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Antarctica Discovery with Silversea

15-day expedition cruise holiday from £12,700 pp incl. flights

Save up to £1,300 pp

Summary

Short description

Follow in the path of the world's greatest explorers on this journey to the edge of the world

British Airways Sale

The British Airways Sale is now on, The British Airways Sale is now on, with Club World and Club Europe savings to a wide range of destinations. Book by 19 March 2024.

Highlights

  • Explore Antarctica onboard an all-inclusive luxury ship from Silversea
  • Sail past cathedral-sized icebergs and giant glaciers
  • Get closer than ever to the frozen wilds with daily excursions on one of 18 Zodiac boats
  • Spot penguins, seals, and incredible birdlife
  • Learn about the region through a host of lectures and seminars from the expert expeditions team

In Brief

  • 1 Night Santiago
  • 1 Night Puerto Williams
  • 2 Nights Drake Passage
  • 1 Night Antarctic Sound
  • 3 Nights Antarctic Peninsula
  • 1 Night South Shetland Islands
  • 1 Night Drake Passage
  • 1 Night Puerto Williams
  • 1 Night Santiago

About

Recommended for:
Bucket-list holidays | December holidays | Expedition cruise | February holidays | Ocean cruise | Off the beaten track | Wildlife | Winter

This is the ultimate introduction to Antarctica as you set sail from Chilean Patagonia to sail in style around the world’s southernmost continent, spotting rare wildlife amid the ice. Following in the footsteps of some of the greatest explorers, you’ll set off on excursions to visit penguin colonies, view the caldera of an active volcano, and paddle kayaks among blue-hued glaciers. In between, you’ll enjoy all the world-class facilities and five-star comfort of your Silversea ship., combing the best of luxury cruising with the excitement of expedition touring at the end of the Earth.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1
UK to Santiago, Chile

Enjoy VIP lounge access at the airport before departing on your flight to Santiago, Chile, arriving the following day.

Day 2
Santiago, Chile

On arrival into Chile you will be taken to your hotel for rest and relaxation ahead of your Antarctic adventure. Santiago, Chile's capital, sits nestled between the snowy peaks of the Andes and the rugged Chilean Coast Range. If you have the chance to explore the streets of this dynamic city, head downtown to soak up the atmosphere. Plaza de Armas, flanked by impressive buildings, is a hub of daily activity. There are museums aplenty, and a maze of local markets selling everything from street food to antiques. Everything comes alive at night time, when restaurants and bars serve patrons till the early hours in some of the hippest corners of Santiago.

Stay: Santiago Hotel tbc

Day 3
Santiago to Puerto Williams

After breakfast, you'll take your included shared transfer to the airport for a charter flight to Ushuaia, where you will be transferred to the port to embark Silver Cloud or Silver Wind. This lively resort is the last glimpse of true civilisation before you head out in to the wilds, often referred to as the 'End of the World'. Against a backdrop of towering mountains and leading down to the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is the perfect place to set off on your expedition cruise. On board, you'll have time before dinner to settle into your bright, airy suite complete with picture windows framing ocean views and private butler service.

Stay: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind or Silver Endeavour

Meals: B D

Days 4-5
At Sea

You'll spend a few days at sea, passing through the Drake Passage, a 600-mile wide expanse that marks the convergence of the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern Oceans, and a sight that few will ever see in person. As you sail, you'll watch Ushuaia fade slowly into the horizon, and as you head closer to Antarctica, giant icebergs rise from the ocean in spectacular form. This is also an excellent area for whale-watching and pelagic birding. Look for soaring albatrosses and Southern Giant Petrels, as well as Cape Petrels, prions and storm-petrels. If you're lucky, you might even spot a pod of humpback whales or dolphins. Throughout each day, take advantage of the incredible amenities onboard, including multiple restaurants, a jacuzzi deck and the Explorer Lounge, where you can attend seminars and lectures from expert guides.

Stay: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind or Silver Endeavour


Meals: B L D

Day 6
Antarctic Sound

The Antarctic Sound will be your first real encounter with the Antarctic Peninsula. This stretch of water, named after the first ship to have passed through in 1902, is punctuated by tabular iceberg slabs that have broken away from the diminishing Larsen Ice Shelf. Depending on conditions, Zodiac cruises and landings are often possible, bringing you amongst one of Antartica's most incredible sights. Gentoo Penguins breed here, along with Kelp Gulls, Cape Petrels, Snow Petrels and Skuas. You'll want to brush up on your photography skills in advance, to capture the true majesty of this otherworldly seascape.

