See Antarctica's frozen beauty and wild Patagonia
22-day expedition cruise from Valparaíso to beautiful Patagonia and the Chilean fjords, with a week exploring Antarctica.
Visit fascinating UNESCO sites, exciting South American cities, round the legendary Cape Horn and sail the Drake Passage.
Spend seven days exploring Antarctica on landings, hikes and ice-cruising, observing wildlife and nature up close with your Expedition Team.
UNESCO natural and man-made wonders
Your expedition cruise takes in many designated World Heritage Sites. These include colorful Valparaíso, the ornate churches of Castro, and the spectacular rugged landscapes, glaciers and lakes of Torres del Paine National Park.
Amazing Antarctic wildlife
Your week in Antarctica has no fixed itinerary, but will include ice cruises and landings whenever possible—as well as a visit to penguin rookeries. The rich waters and landing sites are home to incredible wildlife like whales, seals, guanacos and pumas. Birdwatchers should be on the lookout for rheas, Chilean Flamingos and the mighty Andean condor.
What's included
Take a look at what you can look forward to on this 21-day expedition cruise.
Flights
- Flight in economy class from Punta Arenas to Santiago de Chile
Transfers
- Transfer from the ship to the Punta Arenas airport after the expedition cruise
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurant Aune
- Fine-dining Lindstrøm, À la carte restaurant, is included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- Experts from the Expedition Team present lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center, which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- The Citizen Science program allows guests to contribute to current scientific research
- The onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- The ship has hot tubs, a sauna, and an indoor gym
- Participate in informal gatherings with the crew, such as daily recaps and the next day’s preparations
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings by small boats (RIBs) while in Antarctica
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers will help configure your camera settings before landings
What's not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Route overview
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Valparaíso, a UNESCO gem
Day 1
Valparaíso, a UNESCO gem
Valparaíso truly is the 'Jewel of the Pacific'
Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise begins in colorful Valparaíso, known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific'. Built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, you'll love discovering this friendly UNESCO-listed city.
Filled with exciting smells, sounds and people, it’s an exhilarating maze of alleyways and barrios, colorful houses and mercados packed with local produce. Take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción. If you'd like to explore more of the region, you can join our optional Pre-Program to tour the extraordinary Atacama Desert before you embark MS Fram.
Orientation and discovery
Day 2–3
Orientation and discovery
Get into expedition mode
Over the next two days at sea, you'll learn more about the wonders we'll encounter during our trip.
Our Expedition team are experts in fields from oceanography and geology to ornithology and history. Get stuck in with fascinating lectures, hands-on presentations in the Science Center, and learn about our Citizen Science projects.
It's also the perfect time to unwind. With three excellent restaurants, a pool, hot tubs and wellness centre – not to mention our Explorer Lounge & Bar—you’ll have everything you need to relax, recharge, and get ready for adventure.
Castro's Chilotan charm
Day 4
Castro's Chilotan charm
Stilt houses and historic churches
Set among the lush vegetation of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile’s third oldest city and home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia de Señora de Gracia de Nercón.
You can enjoy terrific views of the city’s colorful palafitos—stilt houses along the waterfront—from the nearby hills, so keep your camera ready. For local culture, head to the Regional Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.
Bring your binoculars as Chiloé is an important habitat for bird species like Green-backed Firecrowns and Chilean flamingos. It’s also home to penguins, Black-necked swans, Ringed Kingfishers and Silvery Grebes.
The waters of Patagonia
Day 5
The waters of Patagonia
Unforgettable Andean seascapes
We cruise south towards Puerto Natales, the capital of Última Esperanza. The iceberg-studded waters of Patagonia are captivating, with stunning shades of blue, from the brightest aquamarine to the deepest midnight hues.
As we sail, there's a good chance you’ll see whales, seabirds, penguins and more. Take in the scenery from the panoramic sauna or on-deck hot tubs and pool, enjoy locally sourced cuisine, or relax in the Explorer Lounge.
Our Expedition Team will be on hand with fascinating lectures on local history and wildlife, and our onboard photographer can help with tips on landscape photography.
Remote Puerto Eden
Day 6
Remote Puerto Eden
Discover Kawéskar culture in a Patagonian village
After cruising through Patagonian waters, we arrive at the enchanting village of Puerto Edén in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.
This tiny village sits at the end of a deep fjord. It’s only accessible by sea, and the ferry that connects it to the mainland only visits once a month. There are no roads here—just wooden boardwalks connecting houses and shops.
Among its 250-strong population, you’ll meet some of the last remaining members of the indigenous Kawéskar, giving you a fascinating insight into Patagonian culture. The unique community is designated a Living Human Treasure by UNESCO.
Bohemian Puerto Natales
Day 7–8
Bohemian Puerto Natales
Gateway to Torres del Paine
Our expedition cruise continues to Puerto Natales, where we'll spend the night. You can opt to go hiking in Torres del Paine National Park—an incredible experience well worth doing.
The rugged landscape has steppe, forest and desert, punctuated by glaciers and lakes. Guanacos, rheas and pumas roam freely. Look out for Chilean Flamingos and you may even spot the mighty Andean condor.
Puerto Natales is a popular hub for hikers and adventurers, with many eateries, bars and outdoor shops. Visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike; enjoy a gin tour at the Last Hope Distillery; or stroll the photogenic waterfront.
Exploring Chile's fjords
Day 9
Exploring Chile's fjords
Dramatic scenery and incredible wildlife
We cruise south along the Chilean coast through the ruggedly beautiful, broken island chains of the fjords of Magallanes Province. Isolated islands and hidden bays create a rich haven for wildlife.
From deck, you can scan for colonies of Magellanic Penguins. If you’re lucky, you might also spot elephant seals and whales. Or you can get hands on in the Science Center and study ice samples under the microscopes.
Your day’s activities will be decided by your Expedition Team. If the conditions are right, we'll take to the water in our small expedition boats for a closer look, or you might join a guided hike on a glacier.
Rounding Cape Horn
Day 10–11
Rounding Cape Horn
Learn how to protect Antarctic habitats
After cruising through the Beagle Channel, we’ll pass the southernmost tip of South America, Cape Horn. Once treacherous for sailors, today we'll round it in comfort. Conditions can still be changeable, but if weather allows, we'll even attempt to land there.
From here, we'll navigate the legendary Drake Passage towards Antarctica. En route, you'll find out what lies ahead and how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible.
In the Science Center, the Expedition Team will give lectures about Antarctica’s animals, history, geology, as well as the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You can also get involved in our Citizen Science projects.
Antarctica: another world
Day 12–18
Antarctica: another world
The most remote and starkly beautiful place on Earth
Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Icebergs, sculpted by nature, float in the straits. Gentoo and chinstrap penguins court while Adélie penguins nest. Countless seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge.
You’ll spend an exciting seven days busily exploring several of more than 20 possible landing sites, on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Wherever we go and whatever we do, each day will offer something different and thrilling.
We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays, where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also get a chance to go kayaking among icebergs and seals, or snowshoe to penguin colonies on optional activities.
Bird enthusiasts should look skywards for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, jaegers, petrels and terns. Through Citizen Science projects and onboard lectures you'll learn more about polar exploration, this precious habitat, and how we can all protect it.
Relax and unwind at sea
Day 19–21
Relax and unwind at sea
Time to rest and relive your adventures
After seven days expedition cruising in Antarctica, it’s time to head back. Your mind will be full of lasting sights and sounds—and your camera’s memory cards loaded with impressive images as well.
It’s sad to leave, but recapping your experiences with your Expedition Team and fellow guests brings a pleasure all its own—whether you’re satisfying your curiosity in the Science Center, relaxing in the Explorer Lounge, or sharing a delicious meal as the waves roll by.
You can also unwind from all the excitement with some pampering in our Wellness Centre. Make the most of the sauna, pool and hot tubs too before we arrive in Punta Arenas.
Arrival in Punta Arenas
Day 22
Arrival in Punta Arenas
Onwards from Punta Arenas
Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise comes to an end in Punta Arenas. You'll catch a flight back to Santiago de Chile, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt endure.
If you're not ready to end your adventures just yet, why not extend your trip and join our Post-Program to Easter Island. Enjoy a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its mysterious statues of giant heads in Rapa Nui National Park.
Ships on this expedition
Take a closer look at our ships typically used on this expedition
Included Programs
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise