Discovery of Antarctica, Chilean Fjords and Patagonia
About Valparaíso
The Great White Continent of Antarctica
As the early explorers learned, Antarctica never fails to amaze and astound. The mighty frozen vistas, stunning glaciers and rich wildlife make your expedition cruise to Antarctica an unforgettable adventure.
Nature is in complete control on Antarctica. We will attempt landings on several sites in the South Shetlands and Antarctic Peninsula to show you the incredible diversity of landscapes and rich wildlife in this pristine wilderness.
Ice-cruising, Landings and Exciting Activities
Our expedition team is comprised of skilled professionals who will take you ice-cruising and on landings for exciting activities whenever conditions allow.
There may also be chances to kayak and hike in stunning surroundings, or even camp out on the most remote continent on Earth.
Onboard our comfortable hybrid-powered expedition ship, you can enjoy expert talks about Antarctica’s rich history and fascinating biology, wildlife photography, geology and more.
Cape Horn, Chilean Fjords & Patagonian Beauty
On our way back to civilization, we may land at famed Cape Horn. Then, we sail on to the fjords of Chile to discover the remote beauty of Patagonia. We continue our expedition cruise along the vast, rugged and beautiful Chilean coastline before the voyage ends in colorful Valparaíso.
- Experience Antarctica and Patagonia in one expedition cruise
- Enjoy ice-cruising, landings and incredible wildlife in Antarctica
- Sail into the Chilean fjords in summer and see Cape Horn
- Get the opportunity to visit Torres del Paine National Park
- Hurtigruten expedition cruise in the cabin grade of your choice
- Overnight in Santiago de Chile before the voyage including breakfast
- Transfer hotel to airport in Santiago de Chile
- Coach-class flight from Santiago de Chile to Punta Arenas
- Transfer airport to ship in Punta Arenas including city tour and lunchbox
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE
- A rich program of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including ice-boat cruising and onshore exploration with the expedition team
- Professional English-speaking expedition team- an international, handpicked team of highly educated experts in various academic fields with profound knowledge of the regions we sail in
- Complimentary wind and water-resistant jacket
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities
ENGAGING ONBOARD ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION
- In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology or culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience
- Explorer Science program, with educational and Citizen Science activities that inform you about the sights you’ll see, while contributing to research
- Introductory photo lecture, including camera adjustments and tips and tricks
- Port presentations providing destination insight
- Photos and film/video footage from the voyage shared in the Expedition Logbook
- Casual opportunities to engage with the expedition team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
- Opportunities to dine and interact with the expedition team and officers
- Destination-focused onboard library
- A farewell event
PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT
- All meals including beverages (ship beer and wine, sodas and mineral water in all restaurants)
- Fredheim restaurant meals included
- A la carte restaurant (only for suite guests)
- Coffee and tea included throughout the day
- Early riser and afternoon treat offered in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Rejuvenating wellness areas with separate treatment rooms, infinity pool, outdoor gym, running track
- Gym, hot tubs and panoramic sauna
- Free Wi-fi on board for all guests. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- No gratuities expected
- International flights
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group adventures with our expedition team such as kayaking, camping, glacier walks, long hikes (availability pending weather conditions and safety)
- Optional small-group Explorer Photo program with our Expedition Photographer
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Medical questionnaire mandatory. Read all Entry Requirements for your travel.
Itinerary
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Summer in the Metropolis - Santiago de Chile - Hotel
The capital of Chile is exciting and diverse. There is a lot to discover, from Andean glaciers at the city limits, to a backdrop of tall mountains, to skyscrapers, quiet parks, colonial architecture, and bohemian quarters, to the fast-flowing Mapacho River. Your adventure starts with an overnight hotel stay here.
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Embarking on the Expedition - Santiago de Chile / Punta Arenas
You fly early in the morning to Punta Arenas, where our hybrid-powered expedition ship, MS Roald Amundsen, is docked, ready for your expedition cruise to Antarctica.
