Adventure cruising specialists, Aurora Expeditions, are offering travellers a complimentary three-night South America city stay when they book one of the company's new 2015 Antarctica travel packages.

Two different travel packages include an expedition to Antarctica aboard small 54-passenger ship Polar Pioneer, return international airfares to South America, internal flights and transfers. Plus if travellers book before 31 May 2015, they'll also receive a free city stopover in stylish Santiago or buzzing Buenos Aires (depending on the package) including three nights' accommodation with daily breakfast, a city tour and airport transfers.

The Spirit of Antarctica travel package includes a 12-day expedition to Antarctica with a free stopover in Argentina's colourful capital Buenos Aires. Travellers will experience Antarctica at its most pristine and liveliest time as wildlife feed and breed; a rare chance to get up close with penguins, seals, whales and abundant birdlife. The voyage also includes complimentary photography workshops and the opportunity to experience camping on the ice like an Antarctic explorer. Activities such as sea kayaking, mountaineering and polar snorkelling and scuba diving are also available at a surcharge for experienced adventurers.

The Spirit of Antarctica package departs Australia on 7 December 2015 and starts from $17,595 per person twin share, including a free 3-night stopover in Buenos Aires valued at $500 per person.

The Scotia Sea Springtime package features a 24-day voyage that includes Antarctica as well as South Georgia's impressive concentration of wildlife including elephant and fur seals, wandering albatross and king penguin rookeries half-million strong. Travellers will also join the Shackleton's Centenary commemorations, reversing his route to the Antarctic Peninsula and learning all about the continent's rich birdlife with an onboard BirdLife Australia specialist. The package also includes a free stopover in Chile's capital Santiago and a complimentary 12-month BirdLife Australia membership.

The Scotia Sea Springtime package departs Australia on 18 November 2015 and starts from $26,395 per person twin share, including a 3-night stopover in Santiago valued at $600 per person.

Both expeditions include daily shore excursions, a team of expert guide and naturalists and all on-board meals and accommodation. All passengers will also receive a complimentary customised expedition polar jacket and a hard-back memento photo book.

For more information on these Antarctic travel packages call Aurora Expeditions 02 9252 1033, email travel@auroraexpeditions.com.au  or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au.

Editor Notes

• Prices are based on international airfares departing Sydney
• Surcharges apply for departures from other Australian capital cities
• Packages and prices are subject to availability and may change
• Packages must be booked before 31 May 2015
• Other terms and conditions apply and travellers should contact Aurora Expeditions for full details