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Antarctica: The White Continent

12 days from $18,720

Aboard a 264-guest small ship (capped at 200)

Voyage by Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT EXPLORATIONS

Venture to a magnificent realm of ice and intriguing wildlife on an unforgettable voyage to Antarctica. During the lingering light of the austral summer, encounter fantastically shaped icebergs, dramatic rocky promontories, and immense glaciers. Take walks on volcanic islands alive with seals, seabirds, and penguins, and set out by Zodiac to discover how a diverse array of marine wildlife flourishes in this seemingly harsh environment.

Ocean Cruising

or Call 855-330-1542

Highlights

The Smithsonian Journeys / PONANT Experience: Our cruise to Antarctica will be accompanied by three Smithsonian Journeys Experts and a team of naturalist guides. Lectures and information sessions will cover wildlife, history, geopolitics, the great explorers, climate, environmental protection, and more. This program will begin with an overnight in Buenos Aires and include round-trip air from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.

  • Exploring Antarctica: Cross the legendary Drake Passage en route to the outer shores and islands of the Antarctic Peninsula. Here, below the 60th parallel south, explore some of the world’s most stark and spectacular wilderness areas, where towering glaciers and lava-sculpted mountains plunge to an ice-choked sea. Our route will be determined by weather and ice conditions, making every trip a unique encounter with this mystical and marvelous land.
  • Wildlife: Observe up close the antics of chinstrap and gentoo penguins, as they fish, molt, and feed their young; and watch for breaching fin, humpback, and minke whales in icy bays. See crabeater and leopard seals lazing on the ice between meals and discover the unusual creatures of the polar seas.
  • Zodiac and Land Excursions: Embark on sturdy Zodiacs with expert naturalists for unforgettable excursions to islands, among ice floes and icebergs, and, conditions permitting, to the continent itself. During shore excursions, walk among wildlife on rugged islands and black-sand beaches, and witness how volcanic activity has played a pivotal role in Antarctica’s natural history. Learn about the work of scientists at research stations and hear tales of the whalers and spies who made their base here.

Itinerary

To see itinerary, please click on an option below.

Day 1 — Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires and check into your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own.

Hotel Madero

Day 2 — Ushuaia

This morning, fly to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and the gateway to Antarctica. Upon arrival, transfer to the pier to embark the ship then set sail on the Beagle Channel, named after the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his South American voyages. (B,L,D)

L'Austral

Days 3-4 — Drake Passage

Cross the legendary Drake Passage, enjoying time to get familiar with the ship and deepen your knowledge of Antarctica. Your Smithsonian Journeys Experts and the team of naturalist guides on board will present insightful lectures on the history and wildlife of the world’s oldest continent. Watch the crew navigate on the ship’s bridge, and spend time on deck with our naturalists observing seabirds such as albatrosses and cape petrels. Once the ship reaches the Antarctic Convergence, where cold Antarctic currents merge with warmer waters of the South Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, watch for breaching fin, humpback, and minke whales as well as seabirds feeding on plankton and krill. (2B,2L,2D)

L'Austral

Days 5-9 — Discovering the Antarctica Peninsula

Spend five days exploring the outer shores and islands of the Antarctic Peninsula, ethereal landscapes defined by lava and ice. Here, abrupt mountains create precipitous coastlines and massive glaciers calve icebergs of all shapes and sizes into the sea. In this seemingly harsh environment, a vast array of wildlife flourishes, including millions of penguins and seabirds, as well as numerous species of seals and whales. At this time of year, you may get the chance to observe humpback and minke whales, pods of orcas, elephant seals and leopard seals, giant petrels, and great skuas.

Go ashore on volcanic islands to walk among fur seals and gentoo and chinstrap penguins—and their newly hatched chicks. As you continue into the realm of ice, encounter playful Adélie penguins and unusual marine life. In this hushed and magical atmosphere, find yourself cruising past tabular icebergs that dwarf the vessel, ice floes where Weddell seals loll after their meal, and sculpted ice that glows ethereal shades of turquoise and teal. Along the way, learn about the history of Antarctic exploration, from Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated expedition to the ventures of explorers such as Jean-Baptiste Charcot and Adrien de Gerlache. You may have the chance to visit a research station.

