Postcards Summer 2024 US | Page 57

cruise
ITINERARY
Follow in the footsteps of Amundsen , Shackleton and Scott on this incredible Viking voyage .
Day 1 Buenos Aires , Argentina ( hotel stay )
Day 2 Ushuaia , Argentina ( embarkation )
Day 3 Drake Passage
Days 4-10 Antarctica
Day 11 Drake Passage
Day 12 Cape Horn ( scenic sailing )
Day 13 Ushuaia , Argentina ( disembarkation )
images : awl images ; alamy ; Viking

Just the word ‘ Antarctica ’ is enough to set the imagination on fire . It ’ s the outermost edge of human endurance and exploration , and many trips to the world ’ s largest continent start in the Argentinian town of Ushuaia . When it comes to wilderness and adventure , the possibilities are endless , whether it ’ s rounding the legendary Cape Horn or sailing the treacherous Drake Passage . Furthermore , ethereal blue icebergs , pristine glaciers and vast , glistening seascapes make this part of the world one of the most unique . It ’ s a haven for animallovers , too — penguins , seals , whales and a myriad of birdlife all call Antarctica home — and ship captains will sometimes amend the route to maximize wildlife-spotting opportunities . These are just some of the many highlights to expect on Viking ’ s Antarctic Explorer voyage .

BUENOS AIRES
Built by Europeans , the Argentinian capital is unlike any other Latin American city .
It ’ s home to around 15 million people and dotted with many distinct and colorful barrios ( neighborhoods ). There ’ s so much to discover here , and wherever you land , you ’ ll spot the city ’ s French , Spanish and Italian influences evident in its art , architecture , and culture . A good starting point is Plaza de Mayo , the city ’ s main square and political center . Here you can take photographs of the Casa Rosada , or Pink House , where the president has his offices . It ’ s also where you ’ ll find the balcony that the country ’ s beloved former first lady , Eva Perón — affectionately known as Evita — gave her famous speeches . The Metropolitan Cathedral here , with its classical facade and mix of architectural styles , is also well worth visiting .
Staying with Evita , head to the Recoleta neighborhood to see the incredible gothic cemetery that ’ s her final resting place . Fans can also trace her life in the equally evocative Evita Museum , located in neighboring Palermo . Other top sights include La Boca , with its brightly
Clockwise from left : Manfredi ’ s restaurant on Viking ’ s Octantis ship ; sea lions and blue-eyed cormorants in the Beagle Channel , Argentina ; humpback whale in the Lemaire Channel , Antarctica ; glacier at Damoy Point
Previous pages : A blue iceberg in the Erebus and Terror Gulf off the northeast coast of the Antarctic Peninsula ; an Antarctic fur seal
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