Program Starts/Ends: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Embarkation: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Disembarkation: Ushuaia, Argentina
Cruise duration is 16 days/15 nights.

Head to beautiful ice-filled waters where magnificent icebergs creak, penguins roost in their thousands and breaching minke and humpback whales swim gracefully by on a 17-day Falkland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula cruise in the comfort of a boutique expedition ship. Kick off your intrepid voyage in Argentina’s buzzing cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires and wander the intriguing barrios. Your journey to the White Continent continues via the island communities of the Falklands before heading to the frozen Antarctic Peninsula where you discover mesmerising icy scenes. After a couple of weeks of polar exploration, you pull into Ushuaia at the bottom of the world, where you will have experienced the awe- inspiring beauty of some of the planet’s most unique landscapes.

Trip Highlights

• Dare to brave the mythical two-day Drake Passage sea crossing
• Keep an eye out for black-browed albatross in the Falklands as we come ashore to these remote communities
• Step on shore to see incredible penguin rookeries and get up close to these polar inhabitants
• Appreciate the precious scenery of impressive glaciers and spellbinding icebergs in the frozen southern waters
• Listen to our engaging polar experts and learn tips from our team of experienced photographers

Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina (hotel night)

You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its rich architecture and European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-night hotel included).

Day 2: Embarkation in Buenos Aires

Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital is known as «The Paris of South America». But this metropolis is as much about its neighbourhoods (barrios) and cafe culture. Each district has its own character – none more so than colourful and lively La Boca, where tango dancers perform in the streets. Ships dock into the regenerated waterfront barrio Puerto Madero. Be sure to also visit the handsome district of Recoleta, famous for the cemetery where Eva “Evita” Peron is buried.

Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon.

Day 3-4: At sea

You can spend your days at sea enjoying the many facilities available. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the jacuzzi whilst taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable on-board experts.

Day 5: Puerto Madryn

In northern Patagonia, this coastal Argentine city is best- known for its sandy beaches, lighthouse and for watching frolicking southern right whales from the beach at Playa El Doradillo. At Caleta Valdés on the Valdes Peninsula, around the bay, white bull elephant seals haul out next to penguins who are ever watchful for hungry orcas. This fast-growing city is a good place to find out more about the Patagonian natural environment at the Ecocentro museum.

Day 6: At sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Day 7: West Point Island

Black-browed albatross soar above this rugged weather-beaten island in the west of the Falklands, while Commerson’s dolphins swim below. With a sparse population of people and sheep, this inhabited island is also home to fur seals, burrowing rockhopper penguins, magellanic penguins and imperial cormorants who roost in the jagged cliffs and the striking Cliff Mountain towering above the dramatic coastal scenery. As you hike across the moss, keep an eye open for pink-petalled Felton’s flowers. Birdlife is the big draw on this lush sheep-farming island, where thousands of rams and ewes roam. Settled by British explorers in 1765, the island’s unique scenery includes the beaches at The Neck filled with the cacophony of rockhopper, gentoo and king penguin colonies, and you might spot the pillar-shaped nests of black-browed albatross. Nine of the Falklands’ 14 endemic plants, including silvery buttercup and hairy daisy, grow here and are a real treat.

Day 8: Port Stanley

Anyone familiar with Britain’s trademark red post boxes might spot a resemblance in this British outpost. Port Stanley, on East Falkland, is the tiny capital of the Falkland Islands and is small enough to get around on foot. You can visit The Historic Dockyard Museum devoted to maritime history and exploration or pop into the post office. Magellanic penguins gather in hordes at nearby Gypsy Cove, and sea lions and dolphins frolic in the harbour.

Day 9-10: At sea

Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

Day 11-14: Antarctic Peninsula

Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent will live out their Antarctica dream. The Antarctic Peninsula, the most accessible area of the continent, hosts several scientific bases and some of the most interesting wildlife scenery, such as the extremely photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.

Day 15-16: At sea

Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

Day 17: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Please note: Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition cruise life. The world has a habit of amazing us with incredible things when we yield to the unexpected. Join us with an open mind and a sense of adventure and you’ll find that this can pay off in the most rewarding ways.