Antarctica: Shackleton's Antarctica
Follow in the footsteps of Antarctic explorers
Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, the Irish born British explorer, made several voyages to Antarctica during the early 1900s. Impressively, he and his three comrades managed to get closer to the South Pole than any other expeditionist at that time. Now, sailing aboard the exceptional MS Fram, you can follow in the footsteps of Shackleton and other great Antarctic explorers when you book Antarctica adventure holidays.
Boarding the ship at Buenos Aires you will begin your three-week Antarctic voyage, calling at the beautiful Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Argentinian town of Ushuaia along the way. Sail the Scotia Sea to Antarctica following Shackleton’s exact route, and return along the legendary Drake Passage where the mighty Atlantic and Pacific Oceans converge.
During your time at sea on Antarctica adventure holidays, take advantage of the series of lectures where you can learn all about the region’s intriguing history, geology and wildlife. You can also make use of the MS Fram’s excellent facilities such as the gym, spa and heated outdoor Jacuzzis. When you reach Antarctica, the exact locations where you can go ashore will be determined by the ice conditions at the time of sailing. Safe landings will be made using Polarcirkel tender boats that are specially designed for this purpose.
Become a polar explorer yourself and book this epic Antarctica adventure holiday today.
Day 1 -
Buenos Aires
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Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to the dock where the MS Fram will be waiting for you. The ship sets sail late afternoon, marking the beginning of Antarctica adventure holidays.
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Days 2 to 4 -
At Sea
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The voyage to the Falkland Islands takes two days. Relax and take advantage of the MS Fram’s on-board facilities. Enjoy the fresh air out on deck or if you are feeling energetic, make use of the gym facilities. There are also interesting lectures included in Antarctica adventure holidays that you can attend to learn more about the icy continent that you are soon to arrive at.
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Days 5 to 6 -
Falkland Islands
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Today, Antarctica adventure holidays call at Port Stanley, the capital of this beautiful collection of islands. There are optional tours that you can choose to join, or you can explore at your own pace. The rolling green hills and gleaming white beaches make the Falkland Islands seem almost paradisiacal and they are teeming with birdlife.
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Day 7 -
At Sea
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Two more glorious days at sea give you time to unwind and enjoy the ship’s facilities. Further lectures will be scheduled should you wish to attend, and you will no doubt notice that the temperature begins to fall considerably.
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Days 9 to 10 -
South Georgia
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Although there are no permanent human settlers, this ruggedly sublime island is home to a vast array of wildlife, including the largest colony of king penguins. Spend two days of your Antarctica adventure holiday exploring the island, with the possibility of spotting elephant seals and reindeer. Learn about South Georgia’s whaling history, and pay homage to Shackleton when you visit his grave.
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Days 11 to 12 -
At Sea
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Antarctica adventure holidays continue across the Scotia Sea, following the route that Shackleton took all those years ago.
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Days 13 to 16 -
Antarctica
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Today is the highlight of Antarctica adventure holidays. When we reach the icy continent, the exact route and landings will be decided by the captain. You may get the chance to visit Deception Island, a former whaling station with an impressive volcanic caldera. There is also the possibility of going ashore at Port Lockery, where you can experience what life was like at an Antarctic research base in the 1950s at the museum. Port Lockery also has a seasonal gift shop and post office, where many like to send a postcard back to friends and family with an Antarctic stamp! There are several other places to go ashore such as Wilhelmina Bay and Antarctic Sound where you will see the most magnificent spectacle of ice formations, but wherever the captain chooses to land, there is no experience on Earth quite like setting foot on this remote continent during Antarctica adventure holidays.
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Days 17 to 18 -
Drake Passage
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Returning north via a different route on your Antarctica adventure holiday, the MS Fram negotiates the legendary Drake Passage, the place where the Pacific Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean. The crossing takes almost two days, throughout which you may spot whales or albatrosses from the ship.
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Day 19 -
Ushuaia
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The Argentinian town of Ushuaia claims to be the world’s most southerly town. Here, your Antarctica adventure holiday comes to an end. Catch the flight back to the warmth of Buenos Aires for an overnight stay.
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Day 20 -
Departure
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Disembark the MS Fram and fly to Buenos Aires for your overnight stay.
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Day 21 -
International flight back to the UK
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International overnight flight back to the UK
**Please note the above itinerary is applicable to the November departure, the February departure operates in reverse order.**
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Flights: Overnight flights between London Heathrow (via Madrid) and Santiago with arrival the following morning. Departures & supplements from other UK airports and/or with other airlines and Business Class supplements are available on request.
We also provide exciting Northern Lights tours in Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finalnd.
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