Pure Antarctica
with Travelmarvel
- 10 nights onboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen expedition ship
- 3 nights in premium accommodation in Buenos Aires
- Flights within South America, transfers, tipping, porterage and port charges
- Save up to $3500 per couple^
Few can claim they’ve ventured to the great, white wilderness of Antarctica. See the untouched beauty of this vast continent on board an expedition cruise with Travelmarvel. Spot unique wildlife like leopard seals, humpback whales and gentoo penguins throughout your cruise, and climb aboard a Zodiac for the rare opportunity to step ashore for closer explorations.
A day aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen in Antarctica is filled with adventure and relaxation. Mornings begin with expert-led excursions and lectures on the pristine landscape. Midday, guests enjoy delicious meals while taking in the passing scenery. Afternoons offer opportunities for wildlife spotting from observation decks. Evenings are perfect for unwinding in the Explorer Lounge, sharing stories of the day’s explorations.
Highlights & Inclusions
- 10 nights onboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen expedition ship and three nights in premium accommodation in Buenos Aires
- 35 meals – 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 11 dinners with all-inclusive select drinks onboard
- Travelmarvel Group of 40
- Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director, expert local guides for all land touring and experienced Expedition Team
- Join Citizen Science programs on board and listen to informative presentations on the region from the knowledgeable Expedition Team
- Enjoy an interactive dining experience in Buenos Aires
- Visit Tierra Del Fuego National Park in Ushuaia
- All flights within South America, transfers, tipping, porterage and port charges
Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires
Arrive in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires where you can spend the day at leisure.
Stay: Buenos Aires, Emperador Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 2: Ushuaia, Embark Ship
Wake up bright and early to board your flight for the southernmost town of Ushuaia, known as the gateway to Antarctica. On arrival, set out for Tierra Del Fuego National Park and take in some of the spectacular views with dramatic mountain and forested backdrops. Upon returning to Ushuaia, embark your Expedition Ship, the MS Fridtjof Nansen. This evening, set sail across the Drake Passage towards the South Shetland Islands and Antarctica.
Stay: 10 nights, MS Fridtjof Nansen
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 3: Drake Passage
As your ship crosses the Drake Passage, spend the next two days on board enjoying the facilities. Prepare for your epic Antarctica adventure by levelling up your knowledge at the onboard Science Center. Listen in as your knowledgeable Expedition Team runs lectures on Antarctica's history, the science behind the landscape, and the impact climate change and plastic pollution has on the great white continent. You'll also learn how to make your visit as safe and low impact as possible during your time here. Partake in the various workshops on offer that cover everything from Antarctic bird feather samples to identifying whales from afar by the size and shape of their blow spouts.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 4: Drake Passage
There’s plenty of time to unwind during days at sea. Admire views of passing scenery while soaking in the outdoor hot tub, floating in the saltwater infinity pool, or warming up in the sauna. When you’re ready to stretch your legs, head to the walking track and squeeze in a couple of laps before ordering a cocktail at the Explorer Lounge & Bar. Below deck, feast on chef-prepared fare at the onboard restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5: Antarctic Peninsula
Soak in the epic icescapes of Antarctica as you spend five days exploring its wild peninsula. Nothing can prepare you for scenes of icebergs the size of houses, looming glaciers and the continent's unique wildlife. One of the most surprising things about Antarctica is its icy silence broken every so often by the squawking of penguins or the mighty crash of a calving iceberg.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 6: Antarctic Peninsula
Each day offers a new opportunity for adventure. Your Captain will keep a close eye on ice and weather conditions, charting a course that will result in the best possible adventure. Join your Travelmarvel Cruise Director and Expedition Team on shore landings, getting up close and personal with resident seal colonies and penguin rookeries. Shore landings are a great opportunity to join moderate but rewarding hikes to observe chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries. Rug up in your fleece-lined dry suit and perhaps enjoy the chance to go kayaking among the icebergs, keeping an eye out for leopard seals and Adelie penguins. Or head off on Zodiac, keeping watch for whales in deeper waters: orca, humpback and minke are often spotted here.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 7: Antarctic Peninsula
