Summary
Short description
Fly the Drake Passage to take in the wilds of Antarctica in utmost comfort
Highlights
- Explore Antarctica aboard a luxury expedition ship
- Fly across the Drake Passage, maximising both time and comfort
- Seek out Antarctica's unique wildlife, from breaching whales to huge colonies of penguins and seals
- Experience all the luxuries of a Silversea cruise
- Enjoy a pre- and post-cruise stay in Punta Arenas
In Brief
- 1 Night Punta Arenas
- 1 Night King George Island
- 5 Nights Antarctica
- 1 Night Punta Arenas
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Expedition cruise
There's no getting away from it, Antarctica is remote. Flung out at the Earth's very southern tip, the closest accessible departure point is Ushuaia in Argentina, more than 1,000 kilometres away. And, even then, what lies between you and the White Continent is one of the most challenging stretches of ocean anywhere in the world – the Drake Passage. But, while cruise ships have long sailed these waters, now there's the chance to give your sea legs a rest with an exclusive flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, from where the wildlife and wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula are within easy reach. This itinerary, with Antarctica specialists Silversea, includes just such a service, as you relax in the comforts of business class before boarding expedition ship Silver Explorer for six unforgettable days of expert-led exploration.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Punta Arenas
Having made the most of your complimentary UK airport lounge access, you'll board an overnight flight to Punta Arenas in Chile.
Day
2
Punta Arenas
Located in the heart of Chilean Patagonia on the shores of the Strait of Magellan, sprawling Punta Arenas pairs modern malls with wool-boom mansions and a bustling port-city atmosphere. On arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel before enjoying a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. This evening, you'll be treated to the first of your included dinner, so perhaps take the chance to meet some of your fellow adventurers who'll be joining you on your journey south.
Stay: Hotel Cabo de Hornos (Superior)
Meals: D
Day
3
Fly to King George Island
Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for your exclusive business class flight to the King George island. Soaring over the infamous Drake Passage, you'll get your first taste of the drama that awaits as you look down on the ice-berg dotted waters. Once you've landed, it's then just a short transfer to your waiting ice-class ship – Silver Explorer. Refurbished in 2018 and carrying up to just 144 guests and with 118 crew, it's one of the most intimate and luxurious ways to explore this unique destination. On board, you'll find a spa, fitness centre and beauty salon, several observation lounges and two superb dining venues. Then, in your butler-served suite, the likes of marbled bathrooms and pillow menus will ensure a wonderfully comfortable voyage. We recommend upgrading to a Veranda Suite for the best views.
Stay: Silver Explorer (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Days
4-8
Antarctic Peninsula
Over five action-packed days, you'll join Silver Explorer's expedition team as you strike out into the wilds of the Antarctic Peninsula, making the most of the ship's fleet of 12 Zodiacs to go in search of whales and seabirds and even step ashore for up-close encounters with seals and penguins. And, with your ship's strengthened hull, you'll push through ice floes with ease, reaching remote locations where your guides will impart their knowledge of the region. It all continues back on board, with expert lectures on geography, geology, wildlife and even the continent's human intrigue, from the explorers of yesteryear to the vital work of today's ground-breaking scientific research stations.
Stay: Silver Explorer (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
9
King George Island/Punta Arenas
As your Antarctic adventure comes to an end, it's time to disembark on King George Island, where you'll board a flight for the return journey across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas where you'll spend the night.
Stay: Hotel Cabo de Hornos (Superior)
Meals: B L D
Days
10-11
Depart for UK
Transfer to the airport this morning for your overnight flight home.
Meals: B
Map
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Meet the team
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Traversing Drake’s eponymous passage is a must for any would-be explorer. Begin and end your expedition at the “world’s end”, Ushuaia, and sail around the southernmost continent among towering icebergs and floating glaciers.
Explore Earth’s frozen frontier, sailing in style past sculpted icebergs, calving glaciers and spectacular wildlife to one of the world's last great wildernesses – Antarctica.
