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The Great Austral Loop

The Great Austral Loop

  • Itinerary
    Ushuaia to Ushuaia
    Duration
    19 days
  • Dates
    Prices from
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Come aboard L'Austral for an unforgettable voyage.

Experience a magical Christmas with PONANT.

Discover the Southern Ocean as you have never seen it before! Embark on a 18-day polar expedition cruise to the highest latitudes, from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia and the immaculate lands of Antarctica.

Your expedition to the heart of the South Atlantic begins with the exploration of the Falkland Islands: as you sail in this archipelago of 200 islands, you will be escorted by sei whales. Composing the wild beauty of the shorelines are beaches of white sand, jagged cliffs, windswept moors and tall grass swaying with the wind.

Your ship will soon take to the seas once again, to reach the mountainous island of South Georgia. It is there, in the midst of gigantic glaciers, that Sir Ernest Shackleton miraculously ran aground during the famous Endurance Odyssey in 1916. Today, king penguins, elephant and fur seals that have taken over the black-sand beaches dominated by the tall peaks that reveal the Scotia Arc.

You will ultimately land on the frozen shores of the nearly inaccessible White Continent, Antarctica. White shades take on a thousand nuances as it covers the icebergs, glaciers, mountains and frozen sea all around you. You will be one of the rare few travellers to have laid eyes on this legendary land, the theatre of the greatest expeditions and the witness of the most extraordinary adventures. Above all, you are in the realm of the penguins – Adelie, Gentoo, chinstrap – seals, whales and seabirds that accompany you on this unforgettable trip.

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the IAATO. 

Overview

Your voyage

All-inclusive

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Destination

Destination

Antarctica

Ushuaia to Ushuaia

Duration

19 days, 17 nights on board

Expeditions

Night in buenos aires + flight buenos aires/ushuaia + visit + flight ushuaia/buenos aires

Kayak Discovery Antarctica

Kayak Discovery Antarctica

Ref: UUHO45 - AU131225

Journey

Your daily itinerary

  • Christmas in the Southern Ocean, between the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.
  • Stunning landscapes (moors, beaches, hanging glaciers, ice floes, snow-covered mountains, etc.) and the possibility of observing unique wildlife (penguins, elephant seals, sea lions, whales, etc.).
  • Activities: opportunities for hikes, outings and shore visits in a dinghy with an experienced team of naturalist guides, to discover the history and biodiversity of this region.
The Great Austral Loop null

Customize your journey:

Staterooms and suites

Elegance and refinement

*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.

Details

More information

What's Included

Important travel details

In your luggage

The Great Austral Loop

Itinerary

Embarkation 13/12/25 from 16:00 to 17:00 Departure 13/12/25 at 18:00

13 Dec 25 - Ushuaia
13 Dec 25 - Ushuaia

Arrival 14/12/25 Departure 14/12/25

14 Dec 25 - At sea
14 Dec 25 - At sea

Arrival 15/12/25 Departure 15/12/25

15 Dec 25 - New Island
15 Dec 25 - New Island

Arrival 15/12/25 Departure 15/12/25

15 Dec 25 - Grave Cove
15 Dec 25 - Grave Cove

Arrival 16/12/25 Departure 18/12/25

16 Dec 25 > 18 Dec 25 - At sea
16 Dec 25 > 18 Dec 25 - At sea

Arrival 19/12/25 Departure 21/12/25

19 Dec 25 > 21 Dec 25 - South Georgia
19 Dec 25 > 21 Dec 25 - South Georgia

Arrival 22/12/25 Departure 23/12/25

22 Dec 25 > 23 Dec 25 - At sea
22 Dec 25 > 23 Dec 25 - At sea

Arrival 24/12/25 Departure 27/12/25

24 Dec 25 > 27 Dec 25 - Antarctic Peninsula
24 Dec 25 > 27 Dec 25 - Antarctic Peninsula

Arrival 28/12/25 Departure 29/12/25

28 Dec 25 > 29 Dec 25 - Crossing the Drake Passage
28 Dec 25 > 29 Dec 25 - Crossing the Drake Passage

Arrival 30/12/25 Disembarkation 30/12/25 at 7:00

30 Dec 25 - Ushuaia
30 Dec 25 - Ushuaia

The Great Austral Loop

Included package

Night in Buenos Aires + flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia + visit + flight Ushuaia/Buenos Aires

The Great Austral Loop

Customize your journey

Additional night in buenos aires before ap (1 night)

ADDITIONAL NIGHT IN BUENOS AIRES BEFORE AP (1 NIGHT)
Details

Complete your Air Package experience with an additional night in Buenos Aires.