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The Drake Passage - At sea
We sail through scenic Beagle Channel and over the legendary Drake Passage. Onboard, the expedition team starts the lecture program, giving you information about Antarctica’s amazing animals, geology and history. Enjoy the fresh sea air and watch for wildlife from on deck.
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Pure Wilderness - Antarctica
Home to 90 percent of the world´s ice, Antarctica never fails to amaze and astound. In winter, sea ice virtually doubles the size of the continent. In summer, it is a breeding ground for millions of penguins, whales and seals.
This is a continent dedicated to peace, science and tourism that has evolved through millenniums without human interference. Therefore, we adhere to very strict environmental guidelines and rules. We want to leave nothing but our footprints and take nothing but pictures!
Antarctica is a true wilderness, so local conditions will dictate our final itinerary. We will attempt landings at several sites in the South Shetlands and Antarctic Peninsula to show you the incredible diversity of landscapes and rich wildlife.
At every opportunity, our expert expedition team will take you out ice-cruising and on landings. There may also be chances to kayak among icebergs, hike in stunning surroundings and even camp on the most remote continent on Earth.
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Drake Passage and Cape Horn - At sea
MS Roald Amundsen takes us safely back across famous Drake Passage. We will continue our lecture series and recap our experiences of Antarctica in the Science Center. As we reach South America, we will attempt to land on historic Cape Horn before continuing towards the Chilean fjords.
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A Paradise for Nature Lovers -
Deep fjords and tall mountains plunging into icy waters await us in magnificent surroundings. This wild and remote area seems almost untouched by humans, full of isolated islands and hidden bays that harbor rich wildlife.
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Torres del Paine National Park - Puerto Natales - Overnight Stay - 2 full days
Puerto Natales is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, famous for its rock formations. Explore the park on our optional excursion to discover stunning terrain. The region hosts a wide range of flora and fauna, including llamas, pumas and foxes, and many species of birds like the Andean condor.
Included activity:
Scenes of Puerto Natales (3 hrs)
Explore the small city of Puerto Natales and its scenic surroundings. Visit Plaza de Armas, a tree-lined square in the town centre, and then go to a large cave where the bones of a prehistoric ground sloth called a Milodón were found in 1896. The cave attracts many visitors and features a historical display of the tribes who inhabited the area as far back as 12,000 years ago.
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Isolated Beauty - Puerto Edén - Half Day
After a cruise through Patagonian waters, the village of Puerto Edén in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park will enchant you. It is known for its geographical isolation, situated at the end of a deep fjord and surrounded by mountains. Its population of 250 includes the 15 remaining members of the Kawéskar people.
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Waters of Patagonia - At sea
Our expedition cruise continues north through the fabled waters of Patagonia. As we sail through iconic Andean seascapes, enjoy the vistas of this magnificent natural expanse.
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Cosmopolitan Castro - Castro - Full Day
Set among windswept hills and lush vegetation, Castro is known for its colorful “palafitos,” wooden houses mounted on stilts along the water's edge, and the UNESCO site, Iglesia San Francisco. Nearby wide beaches are home to many seabirds, penguins and sea lions.
Included activity:
Castro Walking Tour (2 hrs)
Explore landmarks and cultural sights on a city walk through Castro, the capital of Chile’s Chiloé Island. Castro is famous for its ornate church, Iglesia de San Francisco, and the nearby districts of Rilán, Nercón and Chelín are known for their unique wooden churches, designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Castro and Chiloé are also famous for palafitos, traditional wooden stilt houses.
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Sailing North - At sea
As we make our way along the Pacific coast to Valparaíso, we will recap the highlights of the expedition cruise and scan for wildlife.
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The “Jewel of the Pacific” - Valparaíso, Chile
Sadly, every expedition must come to an end. And this expedition ends in the colorful and poetic city of Valparaíso. Take some time to explore this scenic metropolis before your flight home.
