Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands

Antarctica is a wild, pristine place with unlimited photographic opportunities. Penguins by the thousands are of course the real stars here. Their comical antics are truly captivating. A visit to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands is the perfect complement for a voyage to Antarctica. The Falklands, whose windswept terrain is reminiscent of Scotland, are a wildlife-rich area with species not seen elsewhere. Visit one of the largest albatross colonies in the world, and see gentoo, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins.

Itinerary

Day 13: South Orkney Islands

Since they're so isolated and often icebound, the South Orkneys are rarely visited. As you enter the vicinity, the shapes and shades of ice are endless. Although it is such a cold and frozen world, the wildlife is surprisingly abundant. Penguins and Leopard seals float by on icebergs, and Snow and pintado petrels weave through the sky. The knowledge of your leaders make these islands once known as the "Inaccessible Islands," accessible to you. In their capable hands, you are able to experience the South Orkneys' remote and rugged beauty.

Days 18-19: At Sea

These days at sea give you a chance to reflect on all that you have seen and experienced in South Georgia, and prepare for the exciting days ahead in the Falkland Islands. There'll be time to hear talks from the staff, read in the ship's cozy library, and search for whales from the Bridge. For the more indulgent, enjoy a rejuvenating massage with your licensed therapist, work out in the gym--or simply relax.

Day 24: Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembark / Santiago

You disembark in Ushuaia and have some time to explore before boarding your exclusively chartered LAN Chile flight to Santiago, and the subsequent overnight flight to the U.S.

Day 23: At Sea

Your last day at sea gives you one more opportunity to watch for marine life, and a chance to reflect on all you have seen and heard, hearing talks from your staff and bringing to summary the colossal scope of this voyage.

Day 20: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

See the photogenic tin-roofed, Victorian-style houses of Port Stanley. Visit the Anglican Cathedral with its organic archway of whalebones and the Falkland Islands Museum.

Day 25: Arrive Miami

You land in Miami at sunrise, feeling inevitably that you are, as some guests describe it, re-entering the world. Then, board your respective connecting flights home.

Days 14-17: Exploring South Georgia

Renowned for its beauty and vast colonies of king penguins, this is also the final resting place for the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Teeming wildlife, breathtaking scenery and soaring cliffs filled with birdlife greet our ship. Hundreds of young Antarctic fur seals are on hand as our Zodiacs make landfall. At St. Andrew's Bay, you may come upon 100,000 king penguins.

Day 11: At Sea / Elephant Island

You pass the speck of land that is the legendary Elephant Island, an unforgettable part of the Shackleton story, where the crew of Endurance finally landed on April 24, 1916. From here, Shackleton and five men set sail for one of the most incredible stories of survival at sea: 700 miles across the Southern Ocean in a 22' long wooden sailboat.

Days 6-10: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula

With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, you make the most of our five days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands. Your schedule is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of the unexpected. You?ll sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel and land on the "White Continent."

Days 4-5: Crossing the Drake Passage

During these two days you sail across the Drake Passage. Keep a lookout for seabirds and other marine life that glide alongside our ship. The passage, with its mountainous islands and spectacular seascapes, is usually quite breathtaking, especially if we spot whales.

Day 3: Santiago / Ushuaia, Argentina / Embark Ship

Fly to Ushuaia, where you'll embark Endeavour and set sail.

Day 2: Santiago

With the soaring Andes as a backdrop, Santiago makes a spectacular and welcoming first impression. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, the Hyatt Regency Santiago. Your morning is free for resting up or seeing the city on your own. After lunch, you'll have the opportunity to see the city on a panoramic tour, including city locales such as the Presidential Palace and the historic cathedral area. Later, return to your hotel for dinner.

Day 1: Miami / Santiago Chile

You leave Miami on an overnight flight to beautiful Santiago.

Days 21-22: Falkland Islands

The Falklands boast the largest albatross colony in the world, irresistible Magellanic penguins in their burrows amid the green tussock grass and herds of enormous elephant seals.

Day 12: At Sea

This is a time to spend hours on the deck or the bridge watching the sky and the sea. The ever-changing light presents endless photographic possibilities.