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The Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula

23-day adventure

Detailed, day-by-day itinerary for this adventure!
Accommodations are noted, and meals are coded as B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner

Top: Parent and chick King Penguins on South Georgia Island (Richard Polatty). Below: An Antarctica "close encounter" (Richard Polatty).

Detailed Itinerary SAMPLE

Here is the scheduled itinerary. Please note that itineraries are subject to change due to serendipitous wildlife sightings, weather, sea conditions, safety, mechanical problems, or other reasons beyond control.

Day 1

Depart USA

Depart USA on overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Overnight flight

Day 2

Arrive in Buenos Aires

On arrival you will be transferred from the international airport to the hotel. Welcome dinner.

Sofitel or equivalent, D

Day 3

Buenos Aires

We start the day with a walking exploration of Buenos Aires. Your afternoon is free. We meet for dinner and an authentic tango show, in style of Buenos Aires in the 1920's!

Sofitel or equivalent, BD

Day 4

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is an explorer's city, so we head out again this morning as a group. You are free in the afternoon and evening to discover on your own.

A sample tour my look like this: "Our tour begins at Plaza de Mayo Square, with visits to the “Pink House”, the seat for the Executive branch; the “Cabildo”, Buenos Aires’ first City Hall; and the Metropolitan Cathedral. From here, we proceed towards San Telmo. It is here that we find the ancient subterranean tunnels of Buenos Aires, a 3,000 square meter labyrinth below the streets, built in the early 16th century. Next, we travel to La Boca to admire the peculiar buildings the immigrants erected with any leftover materials they could find in the nearby shipyards. We arrive at Puerto Madero, a fast-growing, large-scale urban renovation project which started in 1991 with the remodeling of abandoned warehouses into state-of-the-art buildings housing exclusive restaurants and trendy nightclubs. We make a brief stop at the gorgeous Plaza San Martin, and then head into Recoleta to see Plaza Francia; Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar, the city’s second oldest church; and the celebrated Recoleta Cemetery, where we’ll visit Eva Peron’s grave. We end our journey in Bosques de Palermo, where we can enjoy the shade of the leafy trees and some fresh air."

Sofitel or equivalent, B

Day 5

Fly to Ushuaia—board Prince Albert II

We transfer to the domestic airport, (about 15 minutes from the hotel), for an early morning chartered flight to Ushuaia, the capital of the province of Tierra del Fuego. In Ushuaia, we board the Prince Albert II and begin our adventure cruise.

Prince Albert II, BLD

Day 6

At Sea

While the ship is at sea, a fine team of scientists and naturalists will offer a steady stream of lectures for your edification and general enjoyment. Topics include oceanography, geology, glaciology, biology, botany, marine, terrestrial and avian wildlife, conservation, preservation, and human history. They will also address ecological, economic and political issues that currently threaten the White Continent. In the shelter of the aft decks, you can join the gaggle of birders who are forever watching the diverse assortment of magnificent seabirds that glide gracefully behind the ship as they make the most of the Southern Ocean's steady winds. After dinner on most nights, there is entertainment and other diversions. As the sun almost never totally sets, you may see beautiful "sunsets," richly colored icebergs, whales, dolphins, seabirds and other wildlife all "night" long!

Tonight, we are invited to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party whereat the Captain will introduce his senior officers and various members of the Prince Albert II crew.

Prince Albert II, BLD

Day 7

The Falkland Islands: West Point Island—Carcass Island

Watch for the distinctive black and white markings of the Commerson's dolphin as we approach West Point Island. Upon arrival, we can walk across rolling moorland and admire colonies of Black-browed albatrosses that nest side-by-side with feisty Rockhopper penguins. Learn about the island's unique vegetation including the rare Felton plant. The hospitable island owners are always happy to answer our questions and share their stories.

As our Zodiac lands at Leopard Beach, Carcass Island, we may be surprised by the white sands, verdant tussock grasses and the large variety of land birds seen during our time ashore. The island is home to Magellanic and Gentoo penguins as well as the endemic Falkland flightless steamer duck and rare Ruddy-headed goose. Before heading back to the ship, we stop by for a spot of tea with the island owners.

