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Stately ship, MS Oosterdam, cruises the southern most point of South America to Antarctica on this adventure to write home about.
At around 1000km away, Chile, in South America, is the closest country to the Antarctic Peninsula and the gateway to the world's highest, driest, windiest, coldest, and iciest continent.
Kicking off in the warmer climes of Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tour takes in the the colour and seductive charm of the "Paris of South America." Three days are spent in this extraordinary city and its surrounding regions to enjoy colourful houses, tango-dancing, Argentinean barbecues, local cowboys, shopping and the sultry nightlife.
The Oosterdam departs Buenos Aires for the seaside city of Punta del Este in Uruguay where it docks the following morning.
See the city's 45-metre high lighthouse, circa 1860, traverse the wave-like La Barra Bridge, and delight in the upscale shops and restaurants along the Avenida Gorlero.
Montevideo is the next stop where you visit the Old Town of Ciudad Vieja.
After a night at sea the Oosterdam arrives in Puerto Madryn, Argentina. Sitting in the immensely beautiful region of Patagonia, the landscape is full of vast plains, forests, lakes, snow-capped mountains, fertile valleys, ocean vistas and glaciers.
The last stop before the ship starts it trek to the Antarctic is Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands.
Travelling overnight, the tour arrives at the Antarctic Sound, a body of water 50kms long and varying from 11 to 19kms wide. Over the coming days travellers can view the Antarctic region. Most will find it hard to resist being out on deck to fully take in the breathtaking beauty on show.
The ship slowly navigates the iceberg-dotted waters and the complete quiet of this frozen continent. Birdlife is rich. Terns, petrels, gulls and everyone's favourites, penguins are found on the coast and small islets.
After several days cruising, the ship heads through Drake Passage, towards Cape Horn, Argentina, the southernmost tip of South America, and docks in Ushuaia, "The City at the bottom of the World."
Tour the Tierra del Fuego National Park and cruise through Cockburn Channel, and onto Beagle Channel before heading to Darwin Sound and Glacier Alley, embedded in the Darwin Range. Chile's most southerly city, Punta Arenas comes into view as does the Straits of Magellan.
The central Southern Patagonian Ice Fields is home to the ethereal Amalia Glacier - a sight to behold. This spectacle is the main goal of two days of cruising.
The cruise continues through the magnificent Chilean Fjords - some of the best in the world. Enjoy Chile's remote natural beauty in the form of canyon rivers, valleys, beaches, waterfalls and forests.
Reloncavi Sound is a last-minute highlight and ideal place to glimpse three volcanoes, Mounts Oorno, Calbuco and Puntiagudo.
Start planning to join Travelrite and The Senior newspaper for January 26, to February 21, 2025, for this once in a lifetime cruise.
Go to https://www.travelrite.com.au/senior-escorted-tours/antarctica-jan-2025.php or call 1800 630 343.