Day 1 - Buenos Aires

Meet at Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transferred to your Air Package hotel. Early check in 11am.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Buenos Aires

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Day at leisure, before Air Package night.  

In option : 4 hours private guided visit (with bilingual guide).

 Your programme includes:

·        1 night in Buenos Aires, at your Air package hotel.

·        Transfers and visits mentioned in the programme.

·        Early check in 11am

Your programme does not include:

·        Personal expenses and other expenses not mentionned in the program.

Please note:

·        The local currency in Argentina is the Argentinian Peso. Foreign currencies are generally not accepted. You will be able to make most of your purchases by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centers and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Chilean Pesos from the ATM's.

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

 


Total

250 €/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Chilean patagonia immersion (5 nights)

CHILEAN PATAGONIA IMMERSION (5 NIGHTS)
Details

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed program.

Day 1 - Santiago de Chile

Meet and greet at the Santiago airport in arrival hall. You will be greeted by our local representative upon arrival of the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will then be transferred to the Pullman El Bosque 5* (or similar).

Rooms available on arrival.

Lunch, afternoon and dinner at your leisure.

Night at the hotel.

Day 2 - Santiago/ Punta Arenas /Puerto Natales

You will be transferred to the airport to connect with the domestic flight selected by PONANT (subject to airline changes) to Punta Arenas.

Day 3 to 4 - Puerto Natales/Torres del Paine National Park

You'll enjoy full board and excursion in Torres del Paine. An opportunity to recharge your batteries in the heart of majestic nature.

Day 5 - El Calafate/Ushuaia

After breakfast, transfer to El Calafate airport for the El Calafate/Ushuaia flight selected by PONANT.

You'll be met at Ushuaïa airport by our English-speaking guide, then, transferred to a local restaurant for lunch.

You will then be taken to your hotel, in harmony with the surrounding nature, overlooking Ushuaia Bay.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6 - Ushuaia

After checking out of your room you'll enjoy a visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park and lunch in a local restaurant before returning to your ship to board your cruise.

Your hotels :

Hotel Pullman El Bosque 5*

Located in the cultural and historical center, The Singular Santiago, Lastarria Hotel invites you to relax in its unique spirit. With refined service in an elegant atmosphere, the hotel offers perfectly balanced architecture, distinctive design and gastronomy that reflects the essence of the region.

Costaustralis 4*

This hotel offers you a stay immersed in the wild landscapes, history and traditions of Patagonia

 

Arakur Resort&Spa 5*

Overlooking Ushuaia, this magnificent hotel with its clean lines and harmony with the surrounding nature will provide you with all the comfort you need, in total immersion with the surrounding landscapes.

Your program includes :

·        1 night in Santiago de Chile, at the Pullman El Bosque (or similar).

·        3 nights in Puerto Natales, at the Costaustralis in a Superior room (or similar) (breakfasts, lunches and dinners included).

·        1 night in Ushuaia at the Arakur Hotel, in a Valley view room (or similar).

·        Economy-class domestic flights Buenos Aires/El Calafate/Ushuaia.

·        Meals and drinks as mentioned in the program.

·        Transfers and visits as mentioned in the program.

·        Entrance fees to national parks and reserves.

·        Services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your program does not include :

·        Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the program.

·        Tips to drivers and local guides.

Please note:

·        If you have chosen a flight other than the one selected by PONANT: in order to book your transfer from the airport to the hotel, it is imperative that the details of your departure flight are communicated to your consultant, at the latest 30 days before the start date of your cruise.

