Express Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia

Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile

You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentinean town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a cafe in town.

Day 2: Embarkation

The Beagle Channel sets you on your way as the ship sails in the late afternoon. The channel opens up to the vastness of the Southern Ocean, where your next land sighting will be along the Antarctic Peninsula. Named after the famed ship in which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities to capture sea birds hovering overhead.

Days 3-4: At sea towards Antarctic Peninsula

The waters of the Drake Passage are unpredictable, so hope for clear skies and a calm ocean. You'll have plenty of time to gaze out at the sea, get to know your fellow shipmates and chat with your Expedition Team.

Time over these two days will be spent preparing for the exciting days ahead, with numerous educational and informative lectures from your Expedition Team. You'll learn about everything from safety procedures to the history of whaling in Antarctica.

Days 5-7: Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands

You'll get a sense that you've arrived on a new planet during the start of your Antarctic voyage, as the pristine nature and dramatic environments are like nothing else on earth. From the vessel, you can watch whales swim and feed in the nutrient-rich waters and spot penguins porpoising in the water and jumping aboard ice floes. Just as amazing as the wildlife are the towering snow-covered mountains and massive glaciers of the Peninsula, which will be your playground for the next four days.

Every Zodiac excursion and landing present new sights, sounds and smells. Some landings may be as relaxing as sitting on a beach, taking photographs of curious Gentoo penguins. Other landings may provide exhilarating panoramic views of the Antarctic continent by hiking atop a hill. Perhaps you'll catch a calving glacier crumbling into the sea at Petermann Island, or take a zodiac cruise in search of Fur and Elephant seals around Pleneau Island.

Even common travel experiences like mailing a postcard take on an extra level of excitement in Antarctica. While weather and sea conditions determine which landings we can make, your Expedition Team will ensure that each day of your Antarctic adventure leaves a lasting impression.

Days 8-10: At Sea towards South Georgia

Your days at sea are enjoyed out on the deck or taking in presentations by the Expedition Team.

Days 11-13: South Georgia

With a rich history of exploration in the Antarctic, South Georgia has many stories to tell. You'll learn that the original inhabitants here arrived to hunt whales and fur and elephant seals to perilously low levels. Thankfully populations have rebounded and whaling and seal hunting ceases to exist today. You will also see many remnants of these days gone by; including several whaling stations and other abandoned outposts.

Perhaps the most historic and famous site on the island is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to a museum, small gift shop, church and an active scientific research station.

After that history lesson, you'll surely be ready for some wildlife encounters. South Georgia is sometimes called the Galapagos of the Poles as it is home to a captivating number of inquisitive and curious creatures. Indeed, the number of animals you'll see here will rival that of all the other days of your voyage combined.

Each landing you make on South Georgia will open your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife; one day may be a beach filled with a hundred thousand pairs of King penguins, the next may present some close encounters with massive Elephant seals or the smaller Fur seals. Different penguin and bird species utilise the island landscape differently here, making it a fascinating destination teeming with wildlife from the shoreline to the top of the highest grassy hills.

Days 14-15: At Sea towards Falklands

The next few days at sea can be as busy or as relaxing as you desire. Go on deck to spot whales and seabirds flying overhead, or attend lectures from our on-board specialists. Whatever you choose, remember to take a moment to reflect on the amazing creatures you've met so far.

Day 16: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

Upon arrival in the Falklands (Malvinas), you'll be greeted by a feeling of rugged remoteness. Disembark in Stanley, a unique outpost with a British country charm. There are plenty of churches and museums to explore, as well as friendly locals willing to chat over a drink at the pub. This afternoon, board a charter flight to Santiago, Chile. Overnight at airport hotel.

Day 17: Depart for home

After breakfast, you are free to continue on your flight homeward.