Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands

Flight to Ushuaia and transfer to your pre-expedition hotel. In the afternoon, you will need to be at your hotel for a pre-departure briefing, but otherwise, the small frontier city is worth a stroll around, and there are several interesting museums you can visit.

Free time in the morning to explore the city before you board the ship and set sail, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, along the Beagle Channel. We recommend spending time on deck to take your first chances at spotting wildlife before dinner and the evening lecture.

Today will be spent at sea approaching the Falklands. Birdwatching opportunities today include spotting albatrosses, prions, and petrels as they follow the ship. Lectures will begin tonight and there will be briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety.

Arrive in the westernmost islands where you will have your first opportunity to see penguins. Rockhopper, King, and Magellanic penguins all have their rookeries here. You will also visit a local homestead and learn about life on these remote islands.

Spend the day in the capital of Stanley and visit its post office, shops and pubs. More wildlife is also on offer from town, including sea lions and dolphins in the harbour.

Sail east and officially cross into Antarctic waters. On-board lectures and presentations will continue focusing on the history and wildlife of the approaching South Georgia islands.

The journey continues to South Georgia. As you make this crossing it's worth remembering that Shackleton and his men sailed this in an open lifeboat 100 years ago with just a sextant and Frank Worsley to guide them.

Today, the ship will reach Elephant Island, where the famed polar explorer Ernest Shackleton left the majority of his men under the command of Frank Wild while he sailed to South Georgia for help.

Today you will reach South Georgia and start exploring this startling landscape. Some of the world's most nutrient-rich waters swirl around this speck of rock which supports the abundance of wildlife you are about to encounter.

Wildlife has claimed back the island that was once home to whalers, and now it is a teeming paradise for a vast array of species. Along the way, you should see magnificent king penguin colonies and sea lions challenging one another for space on the rocky beaches.

Today you will reach South Georgia and start exploring this startling landscape. Some of the world's most nutrient-rich waters swirl around this speck of rock which supports the abundance of wildlife you are about to encounter.

A day at sea on the way to Antarctica. Lectures will focus on recapping what you've experienced in South Georgia and what lies ahead in Antarctica. If the conditions allow you may be able to stand on deck to watch the seabirds effortlessly soar through the air, using the ship's currents to gain momentum.

By now, you will have had your first glimpses of Antarctica, a moment you will never forget as a sense of camaraderie and celebration sweeps over the vessel. Having reached the White Continent, you will continue on with daily landings and Zodiac cruising.

Today, you may find yourself inside an explorer's hut, learning about the conditions those early adventurers endured, or taking in the sight, smell, and sound of a lively penguin colony.

Another day of exploration today. Zodiac cruising through fields of icebergs or spending time with researchers at far-flung outposts are some of the possibilities.

More opportunities for wildlife spotting will present themselves as you explore the Antarctic Peninsula. Adelie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo penguins will all be busy in their colonies, while Weddell, Crabeater, and Elephant Seals may be found lying out on the ice.

You may also have the chance to camp on the ice or go kayaking. More and more adventure options are being added to Antarctic expeditions so please do ask if you are interested.

As you say goodbye to Antarctica and begin crossing the notorious Drake Passage you will have a final chance to see icebergs as you approach the South Shetland Islands.

You'll spend the day at sea on the way to Argentina. Though the journey is coming to an end there is still an air of excitement on board as you enjoy the last night celebrating with the crew and fellow passengers.

Landing back in Argentina you will disembark and fly back to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel in a private vehicle. You will be able to rest up for the remaining journey home or venture out to savour any of the comforts of civilization you missed while on board your expedition vessel.

You will take a private transfer back to the airport today for your flight home.