Expedition to the Southern Lands via Montevideo: South Georgia & Antarctica – Le Lyrial, Nov. 2021
Expedition to the Southern Lands via Montevideo: South Georgia & Antarctica – Le Lyrial, Nov. 2021
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Trip Summary
About the South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari Itinerary
At sea, photograph massive albatross and pintado petrel as they swoop and soar around the ship, guiding us toward South Georgia. Beaches teeming with king penguins and elephant seals greet us on this fabled island, where we’ll pay our respects to famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Antarctica awaits, with its geographic contradictions and overwhelming enormity. […]
Itinerary Map

Pricing Information


Full - Deluxe Stateroom



Full - Prestige Deck 6





Full - Grand Privilege Suite

About the South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari Itinerary
At sea, photograph massive albatross and pintado petrel as they swoop and soar around the ship, guiding us toward South Georgia. Beaches teeming with king penguins and elephant seals greet us on this fabled island, where we’ll pay our respects to famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Antarctica awaits, with its geographic contradictions and overwhelming enormity. Relax on a Zodiac ride, hike glistening glaciers, share comical moments with inquisitive penguins, or witness the rugged peninsula from a sea kayak. Antarctica will surprise and delight, and never disappoint. Expedition in Brief: • Experience the quintessential wildlife experience of the “Galapagos of the Poles” • Visit South Georgia’s king penguin rookeries – the largest in the world • Reflect at the resting place of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton • Visit abandoned whaling stations and learn stories of inhabitants who called this island home • Enjoy on-board lecturers and educational presentations from polar specialists • Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tango capital of the world, and let us take care of the rest of the journey
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 — Ushuaia, Argentina
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port at the tip of South America. It’s the ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
Day 2 — Embarkation
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Think of the Beagle Channel as the tasty appetizer before your main course arrives. You will want to get out on deck and keep your eyes open as there are several bird species to capture your attention and test your photography skills.
Days 3 to 5 — At Sea
The expedition team will keep you busy by testing your knowledge of seabirds, penguins and the history of South Georgia as they begin their educational lecture program. Your first days will include time to get acquainted with fellow travelers and learning about the shore landings, Zodiac excursions and kayaking opportunities that await you.
Days 6 to 8 — South Georgia
The first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sighting of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Rising out of the icy ocean waters, have your binoculars and cameras ready to photograph these rocks. Shags, prions and wandering albatross often rest here.
After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, we’ll head towards its dark sandy beaches to find a protected bay for your first land excursion. Landing sites on South Georgia are varied, and are largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. Whichever landing sites we visit, they’ll provide you with wildlife encounters that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else on earth.
This is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches littered with penguins – in particular king and macaroni penguins. Many rookeries number into the 100s of thousands! It won’t take you long to realize that South Georgia is a paradise for bird lovers as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance.
You’ll find that South Georgia is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Once a popular base for whalers and sealers, Captain James Cook first reported on the abundance of wildlife here in 1775. His report resulted in an almost complete decimation of fur seals and a drastic decline in both whale and elephant seal populations.
Your expedition team will help bring those days to life for you, as you’ll visit old whaling stations and enjoy lectures and presentations on the South Georgia of then and now. Thankfully, you’ll witness that many species have seen a remarkable population rebound on the island.
One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is located on Grytviken. This is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-antarctic waters. Many travelers find this place of special appeal as it is home to the remains of one of the best known Antarctic explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Days 9 & 10 — At Sea
Antarctica awaits, along with its own penguin and seal species. While you’re at sea, you can enjoy quiet time or take in presentations by the expedition team, which will cover everything from the history and geology of Antarctica to tips on identifying different species and what makes each of them unique.
Days 11 to 13 — Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction to arriving at the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes: at one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete silence and loneliness, the next you’ll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.
Glacier hikes, visits to research bases and, of course, communing with seals and penguins are sure to keep you smiling each and every day. Perhaps you’ll catch sight of the fearless penguin-eater, the leopard seal, or come eye–to–eye with a curious minke whale while out on a Zodiac. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera busy.
If you find yourself wanting more, then perhaps you’ll treat yourself by booking our kayaking Adventure Option (reserve in advance when booking your trip), or if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, a little shock therapy courtesy of a Polar Plunge might be what you need!
Days 14 & 15 — Crossing the Drake Passage
After more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final stamp of completion on your Antarctic adventure.
Day 16 — Disembarkation in Ushuaia and Charter Flight to Buenos Aires
We will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning after breakfast. After disembarkation, we will taste a little of Patagonia by touring Tierra del Fuego National Park before we transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Welcome Aboard the Le Lyrial

Built in the style of superb mega yachts, Le Lyrial offers a unique and subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and wellbeing as you travel to the most remote places on the planet.
Designed in France and built in Italy, each ship has its own color palette and motif, but all share in an elegantly understated aesthetic and European sensibility and craftsmanship. The staterooms and suites feature panoramic sea views, and 95% have a balcony. Your comfort and well-being are the special responsibility of the impeccably trained staff, whose discreet yet attentive service has become legendary among discriminating travelers. Life aboard is relaxed and refined, capturing the best of the French art of living well, and an air of quiet sophistication enhances the unique experience of feeling you are aboard your own yacht.
Technical Specs
• Length: 142 m
• Beam: 18 m
• Draft: 4.7 m
• Cruising speed: 14 knots
• Ice class: 1C
• Classification: Bureau Veritas
• Flag: French
• Guest decks: 6
• Guest capacity: up to 260 (200 Antarctica)
• Normal crew size: 140
• Fleet of expedition Zodiac®: (Mark V HD)
• Gross tonnage: 10,944 UMS
• Electric motors: 2 x 2300 KW
• Installed power: 6,400 KW
• Construction: Fincantieri-Ancône-Italy
Cabins & Amenities
Amenities:
- Individually-controlled air-conditioning
- Cabin layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, communicating cabins available (children welcome)
- Minibar
- Flat screen satellite TV
- IPod™ players
- Desk with stationery
- Electronic safe
- French bath products
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Bath robes
These ships feature an all French crew who welcomes you aboard and ensures your well-being. The highly-approachable officers and crew are bilingual.
Every day, French chefs will take you on an aromatic voyage of discovery, accompanied by selections of fine cheeses carefully chosen by our master cheesemongers, delicious artisan breads and rich pastries, all accompanied by a selection of fine wines and completed by a superb à la carte selection of grands crus.
Butler service is provided for passengers traveling in the suites on Deck 6.
Restaurants:
Gastronomic Restaurant
Elegant main dining room for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving French and international cuisine. Fine wine cellar.
Grill Restaurant
Casual eating venue for breakfast, buffet lunch and themed dinner
Public Areas:
Main Lounge
Afternoon tea, lounge, live music, dance floor and cocktail bar. Access to the outside terrace.
Panorama Lounge
Library, internet desk, cocktail bar, live entertainment on selected evenings. Direct access to the panorama terrace.
Open-air Bar
Overlooking the pool deck.
• Theater • Library • Fitness Center • Spa / Sauna • Massage • Relaxation Room • Pool • Beauty Salon • Leisure / Game Area • Image & Photo Corner • Internet Station • Medical Center • Shop •
- Satellite direct line telephone
- 110/220 volts
- 24hr room service
- WiFi
- Balcony
Notes