Keep in mind that you are privileged guests in these extreme lands, and the ship's course is dependent on weather, sea, and ice conditions. Every cruise is unique, and your seasoned captain and crew are expert at making the most of the conditions at hand. (5B,5L,5D)

L'Austral

Days 10-11 — Drake Passage

Relax and reflect on board as the ship turns north and makes its way back across the Drake Passage. Enjoy lively, informative discussions with your Smithsonian Journeys Experts and the ship’s naturalists. Watch for albatrosses, many different species of petrels, and marine life as you cruise across the Antarctic Convergence. (2B,2L,2D)

L'Austral

Day 12 — Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Disembark early this morning in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Connect to your flight home. (B) 

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

Ice mountains

Slideshow

Optional Extensions

Pre-Cruise Ext.: Argentina's Lake District

Argentina's Lake District: Bariloche and its Surroundings — 5 Days, 4 Nights

The itinerary below applies to the current year and serves as a sample for future voyages. Extension details for future departures will be posted as soon as they are available, and all booked travelers will be notified via email.

This program is a perfect way to ease into the adventure of an expedition to Antarctica, providing four days of relaxed exploration of the wondrously beautiful Lake District of Argentina. With the city of Bariloche as your base of operations, venture into lush forests, pristine lakes, and remote islands—all offering opportunities for gentle walks or active climbs, with panoramic views of landscapes that are inarguably among the most remarkable in the world.

Day 1 — Buenos Aires

Arrive at Buenos Aires's Ezeiza International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Buenos Aires. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and to answer any questions you may have. Relax and enjoy the hotel's many amenities, or explore the boutiques and cafés in the area, before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception.

Hotel Madero

Day 2 — Buenos Aires | Bariloche

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bariloche. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the NH Edelweiss Bariloche, your home for the next three nights.

Today's excursion is a scenic drive around the 40-mile Circuito Chico (small circuit) with breathtaking views of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Mount Tronador & Victoria Island. Explore Cerro Campanario, where a chairlift takes you to the top of the hill for panoramic views of the lake, the island, and the snow-capped Andes in the background. At Llao Llao Nature Reserve, an easy hike with a local expert introduces the local flora and fauna. And about half-way through the drive, stop at the Patagonia Brewery for lunch, which is as much a scenic destination as it is a restaurant. Situated right on the Circuito Chico, it takes full advantage of its location with views across Lago Moreno Este from a large living-room and an open-air patio. It serves a wide range of beers, including its own craft brews. Dinner this evening is at the hotel.

NH Edelweiss Hotel

Day 3 — Bariloche | Isla Victoria and Arrayanes Forest

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a short drive to Puerto Pañuelo, where you board a local boat and set sail for Isla Victoria. As you cruise the deep-blue pristine waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi, you gain another perspective on the stunning beauty the Argentine Lake District and the foothills of the Andes. On the island, a variety of walking trails welcome you to explore this nature reserve, and park rangers are available to answer questions. Enjoy a relaxed gourmet picnic lunch, planned by chef Lucas Mallman, before continuing the excursion with a visit to the Arrayanes Forest. This forest is the last remaining natural habitat for the Arrayán tree, a myrtle that grows to be some 60 feet tall and may live for as many 300 years. The fruits are sweet-tart and used in juices and candies, and the leaves are believed by indigenous peoples to have medicinal properties. Return to Bariloche, where dinner is at the hotel.

NH Edelweiss Hotel

Day 4 — Bariloche

Today's excursion to Llao Llao Municipal Park provides one last perspective on the unparalleled beauty of Bariloche, as you join a hike to the summit of Cerro Llao Llao. Drive to Villa Tacul, where an expert guide joins you for the 4-mile out-and-back hike along a well-marked trail that winds slowly up Cerro Llao Llao. Witness ever-changing views of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Lake Moreno, and the Andes, as you make your way through forests full of birdlife, until the forest gives way to meadowlands with unobstructed views in all directions. At the summit, pause for a gourmet lunch, accompanied by Argentine wines, before descending to a pebbled beach on the shores of the lake.

Return to your hotel for some time at leisure before joining fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner at the award-winning El Patacon restaurant in Bariloche.

NH Edelweiss Hotel

Day 5 — Bariloche | Buenos Aires

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel to join the main program.

Your hotels:

The Hotel Madero is located in the middle of the Puerto Madero district, a trendy waterfront neighborhood on the banks of the Rio de la Plata with upscale dining and a wildlife-rich conservation park. The historic barrio of San Telmo and the Calle Florida shopping area are nearby, and the hotel itself features a restaurant and bar, indoor pool and spa, and all the amenities you would expect from a deluxe property.

Located in the resort city of San Carlos de Bariloche, the NH Edelweiss Hotel, is a 4-star hotel offering spacious and bright rooms facing the Nahuel Huapi Lake. The rooms are all equipped with flat-screen cable TVs and free WiFi, and there is a gym and a top-floor swimming pool. Buffet breakfast is included, and the La Tavola restaurant features regional and local flavors. Lighter fare is available at the patio bar, which boasts an excellent wine list.

Your program includes:

  • 1 night in Hotel Madero, Buenos Aires
  • 3 nights in the NH Edelweiss Hotel in Bariloche
  • Round-trip flights between Buenos Aires and Bariloche
  • Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
  • Transfer and luggage handling from the hotels to airports on days 2 and 5
  • Welcome Reception on Day 1
  • Breakfast on Days 2, 3, 4, and 5
  • Lunch and Dinner on Days 2, 3, and 4
  • Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

  • Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
  • Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

  • It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
  • Early check-in is available upon request if arriving on the first day of the program. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
  • The official currency is the Argentine peso. US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
  • This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
  • Program is offered on a space available basis.
  • Program is subject to change without notice.

Post-Cruise Ext.: Buenos Aries

Argentine Traditions — 3 Days, 2 Nights

The itinerary below applies to the current year and serves as a sample for future voyages. Extension details for future departures will be posted as soon as they are available, and all booked travelers will be notified via email.

Post-Cruise Program:

Buenos Aires is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural and architectural heritage, known worldwide for Tango and football, but also for cafés, bookstores, and theaters. It is also the capital of a sprawling country of widely varying regions. This program is designed to introduce you both to the city and to life in the nearby countryside.

Day 1 — Ushuaia | Buenos Aires

After breakfast aboard, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Transfer to the hotel for check-in. Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Hotel Madero

Day 2 — Buenos Aires | San Antonio de Areco Buenos Aires

Today's excursion takes you northwest of Buenos Aires to San Antonio de Areco, once described as "the prettiest town in the pampas," where gaucho traditions of craftsmanship and hospitality are lovingly preserved. You will have the opportunity to explore the village's 18th-century buildings, including a traditional "puplería"—a sort of combination grocery store and bar that was a favorite hangout for gauchos when they were in town. A drive to the outskirts of San Antonio brings you to Estancia El Ombú de Areco, dating to 1880 and still a working ranch, where you will enjoy a specially prepared asado—the traditional Argentinian barbecue. After lunch you can experience life on the estancia on horseback, enjoy a carriage ride, or simply walk around the grounds. Return to Buenos Aires in the evening and enjoy a traditional Argentinean tango performance and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Hotel Madero

Day 3 — Buenos Aires | Homeward

After breakfast at the hotel and checking out of the hotel, join an excursion of the highlights of Buenos Aires. Begin at the historic Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by the Government House, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Cabildo, which served as Town Hall during the 18th-century Spanish Viceregency. Continue to San Telmo, one of the oldest quarters in the city and a treasure trove of antiques, and La Boca, where you stroll the "Caminito," a pedestrian street famous for its colorful houses constructed of corrugated iron. Next is the elegant Recoleta, an area of sophisticated cafés, restaurants, and art galleries, and home to the cemetery that is the final resting place of Eva Perón. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Your tour comes to an end at the airport where you will depart for your flights homeward.

Your hotel:

The Hotel Madero is located in the middle of the Puerto Madero district, a trendy waterfront neighborhood on the banks of the Rio de la Plata with upscale dining and a wildlife-rich conservation park. The historic barrio of San Telmo and the Calle Florida shopping area are nearby, and the hotel itself features a restaurant and bar, indoor pool and spa, and all the amenities you would expect from a deluxe property.

Your program includes:

  • 2 nights at the Hotel Madero (or similar)
  • Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on Day 1
  • Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3
  • Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
  • Lunch on Days 2 and 3
  • Dinner on Day 2
  • Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

  • Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
  • Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

  • It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
  • This tour involves walking on cobblestones and uneven surfaces and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
  • Late check-out is available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
  • The official currency is the Argentine peso. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
  • This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
  • Program is offered on a space available basis.
  • Program is subject to change without notice.

Dates & Prices

Click on the departure date to see pricing. Click the for more information.

Dates

Availability

Price

Jan 16 - 27, 2027
Available
from $18,720 $18,590

Special Offer

Early booking savings available for a limited time!

Ship: L'Austral Experts: Felicity Aston | Allen Glazner

Superior Stateroom

Superior stateroom (226 sq. ft.), picture window (cabins 302 thru 307) or porthole (300 and 301). Deck 3.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $18,720 $18,590 $37,440 $34,500
Pre Ext. $3,970 $4,910
Post Ext. $1,210 $1,500

Deluxe Stateroom

Deluxe stateroom (200 sq. ft.), picture window with door onto private partial wall balcony (43 sq. ft.). Deck 3.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $20,000 $19,870 $37,190 $28,620
Pre Ext. $3,970 $4,910
Post Ext. $1,210 $1,500

Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4

Prestige stateroom (200 sq. ft.), sliding glass door opens to private balcony (43 sq. ft.).

