Antarctic Voyage with Galápagos and Peru

Upon arrival in Guayaquil, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.

This morning, fly to San Cristobal Island, the easternmost point in the Galápagos archipelago. Upon arrival, visit the Interpretation Center and learn about the natural history of the Galápagos Islands, from its volcanic origins to today’s conservation efforts. After, enjoy a stroll to Tijeretas Hill and admire views of the landscape and a frigate bird nesting colony. Afterwards, marvel at the archipelago’s famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat at a special reserve, which also features several lava tunnels. The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering about, eating grass and leaves, and wallowing in small pools. After lunch, be transferred to the luxurious MC Hermes, your floating retreat for the next three nights.

This morning, visit Gardner Bay (Española Island) and its vast, sandy white beach, home to Galápagos sea lion colonies. Explore the surrounding area, looking out for mockingbirds, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot crabs and other seabirds. Later in the day, enjoy a coastal walk along Punta Suarez, admiring the panoramic views from this lofty clifftop position. This beautiful destination is renowned as a bird sanctuary and you’re likely to spot red-billed tropic birds, swallow-tailed gulls, and wandering albatrosses during your walk.

Sail to Floreana Island this morning where you’ll visit Cormorant Point, home to a large lagoon that’s favoured by pink flamingos. Continue to the beach area, an important nesting site for Pacific green sea turtles. After time to explore, head back towards your ship and swim or snorkel at Champion Islet among the reef fish, sea lions and white-tipped reef sharks. This afternoon, visit Post Office Bay and learn about its intriguing history before setting off on a walk to observe Darwin finches and lava lizards.

Disembark your ship this morning and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, learn about the giant tortoise breeding program and observe the gentle giants up close. You’ll also learn about the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers and volunteers to preserve the Galápagos’ ecosystem. This afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Baltra Airport for your flight to Quito. Settle into your hotel in Quito and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Enjoy a full day exploring the sights of Quito on a guided city tour, which includes Independence Square, Carondelet Presidential Palace, and the Jesuit church of La Compañia de Jesús, a stunning example of Latin American baroque architecture. Cap off the tour at the hill of El Panecillo, the perfect vantage point to enjoy sweeping views of Quito’s cityscape and surrounding volcanoes. You can also observe the impressive statue at the hill’s summit, a replica of Quito’s Madonna. This afternoon, visit the Middle of the World Monument and enjoy the rare chance to stand on the dividing line between the northern and southern hemispheres. Afterwards, savour lunch at a local restaurant.

Today, explore beyond Quito on your chosen sightseeing experience, then choose where to dine this evening.

Freedom of Choice - Otavalo Market Spend a full day exploring Otavalo Market, the largest of its kind in South America. Be dazzled by the sheer volume of handicrafts available, from woven ponchos to carved statues, jewellery and rug baskets, which have been largely made by local Indigenous communities.

Freedom of Choice - Mindo Cloud Forest Spend the day at Mindo Cloud Forest, a haven for bird watchers and waterfall lovers. Explore the walking trails, looking out for hummingbirds, orchids, bromeliads and butterflies.

Freedom of Choice Dining - Somos Savour a three-course meal of Ecuadorian-born, globally inspired dishes at Somos,

Freedom of Choice Dining - Kriollo por Ikaro Sit down to a five-step tasting menu of gourmet Ecuadorian delights at Kriollo por Ikaro.

Transfer to Quito airport for your flight to Lima. Spend some time at leisure before dinner tonight with your fellow travellers.

Today, discover Lima on a panoramic city tour. Cover the must-see sights, including the World Heritage-listed Historic Centre of Lima, Basilica and Convent of San Agustín and Plaza Mayor. You’ll then be whisked to your Signature Experience at the Larco Museum. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Signature Experience - Larco Museum

Spend time at the Larco Museum, which is housed within an 18th-century viceroy’s mansion. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of its fascinating Peruvian artefacts before adjourning to the museum’s bougainvillea-covered gardens for lunch.

Farewell Lima this morning and fly to Cusco, bound for the inspiring landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Stop for lunch at Hacienda Sarampa, a family-owned estate specialising in the production of giant white corn. While you indulge in a decadent, locally sourced three-course lunch, learn about the history of Sarampa, as well as the behind-the-scenes work that goes into corn production.

Travel to a small community tucked away in the Sacred Valley hillside, where you’ll enjoy a Signature Experience. Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a guide, including another Signature Experience which takes you to the Salt Mines of Maras and Moray terraces. In the evening, savour a delectable dinner at your hotel. 

Signature Experience – Traditional Weaving Demonstration

Be welcomed by the local Misminay community before watching a traditional weaving demonstration. Discover how Peru’s colourful textiles are created by hand as you learn about the craft, which has been passed down through generations. Then, enjoy a traditional lunch with views of the Andes mountains and surrounding valleys. 

Signature Experience – Salt Mines of Maras and Moray Terraces

See the glistening salt pools spill over the terraced slopes at the World Heritage-listed Salt Mines of Maras. Afterwards, visit the fascinating Incan circular terraces at the Moray archaeological site. 

