Antarctica: The White Continent – with Smithsonian Journeys

Complete your Air Package experience with a free night in Buenos Aires.
 
Day 1 - Buenos Aires

Meet at Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel selected for your included overnight stay. 

In option : early check in at 11am. 

Day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel. 

Day 2 - Buenos Aires

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Day at leisure, before Air Package night.  

Optional activity : 4 hours private guided visit of Buenos Aires with an English speaking guide. 

Your programme includes:

·        1 night in a 4* hotel in Buenos Aires selected by Ponant, in the same hotel selected for your included overnight stay.
·        Transfer from airport to the hotel. 

Your programme does not include: 

·        Personal expenses and other expenses not mentionned in the program.

Please note:

·        The local currency in Argentina is the Argentinian Peso. Foreign currencies are generally not accepted. You will be able to make most of your purchases by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centers and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Chilean Pesos from the ATM's.
·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
·        Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement. 

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
   

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 – Buenos Aires

Meet and greet at the airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign.
You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT and transferred to the Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta (or similar).
Check-in to your room.
Rest of the day and diner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 – Buenos Aires / Ushuaia

Breakfast at the hotel.
You will be transferred to Buenos Aires airport for your domestic flight to Ushuaia, selected by PONANT (subject to change by the airline).
Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you will be greeted by our local French-speaking representative.

You will spend the day exploring the famous Tierra del Fuego National Park, an immersion in striking landscapes of snow-capped mountains and pristine forests.
The scenery here is wild and almost untouched, offering a deep connection with raw nature. The powerful southern winds, ever-changing skies, and golden light of long summer days add a near-magical atmosphere to this remote land.
Tierra del Fuego is also rich in the history of its Indigenous peoples — the Yámana, Selk’nam, and Kawésqar — who lived in harmony with this harsh environment. Today, it is a true meeting point of nature and culture.

At the end of the day, you’ll be transferred to the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, perched high above the Bay of Ushuaia (or similar).

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 – Ushuaia

Breakfast at the hotel.

 You will continue your exploration of Ushuaia before boarding your ship to begin your Antarctic expedition.

Your Hotels:

Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta

The Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta is a 5-star hotel located in the elegant Recoleta district. Just steps from Avenida Alvear and the Patio Bullrich shopping center, the hotel offers privileged access to the city’s cultural attractions.
Spacious and refined rooms are available, and guests can enjoy modern Argentine cuisine at Alma Buenos Aires, or unwind at the Felicia Bar.
The hotel also features a heated indoor pool, fitness center, sauna, and spa — perfect for travelers seeking both luxury and comfort.

Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa – 5 Stars

Nestled in the heart of the Cerro Alarkén Nature Reserve, Arakur Ushuaia is a luxurious 5-star resort offering an immersive experience at the edge of the world.
Situated at 800 meters above sea level, it overlooks the city of Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel, and surrounding mountains, with breathtaking panoramic views.
The rooms and suites combine modern comfort with contemporary design and include high-tech features such as intelligent lighting and temperature control systems, 40-inch LED Samsung TVs, and large panoramic windows framing stunning natural vistas.
The hotel’s spa offers a complete wellness experience, including indoor and outdoor pools, water jets, Jacuzzis, sauna, hammam, Scottish shower, and solarium — all with spectacular views of Ushuaia.

Your program includes:
 

• 1 night in Buenos Aires at the Sofitel Recoleta (or similar)
• A welcome desk with French-speaking assistance on Day 1
• 1 night in Ushuaia at the Arakur Resort & Spa (or similar)
• Economy class flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
• Meals and beverage package as mentioned in the program
• Transfers and excursions as outlined in the program
• Entrance fees to national parks
• Services of a French-speaking local guide

Your program does not include:

• Personal expenses
• Any services not mentioned in the program
• Tips for drivers and local guides

Please note:

• If you choose a flight other than the one selected by PONANT, you must provide your travel advisor with your flight details no later than 30 days before the start of your cruise in order to organize your transfer.