Occupancy Double Single
Price $20,930 $20,800 $59,270 $30,010
Pre Ext. $3,970 $4,910
Post Ext. $1,210 $1,500

Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5

Prestige stateroom (200 sq. ft.), sliding glass door opens to private balcony (43 sq. ft.).

Occupancy Double Single
Price $21,290 $21,160 $39,050 $30,550
Pre Ext. $3,970 $4,910
Post Ext. $1,210 $1,500

Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6

Prestige stateroom (200 sq. ft.), sliding glass door opens to private balcony (43 sq. ft.).

Occupancy Double Single
Price $21,840 $21,710 $39,770 $31,380
Pre Ext. $3,970 $4,910
Post Ext. $1,210 $1,500

Deluxe Suite

Deluxe suite (290 sq. ft.), sliding glass door to private balcony (54 sq. ft.), sitting area with daybed. Deck 6.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $31,040 $30,910 $43,080
Pre Ext. $3,970 $4,910
Post Ext. $1,210 $1,500

Prestige Suite - Deck 5

Prestige suite (398 sq. ft.), sliding glass door to larger private balcony (86 sq. ft.), two bathrooms, sitting area and sofa convertible to fixed queen.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $32,330 $32,200 $61,850 $47,110
Pre Ext. $3,970 $4,910
Post Ext. $1,210 $1,500

Prestige Suite - Deck 6

Prestige suite (398 sq. ft.), sliding glass door to larger private balcony (86 sq. ft.), two bathrooms, sitting area and sofa convertible to fixed queen.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $34,000 $33,870 $65,190 $49,620
Pre Ext. $3,970 $4,910
Post Ext. $1,210 $1,500

Owner's Suite

Owner's suite, extra large suite (484 sq. ft), sliding glass door to private terrace (97 sq. ft.). Large sitting area with half bath, master bathroom has a separate shower, tub, and double sinks. Deck 6.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $39,450 $75,810
Pre Ext. $3,970 $4,910
Post Ext. $1,210 $1,500
L'Austral deck plan image

A deposit of 25% of the cruise price is required to reserve space on a cruise. Deposits are applied toward final payment of the cruise price.

Rates include port taxes and fees. Most shore excursions are included in the rates.

Pre- and post-program options and optional excursions, where applicable, are available at an additional cost.

Prices are based on rates of exchange, airfare & fuel (where applicable), tariffs, taxes, and other costs as of the tour publication date. We reserve the right to correct errors and to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, and taxes received after prices are published and to reflect currency fluctuations.

Experts

Felicity Aston
Departure: Jan 16 - 27, 2027

Felicity Aston

Polar Explorer

Felicity Aston MBE is a British polar explorer, climate scientist, expedition leader, and record-breaker. She is both the only woman in the world to have …

Felicity Aston MBE is a British polar explorer, climate scientist, expedition leader, and record-breaker. She is both the only woman in the world to have skied across Antarctica alone and the first person in the world to have traversed the continent purely by muscle power. During more than 20 years of undertaking challenging expeditions in the world’s most extreme environments, she has instigated, organized, and led many ground-breaking expeditions—including the largest and most international team of women ever to ski to the South Pole. The novice explorers came from countries such as Ghana, Brunei Darussalam, and Cyprus. Felicity’s ongoing commitment to diversity has plugged data gaps, reshaped scientific understanding, and shown that it is the individual and not the stereotype that counts.

Felicity’s first journey to Antarctica was to monitor climate and ozone as a Meteorologist with the British Antarctic Survey when she was posted to Rothera Research Station for a continuous period of two and a half years from 2000 to 2003, including two consecutive winters. The experience forged her ongoing passion for the polar regions. Her research is now based at the National Oceanography Centre and University of Southampton in the United Kingdom, investigating airborne microplastic pollution on polar sea ice.

Felicity has published five books about exploration and her expeditions, co-presented two BBC documentary series, and produced two award-winning feature-length film projects about the polar world (with a third in progress). She is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in London and The Explorers Club in New York, serving as Patron of the Great Britain and Ireland chapter since 2021. She has been appointed MBE for services to exploration, as well as awarded the Polar Medal (Arctic and Antarctic), by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

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Allen Glazner
Departure: Jan 16 - 27, 2027

Allen Glazner

Geologist & Author

Allen Glazner is a geologist, educator and author with expertise in volcanoes, tectonics, geochemistry, and mountain building. He believes strongly that understanding how geology shapes …

Allen Glazner is a geologist, educator and author with expertise in volcanoes, tectonics, geochemistry, and mountain building. He believes strongly that understanding how geology shapes the planet greatly enhances one’s enjoyment of the landscape and everything that lives on it. A native Southern Californian, Allen earned geology degrees from Pomona College and UCLA before embarking on a 38-year career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he is Distinguished Professor Emeritus.

