Extraordinary Antarctica: Cross the Polar Circle
Whilst more and more adventurers are setting their sights on Antarctica, few make it to 66°33’ S and cross the Antarctic Circle. Those who do are treated to a world of pristine sea ice, the abandoned signs of human activity now frozen in time and absolute silence. The itinerary we showcase below offers guests the chance to fly over the Drake Passage rather than sailing it, thereby maximising time in Antarctica but all route combinations are available.
Journey highlights
-
Cross the Polar Circle at 66°33’ S and venture where only a select few do
-
Enjoy a pristine, untouched landscape and make the first tracks in the snow
-
Head to abandoned bases such as the British Station W and marvel at this perfectly preserved slice of time
- Extraordinary itinerary:Our Extraordinary Journeys offer unforgettable cutting-edge hotels, experiences and restaurants with a focus on design, fashion and innovation
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Antarctic weather is a lesson in extremes. Antarctica is the world’s coldest, windiest and driest continent. During the summer months the winds abate considerably and the weather is surprisingly comfortable, averaging between 20 and 50F. Summertime also means 18-24 hours of sunlight which allows life to flourish for a brief summer period. Long days also allow extensive exploration by small ship cruise to Antarctica. Antarctic weather allows for a short season of cruising from November to March each year.
Itinerary
Fly to Santiago
-
At a Glance
Arrive in Santiago, Chile's bustling capital and transfer to your hotel in Lastarria, a bustling part of the city full of great restaurants and lively bars. We've included a private city tour with an expert guide, who will give you a great overview of the city, its different districts and fascinating political history through the eyes of a local. Your next day is free for you to decide what to do. Our experts can recommend something to best suit your interests, be it winery tours in the nearby premier winelands, an active day in the nearby Cajón de Maipo or a visit to Valparaiso, the colourful port city perched on Chile's coast.
Where to stay
The Singular Santiago (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
-
At a Glance
Fly south today to the Chilean port city of Punta Arenas and the gateway to your Antarctic adventure. Upon arrival, you will meet members of your expedition team, who will advise you on the schedule for your boot fitting, pre-departure briefing and the welcome dinner, where you will get to meet your fellow adventurers.
Where to stay
Cabo de Hornos Hotel (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
-
At a Glance
As you set sail across the Drake Passage, there will be one goal in mind: cross the Polar Circle at 66°33’S and join the small band of explorers, scientists and most adventurous travellers who have made it this far south.
Sailing down the frozen coastline of the western Antarctic Peninsular offers further opportunities to set foot on the Antarctic Continent, where alpine peaks tower over vast glaciers that calve with a mighty roar. With gentoo penguins, Weddell seals, minke whales and humpback whales, the wildlife is as abundant as the landscape is spellbinding. Weddell seals and chinstrap penguins can often be spotted on the beach near the Argentina research station on Half Moon Island, while a visit to Paulet Island or Brown Bluff is an opportunity to observe the vast population of Adélie and gentoo penguins.
While challenging conditions mean that most expeditions will not make it as far south as the Antarctic Circle, to do so is an impressive achievement and one certainly worth celebrating in style with your fellow shipmates. Ice conditions allowing, you may reach the Crystal Sound, pass through the Gullet and Marguerite Bay, spotting orcas humpback and minke whales, or visit historic Stonington, Pourquoi Pas and Detaille Islands. Sailing through this rugged, little-visited part of Antarctica, you pass spellbinding ice formations and abandoned wooden shacks and a landscape seen by very few other people.
Once the corks have popped, the ship turns northbound once more, charting its route back to the South Shetland Islands with stops at various landing sites along the way.
Where to stay
Aurora Expeditions Sylvia Earle: Antarctic (10 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
-
At a Glance
Arriving at King George Island, it is time to bid farewell to Antarctica and board your charter flight back to the Chilean mainland. Once on dry land in Punta Arenas, transfer to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Where to stay
Cabo de Hornos Hotel (1 night)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
-
At a Glance
It’s back to the Chilean capital for your final stop before your flight home. We’ve selected the same great hotel that welcomed you at the outset of your trip so you may have a favourite bar and restaurant you want to head back to to toast your adventure. If not, let us know and we’ll set you up with something really special.
Where to stay
The Singular Santiago (1 night)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
Fly home from Santiago
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2025 | £14,600 | £2,200 | plan your trip |
| November 2025 | £15,400 | £2,300 | plan your trip |
| December 2025 | £15,700 | £2,400 | plan your trip |
| January 2026 | £15,700 | £2,400 | plan your trip |
| February 2026 | £15,400 | £2,300 | plan your trip |
| March 2026 | £14,600 | £2,200 | plan your trip |
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£14,600
Deposit from*£2,200
-
November 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£15,400
Deposit from*£2,300
-
December 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£15,700
Deposit from*£2,400
-
January 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£15,700
Deposit from*£2,400
-
February 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£15,400
Deposit from*£2,300
-
March 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£14,600
Deposit from*£2,200
- plan your trip
Experiences in this tour
-
![Reykjavik]()
View ExperienceReykjavík Walking Tour
Discover Reykjavík’s charm on a guided walking tour through its historic streets. Stroll past colorful houses, iconic landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa Concert Hall, and hidden gems that showcase the city's vibrant culture.
-
![BMW]()
View ExperienceA Private Journey into BMW’s World
Explore BMW’s Munich hub with a private tour. Discover 125 historic vehicles at the BMW Museum, witness precision production at the main plant, and immerse yourself in innovation and design at BMW Welt—an exclusive journey into automotive mastery.
-
![Manchester United]()
View ExperiencePrivate Manchester United Football Stadium Tour
Guests will embark on an exclusive private tour of Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United.
-
![Manchester]()
View ExperiencePrivate Walking Tour
Explore Manchester's dynamic past and present on a private walking tour with an expert local guide.
-
![Mini Cooper Tour of London]()
View ExperiencePrivate Tour of London by Classic Mini Cooper
London is a city of grand architecture, glittering landmarks and timeless stories but there is something magical about discovering it from behind the wheel of a car that’s every bit as iconic as the capital itself.
-
![Solar Eclipse]()
View Experience2026 Solar Eclipse - Fisherman's Village
Experience the rare total solar eclipse visible from Reykjavik for the first time since 1433. Celebrate in Álftanes, a charming village just 15 minutes from the city centre, offering stunning sea views.
-
![Sauna and cold pool]()
View ExperienceLaugarás Lagoon Sanctuary of Wellness
Laugarás Lagoon represents the pinnacle of Iceland's geothermal wellness experience, where pristine mountain vistas meet the artistry of nature's own thermal springs.
-
![Monk Experience]()
View ExperienceSpiritual journey with Hermit Monks
Enjoy an insider's tour of the birthplace of Buddhism and engage in meaningful interactions with a resident monk, and conclude with experiencing herbal tea and traditional snacks.
-
![Liverpool district tour]()
View ExperiencePrivate Liverpool Historic Dock District Tour
A visit to this historic dock in Liverpool promises a captivating blend of history, culture, and waterfront charm, with stunning architecture, world-class museums, vibrant galleries, and trendy restaurants
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 020 8682 5430 to start planning your holiday.
Why Scott Dunn for Luxury Tours?
Unique to You
- We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are bespoke to you.
- We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.
Seamless Service
- Global offices in the UK, US, Singapore, and Hong Kong for 24/7 seamless service.
- We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.
Carefully Curated Collection
- We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
- Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.
Luxury in Every Sense
- We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
- Awarded Condé Nast Traveller’s Top Travel Specialists in the World 13 years in a row.