Highlights
No two days will be the same!
11 day Best of Antarctica Cruise onboard the Expedition Ship - Ocean Endeavour
A real Antarctic Expedition to the 'White Continent'
Admire breathtaking scenery such as icebergs and glaciated mountains
Daily Zodiac excursions and onshore landings to explore local bays, channels and landing sites with wildlife opportunities
Sit on a pebbled beach and enjoy the antics of thousands of penguins
Go in search for Southern Seals including the fearless penguin eater, the Leopard Seal
Optional activities to further enhance your Antarctica experience ** See in Notice Section
Enjoy a range of onboard activities including educational lectures
Enjoy the Ocean Endeavour's amenities including saltwater pool, jacuzzi, gym, spa and sauna
Enjoy sultry Buenos Aires for three nights
City tour of Buenos Aires including the major sights
Immersive dining experience at Fogon
Inclusions
Personally escorted from Australia ‐ Your Sisterhood Tour hostess is on hand to assist with making your holiday a memorable one
Return economy airfares from Melbourne to Ushuaia including taxes (other departure cities and business class upgrade pricing on request)
All transfers as per itinerary
1 night pre cruise accommodation - Buenos Aires
1 night pre cruise accommodation - Ushuaia
10 night / 11 day Best of Antarctica Expedition Cruise onboard Ocean Endeavour
Choice of twin share (2 x bathrooms, portholes Cat 6) or single cabins (Cat 5A with window)
Use of rubber boots on land and use of waterproof outer shell jacket
Insulated inner jacket, yours to keep at the end of the voyage
All port taxes
All landing fees
3 night post cruise accommodation - Buenos Aires
All sightseeing as per itinerary
All meals as per itinerary
Use of onboard gym, sauna, pool and jacuzzi and onboard yoga
Document distribution prior to departure ‐ subject to minimum numbers attending
Sisterhood documentation & travel wallet
Small groups, personal service
Please note: Tipping is not included in our tour cost - gratuities for Expedition team and crew (recommended US$15 per person per day).
Notice
Set sail aboard the comfortable and spacious polar expedition vessel, the Ocean Endeavour to give you the best of the stunning South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula in 11 Days. Embark in Ushuaia at the southern tip of South America and conquer the famed Drake Passage to bring you to the spectacular frozen wilderness of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Explore the natural environment and closeup encounters with wildlife on our forward-facing zodiacs and on foot. For the adventurous, take a kayak and drift among the sea ice and sculptured icebergs, spend a night on the 7th continent under the stars or snowshoe in the footsteps of past explorers. Walk among enormous penguin rookeries, encounter basking seals and their playful pups and search for humpback, minke and orca whales. Onboard, enjoy talks on regional history, zoology and geology by experts. Pamper yourself with one of our spa treatments or simply relax with a yoga class. A voyage like this will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
All Optional Activities are subject to availability. Due to the limited capacity for each of these optionals we recommend booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Kayaking - $1570 AUD
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Overnight Camping - $570 AUD
Fall asleep amid the snow-capped mountains as you watch the colours of the Antarctic twilight bounce off the ocean and surrounding glaciers.
Photography Program - $1570 AUD
For photography enthusiasts of any skill level. You will receive expert advice on taking and producing amazing photos of Antarctica.
Snow Shoeing – Book and Pay Onboard $150 USD
Go even deeper into Antarctica’s interior and reach less visited places where many other visitors simply don’t go!
Day Paddle – Book and Pay Onboard $250 USD
As part of a small, expertly guided group, you will paddle between icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or drift quietly as you absorb the majestic scenery.
View Itinerary Map - https://hayleymorris.travelmap.net/antarctica
Itinerary
Day 1 - Wednesday 1 November 2023
Melbourne - Buenos Aires (Meals inflight)
Welcome to your adventure of a lifetime! Meet your tour hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport for our flight to South America. Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of the airlines.
Arriving into Beunos Aires, Argentina late evening with an overnight stay.
Overnight - Dazzler Recoletta
Day 2 - Thursday 2 November 2023
Buenos Aires - Ushuaia (B)
An early start this morning with our flight to Ushuaia the gateway to Antarctica and known as "The End of the World". With a transfer to our hotel for the rest of the day at leisure.