Field studies have taken Allen to geologic sites all over the world, including Iceland, Alaska, Japan, the Caribbean, South Africa, Mexico, the Canadian Rockies, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Sicily, Scotland, Switzerland, Patagonia, and the high Andes. An award-winning teacher, he has led dozens of field trips for groups ranging from the general public to academic specialists, and has trained astronauts and national park personnel in the field and classroom. In addition to over 150 academic papers and the 2025 textbook Petrology and Plate Tectonics, he has coauthored several books for the public including Geology Underfoot books on Death Valley, Yosemite National Park, and Southern California. 

Allen was a runner and now is an avid cyclist and hiker. He enjoys photography, especially landscape, aerial, and 3D-reconstructive. Reading, especially fiction, is one of his sedentary pursuits. See landscape photos and more at allenglazner.com.

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Nicholas Bill
Departure: Feb 13 - 24, 2028

Nicholas Bill

Paleoclimatologist

Dr. Nicholas (Nilo) Bill is a paleoclimatologist whose interest in earth science began with a simple question: Is human-induced climate change distinguishable from natural climate …

Dr. Nicholas (Nilo) Bill is a paleoclimatologist whose interest in earth science began with a simple question: Is human-induced climate change distinguishable from natural climate fluctuations? Paleoclimatology, the study of Earth’s past climates, draws on geology, climatology, atmospheric science, oceanography, and hydrology. Nilo has spent his career integrating these disciplines through field-based research and teaching. He earned a PhD in paleoclimatology from Oregon State University and later became a professor of earth sciences at Quest University in British Columbia. His fieldwork has taken him to Iceland, where he lived for a year as a National Geographic Explorer, as well as to the Dry Valleys of Antarctica and the interior of Alaska. He has taught immersive field courses on reef systems in Barbados and on tectonics on Vancouver Island. Nilo is the recipient of the Antarctica Service Medal and the Geological Society of America’s Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award. His work has been published in scientific journals and textbooks, focusing on glaciers, tectonics and long-term climate dynamics.

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Pepper Trail
Departure: Feb 13 - 24, 2028

Pepper Trail

Ornithologist

Pepper Trail has traveled the world in the course of his studies on the ecology, behavior and conservation of birds. He is a popular Smithsonian …

Pepper Trail has traveled the world in the course of his studies on the ecology, behavior and conservation of birds. He is a popular Smithsonian expert on trips to the world's top natural history destinations, including Antarctica, Southern and East Africa, the Galápagos, the Amazon, and the South Pacific.  His knowledge, enthusiasm and sense of humor enrich the experience of birders and non-birders alike on every journey.

After receiving his PhD from Cornell University for his field study of one of the world’s most spectacular birds, the Guianan cock-of-the-rock, Pepper did post-doctoral research at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and the California Academy of Sciences. An expert photographer and writer, his work has appeared in many publications, including Science, Conservation Biology, and National Geographic.  

For over 20 years, Pepper served as the forensic ornithologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where his work combatting the U.S. and international wildlife trade earned him the title of "the Sherlock Holmes of bird crime." He is the creator of the leading feather identification website, The Feather Atlas of North American Birds. Recently retired, Pepper continues to work for the protection of threatened birds and habitats, both in his home state of Oregon and internationally.

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Ship

L'Austral

L'Austral photo

Slideshow Deck Plan

Guest Capacity: Up to 264 Guests Crew Size: 145 crew members Length: 466 feet Width: 59 feet Flag: France

The highly acclaimed L'Austral, launched by PONANT in 2011, represents the newest generation of five-star small ships, featuring state-of-the-art design, distinctive sophistication, and only 110 staterooms. Spacious Ocean-View Suites and Staterooms, most with Private Balconies Each large, deluxe suite and stateroom (200 to 484 square feet) features a private bathroom with shower and luxurious five-star hotel amenities. Most accommodations have two twin beds that convert to one queen bed, individual climate control, satellite flat screen television, wireless Internet access, safe, minibar, full-length closet, writing desk/dressing table, plush robes, and slippers. Chic and Casual Dining International and regional cuisine are served in the stylish, spacious Le Coromandel dining room in single, unassigned seating; alfresco in the casual indoor-outdoor Le Rodrigues Restaurant; or from 24-hour room service. Continental and buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, and a four-course dinner are served daily. Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included. Spacious Public Areas and World-Class Service and Facilities Inviting and spacious public areas accommodate all passengers comfortably. Enjoy views from the Panoramic Lounge, nightly entertainment in the Main Lounge and lectures, cultural performances and film screenings in the state-of-the-art theater. There is a library, Internet salon, Sun Deck, swimming pool, beauty salon, spa, Turkish bath-style steam room, a full range of fitness equipment and two elevators. Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided throughout the duration of the cruise. The infirmary is staffed with a doctor and nurse. The highly trained and personable, English-speaking, international crew provides attentive service. Respect for the Environment The state-of-the-art propulsion system and custom-built stabilizers provide an exceptionally smooth, quiet and comfortable voyage by minimizing vibration and engine noise. The ship’s Clean Ship status offers an extreme rarity among ocean cruising vessels, showcasing the paramount importance of and commitment to energy efficiency and environmental protection of marine ecosystems. The ship has 10 Zodiacs.

