THE LAST GREAT WILDERNESS
Luxury Antarctica Expeditions from the UK
The 7th
CONTINENT
Peninsula
& WILDLIFE
ATOL
PROTECTED
Why Antarctica
6+
HAND-VETTED PROPERTIES
The Last Great Wilderness
Antarctica is the last great wilderness — a continent of colossal icebergs, glittering glaciers and astonishing wildlife, where penguins, whales and seals live among some of the most dramatic scenery on earth. To stand on the white continent, far beyond the reach of ordinary travel, is one of the few genuinely life-changing journeys left.
At HighStreet Holidays we don't simply book Antarctica — we match the right small expedition ship and voyage to you, whether crossing the legendary Drake Passage or flying it, with the flights, embarkation and logistics handled.
With access to a carefully vetted portfolio of small expedition vessels, from comfortable to genuinely luxurious, we build an Antarctic journey to the ends of the earth in real comfort.
Antarctica is the one trip that changes people. Penguins, whales and icebergs on a scale nothing prepares you for — the last truly wild place on earth.
Signature Experiences
Moments That Linger
An Antarctic expedition is a series of unforgettable encounters. These are the experiences our clients come home remembering.
The Drake — or Fly It
Cross the legendary Drake Passage by ship as the explorers did, or 'fly the Drake' from Chile to King George Island to save two days at sea — we advise on the best option for you.
The Antarctic Peninsula
The classic destination — towering glaciers, ice-choked channels and dramatic mountains, with daily landings and cruising among the most spectacular icescapes on earth.
Penguins
Vast, noisy colonies of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins — courting, nesting and, later in the season, raising fluffy chicks within feet of you.
Whales & Seals
Humpback, minke and orca whales feeding in the rich southern waters, and Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals hauled out on the ice.
Zodiac & Kayaking
Daily Zodiac landings and cruises among the icebergs, with optional sea kayaking, camping or polar plunges — the adventure at the heart of every expedition.
South Georgia & the Falklands
On longer voyages, the wildlife spectacle of South Georgia — king penguins in their hundreds of thousands — and the Falklands, the richest sub-Antarctic add-on.
Featured Properties
Where You'll Stay
Every expedition vessel and lodge we feature has been carefully vetted by our specialists — the small ships and addresses our clients return to, year after year.
Recommended Packages
Curated for Every Occasion
Every package includes return flights from your nearest UK airport (lowest fares ex-London), transfers and the expedition voyage or lodge stay — tailored by your specialist.
Most Popular
10 Nights
Classic Antarctic Peninsula
- Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina (the world's southernmost city) - overnight pre-voyage
- 10-11 day expedition voyage round-trip Ushuaia, crossing the Drake Passage
- Antarctic Peninsula landings: penguin colonies, whale watching, polar research stations
- Full board on ship | expedition cabin | parka & boot hire included
- Zodiac cruises | guided shore landings | expert polar lecture programme
- Return flights from London airports + Buenos Aires/Ushuaia flights
Signature Journey
12 Nights
Antarctica in Style
- Fly to Ushuaia - pre-voyage night in a luxury hotel
- 12-14 day voyage aboard a luxury expedition ship (Ponant, Silversea or Seabourn class)
- Extended Peninsula exploration + balcony suite + butler service
- Full board with fine dining & premium drinks | all-suite accommodation
- Zodiac cruises | optional kayaking & camping | photography & marine-biology programme
- Return flights from London airports + Buenos Aires/Ushuaia flights
Ultra Luxury
18 Nights
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
- Fly to the Falklands or Ushuaia - luxury pre-voyage stay
- 18-23 day grand expedition: Falklands + South Georgia (king penguin super-colonies) + Antarctic Peninsula
- Owner's suite, fly-the-Drake options, or private yacht charter
- Full board, all-inclusive, with the finest cabins and dedicated expedition staff
- South Georgia landings (Shackleton's grave, Grytviken) | extended wildlife & photography
- Return flights from London airports + all expedition flights
Looking for something different? Enquire below or call us on 020 3322 7866 and we'll curate a Antarctica journey around you.
Best Time to Visit
When to Go
EARLY SEASON
late October to November
Pristine, untouched snow and dramatic ice, with penguins courting and nesting and the most sculptural icebergs — the quietest, most pristine part of the season.
PEAK SEASON
December to January
The warmest months with near-24-hour daylight, hatching penguin chicks and the best overall conditions — the most popular window, so book well ahead.
LATE SEASON
February to March
The best whale watching of the season, active penguin chicks and lower light for photography — fur seals abound and receding ice opens more of the coast.
OUT OF SEASON
April to September
The Antarctic winter — no expedition voyages run, as the sea ice closes the continent. Voyages resume in late October.
Sample Itinerary
An 11-Night Antarctic Peninsula Expedition
Every itinerary we create is bespoke — this is simply one way a classic voyage unfolds.
1
DAYS 1-2 — TO THE END OF THE WORLD
Buenos Aires & Ushuaia
Your flight reaches Buenos Aires, then a domestic flight south to Ushuaia, the southernmost city on earth, to embark your expedition ship.
2
DAYS 3-4 — THE DRAKE
The Drake Passage
Two days crossing the legendary Drake — lectures from the expedition team, seabirds in the ship's wake and the building sense of anticipation.
3
DAYS 5-9 — THE WHITE CONTINENT
The Peninsula
Five days of daily Zodiac landings and cruising — penguins, whales, glaciers and ice, exploring the Peninsula's bays and channels.
4
DAYS 10-11 — HOMEWARD SEAS
Return Crossing
Recross the Drake to Ushuaia, with the expedition team and fellow travellers reliving an unforgettable voyage.
5
DAY 12 — DEPARTURE
Homeward
Disembark in Ushuaia and fly home via Buenos Aires.
Make an Enquiry
Tell Us About Your Trip
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Dates, party size, accommodation and budget.
Destination
Dates & party
Date flexibility
Adults
2
Children
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Budget & accommodation
Budget per person (flights + hotel)
£4,500
£500£50,000+
Accommodation
Flights
Practical Information
Practical Information
Getting There
- No direct flights — voyages begin in Ushuaia, Argentina (via Buenos Aires) or, for fly-the-Drake trips, Punta Arenas, Chile (via Santiago)
- From the UK, expect around 17-20+ hours of flying to the gateway, then the voyage
- Connections from major regional UK airports
Entry Requirements
- Antarctica has no government and needs no visa
- You transit Argentina (Ushuaia) or Chile (Punta Arenas) — both visa-free for UK passport holders for tourism
- Visits are governed by the Antarctic Treaty and IAATO guidelines, which your expedition operator handles
- Passport valid 6 months
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations are legally required for entry from the UK
- Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation cover is essential — and often mandatory for expedition voyages, as these are remote regions far from hospitals
- A reasonable level of mobility helps for Zodiac landings
- Ask your doctor about seasickness remedies for any sea crossing
Currency & Local Notes
- US Dollars are standard on most expedition ships; cards are used for onboard accounts
- Argentina uses the Peso (volatile) and Chile the Peso for your gateway days
- Pack warm, waterproof layers — most operators provide a polar parka and loan boots
- Tipping the crew is customary