Ushuaia is a bustling community that was previously the world's most southerly town, a claim that now belongs to nearby Puerto Williams. The town itself sits beneath the spectacular mountains of Tierra del Feugo on the edge of the Beagle Channel. Ushuaia is a duty free port with a reputation for its delicious Argentinian chocolates and leather goods, and is a great place to buy souvenirs and presents. There are a host of excellent restaurants available, so whether you are looking for a quick coffee, an excellent meal of king crab, or an Argentinian barbeque, you'll be spoiled for choice.
Overnight - Wyndam Del Glacier Ushuaia (or similar)
Day 3 - Friday 3 November 2023
Ushuaia - Embark Ocean Endeavour (B,L,D)
We have a free morning with time for lunch before our afternoon transfer to the pier for embarkation. We will be welcomed on board the Ocean Endeavour by the Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers. This evening we set sail through the Beagle Channel that was named after the British ship the HMS Beagle. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and is rich in wildlife. Keep a look out for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as sea lion colonies.
Enjoy your taste of life at sea and a welcome dinner. The air is likely to be filled with anticipation, as your next view of land will be of Antarctica - the White Continent.
Onboard - Ocean Endeavour
Day 4 - Saturday 4 November 2023
At Sea - Drake Passage (B,L,D)
As we leave the Beagle Channel, prepare yourself for potentially rough seas as we enter the legendary Drake Passage. This infamous and unpredictable channel of water separates the southernmost tip of South America from the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. It was named after the English explorer, Sir Frances Drake.
As we head southwards, there is time to get to know your shipmates and get an insight into the excitement ahead with presentations from the Expedition Team on everything Antarctic - from the history and geology, to the incredible wildlife.
Onboard - Ocean Endeavour
Day 5 - Sunday 5 November 2023
Drake Passage Crossing (B,L,D)
We will notice a drop in temperature as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. At the Antarctic Convergence, the colder polar waters flowing north meet the warmer equatorial waters flowing south. This mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface, attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species. Look out through the panoramic observation windows or brave the elements outside on deck as you keep your eyes peeled for albatrosses flying overhead, icebergs and maybe even breaching whales.
Leaving the Antarctic Convergence in our wake, we continue south towards Antarctica, hopefuly making landfall early this evening if conditions are favourable. The first sighting of land always brings great excitement, and is often embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition.
Onboard - Ocean Endeavour
Day 6 - Monday 6 November 2023
South Shetlands Islands - Antarctic Peninsula (B,L,D)
For the next four days we explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula that is famed for its majestic mountains, glaciers, imposing icebergs, ice-strewn waters and abundance of wildlife. The scenery, wildlife and serene silence of Antarctica will enchant and enthral and you will soon realise why this region has captivated the attention of explorers and travellers for centuries.
Our days on the Antarctic Peninsula will form the core of our adventure. Every day will be different as we cruise by Zodiac amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. Unpredictable weather and ice conditions mean that the itinerary will be flexible, but will make the most of wildlife sightings, as we aim to explore penguin rookeries, seal and bird colonies, whale feeding areas as well as visiting sites of historic and scientic interest and climbing to vantage points for panoramic views.
There is always something new or unexpected to see, with opportunities for kayaking, snowshoeing and photography with an expert, which means that our expedition will be a unique and personal experience and unlike any other. Enjoy the antics of thousands of curious penguins as we sit on a pebbled beach, scout for whales and seals as we cruise by Zodiac, visit a research base, listen out for the mighty crack of a calving glacier and maybe brave a polar plunge in the icy waters!
As we cruise through the Peninsula, the lecture programme continues and sightseeing is at its most spectacular off the ship’s outer decks. Enjoy the Ocean Endeavour’s newly designed health and fitness features, with facilities that include a spa, His and Hers saunas, saltwater pool and gym plus yoga sessions.
Onboard - Ocean Endeavour
Day 7 - Tuesday 7 November 2023
Antarctica Peninsula (B,L,D)
Exploring Antarctica as per Day 6.
Onboard - Ocean Endeavour
Day 8 - Wednesday 8 November 2023
Antarctica Peninsula (B,L,D)
Exploring Antarctica as per Day 6.
Onboard - Ocean Endeavour
Day 9 - Thursday 9 November 2023
Antarctica Peninsula (B,L,D)
Exploring Antarctica as per Day 6.
Onboard - Ocean Endeavour
Day 10 - Friday 10 November 2023
Drake Passage (B,L,D)
We hope to make one more excursion or shore landing today before we leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind, and head back across the Drake Passage.
