Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings

A classic 20-day adventure, encompassing the wildlife paradise of South Georgia, the remote Falkland Islands and the extraordinary beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll experience a great diversity of environments and landscapes, not to mention a wonderful display of wildlife. Plus, you can choose from an exciting range of add-on adventure activities.

Day 1 - Ushuaia:

Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia is your gateway for this expedition. With a small-town feel, it still offers many shops, museums, cafes and restaurants to enjoy before your voyage. If you're feeling adventurous, there's the nearby national park and Martial Glacier to discover plenty of hiking and outdoor activities.

Day 2 - Embarkation:

Anticipation and excitement grows as we embark our vessel. Meet and greet your fellow travellers and get acquainted with your ship. Every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, which makes Embarkation Day just as exciting for your Expedition Team as it is for you. They're onboard to help make your wildlife dreams come true as well as to ensure your comfort and safety.

Day 3 - At Sea:

There's lots to keep you occupied while we are at sea. You can attend interesting presentations by your Expedition Team or perhaps learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship. You will be prepared for upcoming zodiac cruises and shore landings and you'll also be given instructions for getting the most out of your optional kayaking adventures, a truly intimate way to experience the Antarctic.

Days 4 & 5 - Las Malvinas, The Falkland Islands:

Cameras at the ready for capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of The Falklands. The archipelago contains two main islands: East and West, which we will explore by daily landings and zodiac excursions. Port Stanley, a favoured landing site, is a town with a unique British outpost feel to it, complete with a little bit of a ramshackle charm. You'll be free to explore the town, grab a pint at the local pub, and visit numerous churches and museums.

The archipelago is home to Magellanic, gentoo and rockhopper penguins.  and if you're lucky, you may even spot king penguins here too. We can also expect to see black-browed albatross and two endemic species: Cobb's wren and the Falkland's flightless steamer duck. The team of onboard lecturers and specialists will educate you on the local flora and fauna, so that you get the most out of your time here.

Days 6 & 7 - At Sea:

Sailing south, you'll officially enter Antarctic waters by crossing the invisible biological boundary called the Antarctic Convergence. Encircling the continent, cold Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, creating the abundance of krill and marine life that attracts whales and seals to this part of the world. Ship staff will be sure to keep you posted when we cross this invisible, yet important line.

Days 8 to 11 - South Georgia:

Many historic Antarctic expeditions used South Georgia as a place to regroup and it was once a haven for seal and whale hunting. Today, the wildlife populations have rebounded, but you'll still see remnants of those old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts.

South Georgia is often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, and you're likely to find that each landing you make on South Georgia will open your eyes to yet another wonder of wildlife. One day you may see rookeries with a hundred thousand pairs of king penguins waddling on the beach, and the next day we'll find another beach with thousands of fur or elephant seals. Your Expedition Team will share details of the important, symbiotic role that the grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia play in the breeding and survival of different species on the island.

You can visit the historic site of the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton at the settlement of Grytviken; which is also home to a museum, gift shop, church, an old whaling station, and a research station of approximately 20 scientists and support personnel.

Days 12 and 13 - At Sea:

We wave goodbye to the king penguins and look towards our next destination: Antarctica! Days at sea are filled with seminars from the Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife we can expect to see upon your arrival in Antarctica. In between presentations, there's time for chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar, and if conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, which are officially in Antarctica.

Days 14 to 17 - Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands:

The experience of arriving at the white continent is hard to put into words, as few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica; you're likely to feel both a sense of reverence and awe. Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you might be overcome with a feeling of complete desolation and silence, and the next you'll be inspired by nature watching a calving glacier crash into the brilliant blue sea or watching a penguin waddle right by you.

Your Expedition Team will take care of you every step of the way. Whether it is trekking up a glacier, visiting a research station or consorting with penguin colonies they are always on hand. Chinstrap, Adelie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Curious whales are often attracted to zodiacs as well, giving you a chance to get within reaching distance of these majestic animals. Each day and every landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep you busy with your camera.

In addition to these wonderful experiences, perhaps you'll treat yourself to an extra special adventure by partaking in an optional kayaking excursion (extra cost) or going for a swim in the Antarctic!

Days 18 & 19 - At Sea:

Your journey home begins, after more than two weeks of endless wildlife encounters. Crossing the Drake Passage is your unofficial rite of passage, completing your Antarctic adventure.

Enjoy some final moments mingling with your fellow travellers and savour the silence of the sea for as long as you can before you return to the noisy, busy, populated world.

Day 20 - Disembarkation:

After breakfast onboard the ship, it is time to say goodbye to your Expedition Team, the rest of the crew and your fellow travellers. We will transfer you to the airport for your homeward flight.

Please Note: This itinerary is for guidance only - each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and the opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.

Includes:

• Transfers in Ushuaia as indicated
• 1 night's hotel stay with breakfast
• Online photo journal of the voyage
• Complimentary parka jacket
• Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
• Accommodation and meals during the voyage on full board
• Beer and wine during dinner, and coffee, tea and cocoa around the clock
• All shore excursions and zodiac activities
• Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
• Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
• Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
• Port taxes and any entry fees to landing sites

Excludes:

• Any flights to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation not listed as included
• Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
• Transfers not specified in the itinerary
• Optional non-complimentary adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
• Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
• Airport arrival or departure taxes
• Personal Travel insurance
• Items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, beverages and communication
• Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
• Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)