Classic Antarctica

Experience the majesty of Antarctica up close in our luxury expedition vessell, Le Lyrial. Cruise the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, spotting an abundance of wildlife from the wandering albatross to the elephant seal. Visit the magical Antarctic Sound and the picturesque South Shetland islands on Zodiac boats, accessing locations rarely touched by human influence. Stop in at working research stations and volcanic islands, and come face-to-face with the largest breeding colony of Adelie penguin in the region. Join our award-winning expedition team including renowned scientists and expert photographers for a voyage like no other.

What's Included:

• Cruise for 10 nights aboard luxurious Le Lyrial with balcony accommodation guaranteed and a guest capacity limited to just 199, only when exclusively chartered by Abercrombie & Kent
• Begin your journey with a two-night stay at luxury Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau on Alvear Avenue in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Sail with an exceptional crew curated by Abercrombie & Kent, featuring our award-winning expedition team, an experienced service staff and crew, and an impressive ratio of one staff member to every 1.3 guests
• Enjoy all-inclusive cruising covering on-board meals and house drinks, Zodiac excursions, expedition gear, port charges, tips, Traveller’s Valet® laundry service, and complimentary wifi
• Discover rare wildlife on a voyage ideally timed with the peak of the austral summer
• Explore the Antarctic Peninsula for five action-packed days with excursions led by the region’s best guides
• Enjoy an enhanced photography voyage on the 7 December departure with additional programming led by dedicated Abercrombie & Kent photo coaches
• Experience an Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) focus on climate change research with the 3 January departure, sailing with special guest and noted Antarctic researcher, Dr James McClintock, who leads a behind-the-scenes tour at US
• Palmer Research Station (weather permitting)

Day 1: UK – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Touch down in the vibrant capital of Argentina, famous for its colourful culture and breath-taking art deco architecture. Transfer to the luxurious Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau in the heart of Buenos Aires. Enjoy your evening exploring this exciting city or treat yourself in one of the local shopping districts. Alternatively, spend time at leisure in your spacious accommodation enjoying street or garden views, or relax in the opulent Ahin spa.

Day 2: Buenos Aires

Experience this vivacious city up close, choosing from a selection of included excursions accompanied by local A&K guides. Opt for a panoramic city tour, absorbing the wide range of historic and contemporary architecture Buenos Aires has to offer, followed by a tango demonstration from local dancers. Alternatively, enjoy a tour of the city’s lively art scene. Afterwards, meet with your fellow explorers for a welcome cocktail reception and briefing about your adventures to come.

Day 3: Ushuaia

Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and enjoy a gourmet lunch at the Arakur resort surrounded by views of the city and the Marshall mountain range. After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the Cerro Alarken Nature Reserve before your transfer to your luxury mega-yacht, Le Lyrial. Explore the wide range of on-board amenities including a spa, heated swimming pool and observation decks. As you cruise the Beagle Channel, mingle with your fellow voyagers in the Panoramic Lounge or soak in breath-taking views from your own private balcony.

Day 4 - 5: Cruising the Drake Passage

Sound and sturdy, Le Lyrial is perfectly matched for the stormy waters and icy conditions of the Drake Passage, an expanse of water nearly 1000 kilometres wide. Enjoy enriching lectures from your on-board team of team of experts including a historian, geologist and naturalist. Learn about the rich history of this exciting landscape, once an important trading route, and the varied wildlife that inhabits it. Spot whales and a wide range of seabirds from the observation decks as they feast on the krill-rich waters.

Day 6 - 10: Antarctica

Cruise the glacial wonderland of the Antarctic Peninsula. Our on-board enrichment specialists handpick included excursions for you to enjoy. You may cruise the Antarctic Sound, the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula to see the largest breeding colony of Adélie penguin in this region. Alternatively, visit working research stations, volcanic islands and wildlife havens on the South Shetland Islands. You may also explore the photogenic water channels of the Danco Coast. Each day begins with morning and afternoon Zodiac excursions and ends with all-inclusive cocktails aboard Le Lyrial.

Day 11 - 12: Cruising the Drake Passage

Bid farewell to the majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula as you embark on your return voyage to Ushuaia. Take some time to reflect while cruising the Drake Passage, sharing memories with your fellow guests and enjoying final lectures and discussions with your expedition experts. Observe whales and seabirds in abundance from the observation deck or from the comfort of your private balcony. Avid birdwatchers may even spot the elusive albatross with its enormous wingspan of over 3.5 metres.

Day 13: Ushuaia - UK

After breakfast, disembark Le Lyrial at Ushuaia. Wave goodbye to your fellow guests and expedition team as you leave for your transfer flight home or continue your discoveries on our new Ushuaia post-tour extension.

Day 14: