CNH Tours - Cultural and Natural Heritage Tours

Grand Tour Trip Planning Webinar

Why Should I Consider This Trip?

CNH Tours firmly believes that you have to be very comfortable in your decision to participate in any trip. You should be asking yourself: "Why am in considering this trip? What are my expectations? Is it worth my time / effort / money?". We shouldn't be the ones trying to convince you - but rather, you should be coming to your own conclusion.

What's the Appeal?

People are drawn to Antarctica for all kinds of reasons. It is beyond dispute one of the most remote regions on Earth and one of the most inhospitable. Those two factors alone account for a large part of the draw for many people. But you must also factor in the singular biodiversity of the region, from abundant and varied marine mammals (orcas, all kinds of whales, leopard and elephant seals...) to myriad birds (the flying kind and of course the penguins).

And for some, land and icescapes alone can justify making an effort to witness this part of the world, while the added historical dimension one is exposed to on the Grand Tour often comes as a fascinating and often unexpected bonus.

....But one needs to balance all of that with one's available resources - again... time, effort, money.

The Grand Antarctica trip is for those who:

Have the time: It's a 20 day expedition, not counting the travel time getting to and from our embarkation/disembarkation port of Ushuaia. At a bare minimum, you'll need to carve out 24 days out of your calendar.
Are willing to make the effort: Getting there and back is a long trip, and to make the most of this trip, you'll be off the ship, on zodiacs, on beaches, land and snow, often at temperatures not much above freezing. This is not a tropical beach holiday!
Are willing to allocate the funds: The longer your trip to Antarctica, the pricier it gets - and this is a 20 day trip (though we are enjoying a hefty group/early bird discount).

But above all, the Grand Antarctica trip is for those who want to go "all the way". Not only will you experience the wonder of the Antarctic Peninsula, stepping onto this 7th continent, but you'll have the chance to spend quality time on South Georgia island - home to the greatest concentration of penguins and of other Antarctica wildlife and setting for fascinating tales of human industry. You'll get to explore the Falkland Islands - remote British outpost - one the UK has been determined to keep.

Extra Benefits with CNH Tour

Your dedicated tour leader: We've selected a top quality ship owned by a very experienced polar operator. That means you'll be comfortable and surrounded by an attentive crew and very qualified expedition team. But beyond that, by organizing this small (12 guests) group departure, you'll benefit from the services of your dedicated CNH Tours tour leader - there to ensure you trip goes as swimmingly as possible, and to add an extra personal element to the journey.
Your dedicated trip concierge: From your first contact with CNH Tours to the moment you return home after you journey, our trip concierge, Kathy Haesevoets, will be there to provide all the assistance possible in organizing and preparing for your trip.
Travelling with a CNH Tours group: Our guests invariably are a curious, open-minded and engaging bunch of people and a real pleasure to have as travel companions.
A US$200,000 complimentary emergency medical evacuation coverage
Your trip carbon emissions offset through our purchase of carbon offsets with the Gold Standard carbon emissions retirement program.

Let us know if you have any questions.

Grand Tour Trip Planning Webinar

Price / Dates / Booking / Inclusions

GO TO BOOKING FORM

DATES: 10 February - 1 March 2027 (20 days)

GROUP SIZE: 12 guests + 1 tour leader

PRICES (per person, shared unless otherwise indicated):

CABIN TYPE	PUBLISHED PRICE (US$)	CNH TOURS GROUP PRICE* (US$)	CNH TOURS GROUP PRICE* (IF PAID IN FULL AT BOOKING)** (US$)
Veranda Stateroom	29,095	24,877	23,413
Veranda Suite	30,895	26,416	24,853
Premium Junior Suite	36,395	31,118	29,253
Studio Single (1 guest)	36,395	31,118	29,253

* CNH Tours price includes these items not provided when booking directly with the ship

US$200,000 emergency medical evacuation coverage
Carbon offsets
Dedicated tour leader, ensuring all goes swimmingly (min. 12 bookings required)
Services of your personal trip concierge, from time of booking to your return home after the trip

** must book before 22 September 2025

GO TO BOOKING FORM

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

SEA KAYAKING: For experienced kayakers, several outings during the course of the trip (when conditions allow). Space is limited - book early. US$1,995 / person (all gear supplied)
DAY PADDLING: For beginners, an opportunity to experience ocean paddling (once during the trip). US$395 / person (all gear supplied)

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

OPTION 1: Three scheduled payments

A 15% deposit is required to confirm your booking
An additional 10% deposit is required on 21 Jan 2026
The balance is due 130 days prior to the trip start date (3 Oct 2026)

OPTION TWO: Payment in full at booking (for additional discounts - see table above)

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

• 1 night of hotel accommodation in Ushuaia (night of 20 February 2027)
• Transfer to ship on day of embarkation, and from ship to airport on day of disembarkation
• Leadership throughout your voyage by the ship's experienced Expedition Leaders.
• Experienced Expedition guides including on all shore landings and other activities.
• All Zodiac transfers, shore landings and cruising as per the daily program.
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
• Any welcome and farewell cocktails aboard.
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks, and juices on board throughout the journey
• Complimentary Coffee and Tea.
• Complimentary beer, standard wines.
• Complimentary spirits, and cocktails during bar service and dinner aboard Ocean Explorer.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic internet browsing, email posting and social media and voice applications. Any additional service can be purchased onboard.
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
• A photographic journal documenting the expedition.
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions.
• An official 3-in-1 ship parka to keep.
• Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin.
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
• All guests' luggage handling aboard the ship.
• Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person.
• An electronic copy of our final joining instructions emailed to the agent directly 30 days prior to departure.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS PROVIDED BY CNH TOURS:

