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Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands - Le Lyrial
Travel to the Great White Continent plus unbelievable South Georgia on a beautiful luxury ship with world-class experts including a famous Nikon Ambassador photographer.
SPECIAL OFFER
7.7*
ECO SCORE
199
PASSENGERS
18
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Antarctica: Drink In In
Welcome Aboard the
Le Lyrial
Join this panoramic Luxury Expedition Cruise and explore the colorful Falkland Islands, unspoiled South Georgia with its rookeries of king penguins, and epic Antarctica — an ideal itinerary for photographers and explorers alike. Go ashore with your Expedition Team to visit areas rich in the history of polar exploration and experience the wildlife of the Southern Ocean region in all its glory. Enjoy additional photo coaching lectures and hands-on workshops from special guest lecturer and famed National Geographic photographer and conservationist Michael Melford.
- • Featured Expert: Michael Melford. Michael has completed 18 photo assignments for National Geographic. He offers hands-on training for photographers of all levels and shares stories from his illustrious career as a photographer.
• Explore historic, wildlife-rich South Georgia, where you visit spectacular king penguin colonies and legendary sites that tell the tale of Antarctica’s greatest explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
• This veteran operator only offers this itinerary once per year meaning the expedition staff will be charged up and ready to go off the beaten path for adventure.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Book Now & Save $8,000 per Stateroom in Select Categories! Rates Below Reflect the Special.
Rates:
From $23,995 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
Dec 20, 2024 - Jan 7, 2025
Jan 5-23, 2025
December - January
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Conservation
Supports habitat conservation efforts across the globe
Education
Provides schooling opportunities for local children
Local Community
Funds healthcare projects in local communities
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrive in Argentina’s capital and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: Palacio Duhau — Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
Day 2: Buenos Aires | Discovering a Vital Capital
Explore Buenos Aires with your local guides, choosing from excursions that include a guided tour with a tango demonstration or a tour of the city’s vibrant street art scene. In the evening, join your fellow guests and expedition staff for a welcome cocktail reception. Meet some of your expert expedition staff members, including National Geographic photographer Michael Melford. (Breakfast is included on Day 2)
Accommodation: Palacio Duhau — Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
Day 3: Ushuaia | At the Edge of the World
Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Take a guided trek in the Cerro Alarken Nature Reserve before boarding your luxurious expedition cruiser for the next 15 days of adventure. Watch from the comfort of your private balcony as ‘Le Lyrial’ heads out to sea.
Day 4: At Sea | Riches of the Southern Ocean
As you sail east toward the Falkland Islands, A&K’s Expedition Team begins its exciting lecture series, covering everything from penguins to the formation of sea ice to thrilling personal accounts of living in Antarctica. Photography enthusiasts especially enjoy time with Michael Melford and your A&K photo team, who are on hand to exhibit extraordinary images, share tips and answer questions. The cool waters are rich in krill, making them a favorite with local wildlife searching for food. Alongside your naturalist guides, spot various species of whales and seabirds from ‘Le Lyrial’s’ deck.
Day 5: The Falkland Islands | Historic Outpost
Today, ‘Le Lyrial’ arrives in the remote Falkland Islands. Conditions permitting, you may visit the tiny capital of Stanley, strolling its charming streets and exploring its surrounding wilderness areas, or land at the southeast Falkland Islands of Sea Lion and Bleaker, home to unspoiled wildlife habitats.
Day 6-7: Cruising the South Atlantic | Abundant Wildlife
As you head toward South Georgia, sightings of whales and other wildlife become more frequent. Time spent cruising is once again filled with informative lectures and casual talks with your guides, leaving your knowledge of the region greatly enriched. The open ocean is a treasure chest bursting with life — scan the seas to spot marine mammals and seabirds as the ship cruises the nutrient-rich waters past the Shag Rocks islands.
Day 8-10: South Georgia | Wildlife Haven
Explore South Georgia, the Southern Ocean’s crown jewel of wildlife. South Georgia is a nearly submerged continuation of the Andes Mountains, and your days here are spent exploring its glacier-carved coves and rugged shores — ideal for exploring with your naturalist guides on Zodiacs (sturdy inflatable boats). Weather and ice conditions permitting, excursions over the next three days include stops along the northeast coastline of the island, where we hope to visit vast colonies of king penguins and southern elephant seals.
You may also explore iconic historic sites with your expert historian, who shares tales of the whaling era and the heroic age of exploration. You also learn about the life and exploits of Antarctica’s greatest explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose final resting place is right here on South Georgia Island, at Grytviken. A photographer’s paradise, South Georgia is a locale where you’re sure to capture some of your very best shots.
Day 11-12: Scotia Sea | Life at Sea
Cruise the Scotia Sea while your expert lecturers recap your adventures in South Georgia and hint at what’s to come in Antarctica. Prepare for your Antarctic arrival by learning more about the Seventh Continent from the experts who know it best, from its awe-inspiring terrain to the hardy wildlife that inhabits it.