Prince Albert II, BLD

Day 8

The Falkland Islands: Stanley

Stanley is the capital of the remote Falkland Islands and has a distinct British ambience. Stroll through the charming streets of this colorful little town, lined with quaint cottages and a variety of traditional pubs. Visit the 19th-century Anglican cathedral, wander through a small local museum, and see lingering reminders of the 1986 Falklands War.

Prince Albert II, BLD

Day 9-10

At Sea

As we begin to venture farther south, we experience midnight sunsets on deck and view nature's splendor through our cameras and binoculars. It is very possible to have sightings of Humpback and Killer or Orca whales and perhaps even the Wandering albatross, which can be recognized by its black wingtips and large wingspan.

Prince Albert II, BLD

Day 11-13

South Georgia Island—South Sandwich Islands

This breathtaking destination of towering snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands attract an astounding concentration of wildlife including: Southern fur seals, Southern elephant seals and a variety of albatross species like the Black-browed, Light-mantled sooty, Grey-headed and the spectacular Wandering albatross, plus thousands of King and Macaroni penguins.

South Georgia is also linked to the early Antarctic explorers. Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1775, but perhaps more famous is Ernest Shackleton's arrival in 1916 following the sinking of his ship, the Endurance. We visit Shackleton's grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken.

Prince Albert II, BLD

Day 14-15

At Sea

Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region's distinctive wildlife and nature. Knowledgeable experts in a variety of scientific fields present lectures and seminars. Onboard diversions may include wine tastings, photographic workshops, spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Prince Albert II, BLD

Day 16

Elephant Island—South Shetland Islands

Awesome glaciers flecked with pink algae greet us as we approach Elephant Island - so named for its abundance of Elephant seals. When Ernest Shackleton's ship Endurance was crushed in pack ice in the Weddell Sea, the crew was stranded here for 105 days in 1916. Elephant Island is home to several Chinstrap penguin rookeries, as well as 2,000-year old moss colonies. Weddell seals, Gentoo and Macaroni penguins can also be found on the spit of land Shackleton's men named 'Point Wild'.

Prince Albert II, BLD

Day 17-19

Antarctic Peninsula

Beyond the furthest reaches of Tierra del Fuego and beyond imagination lies the last great frontier - Antarctica's vast white wilderness. Landscapes formed by the harshest wrath of nature, yet blessed by an isolated independence. A place unlike anywhere else on earth, where unique nature and wildlife species exist and, in fact, thrives despite the harsh climate. Witness the dramatic beauty of spectacular iceberg sculptures, marvel at calving glaciers and experience up-close encounters with marine mammals. Watch for seals sunbathing on slow-moving ice floes and for Humpback, Minke and Orca whales surfacing from below the frigid waters. Each day we will attempt at least two Zodiac departures, and, if conditions permit, will visit a variety of penguin rookeries and scientific research stations. Perhaps a Zodiac cruise amidst colorful icebergs or a special excursion with an expert guest naturalist will be the highlight of our day's agenda.

Prince Albert II, BLD

Day 20-21

At Sea—Drake's Passage

The Drake Passage has a notorious reputation for its turbulent seas due to the Antarctic Convergence, a natural boundary where cold polar water flows northward and warmer equatorial water moves southward. When they meet, nutrients are pushed to the surface, often attracting a multitude of seabirds and whales. Spend some time on deck watching the horizon and the variety of seabirds that float in the air currents of our ship's wake. Varieties like the Black-browed albatross, Sooty shearwaters and White-chinned petrels.

Prince Albert II, BLD

Day 22

Ushuaia—disembark—fly home

After breakfast, disembark the Prince Albert II and transfer to Ushuaia International Airport for your charter flight to Buenos Aires J. Newbery Domestic Airport (AEP). There you transfer to the International airport for your flight home.

overnight flight, B

Day 23

Arrive Home

Arrive at your home airport.

Route Map