Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise in Ushuaia, Argentina

Our staff welcomes you in Ushuaia, at the pier. Board your ship in the afternoon and sail along the Beagle Channel towards South Georgia. Please make your own way to the Port, transfer is not included.

Day 2-4: Sailing to South Georgia

As we sail toward South Georgia, our historians and our naturalists offer a series of presentations. There is time to socialize in the ship’s lounge, while keeping an eye out for the region’s birdlife.

Day 5-8: Exploring South Georgia

The island of South Georgia is a diverse landscape of majestic mountains, massive glaciers, grassy uplands and deep fjords. Visit the former whaling outpost of Grytviken, where you may pay your respects at the simple grave of Ernest Shackleton. Depending on conditions, possible stops can include St. Andrew’s Bay where you could be overwhelmed by the sight of 150,000 king penguins, Cooper Island to see the nesting home of thousands of black-browed albatrosses and a large colony of macaroni penguins. If the weather is favorable, visits are also planned at Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plains, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay.

Day 9-10: Sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula

As the ship heads to Antarctica, the program of presentations continues. Use this time to enhance your understanding of the region and its history.

Day 11: Elephant Island

Sailing south, we hope to stop at Elephant Island. It was here that the crew of Shackleton’s Endurance found refuge while he and five handpicked men carried on to South Georgia. While stormy conditions rarely allow a shore landing, you will see the island from the ship.

Day 12-15: Exploring Antarctica

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs. Each day disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides.

No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature. You will explore several spots in the Gerlache Strait that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.

Day 16: Antarctica and scheduled return flight

Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. A 2-km (1.25-mi) walk takes you through Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to the aircraft. Bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).

Day 17: End of the Air-Cruise in Punta Arenas, Chile

After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.