Indulge in the excitement of a custom-tailored Antarctica tour as you travel deep into the Polar Circle and along the Antarctic Peninsula for a contemporary exploration of a beloved destination. Cruise among ice floes in search of whale pods and seal colonies, and then visit with different species of penguins as they roam alongside the icy waters. Learn about the many ecosystems of the frozen landscape as you observe captivating wildlife and discover historic research stations in hidden huts and...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Port Stanley – Travel from Punta Arenas, Chile to the Falkland Islands
The journey towards the Arctic Circle begins with your arrival at Stanley, the capital of East Falkland of the Falkland Islands. The island was once known as Port Stanley and was founded in the mid-19th century, and offered a port of call to ships coming through the Straits of Magellan before the construction of the Panama Canal. The harbor continued to provide support for whaling and sealing boats en route to the Arctic Circle. The connection to the United Kingdom is apparent in the form of iconic red phone booths and the aroma of freshly fried fish and chips emanating from the bustling shops. Your private transfer will greet you at Stanley Airport and escort you to the comforts of your luxury hotel located near the shoreline of the island spanning 2,550 square miles.
The islands provide a haven for penguin, seal, and albatross populations. The majority of the island population consists of native-born residents who can trace their ancestry back more than six generations. The waves lap against the rocky shoreline of East Falkland and fill the air with a briny mist as the cathedral on Ross Road was erected in the late 19th century and maintains a distinctive arch made from whalebone. You will have the chance to visit the Falkland Islands Museum, which contains artifacts about the everyday life of locals along with specimens of natural history and collection of shipwrecks that took place close to the archipelago.
What's Included:
Day 2
Drake Passage – Venture across the Infamous Passage to Reach the Arctic
Day 3
Drake Passage – Experience Captivating Lectures and Historic Island Shores
Day 4
Penguin Island – Reach the South Shetland Islands to Find the Avifauna
Day 5
Cuverville Island – Search for a Penguin Colony During a Kayak Excursion
Day 6
Winter Island – Navigate through Crystal Sound to Discover Winter Island
Day 7
Petermann Island – Visit an Adelie Penguin Rookery and Cormorant Nests
Day 8
Pleneau Island – Traverse the Iceberg Graveyard and Lemaire Channel
Day 9
Paradise Harbor – Venture to Paradise Harbor to Hike Wander the Terrain
Day 10
Deception Island – Bask in Thermal Baths and Geothermal Activity
Day 11
Punta Arenas – Visit the King George Research Stations and Fly to Chile
Day 12
Punta Arenas – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Kayak on a channel laden with icebergs, passing the massive chunks of glacier for a close perspective on size, history, texture, and color
- Spend an evening camping in the snowy scenery near the Wordie House on Winter Island
- Discover Adelie and Gentoo penguin colonies on several islands found across the South Shetland Archipelago and around the Antarctic Peninsula
- Travel the waters of narrow channels and reach secluded pebbled coastlines on zodiac expeditions bound for island and continental beaches
- Search for a humpback, minke, and southern right whales, along with Weddell, leopard, and elephant seals while cruising the Southern Ocean and Antarctic channels
- Visit a number of international research stations on King George Island before boarding your flight over the Southern Ocean to Chile
- Bask in the unique comforts of thermal baths on a trip to the Antarctic shores of Deception Island, a volcanic landmass with a navigable caldera
- Take in the memorable and historical British culture, cuisine, and history at Stanley, the capital of East Falkland Island
Detailed Description
The marine habitat on the Southern Ocean will meet the icy environments of the Antarctic islands and the continental shores during your 12-day custom trip to Antarctica. Journey across isolated channels that are filled with icebergs and over the rolling snow dunes that offer fascinating views of the Seventh Continent. Your magnificent journey will begin with your arrival at Port Stanley, the capital of East Falkland on the Falkland Islands. Your private transfer will escort you from the airport to your luxurious hotel with a view of the coastline that looks towards the cold waters at the southern edge of the Atlantic.
