On our VASCO DA GAMA, which was named Ship of the Year in April 2023, you can travel to your personal places of longing all over the world. Whether you are dreaming of the North Cape, the Mediterranean or even a trip around the world: You will indulge in pure cruise feeling on a comparatively small ship with a manageable number of guests of maximum 1,000 passengers. Enjoy the family atmosphere on board our charming ocean-going vessel VASCO DA GAMA and indulge in culinary delights in our five restaurants. Our attentive, German-speaking service staff will serve you top-class drinks in the seven bars and cafés on board, which have been furnished with great attention to detail. The heated swimming pool on the Lido Deck can be used all year round, regardless of the weather, thanks to the flexible sliding glass roof. Our on-board program is rounded off by first-class entertainment with on-board shows, varied live music and lectures on local history.
Through Chile's fjords to the end of the world
23 days | Valparaíso • Puerto Montt • Castro • The fijords of Chile • Puerto Natales • Punta Arenas • Ushuaia • Falkland Islands • Puerto Madryn • Mar del Plata • MontevideoWhy this trip?
- The my choice fare already includes the flight package from/to FRA and €500 on-board credit per person.
- You will experience the legendary fjord landscape of Patagonia around Puerto Natales not from afar, but up close and with all your senses
- The sheer size of the "Torres del Paine", the three needle-like granite mountains in the middle of the national park near Puerto Natales, can be experienced first-hand
- The Pio XI glacier is almost close enough to touch! Take a moment to listen carefully – maybe you can hear it grow?!
- You will pass the Strait of Magellan and become part of the centuries-old seafaring history of South America
Itinerary
Valparaíso (Chile)
Colorful buildings, steep hills and gorgeous views add to the charm of this important port city.
Embarkation 15:00 to 17:00.
Valparaíso (Chile)
Colorful buildings, steep hills and gorgeous views add to the charm of this important port city.
Day 3
Recreation at sea.
Puerto Montt (Chile)
In the beautiful bay of Puerto Montt, archaeologists suspect one of the oldest settlements on the American continent. No wonder there is a special atmosphere here! Puerto Varas, the city of roses, combines impressive nature with Chilean-German history.
Castro (Isla Chiloé, Chile)
UNESCO has declared the churches of Chiloé a World Heritage Site. Find out why during a visit! In the Chiloé National Park you will once again experience Chile's biodiversity up close.
Messier Channel/English Narrows
We leave plenty of time to explore Chile's fabulous glacier and fjord landscape.
Messier Channel/English Narrows
We leave plenty of time to explore Chile's fabulous glacier and fjord landscape.
Pio XI Glacier
We leave plenty of time to explore Chile's fabulous glacier and fjord landscape.
Puerto Natales (Chile)
Natural highlights of flora, fauna and rock can be experienced in Torres del Paine National Park, including a spectacular granite rock formation. The Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, as well as the impressive Grey Glacier with its tripartite glacier tongue, are not far from the city and can also be visited.
Torres del Paine / Balmaceda Nationalpark
Recreation at sea.
Passage of the Chilean fjords.
Punta Arenas (Chile)
In Punta Arenas you will experience the extreme south of Chile. Although the big city is located at the end of the world, you will experience a lively culture in the port city due to its location in the immediate vicinity of the Strait of Magellan, one of the most important waterways for shipping. People from all over the world live here!
Aguila & Condor Glaciers
Recreation at sea.
Ushuaia (Argentina)
"Tierra del Fuego" is the name of the group of islands at the southern tip of South America. Ferdinand Magellan named it so when he discovered many fires at night from his ship in 1520, but saw no settlements during the day. Today, Ushuaia is home to the world's southernmost national park with impressive subpolar wildlife.
Ushuaia (Argentina)
"Tierra del Fuego" is the name of the group of islands at the southern tip of South America. Ferdinand Magellan named it so when he discovered many fires at night from his ship in 1520, but saw no settlements during the day. Today, Ushuaia is home to the world's southernmost national park with impressive subpolar wildlife.
Day 15
Recreation at sea.