Day 13-15: Antarctica | Incredible White Continent
Conditions permitting, your itinerary calls for landings on the Antarctic Peninsula and a number of South Shetland Islands. Your expedition team takes advantage of the best opportunities to set out on Zodiacs and explore the continent’s iconic shores which teem with gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins. Antarctica’s stunning geography enhances the excitement of your experience here as dramatic snow-capped mountains, shimmering glaciers and iceberg-strewn channels compete for your attention. At the evening’s recap, you might look through your photos with Michael Melford and his team as they make suggestions for how to improve your framing and techniques.
Day 16-17: Drake Passage | Reflections at Sea
Bid farewell to Antarctica as ‘Le Lyrial’ points north for her return to Ushuaia. Enjoy more opportunities to observe birds and marine life while reflecting on an incredible journey with fellow guests and new friends.
Day 18: Depart Ushuaia
After breakfast, disembark ‘Le Lyrial.’ Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires, where you board your flight home or join your Ushuaia post-tour extension.
Please Note: Itinerary is for guidance purposes only and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather, wildlife, ice, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond this operator's control at the sole discretion of the Captain.
Internal Air: Economy class from $895 per person, Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
Activity Level: Moderate. This journey contains some active elements, including Zodiac boat excursions, walks over uneven terrain and optional, challenging hikes.
Minimum age is 7 years.
Suite Amenities: Categories 4-9 include room upgrade at the hotel and butler service aboard the ship.
Extensions: Iguazu Falls pre-cruise extension and Ushuaia post-cruise extension available. (Ask your Travel Curator.)
First group event: welcome reception 5:00pm on Dec 20, 2023 or Jan 4, 2024.
Last group event: disembarkation at 9:00 a.m. on Jan 6, 2024 or Jan 21, 2024.
Special Photo Expedition: Travel with Michelle Valberg, award-winning photographer celebrated for her work in the polar regions, Michelle is a Canadian Nikon Ambassador, Canadian Geographic Photographer-in-Residence and the author of four books. (Subject to change for 2024)
Special Offer Terms & Conditions: Offer valid on new bookings only. Offer subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Other restrictions may apply. (Rates in rate boxes below reflect special offer.)
Le Lyrial
First introduced in 2015 and the fourth ship in the Sisterships series, Le Lyrial is the very embodiment of this new generation of intimately sized cruise ships. Its exterior and interior lines, all sober understatement and refinement, make it a yacht of a rare and innovative kind. For the interior decoration, we took inspiration from the tones and colors of our destinations and used a palette made up of blues, from the soft, luminous grey-like tones of the polar ice to the vivid notes and turquoises of Mediterranean inlets and coves. Distributed across decks 3 to 6, the Le Lyrial's 122 staterooms and suites embody the unique atmosphere so dear to this operator: a subtle combination of luxury, intimacy and serene well-being. Enjoy views of the sea in a setting conducive to escape and getting away from it all in each and every one of the staterooms.
• Capacity: 199 Guests (Carries 244)
• Cabins: 122 Cabins
• Specialists: Highly Credentialed Naturalists & Experts, 1.1.3 Guest to Staff Ratio
ACHIEVEMENTS
Travel Weekly's "Best Tour Operator - Luxury" (17 Years)
Afar Magazine's "Best Cultural Trips" 2020
Travvy Awards "Best Escorted Tour Operator - Luxury" 2020
"Le Lyrial is one of the most luxurious expedition ships at sea, and when operated by this world-class company, her voyages come alive with expert guiding and off-the-beaten-path itineraries. If you're looking for a way to see the world in comfort and style with Continental-style service, enthusiastic staff, and a fantastic education program, we heartily recommend this lovely ship."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
Questions?
I used to work for this operator and this is going to be a spectacular trip! If you're looking for high luxury accommodations paired with the most seasoned, most highly-credentialed expedition staff, this is a fantastic option for you.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All accommodations, meals and fully guided sightseeing (including park and entrance fees) as noted in the itinerary; airport transfers to/from hotel/ship in the first/last published city regardless of day of arrival and departure (on Expedition Cruises, transfers may be shared and included on start and end dates only); services of Resident Tour Director or appropriate guide on Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions; coffee/tea/soft drinks/water at included meals; local wine and beer at all designated welcome and farewell dinners and with all lunches and dinners on Connections European River Cruise Journeys; local bottled water during sightseeing; porterage of up to two (2) pieces of baggage per person; complimentary Internet access (where available on cruises and at land accommodations; service levels are not guaranteed); hotel taxes; and gratuities throughout, except to the Resident Tour Director/Extension guide/East Africa safari driver-guides.
Luxury Expedition Cruises Additional Inclusions:
Complimentary select bar drinks, beer, house wine, soft drinks, coffee drinks, juices and bottled water (excluding premium wines, spirits and Champagnes) while on board; complimentary local beer and wine for included meals on shore; complimentary room service on board; all shore excursions and lecture program while on board; Traveler's Valet laundry service for eight (8) pieces per person once during cruise only (dry cleaning excluded); services of an Expedition Staff and local guides; gratuities for the ship's crew and Expedition Staff and Pre- and Post-Tour guides; a complimentary expedition parka and backpack and use of waterproof boots, pants and trekking poles provided on board for all polar cruises.
