Antarctica The White Continent - with Smithsonian
Tour Overview
Embark on a 12-day extraordinary expedition to the ends of the Earth with Smithsonian Journeys, where the spirit of discovery meets the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica.
Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, the gateway to the White Continent, this remarkable voyage takes you across the legendary Drake Passage and into a pristine world of towering glaciers, sculpted icebergs, dramatic mountain peaks, and extraordinary wildlife.
Your adventure begins in Ushuaia, a captivating city nestled between the Andes and the Beagle Channel, before sailing south across the storied Drake Passage. During the crossing, deepen your understanding of Antarctica through expert-led lectures, discover the remarkable history of polar exploration, and watch albatrosses and cape petrels glide effortlessly alongside the ship.
Bringing greater depth and discovery to the journey, Smithsonian Journeys offers expert presentations and insightful discussions, providing fascinating perspectives on Antarctica's wildlife, scientific discoveries, history, and the legacy of legendary polar explorers.
Immerse yourself in the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula, where penguins gather along icy shores, humpback whales surface in glacial waters, and seals rest among the floating ice. Weather and ice permitting, join Zodiac excursions and shore landings led by the expedition team to explore secluded bays, volcanic beaches, majestic glaciers, and historic sites that reveal the continent's extraordinary natural and human history.
Retrace the routes of legendary explorers such as Ernest Shackleton, Adrien de Gerlache, and Jean-Baptiste Charcot as you experience one of the most remote and awe-inspiring regions on Earth. With Smithsonian Journeys enriching the voyage through expert insight and discovery, this expedition offers more than spectacular scenery. It is an opportunity to connect with Antarctica's wildlife, scientific significance, and enduring spirit of exploration.
Journey beyond the ordinary and discover the White Continent through a voyage shaped by exploration, knowledge, and wonder.
Viva's Best Bits...
Sail Antarctica aboard L’Austral or Le Boréal, enjoying refined onboard comforts, pristine polar landscapes, and exclusive Smithsonian-led insights into the White Continent’s remarkable ecology and geology.
Get ready to meet Antarctica’s charming penguins, spot seals resting on ice floes, and watch whales glide through icy waters. These are the wildlife encounters you’ll remember long after your journey!
Imagine gliding by kayak or Zodiac through Antarctica’s icy waters, weaving between towering icebergs. You’ll hear the ice crack around you and get closer to a frozen world you never imagined experiencing!