Enjoy an introduction to your forthcoming cruise to Antarctica before having the remainder of the day at leisure to visit the museums, wander around the British ambiance of the town, or relax in the comforts of your hotel. The next day, you will travel south on board your luxurious cruise ship as you venture through the infamous waters of the Drake Passage. Listen to engaging lectures from experts in the fields of geography, biology, navigation, weather, and history, or search the sky for circling Antarctica avifauna. Reach the South Shetland archipelago at Penguin Island to discover your first penguin colony. Ride zodiac boats between your ship and the shore to wander the pebbled beaches and enjoy the surprisingly diverse landscapes of islands, such as Cuverville and Winter Island. Enjoy a kayak expedition as you travel between the narrow straits that separate the staggering icebergs.
Enjoy a half-day journey to Wordie House on Winter Island before partaking in an overnight camping trip on the enchanting snowy tundra. Stroll near the Adelie penguin rookery at Petermann Island, and then wander in search of elephant seals at Paradise Harbor before finding thermal pools at Deception Island with temperatures reaching up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Meet with researchers and families living in the large complexes connected to various countries on King George Island and then board a Bae 146-200 for your flight from Eduardo Frei Montalva Station to Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport in Punta Arenas, Chile.
For the best Antarctica travel ideas, explore additional Antarctica cruises and trips available on Zicasso.
Starting Price
$15,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.84 stars based on 572 reviews.
I have already mentioned Zicasso to many others for planning their future trips.
Reviewed By Mark L.
Zicasso's travel company and our agent were a pleasure work with. We adapted an itinerary to our interests and created a special private tour for ourselves. When we had a pharmacy need, they went out of their way to help us locate our medicines. Our guides were wonderful! I would recommend our tour company for future travel!
Reviewed By Katrina D.
We just returned from a spectacular three-week journey through South America (Peru, Chile, and Argentina) and, once again, Zicasso, along with our trip planner, delivered an unforgettable experience. This was our second time using Zicasso and it’s clear why we keep coming back.
From the very beginning, our trip planner was a true partner in planning. He listened closely to our interests, helped shape an itinerary that perfectly balanced adventure, culture, and relaxation, and offered thoughtful insights that only someone deeply familiar with the region could provide. His attention to detail in the pre-trip phase was impeccable. We felt fully prepared and taken care of before we even left home.
Once on the ground, everything ran like clockwork. The in-country communication was seamless. Our agent and his team were always just a message away and incredibly responsive. Every driver was prompt, professional, and personable. The tours were consistently outstanding, with guides who were knowledgeable, passionate, and genuinely engaging. The accommodations were beautiful, comfortable, and perfectly situated, offering unique charm and excellent service at every stop.
It’s not easy to plan a multi-country trip with so many moving parts, but Zicasso and our agent made it look effortless. We came away with lifelong memories and we’re already dreaming about our next adventure. Zicasso continues to exceed our expectations and we wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.
Reviewed By Devon R.
We had a great time on our trip to Chile. The itinerary the Zicasso trip planner suggested was wonderful. We especially enjoyed staying at the lodges in Rapa Nui and Torres del Paine. The level of service and all of their guides were great.
All of the arrangements the trip planner made for us were on time, dependable, efficient, and enjoyable. Everything went as planned.
Reviewed By Daniel K.
Zicasso travel agents surpassed all expectations. They were responsive, dedicated professionals. From initial planning to the actual implementation, they were there every minute. This was the most worry-free three-week trip I have ever done. The itinerary and planning suggestions were spot-on, which meant there was very little help required. However, when there was, it was immediate. Using this travel agency has changed the way I will travel in the future. Using experts can make travel almost stress-free. Thank you.
Reviewed By John M.
We just returned from our two-week trip to Chile, planned for my 60th birthday. My boyfriend and I had the most spectacular trip! Zicasso's travel company put together an amazing itinerary, designed to meet all our requirements for experiences, logistics, uniqueness, and our desired activities. From my first call with the travel specialist, I felt the responsiveness, personalization, and high level of service his company provided. I couldn’t have asked for anything more in a travel partner.
We had three stops – a winery in the Colchagua Valley, a boutique hotel in the Patagonia Lakes region, and a lodge in southern Patagonia, near Torres del Paine National Park. The recommendations on lodging were so perfect. Each was intimate, with such a high level of service and uniqueness. We loved that they were all inclusive, with meals and excursions included. This allowed us to adjust our plans day to day, based upon weather and how we were feeling. The travel specialist also made arrangements to make sure I had a very special birthday celebration, which was absolutely wonderful.
Reviewed By Linda N.