·        By choosing this exclusive pre-cruise stay, the embarkation day program as described in the “Included in your cruise” tab is neither compatible nor cumulative with this Patagonia, Land of Contrasts program (5 nights). For more information and to purchase this package, please contact our travel consultants. 

·        The local currency in Chile is the Chilean peso. Foreign currencies are not generally accepted. You can make most purchases by credit card, which is accepted in most hotels, shopping centers and boutiques. You can also withdraw pesos from ATMs. You'll change coaches at the Chile-Argentina border on days 2 and 3.

·        Travelers should check formalities with the relevant authorities in the countries concerned before departure.
Maximum baggage weight: 23 kg.

·        Food imports into Chile are strictly regulated. For further information, please ask your local guide.

·        Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contact your hotel:

Pullman El Bosque, 5*

Roger de Flor 2770, 7550179 Las Condes, Región Metropolitana, Chili

+56 2 2947 3600

Costaustralis 4*

Pedro Montt 262, 6160000 Puerto Natales, Chili

+56 61 271 5060

Arakur Resort&Spa 5*

Cerro Alarkén N° 1 Acceso por Av, Héroes de Malvinas 2617, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

+54 2901 44-2901

Tour durations are given as a guide only. The order of visits may be reversed. To find out the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel consultant, or refer to the electronic ticket included in your travel pack.

 

 


Total

4,200 €/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Argentinian escape (1 night)

ARGENTINIAN ESCAPE (1 NIGHT)
Details

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed program.
 
Day 1 - Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
 
Meet and greet upon arrival of the flight Ushuaia/Buenos Aires selected by PONANT by our local representative.
You will be transferred to the Alvear art 5* (or similar).
 
Lunch and afternoon at leisure.

Dinner included at the hotel.
 
Optional activity: argentinian dinner show
 
You will be immersed in the magnificent cultural Argentinian heritage. Sit back and enjoy some of the best folkloric dancers, traditionnal singers, of Buenos Aires, enjoying a tasty dinner.
 
Day 2 - Buenos Aires
 
Breakfast at the hotel.

Day at leisure. 

Optional activity: 4 hours private guided visit (with bilingual guide)

Possibility to book 4 hours private guide service to discover Buenos Aires

Contact your travel agent for any further informations

You will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight selected by Ponant or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
 
Your hotel:
 
Alvear art 5 * (or similar)
 
This hotel offers easy access to the main tourist attractions of Buenos Aires. The establishment has elegant and spacious rooms, swimming pool, restaurant and bar, for an authentic and exclusive stay.
 
Your program includes:

·        1-night accommodation at the Alvear art 5 * in Standard room (or similar), including breakfast. 

·        1 dinner at the hotel including the beverage package: bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 coffee or 1 tea.

·        Transfers mentioned in the program.

Late check-out included until 6 pm

 Your program does not include:

·        Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the program.

Please note: 

·        The local currency is the Argentinian Peso. You will be able to make most of your purchases in USD (in small denominations) or by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centres and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Pesos from the ATM's. 

·         It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer. 
 

Contact of your hotel:

Alvear art 5*

Suipacha 1036, C1008 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentine

+54 11 4114-3400

 
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents. Travelers are advised to check on their government websites, or relevant local authorities for the latest Travel Advisories, passport, visa and health requirements for your intended destinations.

 

 


Total

480 €/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Iguazu falls (4 nights)

IGUAZU FALLS (4 NIGHTS)
Details

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed program.

The Iguazu Falls are among the most beautiful falls in the world. This program will bring you closer to this wonder of nature, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

Day 1 - Ushuaia/Buenos Aires, Argentina

Meet and greet upon arrival of the flight Ushuaia/Buenos Aires selected by PONANT by our local representative.
You will be transferred to the Alvear Art Hotel 5* (or similar).
Check-in and afternoon at leisure.
You will enjoy a typical early dinner in a local steakhouse restaurant in Puerto Madero. After tasting the famous grilled meat, part of the Argentine national identity, you will return to your hotel.
You will be able to leave your checked bag at the hotel. Please plan to pack your carryon bag for a 2-night stay at Iguazu Falls.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Buenos Aires/Iguazu, Argentina