• Emergency Evacuation insurance top up of US$200,000.
• Carbon offsets - contributing to the carbon-free nature of your trip
• Dedicated tour leader, ensuring all goes swimmingly (min. 12 bookings required)
• Services of your personal, dedicated "trip concierge", Kathy Haesevoets, who will be on hand between the moment you first enquire about this trip to the moment you disembark and return home.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

• Any arrival airport to hotel transfer on Day 1 of the itinerary (can be arranged with CNH Tours at an extra cost).
• Any airfare other than the transfer package.
• International airfare.
• Passport and visa expenses.
• Government arrival and departure taxes that are not mentioned above.
• Meals ashore unless otherwise specified.
• Baggage, cancellation, interruption, and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended).
• Excess baggage fees on international flights.
• Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned.
• Laundry, bar, beverage, and other personal charges unless specified.
• Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location).
• Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew. (Recommended $25 per person per day)
• Additional overnight accommodation.
• Polar Boutique store charges.
• Adventure options offered on this voyage (not being held)
- Sea Kayaking $1,995.00
- Day Paddling $ 395.00
o Must be 16 years of age or older to participate due to safety.
o Must be fluent in English to participate due to safety.
o The adventure options offered are extremely limited in space and book in advance.

Grand Tour Trip Planning Webinar

Detailed Itinerary : "Grand Tour" (21 Days)

GRAND TOUR ITINERARY

(finer itinerary details may vary depending on weather and sea ice conditions)

The sub-Antarctic Falkland Islands/Malvinas and South Georgia are home to some of the most unique and abundant wildlife on earth. With beaches absolutely covered in fur seals, elephant seals, and hundreds of thousands of penguins, it’s one of the most jaw-dropping nature scenes you will ever experience. We’ll also explore the fascinating history of the area, dating back to the grandiose times of the ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’ of the late 1800s and early 1900s.

HIGHLIGHTS

Exploring the remote British outpost port of Stanley
Penguin rookeries with hundreds of thousands of birds on South Georgia
Zodiac cruising amongst colossal icebergs
Potential encounters with orca, humpback and minke whales
A visit to Grytviken, a former whaling station, and the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton

DAY 1 (10 Feb): Arrival Ushuaia

It is recommended that you arrive at least 1 day prior to your ship's sailing date. There is nothing planned beyond checking into your hotel (included) and relaxing a bit after your long journey. Your tour leader can recommend restaurants.

Day 2 (11 Feb): Ushuaia / Embarkation

Spend your morning exploring Ushuaia - your tour leader will be on hand to make suggestions, or may invite you to join her. You can of course choose to unwind at the hotel until our mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. The ship's Expedition Team and ship staff will greet you on board, show you to your cabin and will follow that with a safety and orientation briefing and a Captain’s welcome dinner.

Day 3 (12 Feb): Southern Ocean

As we sail south, important briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety are held, and you won’t want to miss our experts as they begin their informative and entertaining talks about the wildlife, history, and geology of the area. You’ll be able to enjoy the seascapes look for seabirds and marine life.

Day 4 (13 Feb): West Falkland Island

We’ll be exploring some of the westernmost settled outposts in the Falklands, where you can take in the beautiful countryside and look for Black-Browed albatross or Rockhopper, King, and Magellanic penguin rookeries.

Day 5 (14 Feb): Stanley, East Falkland

Stanley is a lively hub of activity nestled in a sheltered harbor. Head out on foot to explore the museum, shops and services centered on the port, or look for sea lions, dolphins, and bird life along the shores.

Days 6-7 (15-16 Feb): Southern Ocean

Things really start to ramp up with plenty of wildlife identifying to do as we make our way east across the Antarctic Convergence[1] and officially enter Antarctic waters. Shipboard presentations continue, featuring topics such as the captivating history and abundant wildlife of South Georgia.

Days 8-11 (17 - 20 Feb): South Georgia

South Georgia is often referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ and it’s easy to see why as you take in vast numbers of breeding penguins, seals, and seabirds. Magnificent mountain scenery, glaciers galore, icebergs, a rich historical tapestry, and an incredible array of wildlife will astound you as we travel down South Georgia's leeward coast. We’ll also visit historic Grytviken whaling station, featuring the tiny graveyard where the great Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried.

Days 12-13 (21-22 Feb): Scotia Sea

Heading farther south, we’ll continue our informative presentations and wildlife spotting as the icebergs become bigger and more plentiful.

Days 14-17 (23-26 Feb): Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

Here we’ll explore any number of picturesque bays and famed harbors, maneuvering through majestic channels as we travel the wildlife-rich waters. There are great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites as we spot numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea.

Days 18-19 (27-28 Feb Mar): Drake Passage

We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again heading across the Antarctic Convergence and the famous Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.

Day 20 (1 Mar): Ushuaia disembarkation

With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning. Most flights to Buenos Aires depart in the afternoon. Let your CNH Tours trip concierge know if you’d like to spend more time in the region, either in Southern Argentina or Chile, or further north, and we would be happy to help you put together a wonderful itinerary.

[1] a curve continuously encircling Antarctica, varying in latitude seasonally, where cold, northward-flowing Antarctic waters meet the relatively warmer waters of the Subantarctic. It’s a zone very high in marine productivity, especially for Antarctic krill.