35-Day From The Amazon To The Antarctic

• Day 1 - Manaus, Brazil

  Manaus, at first glance, appears as a beacon of civilization amidst the untamed wilderness. Nestled at the confluence of two major rivers and nearly at the heart of the Amazon, the city surprises visitors with its bustling metropolis, complete with towering structures, shopping centers, and a vibrant population of approximately 2 million residents, all immersed in their daily routines.

  Manaus serves as a pivotal industrial hub for Brazil, contributing to the country's production of electronic appliances, as well as playing a crucial role in the tourism and natural extractivism sectors. Echoes of the Rubber Boom Era are evident in the city's colonial architectures, with the Amazonas Opera House standing as a testament to its opulent past.

• Day 2 - Parintins, Brazil

  Situated near the border of the states of Para and Amazonas, Parintins is a charming town that proudly wears the title of the 'Capital of Folklore.' It is renowned for hosting the 'Boi-Bumba' festival, a vibrant celebration that unfolds over three days at the end of June each year. The magnitude and reach of this event are akin to the Brazilian Carnaval that takes place across the country in February/March.

  Visitors can independently explore Parintins, where they'll discover quaint souvenir shops scattered throughout the town. A special presentation is arranged for our guests in a private area near the floating pier.

  INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS:
  Boi Bumba Show:
  The Boi Bumba is among Brazil's most celebrated folk festivals. It's a magical world filled with vivid colors, enchanting music, dance, and folklore – a true sensory feast.

  INCLUDED EXPEDITIONS
  Zodiac Cruise:
  Embark on a Zodiac cruise for an immersive nature experience, guided by our onboard expedition team.

  *Experiences subject to change.

• Day 3 - Cruising the Amazon River

  The Amazon is indisputably the largest river on earth by volume of discharge. At its mouth, its flow into the Atlantic Ocean is greater than the next seven largest rivers combined. Whether it is the world’s longest river is a matter of dispute among geographers, but most finally concede it may rank second to the Nile in length. It is between 110 and 180 miles wide at its mouth, again depending on which measurement you accept. Your voyage will navigate the river something like 1,000 miles from the sea. During some of that time, the river will be effectively a flowing ocean. Other times you will see one or the other of its banks. You will pass large numbers of vessels of all sorts and sizes, coming and going between the Amazon basin and the wider world. That basin covers 40 percent of South America and contains one third of all known living species. The river itself supports over 5,600 species of fish alone. Although it flows through Brazil, it is in many ways a country unto itself, with a unique, or rather many unique lifestyles and cultures. The life along the shores, both human and otherwise, is profoundly affected by the river’s ever-changing cycles of drought and flood. There is a lot to learn about the Amazon. Enjoy your journey along its fascinating shores.

• Day 4 - Santarem, Brazil

  Situated at the confluence of the Amazon River and the Tapajos River, Santarém provides easy access to two of Brazil's most significant waterways. The city's laid-back daily life offers a relaxed backdrop for exploration. Santarém enjoyed prosperity during the Rubber Boom Era in the late 1800s, and even attracted the attention of Henry Ford. He invested substantially in the city, establishing the town of ''Fordlandia''. This commercial venture was designed to harvest and export rubber for his burgeoning vehicle industry's tire manufacturing.

  INCLUDED EXPEDITIONS:
  Ponta Negra/Santarém Nature Exploration by Zodiac
  Navigate the narrow channel opposite the city of Santarém; this channel meanders along Ponta Negra, a quaint peninsula nestled between the Amazon and Tapajos Rivers. Witness the mesmerizing flooded forest, a thriving ecosystem teeming with tropical birds. By the end of this expedition, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how local people harmoniously live, interact, and utilize this environment.

• Day 5 - Amazon Experience

  Depending on the water levels and other changing conditions, your captain and veteran expedition leader will choose from among the innumerable fascinating sites along this particular stretch of the Amazon River to plot itineraries for Zodiac and kayak explorations, treks and visits to places and people of interest. Expedition team members will also be on deck and in observation lounges offering insights into the passing terrain and pointing out wildlife and other highlights while the ship is at anchor or cruising the river.

