Crossing the Polar Circle
With your choice of luxury vessel, our team of expert travel designers is on hand to craft the most incredible Antarctica discovery for you. Begin with a few nights in Buenos Aires, getting a feel for the flavour and culture of Argentina. From there you'll fly to Ushuaia to prepare for the next leg of your journey, which will be spent at sea. The Antarctica cruise portion of your trip will be a spectacular combination of astounding icy scenery and fascinating and varied wildlife as you cross the Drake Passage and head towards the Antarctic Peninsula and Polar Circle.
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy an exciting street art tour in Buenos Aires
- Go on an afternoon hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park
- Sail the legendary Drake Passage
- Navigate the Crystal Sound and Polar Circle
- Spot plentiful marine life around the Antarctic Peninsula
- Spend two nights unwinding at an estancia in the Pampas
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1-3
Two nights in Buenos Aires
Begin your journey with two nights in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina where grand boulevards, belle époque architecture and colourful plazas meet the country’s rich heritage of tango, literature and world-class cuisine. Over the course of two days, immerse yourself in the rhythms and flavours of Argentina, both past and present.
Where you could stay
A street art tour of Buenos Aires
This tour will see you explore either the northern or southern neighbourhoods of the city discovering fascinating murals and pieces of street art along the way. You’ll learn a little about the history of street art in Buenos Aires and its cultural importance. The tour includes older pieces as well as more contemporary works by a variety of artists.
Days 3-4
Overnight in Ushuaia
Make a stop in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, as you prepare to journey into the remote landscapes of Antarctica. Cradled between the snowy peaks of the Martial Mountains and the glacial waters of the Beagle Channel, in Ushuaia, time seems to slow down, allowing you to absorb the magnitude of the adventure that lies ahead.
Where you could stay
Afternoon hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park
As you hike, the spellbinding and diverse flora and fauna of this landscape, including the Magellanic woodpecker, is ever-present. The forest is also known to attract Austral Parakeets, Black-Chested Buzzards and soaring high above; the magnificent Andean Condor. Upon reaching the viewpoint, beautiful panoramas of Lagunas Verde and Negra, the Ovando and Lapataia Rivers, and the tranquil Lapataia Bay lie before you.
Days 4-15
Unforgettable 12-day Antarctica cruise
On this once-in-a-lifetime cruise you will cross the Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula, passing through waters travelled by humpback, minke and fin whales. Along the way you will anchor at various spots and have the opportunity to go hiking, kayaking and diving in the iceberg-heavy waters.
Cruise ships in Antarctica
Cross the Drake Passage
Once you’ve sailed through the Beagle Channel, your journey along the Drake Passage will take about two days. Passing the Antarctic Convergence, Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas , you’ll notice a change in marine and avian life. Look out for wandering albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars and Antarctic petrels.
Highlights of Antarctica
Livingston Island
Deception Island
Cuverville Island
Here, you will have the opportunity to observe a variety of gentoo and chinstrap penguins.
Take a visit to this volcanic island, known for its abandoned whaling station in Whalers Bay and offering an interesting insight into Antarctica’s history.
Observe a large colony of gentoo penguins as well as breeding pairs of brown skuas.
Journey around the Polar Circle
Your journey takes you south along the Argentine Islands to the ice-packed Crystal Sound. You may make a landing at an abandoned British research station on Detaille Island, taking in the island’s lofty mountains and imposing glaciers. Further north, encounter one of the Adélie penguin and blue-eyed shag colonies in the Antarctic Peninsula. The beautiful Melchior Islands offer a landscape rich with icebergs, where seals and whales are found as well as excellent opportunities for kayaking and diving.
Days 15-17
Two nights in the Pampas
Choose from our selection of estancias for an authentic and luxury ranch-style stay on the sleepy Pampas plains. Ride out with gauchos, enjoy an afternoon asado (BBQ), fishing or polo lessons.
Where you could stay
We, a group of 18 seasoned travellers, have just accomplished our 1-month journey to Antarctic and South America. We have safely returned home - Hong Kong. This is definitely one of our VERY MEMORABLE travel journey together. Kit, Berni and earlier on, Jobi, the travel planners of Jacada Travel are top on our list of APPRECIATION. Patagonia, Antarctica (in traveling…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
