100% customisable travel idea
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia and Antarctica Ponant yacht cruise
Argentina - Antarctica
An expedition to the ends of the Earth
Your boat
This exceptional yacht offers a unique atmosphere combining luxury, intimacy and a sense of well-being. Fine materials, understated elegance and subtle harmonies shape both the exterior and interior lines, with all the sophisticated spirit of classic yachting. On board, the soothing neutral tones are highlighted here and there with brighter accents, evoking the feel of a private yacht. An internet space, theatre, library, leisure area and relaxation lounges have all been designed to cater to different expectations while preserving each guest’s privacy. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and in partnership with renowned beauty brand Sothys, the wellness area welcomes you for unforgettable moments of relaxation and attentive care. The comfortable, spacious cabins are also available in triple and connecting configurations, and families will find a dedicated leisure space with Wi-Fi consoles and games for younger guests, along with a children’s menu.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Night on board, arrival the next day.
On arrival, private transfer to the heart of Palermo and a two-night stay in a true haven of peace in the city. Sheltered from view, the garden has an inviting pool - perfect on hot days. Lounge there with a cocktail in hand, unless you prefer to explore the lively streets of Palermo. Just a short walk away, you’ll find numerous restaurants, bars and shops, as well as the Palermo parks. Everywhere, the decor is decidedly contemporary and stylish, a play on materials, colours and light. The rooms are bright and cosy, and show the same attention to detail.
Already scheduled - Buenos Aires in the footsteps of a local, in private. Spending a few hours with a local lets you get a feel for the city through its trendy spots, hidden neighbourhoods, street food, markets and more. You can blend in with the crowd or escape it - and above all, you get to chat about daily life in Argentina. At the end of the day, a visit to Palacio Barolo is also planned. The famous Italian Luis Barolo, the first to import cotton spinning machines, had the tallest building of the capital at the time built in his name on Buenos Aires’s iconic avenue, Avenida de Mayo. The building stands out for its unconventional style, blending Art Nouveau, Gothic inspiration, and touches from India on the Dome side, and it even pays tribute to Dante. Next, head to the Palacio Barolo lighthouse and up to the dome to enjoy a 360-degree view.
Optional - A foodie walk through different neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires.
In the late morning, a private transfer to the airport and a flight to Ushuaia. New private transfer to the port, then board your ship in the afternoon. The adventure begins… Set sail for the White Continent!
Make the most of your days in the Drake Passage to get to know your ship and deepen your knowledge of Antarctica. The expedition leader will first introduce the IAATO code of conduct governing landings ashore, then explain how zodiac excursions are done. Talks on the history and wildlife of Antarctica will help you discover more about this magical land, where every cruise is a unique experience. From the footbridge, you will enjoy exceptional moments at sea before joining the nature guides on the outside decks of your ship to spot albatrosses, Cape petrels and other seabirds soaring above the Drake Passage.
Let yourself be drawn in by the dazzling magic of a place unlike any other. The Antarctic Peninsula, a truly legendary land, still holds a real fascination and promises visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy haven, you will travel through a spectacular setting with subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by remarkable wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales and orcas. Depending on the sites you have the privilege to visit, you may have the chance to observe them and share the beauty of these remote places with them.
Each day, depending on the ice conditions, the captain and the expedition leader will offer landings or zodiac excursions to explore the endless riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, pack ice, tabular icebergs, mountain peaks plunging steeply into the water, volcanic beaches, scientific bases, enchanting bays, and remnants of the whaling industry: these are just some of the sights that will likely unfold before you, all in an almost surreal, hushed atmosphere. You will follow in the footsteps of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton - great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these distant, uninhabited lands.
If there is one place, one sea, one passage feared by visitors, scientists and seasoned sailors alike, it is the Drake Passage. Located at the latitude of the infamous Roaring Fifties, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, this is the shortest route linking Antarctica and South America. Seasoned travellers will tell you that the White Continent must be earned… In the zone of the Antarctic Convergence, where cold currents flow northward from the pole and meet the warmer equatorial waters, this passage is home to a remarkably diverse profusion of marine life. Be sure to look up to spot the elegant albatrosses and Cape petrels as they play in the uplifting winds around your ship.
Early morning arrival in Ushuaia and disembarkation. Private transfer and check-in for two nights a little outside the centre of Ushuaia, in a residential neighbourhood with a view of the Beagle Channel. Your charming Alpine-style accommodation stands out for its friendly atmosphere, family management and homemade cuisine. It has only six rooms, simple yet cosy, and each one is different. The owner, a former chef, serves exceptional cuisine - special mention for the breakfast. A charming shared lounge is available for guests to relax and socialise.
On your itinerary - A day of trekking and canoeing in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Carpeted with peat and moss, covered by a ghostly forest of lengas - an endemic tree species - and home to beaver dams, this park covers 63,000 hectares (155,000 acres) and offers the unforgettable sight of the Magellanic Subpolar Forests. Under the guidance of specialist guides, you discover its history and environment while hiking and paddling (moderate level).
Optional - Navigation on the Beagle Channel - Lake Fagnano and Lake Escondido in private.
Private transfer to the airport, then flight to Buenos Aires. New private transfer and check-in for the final night, once again in the Palermo district, at a hotel with an urban style and strong eco-friendly ethos. For good reason: water and energy are used efficiently, the materials in the interiors are natural and come from sustainable sources, and the air entering the rooms is filtered. Vertical gardens cover the walls of the facade and patio. On the rooftop, a small pool invites you to cool off after exploring the city streets.
Optional - A tango evening.
In the afternoon, private transfer to the airport and international return flight. Night on board, arrival the next day.
À la carte
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
With a few extra days: Buenos Aires
The Argentine capital is a city with a strong character, combining the feel of a European capital with unmistakable Latin charm. In the morning, take your time over a cortado (a short coffee with a dash of milk) or a café con leche, watching the daily parade of paseadores - dog walkers shepherding a dozen leashes at once through the streets. Recoleta has an elegant feel, perfect for a stroll, as does the city centre around Plaza de Mayo (with a must-stop at the Gran Café Tortoni on Avenida de Mayo). There’s shopping along Calle Florida and in Palermo Soho. Fancy an evening of tango? There are countless small bars where you can discover both traditional tango and tango nuevo, Piazzolla-style. And for something more refined, there are elegant venues such as Confitería La Ideal, with its moving Belle Époque décor on Calle Suipacha. In the mood for something trendier? Head to Palermo Hollywood, buzzing with the worlds of film and television - but not before ten o’clock…
Why visit Antarctica with Voyageurs du monde?
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your tripA few of the advantages of travelling with us to Antarctica
- CO2 absorption