BEYOND THE POLAR CIRCLE

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

LE SOLEAL

Le Soléal provides a luxurious and comfortable experience to the final frontier – Antarctica. Carrying a maximum of 200 passengers she creates a welcoming and intimate atmosphere for you to take in the awe of this majestic continent. This ship offers excellent facilities including a spa, fine dining restaurants and exquisite décor throughout. The fleet of Zodiacs take you off the ship on excursions to explore the wonders of Antarctica.

L’Austral

L’Austral (200 guests) was launched in May, 2011 and is a sister ship to Le Boreal and Le Soleal. She features 132 staterooms offering elegant design as well innovative state-of-the-art marine technology. The vessel boasts a convenient layout, aided by three passenger elevators. She offers a single seating dining room, al fresco dining, an outdoor heated pool, and a modern lecture facility and theatre, as well as an ample and comfortable gathering area and library.

Le Lyrial

Following the signature Ponant style, the Le Lyrial is an elegant way to travel throughout the Antarctic region, effortlessly combining luxury and intimacy whilst focusing on guest’s well being. Exterior and interior lines combine to ensure that all of the 260 guests on board enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable journey, with no necessity spared. Featuring an onboard fitness and beauty area, communal spaces including a tea room, bar, live music programmes and a dance floor to enjoy on your nights at sea you will never struggle to fill in your days. The Panoramic room as well as providing breathtaking views, houses a library, hosts internet connection and direct access onto the panoramic terrace. Guests can enjoy the perfect balance between shore excursions and excitement on board to make your journey to the Southern most Continent simply unforgettable.

Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina

Overview:

In the afternoon you will board your ship in Ushuaia and set sail in the direction of the Falkland Islands, an Archipelago made up of moors and craggy coastlines, where the plant and animal life forms a link between Patagonia and the Antarctic.

Day 2 At Sea

Relax on board this luxurious vessel and take in the fresh air. There is plenty to do on your way to the Falkland Islands. Perhaps you would like to unwind at the spa or simply admire the vastness of the ocean from the panoramic lounge.

Day 3 Falkland Islands

Located to the South East of South America, the Falkland Islands, which are renowned for their wildness, were discovered by a Spanish expedition at the beginning of the 16th century. More than two hundred years later, sailors from Saint- Malo, known as Malouins, occupied the island and gave it the name used until the British conquered them in 1833. Scattered with tufts of grass, surrounded by a grey and often wild sea, the Islands are a small country of moors and rugged coastlines carved by the South Atlantic, where the wildlife and plant life form a link between Patagonia and Antarctica. Take the time to observe and photograph the abundant wildlife of these wild and very attractive Islands.

Days 4-5 At Sea

During your time at sea you may wish to visit the theatre to view a film or attend an information session or perhaps you would like to relax by the heated pool. You may wish to spend some time on your private balcony spotting sea birds or keeping your eyes peeled for some whales heading south.

Days 6-8 South Georgia

South Georgia looms into view in a maze of mountainous chains and long black sandy beaches. South Georgia is an unmissable destination within Antarctica. This Subantarctic region is a peak emerging from the Scotia Arc, an underwater mountain chain that extends the Andes to the Antarctic Peninsula. Salisbury Plain will be the arena for the most memorable and the most authentic display of Nature. Formed by the withdrawal of the Grace Glacier, high mountains dominate time and space; the blue – tinged landscape demonstrates all the strength and beauty of the unspoiled nature all around. At the heart of this haven of peace, on the beaches of the bay, a colony of 250 000 King Penguins has taken residence. In the midst of all these orange headed couples, Fur Seals try to beat a path to feed with their young. Under the weak Southern sun that lights this glacial plain, clouds of birds fly on the wind, enchanting the traveller.

Grytviken, initially established as a whaling station in 1904, is now only occupied by scientists and crew of the British Antarctic survey. Grytviken translates to ‘Pot Bay’ after many pots were found here that were used to render seal oil.

Gold Harbour is a popular breeding ground for king penguins and elephant seals. During the morning and evening the soft sunlight illuminates the cliffs a beautiful bright yellow which is where the harbour gets its name.

Days 9 At Sea

Enjoy some of the onboard facilities whilst keeping an eye out for bird life and whales. As you head further south you will begin to see icebergs floating past.

Days 10-13 Antarctic Peninsula

Whilst cruising along the Antarctic Peninsula there will be stops along the way giving guests the opportunity to board the Zodiacs with the team of experienced naturalist guides and see the ice and wildlife up close. Possible landing sites are: Elephant Island, Astrolabe Island, Neko Harbour, Petermann Island. All landings are weather dependent.

Days 14-17 Drake Passage to Ushuaia

As you brave the Drake Passage you will have time to sort through your photos, use the onboard facilities, attend lectures, visit the spa for some relaxation or relax in the lounge areas sharing stories with fellow travellers of your adventure.

In the evening of day 16 the ship will pull into Ushuaia. The following morning after breakfast you will disembark. You will then be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Buenos Aires.