Le Boréal

Le Boréal photo

Slideshow Deck Plan

Guest Capacity: Up to 264 Guests Crew Size: 145 crew members Length: 466 feet Width: 59 feet Flag: France

The Le Boréal launched by PONANT is the newest generation of five-star small ships, featuring a sleek design and chic decor that resembles a high-end boutique hotel and complimentary WiFi throughout the ship. Spacious, Ocean-view Suites and Staterooms Ninety-five percent of the 132 large, deluxe, air-conditioned, outside staterooms and suites (from 200 to 484 square feet) feature private balconies. Most accommodations have two twin beds that convert to one queen-size bed. Each cabin has a private bathroom with shower (bathtub in limited number of staterooms) and the luxurious amenities of a fine hotel, including individual climate control, satellite flat screen television, wireless Internet access, safe, minibar, full-length closet, writing desk/dressing table, and plush robes. Chic and Casual Dining International and regional cuisine are served in the stylish, spacious La Licorne dining room in single, unassigned seating, alfresco in the casual indoor-outdoor La Boussole restaurant or from 24-hour room service. Continental and buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, and a four-course dinner are served daily. Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included. Spacious Public Areas, World-Class Service, and Facilities Enjoy views from the Panoramic Lounge; nightly entertainment in the Main Lounge; and lectures, cultural performances and film screenings in the state-of-the-art theater. There is a library, Internet salon, Sun Deck, swimming pool, beauty salon, spa, Turkish bath-style steam room, full range of fitness equipment and two elevators. The infirmary is staffed with a doctor and nurse. The highly trained and personable English-speaking international crew provides attentive service. Two elevators service all stateroom decks. Respect for the Environment The state-of-the-art propulsion system and custom-built stabilizers provide an exceptionally smooth, quiet and comfortable voyage by minimizing vibration and engine noise. The ship company is proud of its 'Clean Ship' standing, an extreme rarity among ocean cruising vessels, as its commitment to energy efficiency and environmental protection of marine ecosystems is of paramount importance.

Tour Details

Accommodations

Hotel Madero
Buenos Aires, Argentina

This riverside hotel is based in the Puerto Madero district, a revamped docks area with upscale dining and a wildlife-rich conservation park. The historic neighborhood of San Telmo and Calle Florida shopping are less than two kilometers away. 

Activity Description

Expectations: Antarctica: The White Continent is truly an "expedition" program meant for healthy, able-bodied participants. When embarking and disembarking the ship itself, passengers need to be able to walk up/down the gangplank. Zodiacs are used for shore excursions and travelers need to be able to get in and out of the Zodiacs unassisted, which requires a large step over the side of the zodiac. This typically takes flexibility, agility, and balance. Also, passengers will need to be prepared to step from the Zodiac directly into ankle high water (passengers can rent boots on board for this), and step from the Zodiac onto icy surfaces. Navigating the surface of Antarctica, passengers will encounter uneven and slick surfaces during walking and nature tours of up to two miles, some excursions will have extensive standing for up to one and a half hours. Our guides will find a place to rest if necessary and if feasible. However, passengers can choose to stay aboard ship the entire time and take in the views from the ship itself (the ship does get close to land, so there are views from the ship). (There is an elevator aboard the ship.)

Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, lead active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities, and expect some physical exertion. 

Additional Information

No sophisticated medical facilities are available in the Antarctic. The vessel carries a physician and a limited infirmary with basic medications and equipment, and its medical facilities are not equipped for serious illness or accidents. Evacuation is difficult, time-consuming and expensive. Consequently, you should consult with your physician before booking this trip. We recommend you purchase medical evacuation insurance.