Breakfast and check out of the hotel.
After your breakfast, enjoy a visit of Buenos Aires and a local lunch.
You will be transferred to Buenos Aires airport for the flight Buenos Aires/Iguazu selected by PONANT
At your arrival at Iguazu airport, you will be welcomed and transferred the Gran Meliá Iguazu (or similar).
Check-in.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 - Iguazu Falls, Argentina

After breakfast your visit will proceed on with the Argentinean side of the Park. Narrow foot paths lead you through the rainforest and while you walk over bridges you discover new spectacular views of the waterfalls at each step. There are two main paths: an upper and a lower one. The upper path leads you over the edge of the falls. There you can appreciate the height up to 240 ft, and the contrast of the quiet water that turns into these spectacular rushing waterfalls under your feet. The lower path goes through the forest and reveals marvelous sights among the vegetation. You may see birds, butterflies and the famous coaties.
Lunch will be served in a restaurant.
At the end of the visit, you will head back to the Gran Meliá Iguazu for dinner.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 - Iguazú, Argentina /Iguazú Falls, Brazil/Buenos Aires, Argentina

After breakfast, your visit of Iguazu National Park will continue on the Brazilian side. It offers a panoramic view on this side of vertiginous falls, where you will realize then the size of the site. A walk of about one kilometer will take you the bottom of the falls.
A natural border between Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazu River flows into the falls in 275 waterfalls, listed as UNESCO World Heritage. The Iguazu National Park, is located in a privileged place in the middle of the rainforest, offers you a marvelous show, with a fauna and a flora of astonishing diversity.
Transfer to a local restaurant for lunch.
You will be transferred to Iguazu airport in connection with the domestic flight to Buenos Aires selected by PONANT.
Transfer to the Alvear Art Hotel 5* (or similar).
Check-in. Dinner at leisure.

Day 5 - Buenos Aires, Argentina

After breakfast, relax in your room until the end of the day or chose to explore the surroundings, Ponant has secured a late check out for you until 6:00 PM.
You will then be transferred to Ministro Pistarini International Airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotels:
Alvear Art Hotel /Buenos Aires
Alvear Art Hotel is located in the heart of the city's commercial and cultural district, next to the historic Plaza San Martin. It is a few steps from theatres and art galleries.
This hotel with its urban design has elegant and contemporary rooms with luxurious marble bathrooms. The hotel also has a restaurant and a bar with a warm atmosphere and international cuisine.
Gran Meliá Iguazu 5*/ Iguazu
In the heart of the Iguazu National Park, the Gran Melia Iguaçu hotel invites you to experience an authentic stay facing one of the Seven New Wonders of Nature.
With art craft made by regional artists, the hotel offers comfort, peace and tranquility while admiring the panorama of the Iguazu Falls.
You will enjoy the Argentinian restaurant, an infinity pool and tennis courts.
Rooms with views of the Iguazu falls are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your program includes:

·        2 nights accommodation in Buenos Aires, at the Alvear Art Hotel (or similar), in Standard Deluxe category room with breakfast included.

·        2 nights accommodation in Iguazu, at the Gran Meliá Iguazu (or similar), in Deluxe room with breakfast included.

·        Flights Buenos Aires/Iguazu/Buenos Aires in economy class.

·        Meals and beverages during meals (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 beer + 1 tea or 1 coffee), as mentioned in the program.

·        Transfers as mentioned per program.

·        English-speaking local guide.

·        Entrance fees to both National Parks on the Argentinian and Brazilian sides.

Your program does not include:

·         Personal expenses, and other services not mentioned in the program.

·        Visa if required.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        The local currency is the Argentinian Peso. You will be able to make most of your purchases in USD (in small denominations) or by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centres and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Pesos from the ATM's. In Iguazu, on Brazilian side, you can also use USD small denominations.

·        Your checked luggage will be stored at the Alvear Art Hotel (or similar) the day you will fly to the Iguazu Falls, we recommend you pack in a small carry on for the 2 nights visit and the stay at the Iguazu Falls, you will retrieve your checked luggage upon returning to the Alvear Art Hotel when back from Iguazu Falls.
Important notes about Argentina and Brazil:

·         This program includes a visit to the Brazilian side of Iguazu National Park. Should you require a visa for Brazil, we recommend you start the application early enough to obtain it on time.