The official currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso. Many purchases can be made in US dollars (small denominations are recommended) or by credit card, which is widely accepted in hotels, shopping centers, and stores. You can also withdraw pesos from ATMs. In Iguazu, on the Brazilian side, US dollars in small denominations are also accepted.

Hotel Contacts :

Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta
Posadas 1232, C1011 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Phone: +54 11 4819-1100

Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa
Cerro Alarkén No. 1 – Access via Av. Héroes de Malvinas 2617
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Phone: +54 2901 44-2901

The order and duration of activities are provided for reference only and may be subject to change. For your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your advisor or refer to the electronic ticket included in your travel documents. 

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed program.

With this rich and varied program, you can admire the wild nature of argentinian Patagonia and explore the spectacular Perito Moreno glacier.

 Day 1 - Buenos Aires, Argentina

Meet and greet at the Ezeiza International Airport of Buenos Aires in arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative upon arrival of the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transferred to the Palladio MGallery 5* (or similar).

Check-in.

Lunch, afternoon, and dinner are at your leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Buenos Aires /El Calafate

Breakfast,

After a sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires, and lunch at leisure, you'll be transferred to the airport in connexion with the domestic flight selected by PONANT (subject to airline changes) to El Calafate. You'll be greeted at the airport by our local representative. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel, Posada los Alamos (or Xelena Hotel depending on departures).

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 - El Calafate

After breakfast, you will enjoy a full day excursion visit to Estancia Cristina, a true haven of peace surrounded by nature, in the heart of Los Glacieres National Park. You'll discover the Upsala glacier by 4x4, then enjoy lunch in a typical Argentinian restaurant. Return to your hotel at the end of the day.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

 Day 4 - El Calafate/Ushuaia

After breakfast, you will discover the spectacular Perito Moreno glacier. This extraordinary excursion will introduce you to Argentine Patagonia's main attraction. The intense shades of blue of the ice and the immensity of the glacier form an incredible spectacle. After this excursion, you'll be transferred to El Calafate airport for the El Calafate/Ushuaia flight selected by PONANT.

You'll be met at Ushuaia airport by our French-speaking correspondent, then transferred to the Hotel Arakur, high above Ushuaia, overlooking the entire bay.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 5 - Ushuaia

Breakfast.

Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park before boarding your ship.

Your hotels:

Palladio Hotel Buenos Aires MGallery 5* (or similar)

Located in the refined neighborhood of La Recoleta, known for its neoclassical architecture, the hotel offers easy access to the main tourist attractions of Buenos Aires. The establishment has elegant and spacious rooms, swimming pool, restaurant and bar, for an authentic and exclusive stay.

Hotel Arakur 5*

Located in the heart of the Cerro Alarken nature reserve, Arakur Resort & Spa offers sustainable architecture with a modern design in harmony with nature. The hotel features natural terraces that blend into the environment, as well as a spectacular natural balcony 250 meters above sea level, for panoramic views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel.

Your program includes:

·        1 night accommodation in Buenos Aires, at the Palladio MGallery 5* (or similar) breakfast included.

·        2 nights accommodation at Posada los Alamos 4* (or Xelena hotel) breakfast included.

·        1 night accommodation in Ushuaia Arakur 5* (or similar) breakfast included.

·        Domestic Flights Buenos Aires/El Calafate/Ushuaia in economy class.

·        Meals as mentioned in the program.

·        Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the program.

·        Entrance fees for national parks and reserves.

·        Services of local English-speaking guide.
 

Your program does not include:

·        Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the program.

·        Visa fees if required.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        By choosing this exclusive pre-cruise stay, the boarding day schedule as described in the tab "Included in your cruise" is not compatible or cumulative with this program Patagonia, land of contrasts (4 nights).

·        For more information and to purchase this trip please contact our travel advisors.

·       The local currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso. You can make most of your purchases in U. S. dollars (small denominations) or by credit card, which are accepted in most hotels, malls and shops. You can also withdraw pesos from ATMs.

·      Travelers are advised to check on their government websites, or local government sites for the latest Travel Advisories, passport visa, and health requirements for your intended destinations. all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. We advise travelers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations.

