonight we get together for a group dinner.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Hotel Cumbres

DAY 5 - 1ST FEBRUARY - PUERTO VARAS TO SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE

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. Enroute, we pass waterfalls, cross beautiful mountain lakes and enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped volcanoes and mountain scenery. We arrive in Bariloche in the late evening after a long but wonderful day.

Meals: B + L

Accommodation: Alma del Lago Suites & Spa Lakeview room

DAY 6 - 2ND FEBRUARY - SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE

Today we admire Bariloche in its greatest splendour as we drive along the shore of Laek 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 7 - 3RD FEBRUARY -SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE

After breakfast we head out for our full day tour to San Martin 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. Lunch at a local restaurant in San Martin is included as part of our tour.

Meals: B + L

Accommodation: Alma del Lago Suites & Spa Lakeview room

DAY 8 - 4TH FEBRUARY - 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, via Buenos Aires. 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 in Iguazu, you will be transferred to your hotel and your evening is free.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Iguazu Grand Hotel, Resort & Casino

DAY 9 - 5TH FEBRUARY - IGUAZU

Today is a spectacular day spent across the border in Brazil. The Brazilian side of the falls offers the best panoramic view. Take a walk out onto purposebuilt platforms over the river and experience the spray 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 thrilling boat ride close to the base of the falls. We finish with a short helicopter ride showcasing the magnificent view of Iguazu from above. Afterwards it is time to cross back into Argentina and return to our hotel.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Iguazu Grand Hotel, Resort & Casino

DAY 10 - 6TH FEBRUARY - IGUAZU FALLS

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls including the famous Devil’s Throat. Enjoy walking along the many tracks on the Argentine side of the river and observe 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: Iguazu Grand Hotel, Resort & Casino

DAY 11 - 7TH FEBRUARY - IGUAZU 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: Buenos Aires TBA

DAY 12 - 8TH FEBRUARY - 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 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.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: MS Fridtjof Nansen

DAY 12 - 8TH FEBRUARY - 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 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.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: MS Fridtjof Nansen

DAY 13 - 9TH FEBRUARY - 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 experience. Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts speak passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You’ll learn about the Citizen Science projects you can join and how to make your visit as safe and as lowimpact as possible. 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 14 - 10TH FEBRUARY - DRAKE PASSAGE

As we continue across the Drake Passage, the day is at leisure. Ensure you make the most of this time to unwind and relax before we reach our destination.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: MS Fridtjof Nansen

DAY 15-19 - 11 - 15 FEBRUARY - ANTARCTICA

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. Perhaps the most surprising part of Antarctica is the silence. It’s a stillness that is broken every so often by the locals – the wildlife. Whales begin to arrive in greater numbers by December and January. This is also when the first penguin chicks hatch and seeing the clumsy clumps of feathers run around is always a charming sight. February and March offer peak whalewatching opportunities, when large amounts of krill lure them to the area. Here, nature is king, and we are mere observers. Your experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. Rest assured, each day will offer something different and thrilling. You’ll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice cruises and may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs. Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping you to greater understand 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 20 - 16TH FEBRUARY- DRAKE PASSAGE

After five incredible days, you’ll have experienced so much in Antarctica. Your head will likely be filled with a swirling kaleidoscope of special memories and impressions. The next couple of days will be a chance to reflect on your adventure on the seventh continent. As your mind tries to conjure up the magical Antarctic scenery, now could be a good time to sift through your photos and videos to recapture a sense of its magnitude. Why not 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 21 - 17TH FEBRUARY - DRAKE PASSAGE

We continue to cruise back to Ushuaia. You can continue to relax and enjoy the ship’s facilities and share stories and photos of the magical Antarctic scenery.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: MS Fridtjof Nansen

DAY 22 - 18TH FEBRUARY - USHUAIA TO BUENOS AIRES

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 back to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires travel by coach to your hotel. This evening, we will enjoy dinner and a Tango Show.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Madero Hotel

DAY 23 - 19TH FEBRUARY - 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, and upmarket Recolata with a visit to the famous cemetery and the grave of Eva Peron. This evening is at your leisure.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Madero Hotel

DAY 24 - 20TH FEBRUARY - BUENOS AIRES TO SANTIAGO
Today we fly from Buenos Aires to Santiago. On arrival we will be transferred by private coach to our hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to perhaps enjoy the hotel facilities. This evening, we will enjoy a group dinner

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Ritz Carlton

DAY 25 - 21ST FEBRUARY - SANTIAGO

Today we travel 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. We travel on to the historic UNESCO Heritage listed port town of Valparaiso for a short city tour followed by a visit to one of the local vineyards, for which the area is famous.

Meals: B + L

Accommodation: Ritz Carlton

DAY 26 - 22ND FEBRUARY - SANTIAGO TO AUSTRALIA
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. Due to crossing the international dateline on the journey home, our arrival into Australia will be the next day.

Meals: B

DAY 27 - 23RD FEBRUARY -ARRIVE AUSTRALIA

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.