·        Citizens whose nationality requires a visa for Brazil and who prefer not to go through visa expense and formalities, may prefer to forego the visit to the Brazilian side. In that case, you will enjoy time at leisure at your hotel Gran Melia Iguazu. This hotel is located in a splendid jungle setting, surrounded by forest and at the river's edge. Enjoy relaxing by the pool or go on a nature walk in the forest. Please note there will be no compensation for not taking part in the visit of the Brazilian side of the falls.

·        Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contacts of your hotels:

Alvear Art Hotel /Buenos Aires
Suipacha 1036
Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA
Tel: + 54 11 4808-2100

Hotel Gran Meliá Iguazu
Parque Nacional Iguazú S/N, N3370 Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentine
 (+54) 37 5749 1800

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Total

3,180 €/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Flights from/ to paris in business class + argentinian escape 1n (pre)

FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS IN BUSINESS CLASS + ARGENTINIAN ESCAPE 1N (PRE)
Details

Total

6,700 €/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Flights from/ to paris in premium class + argentinian escape 1n (pre)

FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS IN PREMIUM CLASS + ARGENTINIAN ESCAPE 1N (PRE)
Details

Total

4,170 €/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Flights from/ to paris + iguazu falls 4n (post)

FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS + IGUAZU FALLS 4N (POST)
Details

Total

5,170 €/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Flights from/ to paris + additional night in buenos aires before ap 1n (pre) + argentinian escape 1n (post)

FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS + ADDITIONAL NIGHT IN BUENOS AIRES BEFORE AP 1N (PRE) + ARGENTINIAN ESCAPE 1N (POST)
Details

Total

2,720 €/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Flights from/ to paris + additional night in buenos aires before ap 1n (pre) + iguazu falls 4n (post)

FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS + ADDITIONAL NIGHT IN BUENOS AIRES BEFORE AP 1N (PRE) + IGUAZU FALLS 4N (POST)
Details

Total

5,420 €/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Flights from/ to paris + argentinian escape 1n (pre)

FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS + ARGENTINIAN ESCAPE 1N (PRE)
Details

Total

2,720 €/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Flights from/ to paris + chilean patagonia immersion 5n (pre) + argentinian escape 1n (post)

FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS + CHILEAN PATAGONIA IMMERSION 5N (PRE) + ARGENTINIAN ESCAPE 1N (POST)
Details

Total

6,390 €/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Flights from/ to paris + chilean patagonia immersion 5n (pre) + iguazu falls 4n (post)

FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS + CHILEAN PATAGONIA IMMERSION 5N (PRE) + IGUAZU FALLS 4N (POST)
Details

Total

9,090 €/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

The Great Austral Loop

Other available dates

13/12/2530/12/25

17 nights aboard the ship L'Austral

From

20,255 €

/person*

11/11/2528/11/25

17 nights aboard the ship LE LYRIAL

PONANT Bonus 15%

From

17,675 €

/person*

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21/12/2507/01/26

17 nights aboard the ship LE BORÉAL

No single supplement, PONANT Bonus 10%

From

20,845 €

/person*

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25/01/2611/02/26

17 nights aboard the ship LE LYRIAL

From

22,655 €

/person*

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16/02/2605/03/26

17 nights aboard the ship LE BORÉAL

No single supplement, PONANT Bonus 5%

From

19,395 €

/person*

Discover

17/11/2604/12/26

17 nights aboard the ship LE LYRIAL

PONANT Bonus 20%

From

17,135 €

/person*

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04/12/2621/12/26

17 nights aboard the ship LE LYRIAL

PONANT Bonus 20%

From

17,135 €

/person*

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20/12/2606/01/27

17 nights aboard the ship LE BORÉAL

PONANT Bonus 20%

From

19,235 €

/person*

Discover

15/02/2704/03/27

17 nights aboard the ship LE BORÉAL

PONANT Bonus 5%

From

19,765 €

/person*

Discover