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In Shackleton's Footsteps
In Shackleton's Footsteps
In Shackleton's Footsteps

In Shackleton's Footsteps: From Ushuaia to Ushuaia 18-Day Expedition Cruise

D0224012117
Dates
01/21/24 - 02/07/24
Ship
SH Diana
Duration
17 Nights
Guests
2 Guest
Price From
$ 28,723
Per Person
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Trip Details
Follow in the wake of one of history’s greatest explorers on this extraordinary voyage. Drink in the incredible endless icy wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula, just as Ernest Shackleton and his crew would have done as they commenced their quest to cross the South Pole. Step ashore on Elephant Island, where the men would survive two Antarctic winters. Along the way, observe the penguins, seals, whales and seabirds that, unlike Shackleton’s ship, Endurance, have no issues thriving in this formidable environment. Before crossing the infamous Drake Passage back to Ushuaia, stop at the Falkland Islands, a haven for a host of endemic birdlife, and meet the proud, resilient locals.
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Trip Highlights
Dare to brave the notoriously rough two-day Drake Passage sea crossing
Compare monumental icebergs in the Gerlache Strait and Antarctic Sound as you head to the Weddell Sea
Get up close to hundreds of penguins as they gather in their thousands in their natural habitat
Keep an eye out at sea for breaching whales and huge albatross overhead
Listen to our engaging polar experts and learn tips from our team of experienced photographers
Itinerary Map
Itinerary
Ushuaia Day 1

Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world.

Day at sea Day 2

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

West Point Island Day 3

Birdlife is the big draw on this lush sheep-farming island, where thousands of rams and ewes roam. Settled by British explorers in 1765, the island’s unique scenery includes the beaches at The Neck filled with the cacophony of rockhopper, gentoo and king penguin colonies, and you might spot the pillar-shaped nests of black-browed albatross. Nine of the Falklands’ 14 endemic plants, including silvery buttercup and hairy daisy, grow here and are a real treat.

Expedition Activities
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Zodiac Tour with the Expedition Team
  • Duration: 02 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Enjoy a zodiac cruise with the onboard team and learn about the Falkland's wild life
  • Spot the small Peale's or Commerson's Dolphins and Magellanic Penguins
Nature Walk with the Expedition Team
  • Duration: 02 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Hike across the undulating dramatic grassy landscape to the Devil's Nose
  • See Black-browed Albatross and Rockhopper Penguins nesting
Saunders Island Day 3

Black-browed albatross soar above this rugged weather-beaten island in the west of the Falklands, while Commerson’s dolphins swim below. With a sparse population of people and sheep, this inhabited island is also home to fur seals, burrowing rockhopper penguins, magellanic penguins and imperial cormorants who roost in the jagged cliffs and the striking Cliff Mountain towering above the dramatic coastal scenery. As you hike across the moss, keep an eye open for pink-petalled Felton’s flowers.

Expedition Activities
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Nature Walk with the Expedition Team
  • Duration: 02 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Explore the rugged rock cliffs and beaches on foot
  • Search of Gentoo, Magellanic, Rockhopper Penguin and Black-browed Albatross
Port Stanley Day 4

Anyone familiar with Britain’s trademark red post boxes might spot a resemblance in this British outpost. Port Stanley, on East Falkland, is the tiny capital of the Falkland Islands and is small enough to get around on foot. You can visit The Historic Dockyard Museum devoted to maritime history and exploration or pop into the post office. Magellanic penguins gather in hordes at nearby Gypsy Cove, and sea lions and dolphins frolic in the harbour.

Shore Excursion
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Falklands Nature Trek
  • Duration: 03 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Local bird and wildlife sightings
  • Explanations of Flora and Fauna
  • Exploration of one of the Falklands Nature Reserves
Stanley Highlights
  • Duration: 02 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Panoramic Views of Stanley
  • Key Highlights of Stanley
  • Hystoric Dock Yard Musuem
Mount William Hike
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Hike across some of the important battlesites of the 1982 conflict
  • Panoramic Views of Stanley and the surrounding mountains
  • Hike Both Mount william and Mount Tumbledown
Day at sea Day 5-6

Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

South Georgia Day 7-9

Often called the “Galapagos of the Poles”, South Georgia has a number of landing sites where you get up close to half a million king penguins or three million breeding pairs of macaroni penguins, making up the largest population in the world. If you are lucky you will also see harrumphing elephant seals - from a distance! We also visit Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) is buried.

Day at sea Day 10-11

Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

Antarctic Peninsula Day 12-15

Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent will live out their Antarctica dream. The Antarctic Peninsula, the most accessible area of the continent, hosts several scientific bases and some of the most interesting wildlife scenery, such as the extremely photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.

Expedition Activities
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Kayak in Antarctica With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)
  • Duration: 02 h 00 m
  • Optional
Day at sea Day 16-17

Spend your day at sea enjoying your boutique 5-star ship. Treat yourself to a spa day, attend an expert-led onboard lecture or enjoy the ocean views from the deck or the comfort of our Observation Lounge.

Ushuaia Day 18

Ushuaia is the gateway to the White Continent. Found at the southernmost tip of South America in Argentinian Patagonia, the city is often described as “the End of the World”. The city’s mountain backdrop rises above the harbour and entrance to the Beagle Channel. The town itself is walkable and has a few small museums as well as pubs, restaurants and cafes - a good place to try Patagonian lamb cooked over open fire pits.

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Rates Include
Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (ONLY available for Antarctica cruises starting or ending in Ushuaia, Arctic cruises starting and ending in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq)
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel in Buenos Aires
All meals onboard 
24-hour room service 
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
Selected expedition activities led by our expedition team
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots
Standard WiFi
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Itineraries are correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change
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Itinerary Map

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK
Stateroom
Number of Guests
Oceanview D4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Oceanview M4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony M5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D6
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Junior Suite
35 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Junior Suite features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area, walk-in closet, luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Suite
44 m2 Sleeps 2
Our Suites feature a Super King Size bed and separate living room with a soothing flame-effect fireplace, a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a 6 sq. m. private balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Premium Suite
47 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious ensuite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Price From
$ 0

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK