An Expedition in Earnest: Shakleton’s Great Journey

Day 1: Arrive Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met by a representative of AE Expeditions and transferred with your fellow expeditioners to your assigned pre-voyage hotel. If you are already in Ushuaia, we ask you to make your way to your hotel. Check-in is from 3.00 pm. This afternoon, visit the AE Expeditions hospitality desk in the hotel lobby, between 3.00 pm and 7.00 pm, to collect your luggage tags, and confirm if you wish to join the Lake Escondido pre-embarkation tour tomorrow.

Day 2 - Embarkation
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast before checking out. If joining the Lake Escondido tour, enjoy a panoramic drive through glacial valleys and lush forests to the Garibaldi Pass, offering stunning views of Lake Escondido and Fagnano Lake (weather permitting). Visit a local ranch for a traditional Fuegian Lamb barbecue before returning to Ushuaia for embarkation.

Alternatively, enjoy a day of leisure before meeting at your hotel lobby or the designated meeting point near the pier for your transfer.

Once aboard, settle into your cabin and attend essential IAATO briefings. In the evening, join your fellow travellers and the warm expedition team for a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of your thrilling journey.

Days 3-4 - Drake Passage Crossing
Settle into your stateroom and explore the ship’s amenities, including the onboard gym, wellness centre, and library. The expedition team will present a series of talks on Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and environment. You will also be invited to collect your Muck Boots and attend important briefings on biosecurity, wildlife-watching guidelines, and Zodiac safety.

On day four, the excitement will be palpable as you near the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula’s tip. Everyone will converge on the observation decks to spot their first iceberg. In the dramatic surroundings of the Antarctic Convergence, the ocean transforms, as you are surrounded by striking icebergs.

Days 5-7 - Antarctic Peninsula
The sensation of arriving in Antarctica is indescribable. Spotting your first iceberg and breathing in the crisp, clean air is an unforgettable experience. Once there, explore the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, guided by your experienced expedition team who will select the best daily options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions, and wildlife opportunities.

Ashore, stretch your legs along pebbly beaches or snow-covered ridgelines leading to vantage points with towering mountains overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. Polar plungers will have the chance to immerse themselves in polar waters, conditions permitting. Apart from Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship-cruise narrow, dramatic straits or linger in scenic bays to admire sculptural icebergs and photograph spectacular landscapes.

Day 8 - Weddell Sea
The famed Weddell Sea, crucial to the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, is yours to retrace. This remote sea offers highly prized access for polar adventurers. The passage begins at the northern edge of the Antarctic Peninsula, in the starkly beautiful Antarctic Sound. Volcanic peaks tower over penguin colonies, and wave-sculpted icebergs parade through deep channels leading to the Weddell Sea.

Day 9 - Elephant Island
Set a course for Elephant Island, where 22 of Shackleton’s men survived several winter months under two upturned boats. In the morning, join your expedition team in the lecture room to hear Shackleton’s awe-inspiring survival story. They spent 9 months stuck in pack ice before escaping in three open boats and battled treacherous ice to make landfall on Elephant Island after 497 days at sea. Sail past Cape Valentine to see the landing beach, then follow the coastline to Point Wild where Shackleton’s men survived. Weather permitting, take a Zodiac cruise or land at historic Point Wild.

Days 10-11 - Scotia Sea
After exciting Antarctic excursions, relax as you sail towards South Georgia, following Shackleton’s route. Attend lectures on South Georgia’s wildlife, geology, and history, or unwind with lunch, gym sessions, or library time. This sea is abundant with fin, humpback, and blue whales, and elusive orca. Capture cape petrels, prions, and albatross soaring gracefully amidst the swell.

Days 12-16 - South Georgia
Approaching South Georgia, imagine Captain James Cook’s arrival in 1775, mistaking it for a vast southern continent. Instead, it’s a small island with snow-capped peaks, vast wildlife congregations, and fascinating history.

Sail along South Georgia’s coast, exploring craggy coves and rocky shores. Visit king penguin colonies, and guided walks among fur and elephant seals. Explore remnants of whaling stations and the final resting place of Shackleton.

Zodiac cruises may navigate fjords and bays with glacier fronts. In the observation lounge, admire uninterrupted coastal views. For Shackleton fans, hike from Fortuna Bay to Stromness, retracing his journey across South Georgia’s alpine plateau to the whaling station.

Days 17-19 - At Sea
Sai Accommodation: Aurora Expeditions Sylvia Earle Antarctica ( 17 nights )

Day 20 - Disembark in Ushuaia
Early morning, cruise up the Beagle Channel, docking in Ushuaia around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers, continuing your journey with a newfound sense of nature’s power. Transfer to the prestigious Arakur Hotel for a restful one-night stay. Located against the stunning backdrop of the Patagonian mountains, this luxury retreat offers the perfect haven to unwind before your next adventure. Spend the day at leisure here, enjoying the spa facilities at the hotel. Alternatively, take a tour of the national park, taking in the dramatic scenery of Tierra del Fuego and Argentine Patagonia.

Day 21: Flight to Buenos Aires

This morning, say farewell to Ushuaia as you head north to wards Buenos Aires for the next part of your adventure. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires transfer to the iconic Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt. Take the day to settle into your hotel, indulge in its world-class amenities, and relish the opportunity to relax after your thrilling Antarctic expedition.

Day 22:
Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Buenos Aires with an exclusive food tour in the vibrant Palermo district. Experience the rich and exotic flavours of Argentina, savouring delectable local delicacies and beverages while you soak in the captivating scenery of this dynamic neighbourhood.

Day 23:
Today, continue your gastronomic journey with a fantastic Fogon Asado BBQ experience. Indulge in the traditional flavours of Argentine barbecue, perfectly paired with the finest local wines. This semi-private event promises an intimate and unforgettable culinary experience, showcasing the heart and soul of Argentine cuisine.

Day 24:
Spend the morning and afternoon at leisure, with the option to explore Buenos Aires on an active bicycle tour, taking in the city's most iconic sites and landmarks. As evening falls, immerse yourself in the passion and flair of Argentine Tango with a breathtaking performance at the renowned Rojo Tango show. Paired with dinner and drinks, this vibrant evening will be filled with excitement and energy, showcasing the essence of Argentine culture.

Day 25: 
For your final full day in Buenos Aires, escape the city's hustle and bustle with a private tour of Tigre, a charming town famed for its rivers, wetlands, and access to the vast Paraná Delta. Experience the serene beauty of Tigre with a private charter boat trip on the Connie Delta, offering a tranquil exploration of the mesmerising waterways. Return to Buenos Aires in the evening, cherishing the memory of your day’s adventure.

Day 26:
Conclude your journey by land with a smooth transfer from the hotel to the airport for your return flight.