Rug up in your fleece-lined dry suit and perhaps enjoy the chance to go kayaking among the icebergs, keeping an eye out for leopard seals and Adelie penguins. Or head off on Zodiac, keeping watch for whales in deeper waters: orca, humpback and minke are often spotted here.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 8: Antarctic Peninsula
For days you prefer to stay on board, learn about Antarctica at educational lectures hosted by your knowledgeable Expedition Team. Discover more about the unique environment, fascinating wildlife and history of the region.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 9: Antarctic Peninsula
Below deck, feast on chef-prepared fare at the onboard restaurant. You might like to also make use of the onboard gym equipment or enjoy the views from the bar with a drink in hand.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 10: At Sea
It’s time to depart Antarctica’s waters for our return crossing across the Drake Passage en route to Argentina. Claim yourself a spot on the observation deck and look out for wildlife – you might be lucky enough to spy a breaching whale – or perhaps spend some time in the ship’s lounge with new-found friends and reflect on your Antarctic adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 11: At Sea
Enjoy further lectures on board, recap your Antarctic discoveries at the citizen science achievements, or grab a book from the ship’s library to further your knowledge of the white continent.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 12: Ushuaia, Disembark Ship, Buenos Aires
This morning, your ship arrives back in Ushuaia. Disembark after breakfast and board your flight to Buenos Aires, then be transferred to your premium hotel.
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY
You might like to immerse yourself in the local culture with dinner and a tango show (additional expense).
Stay: 2 nights at Buenos Aires, Sofitel Recoleta or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: Buenos Aires
Your in-depth tour of Buenos Aires starts this morning along the Avenida de Mayo. At the Plaza de Mayo, admire the pink Casa Rosada, a palatial building that houses the offices of the Argentine president. You’ll also see the city’s cathedral as well as the Cabildo, Buenos Aires’ first city hall. Later, explore the Italian-influenced barrio of La Boca and its famously colourful pedestrian street, the Caminito. You’ll also travel along Avenida 9 de Julio. This evening, enjoy a delicious Insider Experience Farewell Dinner.
ENHNACE YOUR JOURNEY
Perhaps discover the origins of the city as you walk through its underground tunnels, or take in the impressive opera house at Teatro Colon, with its famed interior (additional expense).
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
This evening, try your hand at making traditional empanadas and enjoy some Argentinian specialties during an interactive dining experience.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 14: Depart Buenos Aires
Today after breakfast, your Antarctic and South American journey comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
| Departure date | Per person twin share* |
|---|---|
| 09 November - 22 November 2025 | From $13,145 |
*Advertised price includes saving amount. Price is correct as at 10 July 2024 and are subject to change at any time. Please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for current pricing, departure dates and availability.
*Prices are per person, AUD, twin share, include port charges and include savings. Prices and offers are correct at10 July 2024 but may fluctuate due to changes in surcharges, taxes or currency.
^Save up to $3500 per couple: Valid until sold out. Valid on select Antarctica tours, 14-day Pure Antarctica (ISTANT14) or 19-day Antarctica Adventure with Brazil (ISTANT19). Save up to $3500 per couple or up to $1750 per person. Saving amount of $1000 per person combined with Early Payment discount of $750 per person. Credit is not transferrable or redeemable for cash. A non-refundable deposit of $3,000 pp is due within 7 days of booking. Bonus Early Payment Discount applies when you book and pay in full 10 months prior to departure.
General Information & Conditions: Offers are available for travellers departing from Australia. All pricing and save amounts are in Australian Dollars. Information correct as at 28 June 2024 but may fluctuate due to changes in surcharges, taxes or currency. A strictly limited number of offers are available on selected itineraries and departure dates in selected suites/staterooms/cabins/room categories. Offers are subject to availability, not combinable unless specified, available on new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time. Prices shown are inclusive of any applicable dollar savings and Early Payment Discount. Further Travelmarvel terms and conditions apply, please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for details.
A further $165 deposit per person is due at time of booking. General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.