This is our last opportunity to look out for wildlife from the deck of the ship, as we identify seabirds and hopefully whales with the help of our Expedition Team.
Onboard - Ocean Endeavour
Day 11 - Saturday 11 November 2023
Drake Passage (B,L,D)
Gain more insight into the region by attending final lectures and presentations by the polar experts and take time to relax and reminisce about our Antarctic experiences. By the evening we hope to be back in the tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel, ensuring a restful nights sleep on board.
Our last night onboard the Ocean Endeavour to swap photos and share memories of a bucketlist adventure shared.
Onboard - Ocean Endeavour
Day 12 - Sunday 12 November 2023
Ushuaia - Buenos Aires (B)
Upon disembarkation, we'll make our way to the airport for our early afternoon flight to Buenos Aires.
Upon arrival we'll be transferred to our hotel for check in and dinner at leisure.
Overnight - Dazzler Recoleta
Day 13 - Monday 13 November 2023
Buenos Aires (B,D)
Today we explore the flamboyant city of Buenos Aires. We'll enjoy a morning city tour visiting the most important highlights of the city of Buenos Aires. Discover the history of the Plaza de Mayo Square, the site of Argentina’s most important historical events - see its surroundings and the most emblematic buildings and learn all about them. Then enjoy Mayo Avenue and wonder in awe at the oldest residential neighbourhood in Buenos Aires: San Telmo. Live and feel the original Tango in the neighbourhood of La Boca: walk along Caminito Street and enjoy the Dancers and souvenir shops. See the mythical Boca Juniors soccer stadium. Contemplate the modernisation of the city whilst traveling along Puerto Madero and its exclusive docks, full of excellent restaurants and large offices. Pass through the Retiro neighbourhood and move on to see Palermo and its most exclusive residential area before finally arriving at Recoleta. Here, discover the eternal resting place of Eva Peron, “Evita” and wander through Recoleta Cemetery where she is to be found. After our tour we'll be transferred back to our hotel for a free afternoon.
This evening we will be collected from our hotel and transferred to Fogón to immerse ourselves in their Asado Experience. From the chefs of the famous Uco Restaurant in Buenos Aires and Buttery in Bariloche comes Fogón - a new way of living the traditional Argentine Asado, served with a twist. A closed-door dining experience awaits us that explores new ways of serving Argentine Asado classics. While seated at the bar we'll see, feel and taste traditional and modern grill cooking techniques up close and personal as we sit with the chefs around the parrilla. Every Asado is unique but always includes the best cuts of meat available and roasted seasonal vegetables. The chefs have designed the tasting menu to combine new grill techniques with tried and true Argentine recipes that elevate the Asado to new heights. The wine pairing menu has also been designed to best enhance the flavours of the ingredients, while presenting us with some of the best boutique wines from Argentina. On completion of our experience, we'll make our own way back to our hotel.
Overnight - Dazzler Recoleta
Day 14 - Tuesday 14 November 2023
More Sightseeing and Tango Dinner & Show (B,D)
Today we travel from the heart of Buenos Aires to the Tigre Delta in a catamaran, offering one of the best views of the city skyline (a view that surprisingly few people see, even locals). We'll be taken to the city’s port to board a modern catamaran which will take us to the Tigre Delta. During the one-and-a-half-hour cruise we'll admire Buenos Aires from the Rio de la Plata (River Plate), its northern areas and the channels of the Delta, whilst enjoying refreshments on board.
After the cruise, disembark at Tigre Pier and visit Paseo Victoria, the most important neighbourhood in Tigre and then the Puerto de Frutos. We soon find ourself in San Isidro where we visit the town’s historical centre and Cathedral. We'll see the city’s northern areas and the Presidential Residence in Olivos, before returning to the city.
Tonight, a fantastic way to end our tour - a Tango Show with dinner at Aljibe Tango. Located in San Telmo, the venue is a restored conventillo (boarding house) and offers an intimate show featuring professional dancers and musicians. The show is accompanied by a traditional menu and Argentine wines. Including dinner, enjoy this amazing experience.
Later, we transfer to our hotel.
Overnight - Dazzler Recoleta
Day 15 - Wednesday 15 November 2023
Buenos Aires - Home (Meals Inflight)
This morning is an early transfer to the airport to begin our flight back to Melbourne.
Day 16 - Thursday 16 November 2023
Welcome Home
Welcome Home, we arrive late evening!
Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back.