HIGHLIGHTS
- Learn about the fascinating fauna and unlikely flora on the South Shetland Islands
- Observe Adélie penguins, blue-eyed shags, skuas and elephant seals on Petermann Island
- Discover the island where Shackleton’s ill-fated crew sought refuge
- Step ashore the rarely visited South Orkney islands and observe nesting penguins
- Visit Gough Island, one of the most remote inhabited islands on the planet
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Mar 04, 2024 | Mar 25, 2024 | 17,984 |
18,827 |
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Mar 04, 2024 | Mar 25, 2024 | 17,984 |
18,827 |
ITINERARY
DAY 1 USHUAIA
Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range,
Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade
from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the
shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s
southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the
world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic
surroundings certainly help. Board your boutique ship before departing
for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions
of the world.
DAY 2-3 DAY AT SEA
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world
go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of
the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle
with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible
trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books.
Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or
perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our
onboard professional photographers.
DAY 4 ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the
Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent will
live out their Antarctica dream. The Antarctic Peninsula, the most
accessible area of the continent, hosts several scientific bases and
some of the most interesting wildlife scenery, such as the extremely
photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Petermann
Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge,
lumbering elephant seals haul out.
DAY 4 SOUTH SHETLAND
ISLANDS, WHALERS BAY - DECEPTION ISLAND
Deception Island is an active volcano part of the South Shetland
Islands archipelago. It is one of just two active volcanoes in
Antarctica. The island is home to a massive colony of chinstrap
penguins, glaciers covering around sixty percent of the island,
remarkable geology, and unique flora. The ruins of the historic Hektor
Whaling Station provide a fantastic visitor experience.
DAY 5-6 ANTARCTIC
PENINSULA
Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the
Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent will
live out their Antarctica dream. The Antarctic Peninsula, the most
accessible area of the continent, hosts several scientific bases and
some of the most interesting wildlife scenery, such as the extremely
photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Petermann
Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge,
lumbering elephant seals haul out.
Expedition Activities(See optional activities)
DAY 6 PAULET ISLAND
Paulet Island is a circular island about 1.5 km in diameter, lying
southeast of Dundee Island, off the northeastern end of the Antarctic
Peninsula. The island comprises lava flows, a cinder cone, and a small
summit crater. The associated geothermal heat keeps Paulet Island free
of ice in many places. Because of its large penguin colony, it is a
gorgeous destination for sightseeing and photography.
DAY 7-8 DAY AT SEA
Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever
takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the
spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or
simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance
to the green days spent exploring on land.
DAY 9-11 SOUTH GEORGIA
Often called the “Galapagos of the Poles”, South
Georgia has a number of landing sites where you get up close to half a
million king penguins or three million breeding pairs of macaroni
penguins, making up the largest population in the world. If you are
lucky you will also see harrumphing elephant seals - from a distance!
We also visit Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary
British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) is buried.
DAY 12-15 DAY AT SEA
Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of
your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with
a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the
ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your
cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.
DAY 16 GOUGH ISLAND
Located 1700 Nautical miles from Cape Town, Gough Island is difficult
to locate on a map. With just a permanent group of Scientists Gough is
definitely one of the most remote inhabited islands on the planet, home
also to some of the world’s rarest birds: the Gough Moorhen
and the Gough Bunting. We hope to spot some migrating whales and other
fascinating wildlife in the vicinity of the atlantic Gem.
DAY 17 TRISTAN DA CUNHA
With barely 250 permanent inhabitants, Tristan da Cunha is far from the
beaten path. The island teems with wildlife such as Northern rockhopper
penguins, the endangered Tristan Albatross and sea lions while the
surrounding upwellings attract vast numbers of Whales and Dolphins.
Expedition Activities(See optional activities)
DAY 18-21 DAY AT SEA
Spend your day at sea enjoying your boutique 5-star ship. Treat
yourself to a spa day, attend an expert-led onboard lecture or enjoy
the ocean views from the deck or the comfort of our Observation Lounge.
DAY 22 CAPE TOWN
Ending our epic transatlantic journey with one of the most spectacular
city sceneries in Africa . Domiated by Table Mountain , Cape town is a
cosmopolitan city with plenty of nearby splendid vineyards , wonderful
harbour fronts and surprising restaurants where one can indulge on the
delicious seafood
SH Vega (Luxury Expedition, 152-guests)
Making her maiden voyage in April 2022, our 5 star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage.
Our brand new ship has been designed to journey to off the beaten path destinations and remote polar regions in style and comfort. The ship incorporates a PC5 ice-strengthened hull combined with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as smooth as possible.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Flight: Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
- One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5* hotel or onboard
- All transfers between the hotel, port and airport
- Onboard accommodation
- All meals onboard including room service 24 hours a day
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks & select alcoholic beverages 24 hours a day
- Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
- Shore excursion programme led by our expert expedition team
- Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka
- Use of rubber boots for shore landings
- Standard WIFI
- Onboard gratuities & port taxes
- Itineraries are correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change
DAY 5-6
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Expedition Activities
Kayak in Antarctica With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Optional
DAY 17
TRISTAN DA CUNHA
Expedition Activities
Zodiac Cruise with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Included
Enjoy a Zodiac cruise and try to spot the marine life is Northern Rockhopper Penguins, Tristan Albatross and Sea Lions