Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands

South Georgia adds another dimension to your Antarctic adventure. This historic island offers an opportunity to explore vast king penguin colonies, observe fur and elephant seals, and follow in the wake of one of the great heroes of Antarctic exploration: Sir Ernest Shackleton, who is buried in Grytviken at the foot of South Georgia?s mountain range. The 2/16/2009 departure will include a photography enrichment program, see end of page for details.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart Home / Buenos Aires, Argentina

Depart on your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Day 2: Buenos Aires

Arrive this morning and transfer to your hotel, where immediate check-in has been arranged. Have time to relax before this afternoon?s optional city tour. Meet your fellow adventurers this evening for a welcome cocktail reception.

Day 3: Buenos Aires / Ushuaia, Argentina

Fly to Ushuaia for a traditional Patagonian barbecue lunch. This afternoon, join your ship and settle in for a first night on board.

Day 4: At Sea

Your journey to the Falkland Islands is an exciting one, as you join the Captain on the bridge or spot wildlife from the deck?-these krill-rich waters are a particular favorite with marine mammals and seabirds.

Days 5-6: Falkland Islands

The Falklands offer a chance to step back in time to a place where nature reigns. Spend the day leisurely hiking to penguin rookeries and other unspoiled wildlife habitats, or perhaps stroll the village streets of Stanley.

Days 7-8: Cruising the South Atlantic

As the ship approaches South Georgia, deck-side sightings of marine mammals and other wildlife become more frequent.

Days 9-11: South Georgia

South Georgia is actually a nearly submerged continuation of the Andes mountain range, and your days here are spent exploring its glacier-carved coves and rugged shores. Weather permitting, enjoy a visit to impressive Salisbury Plain, St. Andrew Bay or Gold Harbor--home to a vast colony of stately King penguins.

Days 12-13: Cruising the Scotia Sea

Lecturers recap your adventures in South Georgia while the ship passes through waters filled with marine mammals and fish.

Days 14-16: Exploring Antarctica

As conditions permit, the ship?s itinerary calls for landings on the Antarctic Peninsula and a number of South Shetland Islands including Cuverville, Paulet and Deception Island. There are also plans to sail through Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, with other possibilities for exploration including a scientific research station.

Days 17-18: Drake Passage

Return through Drake Passage where there are more opportunities for observing marine and birdlife. It?s also a good opportunity to reflect on your journey with fellow travellers on deck.

Day 19: Ushuaia, Argentina / Buenos Aires

Disembark after breakfast and head out to explore Tierra del Fuego?s spectacular wilderness before transferring to the airport.

Day 20: Return Home

Connect to a homebound flight.

Due to the nature of expedition cruising, this itinerary is subject to change based on weather, ice, wildlife and other conditions beyond your guides' control.