Antarctica, the Falklands & South Georgia - Deluxe(Trip #60089)

Tour Overview

For many people, Antarctica, the southernmost continent and the largest desert in the world is one of the last frontiers of travel. This trip leaves from Ushuaia in Argentina, and travels to Antarctica through the Drake passage making stops to visit the Falkland Islands and South Georgia before arriving in Antarctic waters. Subject to conditions, two landings are planned each day to allow you to follow in the footsteps of the pioneers of polar exploration, marvel at the scenery of beautiful glacier covered mountains and icebergs, and enjoy sightings of penguins, blue whales and fur seals. This is a chance to visit one of the most remote and isolated areas of the world, and to join the exclusive ranks of those who have set foot on the Great White Continent.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1, USHUAIA
Arguably the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, the capital of the Argentinean province of Tierra del Fuego sits in a beautiful setting at the foot of the Andes mountains. Take time to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this frontier town at the ‘end of the world’ in one of the many excellent cafes and restaurants.

Day 2, EMBARKATION
In the late afternoon we board our ship and begin our voyage through the Beagle Channel to the Drake Passage. This famous route between the tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica is named after Sir Francis Drake.

Days 3-5, THE FALKLAND ISLANDS
En route to the Falkland Islands you will learn about Charles Darwin, who visited the islands in 1833. On arrival you cruise to shore in a Zodiac boat to stroll the streets of Stanley or wander through the nesting grounds of the Blackbrowed Albatross. There are plenty of activities available to cater for a wide range of interests - historical, physical or natural.

Days 6-11, SOUTH GEORGIA
Travel to South Georgia and land at Grytviken, established as a whaling station in 1904. There is time to explore, and we will visit the largest King Penguin colony in the world on the shore of St Andrew’s Bay – an unforgettable sight.

Days 12-17, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS & ANTARCTICA
As the ship sails south and west, watch out for icebergs as you will at last be in Antarctic waters. We plan on making two landings a day, and wildlife viewing is a priority. You’ll walk with penguins and cruise rocky coastlines to see the diverse array of seabirds that live here. When not taking part in landings, you can don your parka and join fellow travellers on the deck as you sail through the Gerlache Strait or along the Danco Coast, past towering glacier-covered mountains, seals sunning themselves on an ice floe or a raft of feeding penguins. As part of our expedition team, we are accompanied by a historian, who will tell us about the development of the region, an ornithologist who will accompany groups ashore to help identify the many different species of birds and a glaciologist to explain some of the area’s geographical features.

Days 18-20, DRAKE PASSAGE
We begin our return to Ushuaia through the Drake Passage, and have some time to reflect on our Antarctic adventure. Tour ends on arrival in Ushuaia.

Notes
FLEXIBLE: You should regard this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and programme vary according to the weather conditions we encounter. Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel, and flexibility is the key to success for all expeditions to Antarctica.
DEPOSIT: Please note a deposit of GBP800 per person is required to secure your booking. Please refer to booking conditions for details.