In Shackletons Footsteps | SH Minerva and SH Vega

From Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires

Tour Overview

In Shackleton's Footsteps: Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula takes you on an extraordinary journey through three of the Southern Ocean’s most remarkable destinations aboard an intimate boutique expedition vessel.

Explore the Falkland Islands before continuing to wildlife-rich South Georgia, home to vast colonies of King Penguins, playful seals and soaring albatross. Visit historic Grytviken and the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton, connecting your journey with one of polar exploration’s most legendary stories.

Then venture south to the Antarctic Peninsula, where towering glaciers, sculpted icebergs and snow-covered peaks create an unforgettable backdrop. Cruise by Zodiac through ice-filled bays, step ashore at remote landing sites and encounter bustling penguin colonies, seals and whales. Each day is shaped by the conditions, allowing the expedition team to seek out the best wildlife encounters and landing opportunities.

Purpose-built for polar exploration, SH Minerva and SH Vega combine elegant Scandinavian-inspired design with the intimate atmosphere of a boutique expedition ship. Spacious staterooms, excellent dining and panoramic lounges provide plenty of comfort between adventures, while expansive viewing decks keep you connected to the incredible landscapes outside.

Back onboard, enjoy expert-led lectures, photography guidance and panoramic views of the Southern Ocean, combining genuine expedition adventure with the comforts of boutique cruising.

Viva's Best Bits...

Beyond the magic of Antarctica, journey into the remarkable legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew. Discover the story of their extraordinary expedition and one of history’s most enduring tales of courage, resilience and survival.

Step into the "Galápagos of the South". South Georgia offers an extraordinary encounter with vast colonies of King Penguins, fur seals and elephant seals, set against dramatic mountains, pristine shores and sweeping glacial landscapes.

Plenty of walks and Zodiac rides into the vast frozen wilderness that is hauntingly beautiful, with magical vistas and untamed wildlife, plus set foot in Antarctica, a world few ever have the privilege to experience.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Buenos Aires

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in Buenos Aires. This evening, enjoy the hotel’s amenities or take advantage of your free time to explore the city.


Overnight in Buenos Aires

Day 2
Embarkation Fly to Ushuaia | Embarkation

This morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport in time for your charter flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the cruise ship for embarkation.

Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world.

Day 3
At Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Day 4
West Point Island & Saunders Island

Birdlife is the big draw on this lush sheep-farming island, where thousands of rams and ewes roam. Settled by British explorers in 1765, the island’s unique scenery includes golden sand beaches filled with the cacophony of rockhopper, gentoo and Magellanic penguin colonies, and the pillar-shaped nests of black-browed albatross. Nine of the Falklands’ 14 endemic plants, including silvery buttercup and hairy daisy, grow here and are a real treat.

Black-browed albatross grace the skies over this remote Falkland Island, while Commerson's dolphins play in its waters. With a sparse population of people and sheep, the island is also a sanctuary for fur seals, rockhopper penguins, Magellanic penguins and imperial cormorants, nesting amid its cliffs and the impressive Cliff Mountain. Hiking through the moss-covered terrain unveils beautiful wildflowers like pink-petalled Felton's.

Day 5
Port Stanley

Anyone familiar with Britain’s trademark red post boxes might spot a resemblance in this British outpost. Port Stanley, on East Falkland, is the tiny capital of the Falkland Islands and is small enough to get around on foot. The Historic Dockyard Museum is devoted to maritime history and exploration. Magellanic penguins gather on the beach at nearby Gypsy Cove, and sea lions and dolphins frolic in the harbour.

Day 6-7
At Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Day 8-11
South Georgia

Often called the 'Galapagos of the Poles,' South Georgia has a number of landing sites with tens of thousands of King Penguins and gentoo penguins, making up some of the largest populations in the world alongside harrumphing elephant seals. Among its remarkable sites is Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) is laid to rest.

Day 12
At Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Day 13-17
Antarctic Peninsula

Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent live their Antarctica dream. It's the most accessible part, with scientific bases and incredible scenery, like the photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Mikkelsen Harbour, where among gentoo penguins, snowy sheathbills and skuas, Antarctic Weddell seals haul out.

Day 18-19
At Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Day 20
Disembark in Ushuaia Fly to Buenos Aires

Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world.

Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you will be transferred from the cruise ship to the airport in time for your flight to Buenos Aires.

*Please note: Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 1 night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel* in BA
  • Included Copy 20 18 nights onboard
  • Included Copy 31 Cabin upgrades available
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals onboard throughout your voyage
  • Included Copy 20 Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 All scheduled expedition landings
  • Included Copy 20 Return charter flight (economy) from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
  • Included Copy 20 Group transfers package
  • Included Copy 20 24-hour room service
  • Included Copy 20 Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
  • Included Copy 20 One selected shore excursion per port of call
  • Included Copy 20 Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle (yours to keep)
  • Included Copy 20 Branded expedition parka included (yours to keep)
  • Included Copy 20 Access to entry-level Wi-Fi
  • Included Copy 20 A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac excursions
  • Included Copy 20 Memory package documenting the expedition
  • Included Copy 20 24/7 self-service laundry
  • Included Copy 7 International flights, Visas, Insurance, and other personal charges
  • Included Copy 7 Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising; other gear not included
  • Included Copy 31 Optional activities: Kayaking or snowshoeing (additional cost)
  • Included Copy 31 WI-FI upgrade package available
Transportation
SH Minerva

SH Minerva

152 Passengers

SH Vega

SH Vega

152 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Zodiac cruising among icebergs and glaciers, offering intimate views of the polar landscape.
  • Included Antarctic shore landings, stepping ashore in pristine and rarely visited wilderness.
  • Included Wildlife photography and observation, capturing penguins, seals and soaring seabirds.
  • Included King Penguin encounters, witnessing vast colonies across the dramatic South Georgia landscape.
  • Included Explore historic Grytviken, discovering its remarkable whaling heritage and remote setting.
  • Included Discover Shackleton’s legacy, following the story of one of history’s legendary polar explorers.
  • Included Join expert-led expedition lectures, gaining fascinating insights into Antarctica.
  • Included Enjoy scenic cruising, while witnessing the breathtaking views from your expedition vessel.
Tap here for dates & prices
Duration

20 days

Price from

$24,475 USD

Per person, sharing

Based on Balcony stateroom

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