Luxury Antarctica Fly-in Cruise

Duration 10 days
Ideal time to visit November–February
Price guide
From
  PP
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This extraordinary and adventurous trip takes you on a luxury fly-in cruise to discover the awesome landscapes of Antarctica. Begin with a couple of days of culture and great food in Chile’s capital, Santiago. Then, Punta Arenas, one of the southernmost cities in the world for a historic city tour. Next the main event, an exhilarating fly-in Antarctic Cruise. During your cruise you’ll experience exciting expeditions led by specialist guides to uncover the secrets of this wild and largely unexplored continent.

Highlights

  • Head out on foot and get to know what makes Santiago so special
  • Sail along ice-filled fjords, between spectacular icebergs, looking for seabirds
  • Crossing the Lemaire Channel and latitude 65° south
  • Explore the Frei Chilean Base and the Bellingshausen Russian Base

Our bespoke trips include

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Privately guided tours
  • Private transfers
  • Meticulously selected experiences
  • Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Black and white illustration of two guides pointing to a building in the distance
  • Days 1–3 Santiago
  • Days 3–4 Punta Arenas
  • Days 4–9 Antarctica
  • Days 9–10 Santiago
Luxury Antarctica Fly-in Cruise
Price guide
  PP
  • Days 1–3 Santiago
  • Days 3–4 Punta Arenas
  • Days 4–9 Antarctica
  • Days 9–10 Santiago

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1–3

Two nights to explore Santiago

Enjoy a couple of days in bustling Santiago, Chile’s capital city. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Andes, Santiago is considered to have an understated charm. Sleek glassy skyscrapers share space with perfectly landscaped gardens, fascinating museums and stylish art galleries. There’s also a thriving culinary scene boasting fine dining establishments and a celebrated seafood market. You’ll have our list of recommended tours, restaurants and attractions to make sure you make the most of your time here.

The skyline of Santiago, Chile at sunset, with mountains in the background

Santiago discovery

An expertly guided walking city tour

With your friendly, knowledgeable guide you’ll wander the streets of Santiago, visiting its most impressive landmarks.  Begin at Baquedano station and walk west through the Parque Forestal, a delightful green space that celebrates 100 years of the republic of Chile. Take in the neoclassic style façade of the National Museum of Fine Arts, with art nouveau elements and the famed rooftop glass dome.

Next, head to the top of Santa Lucía Hill, where the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia named the city, Santiago, on February 12th 1541. Descend the hill and visit the Gabriela Mistral cultural centre, which promotes Chilean arts. Stroll around the streets of Lastarria Neighborhood admiring the rich architecture, cute cafés, exquisite restaurants, boutiques and museums. Before heading back to your hotel, enjoy a glass of wine in the heart of Lastarria, watching the city go by.

Days 3–4

A night in Punta Arenas

Spend a night in one of the southernmost cities in the world, Punta Arenas. The small city, with a population of around 130,000, is most commonly used as a stopover for those en route to the Torres del Paine National Park, cruises through the Straits of Magellan or flights to Antarctica. The city is very important to the region, being one of the largest ports in this isolated area.

Antarctica calling

Your expedition briefing and welcome dinner

Your expedition officially starts this afternoon, with a cruise briefing at a hotel in Punta Arenas. You’ll be met at your hotel by a representative from the cruise who will give you a briefing on the guidelines that should be followed in Antarctica and the procedures for Zodiac boat embarkation and disembarkation. Afterwards, you will be invited to gather with your expedition mates for a welcome dinner where you’ll enjoy some typical Magellanic cuisine. Spend the night back at your hotel in Punta Arenas.

Days 4–9

Six days cruising Antarctica

Antarctica stands as one of the most captivating and unspoiled regions on Earth, one of the true final frontiers of the wilderness. This continent, with its breathtaking landscapes and varied wildlife, is both magnificent and pristine. Few places evoke the same spirit of adventure or the profound sense of achievement that comes from traversing the remarkable terrain of the White Continent.

This fly and sail cruise allows you to see the astounding scenery of Antarctica without having to navigate the Drake Crossing, giving you more time to spend exploring, spotting wildlife and marveling at the memorable scenery.

Your Antarctica highlights

Exploration bases

Fjords and icebergs

King George Island

 

The flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island takes a little less than two hours. Upon arrival, a tour will be given around the area where Frei Chilean Base and the Bellingshausen Russian Base are located, gathering at the beach on Fildes Bay for boarding your expedition vessel by Zodiac boats.

South Shetland and Antarctic Peninsula

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Sailing ice-filled fjords and between icebergs observing sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Visit the magnificent spots of Livingston Island, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Cuverville and Deception Islands, among others. Finally, cross the Lemaire Channel and latitude 65° South. Enjoy daily landings, cruises in Zodiac boats and lectures.

Days 9–10

A final night in Santiago

Return to Santiago for a final night of great food, fine wines, neighbourhood wanderings and relaxation in this great city. If there’s time, you will have your pick of excellent city tours, arranged by your travel designer and concierge. Perhaps stop by a great gallery or museum, or go shopping for Chilean crafts to take home as souvenirs.

Why book with Jacada

Pesonalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

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Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

Positive Impact

We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.

Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline