Antarctica with Natural Wonders of Patagonia & Brazil

Description

Antarctica with Natural Wonders of Patagonia & Brazil – 25-day small ship cruise aboard Le Soleal.

Trip Name

Antarctica with Natural Wonders of Patagonia & Brazil

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 Built: 2013 Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 132 staterooms and suites, with balconies, joined in 2013. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the luxury yachting world, with fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white. A refined ambience is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat's hull, while the central scuplture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea. In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonomous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 Arrive Puerto Natales

Arrive in Puerto Natales an historic pioneering town and transfer to your hotel, where you will explore the Chilean side of Patagonia over the next few days. Once a cold storage plant, this unique property with lake views showcases a museum of the past within the hotel.

Day 2 - Day 2 Torres del Paine National Park

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEDiscover the breathtaking landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park and treasure the personalised service of your hotel’s staff. Each day, friendly and experienced guides will tailor an excursion to suit your interests. Perhaps grab a gourmet picnic lunch, embark on a private boat ride, hike into the surrounding mountains, go horse or bike riding.The snow-capped peaks, azure lakes and roaring rivers of Torres del Paine National Park will leave you speechless. Get to know the region through your immersive Signature Experience.

Day 3 - Day 3 Patagonia

Spend another day exploring Patagonia and its surrounds with your private guide. Perhaps navigate through the mountain-fringed fjords, try fly fishing or watch Andean condors prey upon the guanacos (large llamas) in the mountains.

Day 4 - Day 4 Puerto Natales, El Calafate

This morning leave Chile behind as you cross the border into Argentina arriving at El Calafate. Resting on the shores of Lake Argentino, El Calafate is known as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park.

Day 5 - Day 5 Perito Moreno Glacier

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEEnjoy a full day to explore Perito Moreno Glacier ice field from its many viewing platforms.Enjoy your Signature Experience today, before embarking on a boat cruise upon the glacial lagoon.

Day 6 - Day 6 Ushuaia

Fly to Ushuaia the world’s most southerly city. In preparation for our Antarctica cruise. Perhaps wander around the town and enjoy its panoramic views.

Day 7 - Day 7 Ushuaia, Embark Ship

Board your luxury expedition ship, Le Soléal, to begin your 10-night Antarctic Peninsula cruise. Be greeted by your Expedition Leader and a team of expert naturalist guides. Settle in before enjoying the Captain’s Welcome Dinner. Afterwards, head to the deck to take in the stunning scenery of the Beagle Channel.

Day 8 - Days 8-9 Drake Passage

Sail across the Drake Passage, one of the great travel milestones. Learn about the adventures ahead during informative, interactive and entertaining presentations on the wildlife, history and geology of Antarctica, delivered by your expert Expedition Team.

Day 9 - Days 10-14 Antarctic Peninsula

On arrival in Antarctica, your itinerary becomes flexible in order to maximise your discovery of this enchanting world of ice and water. Your Captain will charter a course based on the most exciting sights and the most favourable ice and weather conditions. Each day on your cruise you’ll enjoy Zodiac rides. Visit penguin rookeries, seal colonies and keep an eye out for orca, humpback and minke whales that frequent these waters. Head to Deception Island, an active volcano and once home to a whaling station. You may also get the opportunity to stop at the Port Lockroy scientific base. From here, you can send a postcard with a rare Antarctic stamp.

Day 10 - Days 15-16 Drake Passage

Return across the Drake Passage. Enjoy time on board and wildlife spotting.

Day 11 - Day 17 Disembark Ship, Ushuaia, Buenos Aires

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEHead to Tierra del Fuego National Park, where you can experience the rugged natural beauty of Argentina’s southern tip.Disembark your ship in Ushuaia for your Signature Experience. Afterwards, travel to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, transfer to the Park Hyatt.Stay: Three Nights, Buenos Aires, Park Hyatt

Day 12 - Day 18 Buenos Aires

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEThis evening there are four Freedom of Choice dining options. Perhaps enjoy dinner and a tango show, learn to make empanadas during an Argentine experience, take part in a Craft Beer tour or dine in style at the Alvear Grill.Enjoy a tour of Buenos Aires before visiting the city’s oldest barrio (district). Explore La Boca’s colourful houses, drive along one of the widest avenues in the world – Avenida 9 de Julio, pass the parks, gardens and tree-lined streets of Palermo and visit La Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Peron ‘Evita’ is buried.

Day 13 - Day 19 Buenos Aires

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - SightseeingPerhaps head to the island town of Tigre, explore the extraordinary history of the city’s vibrant street art culture, discover the Parisian character of Buenos Aires’ architecture, or visit an Estancia to learn about gaucho culture including a horse ride.This morning, embark on your chosen activity.

Day 14 - Day 20 Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEFor two nights, enjoy your hotel’s unrivalled location within Iguazú National Park.Today we fly to the Argentinian side of Iguazú Falls, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world, before continuing on to the Brazilian side.Stay: Two Nights, Iguazú Falls, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

Day 15 - Day 21 Iguazú Falls

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEGet up close to the thundering falls on a thrilling Jet Boat Safari.This afternoon, walk to one of the viewing platforms for a panoramic view of the falls, before getting up close and personal during your Signature Experience.

Day 16 - Day 22 Rio de Janeiro

See the range of native South American birds at Parque das Aves Bird Park then fly to Rio de Janeiro. Settle into your hotel, located on the famous Copacabana Beach.Stay: Three Nights, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Hotel

Day 17 - Day 23 Rio de Janeiro

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - SightseeingCruise the beautiful Guanabara Bay on a schooner boat, take a colonial walking tour or visit the colourful Santa Teresa arts district.This morning, enjoy your selected sightseeing activity.

Day 18 - Day 24 Rio de Janeiro

Travel to Corcovado to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, visit the statue and travel to the platform at its peak for stunning views across the city. At sunset, ride a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for more spectacular views, before heading to a local restaurant for Brazil’s famously delicious barbecue.

Day 19 - Day 25 Depart Rio de Janeiro

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Day 20 - Please note:

Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Torres Del Paine National Park. Explore soaring mountains, golden plains and glistening ice fields in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park.
Views Over Rio de Janeiro. Ride the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain for stunning sunset views over Rio de Janeiro.
Guided Zodiac Excursions. Enjoy exhilarating Zodiac excursions in deep blue waters near spectacular icebergs and up close to penguins and seals.