An unforgettable Signature Experience guides you to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the vast Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. Spend time at leisure exploring the town’s laneway markets, restaurants and shops before returning to your hotel for dinner this evening.

Signature Experience – Inca Rail First Class Machu Picchu Train

Travel on Inca Rail’s First Class Machu Picchu Train and journey through forested landscapes to the township of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a gourmet Andean-inspired lunch on board while taking in the magnificent views that unfold before you.

This morning, journey up to the ruins of the lost city of Machu Picchu, set off on a guided tour of the 15 th century Inca citadel. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is considered one of the most vital architectural triumphs of the Incan empire. Located on a steep ridge and made up of approximated 200 structures, this ancient site exceeds every expectation with its beauty and grandeur. Ensure you have your camera in hand to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Afterwards, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the scenic Vistadome train for the return journey to Cusco. 

A guided walking tour through Cusco takes you to the stunning square in the city’s heart, the Plaza de Armas, as well as the sacred sites of Koricancha and Cusco Cathedral. Later, choose your Freedom of Choice activity before dinner this evening at MAP Cafe, an iconic and renowned eatery of Cusco set in the courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

Freedom of Choice – Peruvian Cooking Class

Satiate your gustatory senses with a cooking class, discovering traditional Peruvian dishes and ingredients. 

Freedom of Choice – Sacsayhuamán Fortress Visit

Explore the 15th-century dry stone archaeological site at the Incan Sacsayhuamán Fortress. 

After breakfast, be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima. Visit the ruins of Pachacamac, a pre-Columbian citadel built around AD200. Here, discover the numerous ancient pyramids, temples and palaces that make up the complex. Continue to a private hacienda for a Signature Experience, then the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. 

Signature Experience – Peruvian Paso Horse Show

Pay a visit to a private hacienda, which showcases the nation’s regional traditions. Sit down to a lunch of traditional South American fare and enjoy a Peruvian Paso horse show. 

Fly to Buenos Aires and head for the Recoleta district, where your luxurious hotel awaits.

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires before gathering with your fellow travellers for a special reception. This evening, enjoy time at your leisure to soak in the many jewels of the Argentine capital.

This morning, delve deeper into Buenos Aires’ sights on a city tour. Discover the must-visit destinations, including Recoleta Cemetery, the colourful streets of La Boca, and the trendy neighbourhood of Palermo. This evening, meet for a ship briefing in anticipation of our exciting cruise ahead.

Board your included APT private charter flight to Ushuaia and join a guided tour of Tierra del Fuego. After a light lunch, board your luxury expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, to begin your 10-night Antarctic Peninsula cruise. Be greeted by your Expedition Leader and a team of expert naturalist guides. Settle in before enjoying the Captain’s welcome dinner. Afterwards, head to the deck to take in the stunning scenery of the Beagle Channel.

Signature Experience - Tierra del Fuego National Park Tour

Take a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park, where you can experience the rugged natural beauty of Argentina’s southern tip. If you’re lucky, you may spot a roaming guanaco (a close relative of the llama).

Sail across the Drake Passage, the cruising gateway to Antarctica. Learn about the adventures ahead during informative, interactive and entertaining presentations on the wildlife, history and geology of Antarctica, delivered by your expert Expedition Team.

On arrival in Antarctica, your itinerary exploring this magical world of ice and water becomes flexible. Your Captain will chart a course based on the most exciting sights and the most favourable ice and weather conditions. Each day on your cruise you’ll enjoy Zodiac rides. Visit penguin rookeries, seal colonies and keep an eye out for orca, humpback and minke whales that frequent these waters. Head to Deception Island, an active volcano once home to a whaling station. You may also have the opportunity to stop at the Port Lockroy scientific base. From here, you can send a postcard with a rare Antarctic stamp.

Signature Experience - Zodiac Expeditions

Delight in a unique itinerary which allows you to maximise your discovery of the enchanting Antarctic Peninsula, from thrilling Zodiac expeditions to enthralling shore landings.  

Return across the Drake Passage. Enjoy time on board and wildlife spotting.

Today, disembark your ship in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires on your included APT private charter flight, then be transferred to your luxurious hotel.

The choice is yours today with a selection of activities on offer. This evening, for your special farewell dinner, attend a fiery tango show and enjoy a delicious meal during the performance.

Freedom of Choice – Tigre Cruise

Head to the island town of Tigre and enjoy a cruise over the rivers and canals of the Paraná Delta.

Freedom of Choice – Parisian Walking Tour

Discover the Parisian character of Buenos Aires. Visit the Plaza San Martin, Plazoleta Pellegrini and more.

Freedom of Choice – Teatro Colón Tour

Immerse yourself in Buenos Aires’ sophisticated high-arts scene on a fascinating tour of the iconic and majestic Teatro Colón, considered the one of world’s leading opera houses thanks to its impeccable acoustics. 

Your Antarctic and South American adventure comes to an end today following breakfast with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.