Extraordinary Antarctica: Cross the Polar Circle

Whilst more and more adventurers are setting their sights on Antarctica, few make it to 66°33’ S and cross the Antarctic Circle. Those who do are treated to a world of pristine sea ice, the abandoned signs of human activity now frozen in time and absolute silence. The itinerary we showcase below offers guests the chance to fly over the Drake Passage rather than sailing it, thereby maximising time in Antarctica but all route combinations are available.

Santiago, Punta Arenas, Antarctica, Punta Arenas, Santiago

16 nights private tour from GBP £14,600 per person

Extraordinary Antarctica Cross the Polar Circle

Journey highlights

Cross the Polar Circle at 66°33’ S and venture where only a select few do
Enjoy a pristine, untouched landscape and make the first tracks in the snow
Head to abandoned bases such as the British Station W and marvel at this perfectly preserved slice of time
Extraordinary itinerary:Our Extraordinary Journeys offer unforgettable cutting-edge hotels, experiences and restaurants with a focus on design, fashion and innovation

Our tailor made journeys include:

Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
Private international airport transfers in destination
Your own private, English-speaking local guides
Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
Entrance to must-see local sites
Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support

When to visit

Best time to visit

Good time to visit

Average time to visit

Antarctic weather is a lesson in extremes. Antarctica is the world’s coldest, windiest and driest continent. During the summer months the winds abate considerably and the weather is surprisingly comfortable, averaging between 20 and 50F. Summertime also means 18-24 hours of sunlight which allows life to flourish for a brief summer period. Long days also allow extensive exploration by small ship cruise to Antarctica. Antarctic weather allows for a short season of cruising from November to March each year.

Itinerary

Fly to Santiago

Day 1-3

Santiago, Chile

Arrive in Santiago, Chile's bustling capital and transfer to your hotel in Lastarria, a bustling part of the city full of great restaurants and lively bars. We've included a private city tour with an expert guide, who will give you a great overview of the city, its different districts and fascinating political history through the eyes of a local. Your next day is free for you to decide what to do. Our experts can recommend something to best suit your interests, be it winery tours in the nearby premier winelands, an active day in the nearby Cajón de Maipo or a visit to Valparaiso, the colourful port city perched on Chile's coast.

Accommodation: The Singular Santiago ( 2 nights )

Day 3-5

Punta Arenas, Patagonia, Chile

Fly south today to the Chilean port city of Punta Arenas and the gateway to your Antarctic adventure. Upon arrival, you will meet members of your expedition team, who will advise you on the schedule for your boot fitting, pre-departure briefing and the welcome dinner, where you will get to meet your fellow adventurers.

Accommodation: Cabo de Hornos Hotel ( 2 nights )

Day 5-15

Sylvia Earle - Antarctica

As you set sail across the Drake Passage, there will be one goal in mind: cross the Polar Circle at 66°33’S and join the small band of explorers, scientists and most adventurous travellers who have made it this far south.

Sailing down the frozen coastline of the western Antarctic Peninsular offers further opportunities to set foot on the Antarctic Continent, where alpine peaks tower over vast glaciers that calve with a mighty roar. With gentoo penguins, Weddell seals, minke whales and humpback whales, the wildlife is as abundant as the landscape is spellbinding. Weddell seals and chinstrap penguins can often be spotted on the beach near the Argentina research station on Half Moon Island, while a visit to Paulet Island or Brown Bluff is an opportunity to observe the vast population of Adélie and gentoo penguins.

While challenging conditions mean that most expeditions will not make it as far south as the Antarctic Circle, to do so is an impressive achievement and one certainly worth celebrating in style with your fellow shipmates. Ice conditions allowing, you may reach the Crystal Sound, pass through the Gullet and Marguerite Bay, spotting orcas humpback and minke whales, or visit historic Stonington, Pourquoi Pas and Detaille Islands. Sailing through this rugged, little-visited part of Antarctica, you pass spellbinding ice formations and abandoned wooden shacks and a landscape seen by very few other people.

Once the corks have popped, the ship turns northbound once more, charting its route back to the South Shetland Islands with stops at various landing sites along the way.

Accommodation: Sylvia Earle Antarctica ( 10 nights )

Day 15-16

Punta Arenas, Chile

Arriving at King George Island, it is time to bid farewell to Antarctica and board your charter flight back to the Chilean mainland. Once on dry land in Punta Arenas, transfer to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Cabo de Hornos Hotel ( 1 night )

Day 16-17

Santiago, Chile

It’s back to the Chilean capital for your final stop before your flight home. We’ve selected the same great hotel that welcomed you at the outset of your trip so you may have a favourite bar and restaurant you want to head back to to toast your adventure. If not, let us know and we’ll set you up with something really special.

Accommodation: The Singular Santiago ( 1 night )

Fly home from Santiago

We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.
Call us on 020 3930 4802 to start planning your holiday.

Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)

Departing	Price from^* Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers. Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type. Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.	Deposit from ^*	Enquire
December 2024	GBP £15,700	GBP £2,400	plan your trip
January 2025	GBP £15,700	GBP £2,400	plan your trip
February 2025	GBP £15,400	GBP £2,300	plan your trip
March 2025	GBP £14,600	GBP £2,200	plan your trip
October 2025	GBP £14,600	GBP £2,200	plan your trip
November 2025	GBP £15,400	GBP £2,300	plan your trip

December 2024
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £15,700
Deposit from*
GBP £2,400
January 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £15,700
Deposit from*
GBP £2,400
February 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £15,400
Deposit from*
GBP £2,300
March 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £14,600
Deposit from*
GBP £2,200
October 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £14,600
Deposit from*
GBP £2,200
November 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £15,400
Deposit from*
GBP £2,300
plan your trip