Expedition to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands

Overview

Day 1 The city of all passions

Day 2 Flight to Ushuaia and embarkation

Days 3-4 Heading to Antarctica

Days 5-9 Antarctica… another world!

Days 10-11 Drake Passage

Days 12-14 Wildlife of the Falkland Islands

Day 15 Our last day at sea

Day 16 Ushuaia and Buenos Aires

Highlights of the journey:

• Explore the icy beauty of Antarctica for 5 days.
• Get up close to icebergs, observe whales and penguins before embarking on hikes, kayak and expedition boat excursions, and even camping on the Antarctic ice.
• Disembark on picturesque beaches, traverse meadows to get closer to the wildlife of the Falkland Islands, and visit Stanley, its charming capital.

Itinerary

DAY 1 | THE CITY OF ALL PASSIONS

FEEL THE RHYTMIC VIBRATIONS OF THE VIBRANT BUENOS AIRES

A night in Buenos Aires is the ideal starting point to embark on your adventure to Antarctica. Characterized by a proud and diverse community of porteños or “people of the ports,” it is a city that sensually combines the splendor of old Europe with the flair of Latin America. There are many places to explore, from various parrillas serving authentic Argentine steaks to practicing your dance steps in the very heart of the birthplace of tango.

DAY 2 | FLIGHT TO USHUAIA AND EMBARKATION

FLY SOUTH TO USHUAIA, WHERE YOU’LL EMBARK ON YOUR SHIP

Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where your expedition ship awaits. The vessel is equipped with hybrid propulsion, specifically designed to navigate polar waters with minimal environmental impact. Ushuaia, a bustling port, is the capital of the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego. Dominated by the imposing Martial Glacier, Ushuaia vies for the title of the southernmost city in the world. After a briefing from your expedition team, you’ll have the opportunity to settle into your cabin and explore the comfortable amenities on board.

DAYS 3-4 | HEADED TO ANTARCTICA

YOUR ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE IS PRIMARILY SCIENTIFIC

During the two-day crossing of the Drake Passage, the expedition team will provide everything you need to fully enjoy your polar expedition cruise. Visit the onboard Scientific Center to get a preview of what awaits you. Listen to passionate experts discuss the history of Antarctica, the scientific aspects of the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You’ll learn how to make your visit to Antarctica as safe and environmentally friendly as possible, as well as how to participate in citizen science projects.

You’ll have several moments of relaxation to enjoy the spa and wellness area, savor excellent cuisine, and meet other travelers at the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

DAYS 5-9 | ANTARCTICA…ANOTHER WORLD !

DISCOVER ANTARCTICA IN ALL ITS SPLENDOR

Nothing can prepare you for the spectacle you are about to witness. Set against towering glaciers and icebergs as tall as cathedrals, the Antarctic continent will fill you with awe. But perhaps it’s the silence that reigns in Antarctica that will astonish you the most. A quietude occasionally broken by the only inhabitants of the place: the wildlife.

During the Antarctic summer, it might be penguins tending to their chicks, cormorants, chionis, and petrels soaring in the sky, or even orcas and humpback whales feeding in krill-rich waters. Antarctica is above all a place where nature reigns supreme, and we are mere visitors.

Your next five days will be dedicated to the thrilling exploration of a selection of possible landing sites. Wherever we go and whatever we do, each day will be different from the previous one and will bring its share of excitement.

Get ready to go on expedition boats and land with the expedition team. You can participate in various activities such as hikes, kayak or snowshoe outings, and you might even have the chance to camp. Back on board, the expedition team will continue with their lectures to further acquaint you with the icy continent.

DAYS 10-11 | DRAKE PASSAGE

DISCOVERING THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

After dazzling experiences in Antarctica, get ready for new adventures towards the Falkland Islands. Your expedition team will take advantage of the sea journey to enlighten you about the history and biology of these isolated islands. At the Scientific Center, observe krill and phytoplankton under the microscope, which serve as a food source for many animals in the region.

Seek advice from our professional photographer to enhance your photos or participate in workshops to learn about painting local wildlife and maritime knots. Alternatively, treat yourself to a spa session, visit the fitness room, and savor typical dishes made with regional ingredients offered by our restaurants.

DAYS 12-14 | WILDLIFE OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS  

ENJOY OBSERVING BIRDS AND HIKING ON THE TRAILS OF THESE LUSH ISLANDS

The Falkland Islands archipelago boasts panoramic horizons and stretches of white sandy beaches teeming with abundant birdlife. Only a few isolated farms punctuate the landscape. You’ll find grassy hills dotted with wildflowers, a stark contrast to the icy expanses of Antarctica. Also, take a guided tour of Stanley, explore the gardens of the Jubilee villas, the Christ the King Cathedral, and the Historical Dockyard Museum.

As always, landings, hikes, and excursions we offer will be determined by weather conditions. We hope to get close to colonies of albatrosses and penguins, often sharing the space with seals, to observe them without disturbance.

Optional excursions

Take a self-guided stroll to discover the must-see sites of Stanley.

DAY 15 | OUR LAST DAY AT SEA   

A RELAXING DAY AT SEA, PERFECT FOR REFLECTION

Your expedition cruise to discover the wonders of Antarctica and the wildlife of the Falkland Islands is coming to an end. During the final part of our journey back to Ushuaia, make the most of your last day at sea.

Join the expedition team at the Scientific Center to delve into specific aspects of our journey. Hone your photography skills or relax on the deck, reflecting on the highlights of a memorable adventure. Conclude the day in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with friends made during this journey, sharing experiences over a drink.

DAY 16 | USHUAÏA AND BUENOS AIRES  

FROM USHUAÏA TO BUENOS AIRES

The expedition cruise concludes in Ushuaia, in the southernmost province of Argentina, Tierra del Fuego. From there, you will fly to Buenos Aires. But the adventure can continue… Why not join our optional post-program before your return?