George Island (Falkland Islands)
On George Island, commonly known as the "Gateway to Antarctica," you will experience the stark beauty of the polar region alongside penguins and fur seals.
Port Stanley (Falkland Islands)
More than 700 islands on more than 12,000 square meters - that is what is commonly summarized as the Falkland Islands. These numbers are impressive, but even more impressive is the unusual wildlife. The white sand beach of Volunteer Point gives a small glimpse of this, being home to more than 1,000 adult king penguins and the nesting site for hundreds of chicks. Gentoo penguins and Magellanic penguins are also at home here. In Port Stanley it becomes "very britsh" when you stroll along red telephone boxes or enjoy Afternoon Tea in a café.
Day 18
Recreation at sea.
Puerto Madryn (Argentina)
Behind Puerto Madryn lies the hilly landscape of the Patagonian Meseta with its steppe-like scrubland. The Peninsula Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers protection and habitat for sea lions, elephant seals and many other wild animals. The Punta Tombo wildlife sanctuary is the world's largest breeding ground for Magellanic penguins. However, adventurous expedition lovers are also in the right place here: you can explore the underwater world while snorkeling with sea lions or paddle along the coast in a kayak.
Day 20
Recreation at sea.
Mar del Plata (Argentina)
Take a swim in the Silver Sea? You can do that in the largest and most famous seaside resort in Argentina. The water of the Argentinean seaside resort looks like it is shining. You can learn about the flora, fauna and culture of the region at the zoo, museum or cultural center.
Montevideo (Uruguay)
The fact that Uruguay is also called the "Switzerland of South America" has less to do with its geography than with its millionaire density. Strolling through the old town, admiring the monuments and mausoleums on the Plaza Independencia, buying fruit and vegetables at the Mercado Agricola or fresh seafood at the Mercado del Puerto - Montevideo makes it easy to feel good.
Montevideo (Uruguay)
The fact that Uruguay is also called the "Switzerland of South America" has less to do with its geography than with its millionaire density. Strolling through the old town, admiring the monuments and mausoleums on the Plaza Independencia, buying fruit and vegetables at the Mercado Agricola or fresh seafood at the Mercado del Puerto - Montevideo makes it easy to feel good.
Disembarkation until 09:00.
Services
- Flight package from/to Frankfurt
- 500 € on-board credit per person
- Cruise in the booked cabin category
- nicko cruises full board
- nicko cruises cruise management
- German-speaking local tour guide during the excursions (this cannot be guaranteed in all destinations, in these cases English-speaking guide)
- English-speaking service on board
- Entertainment programme and lectures on the countries visited on board
- Childcare and a large children‘s area extended over two decks with indoor and outdoor areas
- Comfortable Whisper audio system on all excursions operated by nicko cruises
- Use of the fitness area, swimming pools, outdoor sports area and spa area with sauna
- Travel documents
- Luggage service between landing stage and cabin for embarkation and disembarkation
- All port and passenger fees
The services provided during your trip
- Classic beverage package on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €726 p. P.
- Premium beverage package on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €1,166 p. P.
- Non-alcoholic beverage package for kids & teens on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €308 p. P.
- Insurance
- Complete insurance
- Travel cancellation insurance
- Travel health insurance
Additional services
Your ship: VASCO DA GAMA
On our VASCO DA GAMA, which was named Ship of the Year in April 2023, you can travel to your personal places of longing all over the world. Whether you are dreaming of the North Cape, the Mediterranean or even a trip around the world: You will indulge in pure cruise feeling on a comparatively small ship with a manageable number of guests of maximum 1,000 passengers. Enjoy the family atmosphere on board our charming ocean-going vessel VASCO DA GAMA and indulge in culinary delights in our five restaurants. Our attentive, German-speaking service staff will serve you top-class drinks in the seven bars and cafés on board, which have been furnished with great attention to detail. The heated swimming pool on the Lido Deck can be used all year round, regardless of the weather, thanks to the flexible sliding glass roof. Our on-board program is rounded off by first-class entertainment with on-board shows, varied live music and lectures on local history.