Festive Family Adventures
Antarctica offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness unparalleled natural beauty and wildlife, made even more special when celebrated during the holidays. Journey to the ends of the Earth, where snowcapped mountains, vast glaciers, and penguin colonies create a surreal, otherworldly landscape. With few human footprints in sight, you’ll explore untouched wilderness while surrounded by remarkable wildlife. This holiday expedition promises awe, adventure, and memories that will remain etched in your heart forever.
offering recommendations for places and experiences that best fit your style. We are sharing this itinerary to inspire and provide an example of what a trip to Antarctica might look like. When you are ready to design a trip just for you, please let us know.
Welcome to Argentina!
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be met for your private transfer Casa Lucia, your home for the next two nights.
Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Casa Lucia Meals: N/A
This morning you will be met for your private, half-day tour of the neighborhoods of Buenos Aires – one of the world’s most dynamic capitals.
You will start at Plaza de Mayo, the historic heart of Buenos Aires. Named to honor the revolution, this plaza has been a witness to some of Argentina’s most pivotal moments. Next, wander into San Telmo, the city’s oldest neighborhood. Its bohemian charm is unmistakable, with cobbled streets, historic mansions, antique shops, inviting cafés, and a vibrant mix of restaurants and bars.
From there, we’ll head to the iconic La Boca, home to the famous Caminito. The colorful wooden and tin houses with iron balconies reflect the immigrant roots of the late 19th century. The hardships faced by the working class in the early 20th century gave rise to new cultural expressions, from tango and poetry to an undying love of football that thrives to this day.
Finally, you will explore Puerto Madero, a former dockside district turned urban gem. As you stroll along the sleek docks, take in its modern architecture, high-end dining, and even a peaceful natural reserve.
In the evening, you will gather with your fellow shipmates for a welcome cocktail reception.
Casa Lucia Meals: Breakfast
This morning you will be met for your private transfer to the Buenos Aires Airport for your flight to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica!
Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you will be met for your shared transfer to the pier. Before setting sail, you will have time to take a short trek through the stunning Cerro Alarkén Nature Reserve to kick off your adventure.
Le Lyrial, an Ice Class 1C luxury expedition cruiser, is thoughtfully designed with your comfort in mind. Accommodating just 199 guests, the ship features an English-speaking staff and a seasoned expedition team dedicated to providing an exceptional experience for every traveler. Each suite boasts a private balcony and complimentary butler service, ensuring a touch of indulgence throughout your journey. Onboard amenities include multiple observation areas, cozy lounges, a variety of dining options, a library, theater, heated outdoor pool, fitness center, spa, and a 24-hour medical facility staffed by a certified doctor. For your shore adventures, Le Lyrial is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac boats. You’ll also enjoy complimentary wireless Internet, A&K’s Traveller’s Valet laundry service, and the reassurance that this Clean-Ship certified vessel meets the highest environmental standards.
Aboard Le Lyrial Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Wake up to your first morning at sea!
Today, you’ll cruise east toward the Falkland Islands, with your expedition team off their lecture series. Take advantage of your day at sea to unwind and make the most of the ship’s offerings! Peaceful days at sea provide the perfect balance to the thrill of onshore adventures.
Aboard Le Lyrial Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Your time in the Falkland Islands will blend natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and festive celebration! This remote archipelago, with its dramatic landscapes and pristine beaches, is teeming with marine and bird life. Home to a fascinating mix of British culture and rugged sub-Antarctic wilderness, the Falklands offer a unique experience. Weather permitting, you’ll have the chance to explore Stanley, the charming historic capital known for its colorful houses, war memorials, and friendly locals, or venture into the surrounding wilds, where windswept cliffs and rolling hills await discovery.
You will spend Christmas Day in the West Falkland Islands and can immerse yourself in the wonders of the region. You may encounter vast colonies of gentoo and rockhopper penguins, graceful albatross soaring overhead, and other wildlife thriving in this untouched paradise.
Conclude your time in the Falkland Islands with memorable holiday festivities as your ship sets sail toward South Georgia.
Aboard Le Lyrial Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Your journey continues toward South Georgia, a wildlife haven in the Southern Ocean. While aboard, enjoy insightful lectures from your expedition team and engaging family-friendly activities.
As you approach South Georgia, wildlife sightings may become more frequent, and deck-side excitement builds. This stretch of ocean is a treasure trove of life, where seabirds soar overhead and the Shag Rocks, with their six distinctive pointed peaks, rise dramatically from the sea. Keep your eyes peeled for the abundance of wildlife that awaits as you draw nearer to one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Aboard Le Lyrial Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Over the course of three incredible days, immerse yourself in the natural wonders and rich history of South Georgia, one of the Southern Ocean’s most biodiverse regions. Weather permitting, explore its stunning glacier-carved coves and rugged shores, where vast colonies of king penguins, along with southern elephant and fur seals, greet you.
With your A&K historian, delve into the island’s fascinating past, learning about the whaling era and the adventures of legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. South Georgia is truly a photographer’s paradise, offering unparalleled opportunities to capture the rugged beauty of its landscapes and wildlife. If conditions allow, venture to the southern end of the island, where the remarkable wildlife and untouched scenery provide a perfect setting for unforgettable photos.
Aboard Le Lyrial Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Today, your journey takes you across the Scotia Sea. As the year draws to a close, enjoy festive celebrations onboard while eagerly anticipating your arrival in Antarctica.
The Scotia Sea is a remote and rugged stretch of water located between South America and Antarctica, known for its rich marine life and dramatic weather conditions. It serves as a vital passage for explorers heading to the Antarctic continent, offering stunning views and a gateway to some of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Awake to a New Year’s Day unlike any other as your expedition team ushers in tomorrow’s planned landing on the Antarctic continent.
Aboard Le Lyrial Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Over the course of four incredible days in Antarctica, your expedition team will take advantage of the best opportunities for landings on the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, weather and ice conditions permitting. Search for gentoo and chinstrap penguins as you explore this awe-inspiring region. If conditions allow, younger guests may even have the chance to steer a Zodiac boat, adding an adventurous element to the journey.
Antarctica’s striking landscapes unfold before you, with snowcapped mountains, shimmering glaciers, and iceberg-filled channels vying for your attention at every turn. As the days pass, capture the unique beauty of the Antarctic twilight, where the soft, lingering light paints the surroundings in an ethereal glow.
On your final day in this unforgettable land, take a moment to reflect and savor the experience, keeping your eyes peeled for any species that may have eluded you so far. With its unparalleled wildlife and dramatic landscapes, Antarctica leaves a lasting impression, offering memories that will stay with you long after you depart.
Aboard Le Lyrial Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Bid farewell to Antarctica as your vessel sets course north across the historic Drake Passage, heading toward Ushuaia.
As you cruise through these iconic waters, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings, including the giant petrel gliding above and the elusive albatross soaring across the vast, open sea. This crossing, often referred to as a rite of passage for those venturing to Antarctica, offers a chance to reflect on the awe-inspiring adventure you’ve just experienced while being immersed in the beauty of the Southern Ocean.
Aboard Le Lyrial Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Today Le Lyrial returns to Ushuaia. You will be met for your shared transfer to the Ushuaia Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires.
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will make your way to your onward flights.
N/A Meals: Breakfast
