Patagonia to Chilean Fjords and Antarctica Southbound
17 night Cruise Only - from £7734pp
Kayaking in Antarctica
Valparaiso
Torres del Paine, Patagonia
Chinstrap Penguins, Antarctica
Antarctica
Chilean Fjords
Antarctica
See the fascinating wildlife of Patagonia, the Chilean Fjords and Antarctica on this expedition cruise along the South American coast with opportunities for hiking, kayaking and visits ashore with the Expedition team. Includes flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
Discover the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park, picturesque Patagonia and the Chilean fjords, and the dramatic frozen continent of Antarctica.
Embark your ship Fram in Valparaiso for a once-in-a-lifetime voyage. Sail along the Chilean Pacific coastline and admire the landscapes of snow-capped volcanoes, beautiful lakes and lush vegetation. See the colourful stilt houses in Castro and learn about the indigenous culture of Patagonian tribes in Puerto Eden, then explore Puerto Natales, gateway to the stunning Torres del Paine National Park.
Fram then cruises through the serene Chilean fjords, an area barely touched by humans, before arriving at Cape Horn, where there may be the chance to step ashore. Navigate the famous Drake Passage to explore the dramatic landscapes of Antarctica by kayak and on guided hikes. Possible landings include picturesque Deception Island and idyllic Neko Harbour, both home to colonies of penguins. The experienced Expedition Team will accompany landings ashore and deliver fascinating lectures on board during your time on the White Continent.
17-night full-board voyage in cabin grade of your choice
Transfer between the ship and the airport in Ushuaia
Economy flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
House beer and wine, sodas and mineral water with meals on board in Aune and Fredheim restaurants
Complimentary tea and coffee on board
A La Carte restaurant (for suite guests only)
Landings ashore and lectures onboard by the Expedition Team
Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
Complimentary wind and water-resistant jacket
Excludes
International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional excursions
Gratuities (at guests' discretion)
Cruise Map
Itinerary
Day 1Valparaiso (Chile)
Embark Fram in Valparaiso.
Days 2-3At sea
Fram cruises along Chile's coastline. Enjoy fascinating lectures from the on board expedition team and take part in various workshops.
Day 4Castro
Castro is located on the beautiful Isla Grande de Chiloe and surrounded by verdant hills and vegetation. The city is renowned for its colourful wooden houses on stilts, known as palafitos. The magnificent Iglesia San Francisco or San Francisco Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its stunning stained glass windows. Other sights in this fascinating city include the small Plazuela del Tren which has a collection of old trains, and the lively market, Feria Campesina Yumbel. The majority of the city's restaurants and cafes can be found on the Calle Blanco and serve delicious traditional cuisine. Nearby is the breathtaking Chiloe National Park, home to an array of flora and fauna, including penguins and sea lions.
Day 5At sea
Fram continues south through the waters of Patagonia and on to Ultima Esperanza, translated as Last Hope. Admire the stunning Andean vistas during this relaxing day at sea.
Day 6Puerto Eden
The beautiful village of Puerto Eden is located in the picturesque Bernardo O'Higgins National Park and surrounded by soaring mountains. It only has a population of 250 which includes members of the Kaweskar people. The village has no roads and electricity is only available for a few hours each day. You can immerse yourself in the indigenous culture of Patagonia tribes during your time here and purchase traditional crafts, including wicker baskets. You may be lucky enough to see Magellan hummingbirds during guided hikes and kayaking with the expedition team.
Days 7-8Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales is the gateway to the stunning landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park including majestic rock formations known as the Towers of Paine. The park also has tranquil lakes and a series of trails which showcase the verdant forests, fast-flowing rivers and bright blue glacier. During your time here, you may be lucky enough to see llamas, pumas and chilla foxes, plus the Andean condor. Enjoy guided hikes in this beautiful national park.
Day 9Chilean Fjords
You will be enchanted by the natural beauty of the Chilean fjords, an area which seems untouched by humans. The ice has created islands and hidden bays which form this unique fjordland landscape. Snow-capped peaks contrast with the stunning coastline, home to a variety of wildlife including sea lions.
Days 10-11At sea
This morning, Fram cruises the Beagle Channel which is named after HMS Beagle, the ship used by Charles Darwin. Conditions permitting, you may be able to go ashore at Cape Horn, the southernmost point of Chile. Later, set sail for the Drake Passage where two oceans meet. Learn about Antarctica's fauna and history as Fram navigates this passage en route to Antarctica.
Days 12-15Antarctica
Antarctica holds 90% of the world's ice and is isolated from the rest of the world. In summer, the White Continent is a breeding ground for penguins, whales and seals who spend the remainder of the year at sea and feed on the large krill population. Antarctica is unspoiled by humans and protected by the Antarctic Treaty. Due to the location and climate, the planned route and landings may change. In ideal conditions, you will be able to spend time ashore, on the water in the kayaks and on guided hikes. Possible landings include Deception Island, Half Moon Island, Brown Bluff and Neko Harbour where you'll be able to observe colonies of penguins and visit old whaling stations.
Days 16-17At sea
Enjoy the ship's facilities on relaxing days at sea crossing the Drake Passage.
Day 18Ushuaia (Argentina) - Buenos Aires - UK
Disembark Fram in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires.
Patagonia to Chilean Fjords and Antarctica Southbound ItineraryDue to the nature of this voyage, the itinerary is subject to change. In addition, all planned landings are subject to weather and ice conditions.