Reading List

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Highly Recommended

The Crystal Desert: Summers in Antarctica
By: David G. Campbell
THE CRYSTAL DESERT: SUMMERS IN ANTARCTICA is the story of life's tenacity on the coldest of Earth's continents. It tells of the explorers who discovered Antarctica, of the whalers and sealers who despoiled it, and of the scientists who are deciphering its mysteries. In beautiful, lucid prose, David G. Campbell chronicles the desperately short summers on the Antarctic Peninsula. He presents a fascinating portrait of the evolution of life in Antarctica and also of the evolution of the continent itself.
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Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage
By: Alfred Lansing
This harrowing tale of British explorer Ernest Shackleton's 1914 attempt to reach the South Pole, one of the greatest adventure stories of the modern age.In August 1914, polar explorer Ernest Shackleton boarded the Endurance and set sail for Antarctica, where he planned to cross the last uncharted continent on foot. In January 1915, after battling its way through a thousand miles of pack ice and only a day's sail short of its destination, the Endurance became locked in an island of ice. Thus began the legendary ordeal of Shackleton and his crew of twenty-seven men.For ten months the ice-moored Endurance drifted northwest before it was finally crushed between two ice floes. With no options left, Shackleton and a skeleton crew attempted a near-impossible journey over 850 miles of the South Atlantic's heaviest seas to the closest outpost of civilization. Their survival, and the survival of the men they left behind, depended on their small lifeboat successfully finding the island of South Georgia--a tiny dot of land in a vast and hostile ocean.In Endurance, the definitive account of Ernest Shackleton's fateful trip, Alfred Lansing brilliantly narrates the harrowing and miraculous voyage that has defined heroism for the modern age.
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Antarctica: A Guide to the Wildlife (Bradt Travel Guides)
By: Soper, Tony
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The Great Penguin Rescue: 40,000 Penguins, a Devastating Oil Spill, and the Inspiring Story of the World's Largest Animal Rescue
By: deNapoli, Dyan
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Also Recommended

