21-Day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Holiday

• Day 0 - Ezeiza International Airport

  Ezeiza International Airport, the airport for Buenos Aires. Referred to as the 'Paris of South America', Buenos Aires is considered as one of the most livable cities in South America. Although the bustling capital city has just under 3,000,000 inhabitants and a population density of 13,680 inhabitants per square kilometer (34,800 per square mile), it was rated in 2018 as one of the top cities on the continent for its ‘quality of life’. Twinned with world cities such as Moscow and Miami, Buenos Aires displays through its architecture, a cultural past rooted in both the Old and New Worlds. A vibrancy for life can be seen everywhere. Crowded public markets, street performers dancing the tango, colorful graffiti-style street art, ultra-modern buildings, a dramatic skyline and a bustling port. Culturally, Buenos Aires has the busiest live theatre industry on Earth, outperforming New York, London and Paris. Every weekend, over 300 theatres are active with plays and productions.

  Buenos Aires was founded in 1580 by Spanish explorer Juan de Garay, and has changed hands many times during its history

• Day 1 - 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.

• Day 2/3 - Days At Sea

  JAN 26, 2025 - JAN 27, 2025

• Day 4/9 - 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 10/11 - Days At Sea

  FEB 03, 2025 - FEB 04, 2025

• Day 12/13 - South Georgia Experience

  The South Georgia Islands Group is one of the least visited destinations on earth. It consists of South Georgia Island and smaller surrounding islands and rocks. Largely untouched and blessed with a sub-Antarctic climate and nutrient-rich seas, it represents a sort of Lost Eden of unspoiled wildlife habitat. Although ice and snow are present, they are strikingly green with vegetation as compared with Antarctica. They teem with wildlife, including massive populations of king and other penguin species, fur seals, elephant seals, albatrosses, giant petrels, and other seabirds. Whales, orcas and dolphins abound offshore in the most diverse marine ecosystem on earth. Your captain and expedition leader plan your days in South Georgia to offer you a variety of experiences in this remote and enchanting destination, based on conditions and wildlife reports. These will certainly include visits to historic communities such as Grytviken, with its memorial to Ernest Shackleton, the immense breeding colony of king penguins on the Salisbury Plain and other highlights, along with less well-known, but equally unforgettable sites. Your veteran expedition team members enrich your experience during presentations and in casual conversations and interpret passing sights during time spent cruising. They will also accompany you on landings at the various sites and excursions in Zodiacs and kayaks.

• Day 14 - South Georgia Experience

  The South Georgia Islands Group, one of the least visited destinations on earth, is a gem in the heart of the sub-Antarctic. Comprising of South Georgia Island and its smaller surrounding islands and rocks, this untouched paradise houses a rich tapestry of wildlife, thriving in a climate that is as harsh as it is beautiful. Despite the presence of ice and snow, these islands are remarkably green, their vegetation a stark contrast to the icy expanses of Antarctica. This is a Lost Eden where nature reigns supreme, teeming with an array of wildlife that includes vast colonies of king and other penguin species, fur and elephant seals, albatrosses, giant petrels, and other seabirds. Offshore, whales, orcas, and dolphins thrive in the nutrient-rich waters, making this the most diverse marine ecosystem on earth.

  Your journey through the South Georgia Islands Group is carefully curated by your captain and Expedition Leader based on local conditions and wildlife reports. You'll venture to historic communities like Grytviken, visit the sprawling breeding colony of king penguins on Salisbury Plain, and explore the rarely-visited, lesser-known sites nature allows.

• Day 15/16 - Days At Sea

  FEB 08, 2025 - FEB 09, 2025

• Day 17 - 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 18 - Carcass Island, Saunders Island Falkland Islands

  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.

  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 19 - New Island, West Point 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.

  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.

• Day 20 - Days At Sea

  FEB 13, 2025

• Day 21 - Ezeiza International Airport, Buenos Aires, Argentina

  Ezeiza International Airport, the airport for Buenos Aires. Referred to as the 'Paris of South America', Buenos Aires is considered as one of the most livable cities in South America. Although the bustling capital city has just under 3,000,000 inhabitants and a population density of 13,680 inhabitants per square kilometer (34,800 per square mile), it was rated in 2018 as one of the top cities on the continent for its ‘quality of life’. Twinned with world cities such as Moscow and Miami, Buenos Aires displays through its architecture, a cultural past rooted in both the Old and New Worlds. A vibrancy for life can be seen everywhere. Crowded public markets, street performers dancing the tango, colorful graffiti-style street art, ultra-modern buildings, a dramatic skyline and a bustling port. Culturally, Buenos Aires has the busiest live theatre industry on Earth, outperforming New York, London and Paris. Every weekend, over 300 theatres are active with plays and productions.

  Buenos Aires was founded in 1580 by Spanish explorer Juan de Garay, and has changed hands many times during its history.

• Day 21 - 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.