Stay: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind or Silver Endeavour

Meals: B L D

Days 7-9
Antarctic Peninsula

You will explore the Antarctic Peninsula over the next few days mostly via Zodiac cruises - Silver Cloud has 18 of these expedition boats onboard. All excursions will be expertly planned by your Captain and Expedition Leader according to weather and ice conditions. You'll also have the opportunity to kayak in a small group under the guidance of certified kayak instructors. These special excursions are a chance to truly appreciate the wilds of Antarctica, paddling past cathedral-sized icebergs and snow-covered landforms in peaceful silence. This vast peninsula is dotted with research stations and thriving colonies of Antarctic wildlife; keep an eye out for seals and adorable Adelie penguins.

Stay: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind or Silver Endeavour

Meals: B L D

Day 10
South Shetland Islands

Several landing sites and the remains of old whaling stations can be found in the South Shetland Islands. 75 miles north of the Antarctic Peninsula, these islands hold sixteen research stations run by Argentina, the US, Chile, Spain and several other countries. Sites for your activities will be selected by Silver Cloud's crew based on weather and ice conditions. In Pendulum Cove, geothermally-heated waters are warm enough for a dip. Visit Elephant Island, site of Ernest Shackleton and the Endurance crew's miraculous 1916 survival through the harshest of Antarctic winters, and Deception Island, caldera of an active volcano. And this is a wonderful place to watch wildlife; crowds of penguins inhabit this region, along with large, oceangoing elephant seals.

Stay: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind or Silver Endeavour

Meals: B L D

Day 11
At Sea

Over the last two days at sea, you'll sail back through the legendary Drake Passage, passing yet more icebergs and glaciers as you make your way towards civilisation. The converging cool and warm currents attract a range of marine life to these waters, so have your camera at the ready to snap some final photos. And, if you haven't already, visit your ship's Boutique for some high-end shopping, or indulge in a relaxing treatment at the spa.

Stay: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind or Silver Endeavour

Meals: B L D

Day 12
Cruise Cape Horn

With its reputation of ferocious storms and mountainous seas it was a place where a seafarer garnered respect for bravery against the odds. Nowadays the Cape has more of a spiritual attraction, drawing intrepid travellers to pay homage to the brave sailors who, by necessity, attempted to pass this wild and inhospitable headland - and of course you'll cruise by in style and luxury. The Cape itself is the rugged tip of South America that projects into the Drake Passage. The Dutch sailor Willem Schouten and merchant Jacob Le Maire, both from the town of Hoorn (hence Cape Horn), put it on the map in 1616 when attempting to circumvent the trade monopoly exercised by the Dutch East India Company over the Straits of Magellan. During clear weather a 7-metre (23 feet) high steel monument can be seen standing about 1.5 kilometres (1 mile) away from the true cape, near the Chilean navy station. It depicts the silhouette of an albatross, a bird that is said to carry the souls of those sailors who perished “rounding the Horn”. 

Stay: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind or Silver Endeavour

Meals: B L D

Day 13
Puerto Williams/Santiago

This morning, you'll disembark the ship and take your included shared transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Santiago. Continue onward to your hotel for another overnight stay, a chance to regroup and reflect on your Antarctic adventures. If you have the energy, head into Santiago's latin quarter for dinner in the liveliest of atmospheres.

Stay: Santiago Hotel tbc (Deluxe)

Meals: B

Days 14-15
Santiago, Chile to UK

This morning, you'll check out of your hotel and take your included shared transfer to the airport. Enjoy VIP lounge access before your return flight to the UK, arriving the following day.

Map

Pricing

Any element of this cruise can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.

Prices

Accommodation rating: Deluxe

15-day expedition cruise holiday
from £12,700 pp incl. flights

Departure:

Save up to £1,300 pp
Book by: 30 April 2024

Special offer:

  • Save up to £1,300 pp off 11 December 2025 voyage

Includes:

  • Silversea 'Door to Door' private executive transfer service (from home to airport and return)
  • Scheduled flights in economy class (upgrades available)
  • 1 night accommodation pre-cruise and 1 day-use post-cruise
  • Transfers (between airport/hotel and ship)
  • In-country flights when required by itinerary
  • 10-night all-inclusive cruise on Silver Cloud, Silver Endeavour or Silver Wind depending on voyage date
  • Guided Zodiac, land and sea tours, and shoreside activities led by the Expeditions Team (one complimentary shore excursion per port, per day)
  • Parka
  • Enrichment lectures by a highly qualified Expeditions Team
  • Butler service in every suite
  • Unlimited Complimentary Wifi
  • Choice of restaurants, diverse cuisine, open-seating dining
  • Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and spirits
  • In-suite dining and room service
  • Onboard entertainment
  • Onboard gratuities

Price and suite availability varies by departure date, please call for details.

Why not consider extending your trip in either Argentina or Chile? Please speak to one of our specialists about the vast range of experiences on offer, from deserts to winelands and cities to wilderness, these two spectacular countries serve up the very best of South America.

Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0615 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected