Elegant Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Included arrangements prior to embarkation

Day 0: Buenos Aires

Transfer from the airport to your included pre-cruise night at a luxury hotel in the chic Argentine capital city of Buenos Aires.  

Day 1: Flight to Ushuaia & embarkation 

Today you will join your fellow guests for the transfer to the airport. Here, you will take a charter flight of approximately 3.5 hours down the length of vast Argentina to Ushuaia, your destination.  

On arrival in the world’s most southerly city, you will be met and driven the short distance to the port, ready to embark on your elegant ship. Once safely on board and briefed for departure, you will set sail and head down the picturesque Beagle Channel. Familiarise yourself with the copious amounts of deck space and look out for your first wildlife sightings – black browed albatross are commonly spotted here. 

Day 2: At sea en route to the Falklands

This is the perfect time for the ship’s large expedition team of naturalist guides to begin preparing you for the excitement ahead. There will be a range of both practical briefings and hugely informative educational presentations, including talks on many of the iconic species you might spot during your voyage. 

It is also worth getting out on deck as this can be an excellent time to look for huge seabirds such as albatross and giant petrels gliding past the ship. 

Days 3 to 9: Exploring the Falkland Islands

You will have three days travelling around the Falklands, a remote archipelago of more than 700 islands. This is a destination steeped in maritime and military history, with unspoilt scenery ranging from Caribbean-like beaches to wild rocky headlands. You will likely also visit the tiny capital of Stanley, a charming town with its wealth of history and warm locals.

The Falklands are also a fantastic wildlife destination, with a huge variety of species to look out for. This is the best location to look out for Magellanic and rockhopper penguins, and the rookeries of sleek black browed albatross are a photographer’s dream. 

There is no such thing as a fixed itinerary in the polar regions. The Captain and Expedition Leader will constantly amend the plans according to weather and ice conditions, along with taking advantage of impromptu wildlife opportunities. Each evening you will be briefed on Plan A for the following morning, but do take this with a huge pinch of salt.

If you have signed up for one of the optional activities (supplementary cost for each) such as kayaking or heading below the waves for a unique submarine dive, the onboard team will be in touch to let you know further details about how and when these will take place. 

Days 6 & 7: At sea en route to South Georgia

Spend some time on deck as these waters can be a great place to spot seabirds on the wing. The educational program will continue preparing you for the incredible sights and history of South Georgia.  

This is also the perfect time to relax and explore the ship’s many social areas or test out the excellent spa services. 

Days 8 to 10: Exploring South Georgia

You will spend several days exploring the remote island of South Georgia. Here, glaciers nestle between jagged mountains, spilling down to lush green tussac grass. This is one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife destinations, with thousands-strong colonies of king penguins often stealing the limelight.

In the early part of the season the foreshore is festooned with elephant seals and aggressive male fur seals zealously guarding their territories. Later in the season curious fur seal pups litter the beaches. South Georgia is often best explored by zodiac, giving an incredible view from the dense wildlife on the water’s edge up to the mountains. Look out for penguins shuffling about while waiting for the perfect moment to dive into the water.  

During your time exploring the island your guides will share tales of its haunting whaling and sealing history and discuss some of the conservation successes of recent years. You may drop anchor at the rusting whaling station of Grytviken and raise a whisky toast to The Boss, Sir Ernest Shackleton at his graveside. As you head south around the island, look out for large icebergs, remnants of huge tabular bergs that have broken off from Antarctic ice shelves and been swept north by the prevailing currents.  

Days 11 & 12: At sea

As you traverse the waters between South Georgia and Antarctica from the comfort of your luxurious ship, spare a thought for Shackleton and his men in a tiny lifeboat on one of the most epic rescue missions of all time. 

This is the perfect time to unwind after a busy schedule in South Georgia. Though the educational programme will continue, with the focus switching to the Antarctic species you will now be looking for and the history of some of the continent’s early explorers. 

Days 13 to 18: Exploring Antarctica

It’s time to begin taking in the incredible landscapes and wildlife of the White Continent. Your ship is the perfect launchpad for Antarctic adventure with its fleet of 24 sturdy zodiac ribs, which will allow you to disembark and explore. You might watch penguins waddle past en route from the sea to their rookeries or crunch through the snow as you hike up to a spectacular viewpoint. You will cruise quietly past spectacular sculptural icebergs in search of seals and whales.  

In between landings you will have time to relax and unwind on board, taking advantage of the ship’s extensive amenities.  Warm up with a soak in one of the outdoor Jacuzzis or grab a freshly ground coffee from The Square as the ship steams through iceberg-strewn landscapes. If your muscles are weary, indulge in a massage in the spa or take in the view from your private balcony. 

Days 19 & 20: At sea crossing the Drake Passage

Bid Antarctica farewell as you begin your journey across the notorious Drake Passage towards Ushuaia. Your expedition team will continue to provide a fascinating program of educational talks and wrap up with a summary of your adventures. There will also be plenty of time to relax and start processing the incredible expedition you have just had.

Day 21: Disembarkation

This morning you will disembark the ship in Ushuaia. You will then be transferred to the airport for your included charter flight back up to Buenos Aires.  The return to civilisation can be quite the shock to the system after your experience in the polar pristine landscapes..  

On arrival back into the capital, you are then free to continue with your onward travel arrangements.

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