·        The luggage allowance is maximum 23 kg (50lbs) for your checked bag and 7kg (17lbs) for your carryon bag, and one small personal item such as a backpack/purse/camera bag. 

·        This program is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Contact of your hotels: 

Palladio MGallery 5*

Suipacha 1036, C1008 CABA, Argentine

+54 11 4114-3400

Hotel Posada Los Álamos 4*

Ing. Héctor Mario Guatti 1135

El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Patagonie, Argentine. 

Hotel Arakur 5*  

Cerro Alarkén N° 1(Acceso por Av, Héroes de Malvinas 2617, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentine

+54 2901 44-2900

 Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

For your serenity, PONANT has organised the following included programme for you : 

This package is included in your cruise fare. 

The day before embarkation – Buenos Aires

Meet at Ezeiza international airport in the arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative.

You will be transferred at your 5* hotel, in Buenos Aires.

In option : early check in at 11am (official check-in : 3pm)

Day at leisure.  

Organised dinner at the hotel.. 

Overnight at the hotel.

Embarkation Day – Buenos Aires/Ushuaia

An early morning breakfast will be served before leaving to the airport for you flight Buenos Aires – Ushuaia.
Transfer to the airport.
Flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia selected by PONANT in economy class. Approximate flight duration: 3 hours, 30 min.
Meet and greet at the airport (English-speaking assistance).

– Cruise on board your ship –

Your programme includes:

·        Transfer to your hotel, the day before embarkation.

·        1-night accommodation in a 5* hotel the night before embarkation.   

·        Hospitality desk at the hotel in Buenos Aires.

·        Outbound flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia selected by PONANT, in economy class.

·        Services of local guides, in Ushuaia.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme and beverage package.

·        Transfers as mentioned in the programme.

Your programme does not include:

·        Tips for the local guide.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Other meals and services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        The local currency is the Argentinian Peso. You will be able to make most of your purchases in USD (in small denominations) or by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centres and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Pesos from the ATM’s.

·        Summer season in Buenos Aires: temperatures may be very hot, but often between 68 °F (20 °C) and 95 °F (35 °C).

·        Summer season in Ushuaia: temperatures vary between 41 °F (5 °C) and 65 °F (15 °C)

·        We recommend you wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

Programme is subject to change.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed program.
 
Day 1 - Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
 
Meet and greet upon arrival of the flight Ushuaia/Buenos Aires selected by PONANT by our local representative.
You will be transferred to the Alvear art 5* (or similar).
 
Lunch and afternoon at leisure.

Dinner included at the hotel.
 
Optional activity: argentinian dinner show
 
You will be immersed in the magnificent cultural Argentinian heritage. Sit back and enjoy some of the best folkloric dancers, traditionnal singers, of Buenos Aires, enjoying a tasty dinner.
 
Day 2 - Buenos Aires
 
Breakfast at the hotel.

Day at leisure. You may leave your lugguage at the hotel and visit Buenos Aires on your own.

Optional activity: 4 hours private guided visit (with bilingual guide)

Contact your travel agent for any further informations

You will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight selected by Ponant or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
 
Your hotel:
 
Alvear art 5 * (or similar)
 
This hotel offers easy access to the main tourist attractions of Buenos Aires. The establishment has elegant and spacious rooms, swimming pool, restaurant and bar, for an authentic and exclusive stay.
 
Your program includes:

·        1-night accommodation at the Alvear art 5 * in Standard room (or similar), including breakfast. 

·        1 dinner at the hotel including the beverage package: bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 coffee or 1 tea.

·        Transfers mentioned in the program.

Late check-out included until 6 pm

 Your program does not include:

·        Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the program.

Please note: 

·        The local currency is the Argentinian Peso. You will be able to make most of your purchases in USD (in small denominations) or by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centres and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Pesos from the ATM's. 

·         It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer. 
 

Contact of your hotel:

Alvear art 5*

Suipacha 1036, C1008 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentine

+54 11 4114-3400

 
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents. Travelers are advised to check on their government websites, or relevant local authorities for the latest Travel Advisories, passport, visa and health requirements for your intended destinations.