• Day 6 - Macapa, Brazil

  Capital of the Amapá state in northern Brazil, Macapá is located in the Amazon delta along the river’s northern channel where it feeds into the Atlantic. It also sits directly on the Equator, a distinction marked by the 98-foot-high Marco Zero monument where you can stand astride the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Portuguese settlers established an outpost here in the early 18th century; the Fortaleza de São José, dating from 1782, stands as a symbol of the city’s colonial past and one of the best-preserved military structures in Brazil. Macapá — which is accessible only by boat or plane — serves as a pitstop for migrating birds, seen feeding alongside flamingos, ibises, and other local species that inhabit its rich wetlands. Surfers flock here for a chance to ride the Pororoca, one of the longest tidal bores in the world with waves that reach 12 feet in height. Less extreme activities include relaxing on a wide river beach like Fazendinha and Araxá, browsing Casa de Artesão for unusual handcrafts made by the area’s indigenous people, and visiting the nearby village of Apa do Curiaú, home to descendants of escaped slaves.

• Day 7 - Crossing the Equator

  If you are a “pollywog,” who has never crossed the line at sea, you will be expected to undergo a mock trial by King Neptune and his court for the entertainment of the “shellbacks” who have already done so. Mild but hilarious indignities will be conjured, and in the end a good time will be had by most, if not all.

• Day 8/9 - Days At Sea

  OCT 29, 2024 - OCT 30, 2024

• Day 10 - Natal, Brazil

  Natal is the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, a Brazilian state located in the country’s northeast. The city lies near the mouth of the Potenji (Potengi) River along the Atlantic coast, and its sun-kissed shores are lined with gorgeous white-sand beaches and towering dunes. The 16th-century Forte dos Reis Magos is an imposing, star-shaped fortress that marks the place where Natal was officially founded by the Portuguese on December 25, 1599 (Natal is Portuguese for “Christmas”). Ribeira and Cidade Alta, the city’s oldest neighborhoods, invite with an array of handsome colonial and Victorian buildings, many of which are now adorned with colorful murals. Natal’s vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture gave birth to the capoeira circle, an intoxicating blend of martial arts, acrobatics, dance, and music that UNESCO designated as a living expression of Intangible Cultural Heritage. You might see capoeira groups performing on one of the city’s popular beaches like Ponta Negra; browse the nearby handicraft market for unique ceramics, musical instruments, textiles, and wooden sculptures. Head to Genipabu (Jenipabu) to ride a camel, go sand surfing, or drive a buggy around its huge complex of sand dunes.

• Day 11/13 - Days At Sea

  NOV 01, 2024 - NOV 03, 2024

• Day 14 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

  The harbour of Rio de Janeiro, cradled by the southern contours of Guanabara Bay under the majestic shadows of Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountains, is one of the world's most unique and awe-inspiring ports. As you approach by sea, Sugarloaf Mountain is your welcoming beacon, inviting you to experience the exhilarating cable-car ride to its summit for a panoramic view of the city and its famed beaches: Copacabana, Tijuca, Ipanema, and Leblon.

  Rio de Janeiro vibrates with the rhythm and vitality of its renowned Carnavál Sambadrome parades, regardless of when you choose to visit. The city enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status, recognized as the 'Carioca Landscapes, Between the Mountain and the Sea.' Your exploration of Rio wouldn't be complete without visiting certain landmarks: the ascent to Sugarloaf, the lush Tijuca Rainforest Park, the towering Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado, and for football aficionados, the legendary Maracanä Stadium.

• Day 15 - Parati, Brazil

  The tiny harbor town of Parati (Paraty) is a colonial-era charmer, overlooking a protected bay along Brazil’s Costa Verde, “the Green Coast.” Founded by the Portuguese in 1597, Parati flourished as a transportation hub during the 17th and 18th centuries after gold was discovered in the state of Minas Gerais. The port was all but forgotten after Brazil declared its independence in 1822; today, its time-warp Old Town — designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019 — the largest concentration of colonial architecture in the country. Spend some time wandering its pedestrianized cobblestone streets, admiring the elegant churches and whitewashed buildings with colorful trim. Forte Defensor Perpétuo — in the 18th century to protect the town from pirates — features a small museum and mesmerizing views. The historic Caminho do Ouro or Gold Trail is a 1,200-mile-long thoroughfare laid by slaves that connected Minas Gerais with neighboring states; you can follow a stretch from Parati through lush Atlantic rainforest in Serra da Bocaina National Park, stopping at a series of waterfalls and freshwater pools.

• Day 16/18 - Days At Sea

  NOV 06, 2024 - NOV 08, 2024

• Day 19 - Montevideo, Uruguay

  Tucked between Brazil and Argentina, the Republic of Uruguay decidedly holds its own with unique traditions and identity. Despite being South America's second smallest nation, Uruguay feels like a vibrant city enveloped by expansive ranchlands. Often dubbed as the 'Switzerland of South America,' Montevideo mirrors Switzerland's discreet banking system.

  INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS:
  OPTION 1: Montevideo Highlights & Tango Experience
  Immerse yourself in the beauty of Montevideo on a scenic drive. Witness historic landmarks and monuments, then visit the Mercado Agricola, a bustling farmer's market teeming with local charm. End your day with a stirring tango performance at Baar Fun Fun, a venue steeped in over 80 years of history.

  OPTION 2: Montevideo Old Town Walk & Tango Show
  Explore the architectural wonders of Montevideo on foot. Discover the eclectic mix of styles in the city, then experience the passion of Uruguayan dance at Baar Fun Fun.

  *Experiences subject to change.

• Day 20/21 - Days At Sea

  NOV 10, 2024 - NOV 11, 2024

• Day 22 - New Island, Falkland Islands

  Wind-swept New Island, one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands, lies on the western fringe of the Falklands Archipelago. Its gentle, low-lying eastern shores are indented with white, sandy bays and coves beaming with turquoise water. Gradually rising, these slopes are transformed into rugged sea-battered cliffs on the island’s western side. A place of colorful landscapes, New Island supports some of the largest concentrations and diversity of wildlife in the Falklands, with over forty species of nesting birds. Four species of penguins, including 13,000 gentoo and 26,000 Southern rockhopper penguins call the island home. Embracing winds and seas below, 60,000 black-browed albatross soar along the cliffs.
  New Island’s history is as rich and plentiful as its natural wonders. The island has known human presence since the late 1700s, especially with many whaling ships finding refuge in its coves and bays from tempestuous weather.

• Day 23 - Steeple Jason, Falkland Islands & Carcass Island, Falkland Islands

  Steeple Jason Island has some of the most breathtaking landscapes around, with its twin pinnacles on either side of the island rising sharply to 1,000’ (300 m) and connected by a low-lying neck of rock and tussock grass. Highly prized for its overwhelming abundance of wildlife, Steeple Jason is not easy to reach. Protected as a Nature Reserve and privately owned by the Wildlife Conservation Society. The Island is home to the largest colony of Black-browed albatross in the world. The Island also has a large number of striated caracaras, skuas, and southern giant petrels while several colonies of gentoo penguins are scattered around the island.

  Carcass Island is a mesmerizing blend of unspoiled beauty and captivating wildlife. As you step onto this island, you'll find yourself in an enchanting world where rolling hills meet the azure sea and wind-sculpted trees stand sentinel over verdant pastures. The island's name might raise eyebrows, but rest assured it has nothing to do with its current state. Named after HMS Carcass, which surveyed the area in the 18th century, this island is a vibrant sanctuary teeming with life. It serves as a haven for birdwatchers, hosting a dazzling array of avian species from Magellanic penguins and Black-browed albatrosses to Striated caracaras and numerous songbirds. At Carcass Island, human presence is minimal, allowing nature to take center stage. The charming settlement offers a warm welcome, while the absence of land predators ensures the fearlessness of the local wildlife, making close encounters a common occurrence.

• Day 24 - West Point Island & Saunders Island, Falkland Islands

  Albatrosses have long captured the imagination of sailors, roaming the vast oceans, embracing storms and winds far from the safety of land and so at ease in the roughest sea conditions. In summer, a large colony of black-browed albatrosses come to breed on West Point Island. Along with rockhopper penguins, they reside between the rocky ledges and among the tussock grass. Other species can also be seen throughout the island: fur seals and sea lions visit its shores and dolphins frequent its harbor. Cliff Mountain, its highest point, rises to 1,250’ (381 meters) above the highest sea cliffs in the Falklands.
  The Napier family, descendants of the original farmers, still own and operate West Point Island as a traditional sheep farm. Living in a modest family house sheltered by weathered Monterey cypress trees, they welcome visitors in for a cup of tea. Experience West Point’s spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and its human population of just two, Lily and Roddy Napier.

  Saunders Island, a wild and remote jewel in the Falkland Islands, is steeped in history. It was here, at Port Egmont, that the first British settlers made their mark in 1765. Today, the spirit of these early pioneers lives on, with descendants of the initial farming families still residing on the island, carrying on the age-old tradition of sheep farming. But it's not just human history that makes Saunders Island so fascinating—it's a veritable sanctuary for wildlife. The island is home to five different species of penguin—king, macaroni, gentoo, rockhopper, and the occasional magellanic—each adding to the island's vibrant biodiversity. In addition, 500 steamer ducks, white-bridled finches, and an impressive 22,000 black-browed albatrosses choose to breed here. And if you turn your gaze seaward, you might spot dolphins frolicking in the harbor or Southern right whales in the distance.

• Day 25 - Stanley/Falkland Is/Islas Malvinas

  The Falkland Islands are a world unto themselves. This remote archipelago are wind-swept and bathed in stunning natural beauty, magnificent wildlife, and are home to a gregarious mix of people. More than 200 islands dot the waters around the two mainlands of East and West Falkland, presenting landscapes that are breathtakingly pure and stark, yet vibrantly detailed. Here, the shores are devoid of trees but teem with an impressive variety of bird species including albatross, penguins, caracaras, and geese.

  The Islands are also steeped in maritime and military history, with over three hundred shipwrecks scattered along their coasts. The serene white crosses marking the final resting places of British and Argentine soldiers serve as silent testaments to the war of 1982. Through the course of their history, many have laid claim to these islands, but today, they stand proud as a self-governing British Overseas Territory.

  Stanley, Falkland Islands
  The solitary lighthouse at Cape Pembroke stands as a beacon for those journeying to Stanley, warning them of the perilous rocks, reefs, and shoals that the Falkland Islands are known for. Stanley, the largest settlement on the islands, is a charming enclave with a population of over 2,000. Its quaint gardens, delightful tea rooms, brightly hued houses, and cozy hotels exude a distinctly Victorian aura, as if time has graciously stood still here. The Anglican Cathedral, the world's southernmost, proudly graces Stanley’s waterfront.

  In Stanley, the extraordinary wildlife of the Falklands is always close at hand. Dolphins often dance at its harbor, while steamer ducks, kelp gulls, and other birds thrive on its shores. Southern sea lions bask in the sun, and Southern giant petrels glide through town, seemingly unfazed by human activity. Established in the 1840s, Stanley was named after Edward Smith-Stanley, Earl of Derby, who never actually set foot on these islands.

• Day 26/27 - Days At Sea

  NOV 16, 2024 - NOV 17, 2024

• Day 28/32 - Antarctic Experience

  Depending on weather, ice conditions and reported wildlife distribution during your voyage, your captain and expedition team will program an additional day of discovery and adventure for you in Antarctica.

• Day 33/34 - Days At Sea

  NOV 23, 2024 - NOV 24, 2024

• Day 35 - Ushuaia, Argentina

  Once deemed too harsh for European settlement, Ushuaia's rugged beauty was the realm of its native inhabitants - the Yahgan People. Today, it holds the distinctive title of being the southernmost city on Earth, often referred to as 'the end of the world.' Situated along the banks of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia unveils itself like an artist's masterpiece. A mosaic of vibrant houses adds a splash of color against the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Dominating this breathtaking panorama is Monte Olivia, its jagged peaks soaring 4,530 feet above the landscape.

  The terrain transforms from dense forests of Southern beech trees at sea level to alpine ecosystems as you ascend. Thanks to its strategic location and proximity to the Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia has earned its status as the gateway to the Great White Continent. Yet, Ushuaia is more than just a stepping stone to Antarctica. It's a treasure trove of natural history, indigenous heritage, and the spirit of exploration. From embarking on awe-inspiring treks in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to delving into the rich narratives at 'The End of the World' museum, Ushuaia promises a plethora of experiences that cater to the curious and the adventurous alike.

Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.