Antarctic Explorer Map; (Ocean Explorer Maps)
By: Ocean Explorer Maps
This is an excellent foldout map of Antarctica. On one side there is a map of the Antarctic continent, around which succinct biographies of Antarctic explorers from William Spiers Bruce to Edward Wilson are shown. On the other side there are many fine colour photographs of seals, penguins and other Antarctic wildlife, together with an inset box summarising the Antarctic Treaty and other information on Antarctic waters, Cape Horn, Tierra del Fuego, the Beagle Channel, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. It is aimed at visitors arriving by sea.
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Antarctica: A Call to Action
By: Sebastian Copeland
Master photographer and Global Green leader, Sebastian Copeland, issues a global clarion call in his latest book Antarctica: A Call to Action, the sequel to his bestselling Antarctica: The Global Warning. Copeland’s awe-inspiring images of the frozen continent capture the beauty of the glaciers, biodiversity, and wild wide seas of the Drake. Along with exceptional new photographs, Antarctica: A Call To Action is a concise and visually compelling discussion about global warming with a hopeful and helpful new take: each of us can make a positive difference through small changes. With insightful commentary, the purity of undoctored photographs and "takeaways" provide readers with simple lifestyle changes to help preserve Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem. A highly accessible and hopeful book, Antarctica: A Call to Action will inspire everyone to save this magnificent continent for future generations. Simple changes to save Antarctica, and the planet: WASH COLD — Washing laundry in cold instead of warm water once a week saves 250 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere per year. DRIVE LESS — Five miles less driving per week eliminates 900 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. SHOWERS — Taking showers instead of baths eliminates 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.
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Buenos Aires in 3 Days (Travel Guide 2023): Best Things to Enjoy in Buenos Aires, for First Time Visitors: 3-Day Plan,Best Value Hotels, Restaurants, Tango Shows,Things to Do and See with Online Maps.
By: Team, Guidora
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The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
By: Grann, David
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The Last Place on Earth: Scott and Amundsen's Race to the South Pole, Revised and Updated (Modern Library Exploration)
By: Roland Huntford
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the South Pole was the most coveted prize in the fiercely nationalistic modern age of exploration. In the brilliant dual biography, the award-winning writer Roland Huntford re-examines every detail of the great race to the South Pole between Britain's Robert Scott and Norway's Roald Amundsen. Scott, who dies along with four of his men only eleven miles from his next cache of supplies, became Britain's beloved failure, while Amundsen, who not only beat Scott to the Pole but returned alive, was largely forgotten. This account of their race is a gripping, highly readable history that captures the driving ambitions of the era and the complex, often deeply flawed men who were charged with carrying them out. THE LAST PLACE ON EARTH is the first of Huntford's masterly trilogy of polar biographies. It is also the only work on the subject in the English language based on the original Norwegian sources, to which Huntford returned to revise and update this edition.
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Chasing Shackleton: Re-creating the World's Greatest Journey of Survival
By: Tim Jarvis
In this extraordinary adventure memoir and tie-in to the PBS documentary, Tim Jarvis, one of the world's leading explorers, describes his modern-day journey to retrace, for the first time ever—and in period clothing and gear—the legendary 1914 expedition of Sir Ernest Shackleton.In early 1914, British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team sailed for Antarctica, attempting to be the first to reach the South Pole. Instead of glory, Shackleton and his crew found themselves in an epic struggle for survival: a three-year odyssey on the ice and oceans of the Antarctic that endures as one of the world’s most famous tales of adventure, endurance, and leadership ever recorded.In the winter of 2013, celebrated explorer Tim Jarvis, a veteran of multiple polar expeditions, set out to recreate Sir Ernest Shackleton’s treacherous voyage over sea and mountain, outfitted solely with authentic equipment—clothing, boots, food, and tools—from Shackleton’s time, a feat that has never been successfully accomplished.Shackleton's Epic is the remarkable record of Jarvis and his team’s epic journey. Beautifully designed and illustrated with dozens of photographs from the original voyage and its modern reenactment, it is a visual feast for readers and historians alike, and an essential new chapter in the story that has inspired adventurers across every continent for a century.
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End of the Earth: Voyaging to Antarctica
By: Peter Matthiessen
End of the Earth brings to life the waters of the richest whale feeding grounds in the world, the wandering albatross with its 11-foot wingspan arching through the sky, and the habits of every variety of seal, walrus, petrel, and penguin in the area, all with boundless and contagious inquisitiveness. Magnificently written, the book evokes an appreciation and sympathy for a region as harsh as it is beautiful.“Luminous and haunting . . . the contemporary Thoreau.”—The Wall Street Journal   “[Matthiessen] doesn’t waste words, and in End of the Earth: Voyages to Antarctica, his homage to the austere splendor of that frozen continent, he hasn’t deployed a single one whose choice I would care to take issue with. . . . Matthiessen writes crusty, chiseled sentences that demand to be read slowly—the perfect prose equivalent of the landscapes he’s describing.”—The New York Times Book Review   “Matthiessen and polar landscapes seem perfectly suited. . . . I found myself constantly re-reading sentences or paragraphs to savour all of their rich resonances. . . . Few if any authors on the region have so successfully compressed . . . Antarctic life . . . and I suspect it will become standard reading.”—The Guardian
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Penguins of the World
By: Wayne Lynch
The internationally successful movie March of the Penguins showcases the life of these fascinating flightless birds that have become such prominent symbols of the fragile nature of our ecosystem. Faced with global warming, invasive tourism, pollution and loss of habitat, penguins -- if they are to survive -- need protection more than ever. Over the past 18 years, Wayne Lynch has traveled to Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and a dozen remote island clusters in the tempestuous Southern Ocean, studying and photographing all 17 species of penguins in their natural habitats. In Penguins of the World, he documents the extraordinary life cycles of these tough, resourceful and beautiful animals in the harshest environments imaginable. This second edition has been revised, redesigned and expanded, with detailed information and the latest facts and statistics on: Anatomy Egg and chick development Mating and feeding habits Predators Habitats Climate change Changes to food levels. Through his engaging text and on-location photographs, Wayne Lynch captures these birds in their wide variety of activities and behaviors. Penguins of the World will appeal to anyone interested in birds, nature and science.
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Buenos Aires: A Cultural History (Cultural Histories Series)
By: Jason Wilson
The most European of South American cities, Buenos Aires evokes exile and nostalgia. A nineteenth-century replica of Paris or Madrid set adrift in an alien continent, its identity is neither of the Old World nor the New. The Argentine capital's rootlessness has famously found expression in the melancholy of tango and, more recently, in a vogue for psychoanalysis even more widespread than New York's.Jason Wilson explores this contradictory and culturally rich city by tracing its development from remote ranching settlement to modern metropolis. Taking landmarks, both well-known and hidden, as starting points for a journey of discovery, he looks at the events, people and writing that have shaped modern Buenos Aires and its cultural life. The city of Borges and Cortazar: the European literary tradition, magical realism and fantasy, the construction of an Argentine voice, writers local and foreign. The city of tango: the music of longing and despair, a meeting-point of machismo and sensuality, lowlife culture of the port. The city of passions: the cult of Evita Peron, the life-and-death matter of soccer, the totalitarian political legacy.
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History of the World Map by Map (DK History Map by Map)
By: DK
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Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.

In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.

To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.