Antarctica, Chilean Fjords And Falklands

• Experience the unique beauty of Patagonia, Antarctica and the Falkland Islands
• Possible landing at legendary Cape Horn
• Great chances to see wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more
• Exciting ice-cruising and landing activities led by our expert Expedition Team

Day 1 - Santiago de Chile - Hotel
Day 2 - Santiago de Chile/Punta Arenas
Day 3 - Patagonia
Day 4-5 - Drake Passage
Day 6-11 - Antarctica
Day 12-13 - At sea
Day 14-16 - The Falkland Islands
Day 17 - At sea
Day 18 - Punta Arenas/Santiago de Chile
 
Day 1 Exciting and Diverse
Your adventure starts with an overnight stay in Santiago, the exciting and diverse capital of Chile. There is much to discover here, from Andean glaciers at the city borders to skyscrapers in the center, lovely colonial architecture and the shores of the fast-flowing Mapacho River. Why not extend your expedition by adding an optional Pre-program adventure to the amazing Atacama Desert or Chilean Patagonia?

Day 2 Embarking the Expedition
Fly early in the morning to Punta Arenas where the hybrid-powered MS Roald Amundsen awaits, ready for your expedition cruise to Antarctica.

Day 3 Scenic Beagle Channel
Enjoy cruising the scenic Beagle Channel, surrounded by mountains plunging straight into the icy water. This wild and remote area seems almost undisturbed by humans. Take in the isolated islands, hidden bays and rich wildlife that create one the world´s most beautiful landscapes.

Day 4-5 Cape Horn and the Drake Passage
Cape Horn is the southernmost point of South America, and we will do our best to make a landing here. The ship will then cross the famed Drake Passage to Antarctica. On the way, enjoy fascinating lectures from our Expedition Team in the Science Center and take advantage of the Wellness Center and other onboard amenities. You’ll also learn how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible and you’ll join Citizen Science programs to help collect data for current scientific research.

Day 6-11 Antarctica … Another World!
Antarctica never fails to inspire awe and wonder, with white horizons above oceans full of icebergs and whales. Perhaps even more awe-inspiring will be your first encounter with the huge colonies of penguins. Our Expedition Team will lead ice-cruising and landings at every opportunity to come ashore and explore the impressive Antarctic scenery. From deck, there are great chances to spot whales. Of course, this is true wilderness, so nature is in charge, but our experienced captain will work with the elements to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure.

We will attempt landings at several sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula and aim to bring you to the incredible diversity of landscapes and rich wildlife on display in this pristine wilderness.

Wherever we explore, the sights and sounds and of Antarctica are sure to stay with you for a lifetime!

Day 12-13 Lectures and Scanning for Wildlife on Deck
After exploring this unforgettable continent, we set course for the Falkland Islands. Our Expedition Team will brief you about the history and biology of the Islands, point out wildlife from our outer decks and scout for the Albatrosses that often guide our way. Using the state-of-the-art microscopes in the ship’s Science Center, you can analyze samples taken during the expedition cruise to see another kind of ‘wildlife’ at the cellular level.

Day 14-16 At the Edge of Antarctica
After the wilderness of Antarctica, enjoy the contrast provided by Stanley, with red phone boxes, red buses and old pubs. The capital is good size for roaming the streets on foot, or you can join an excursion to explore the wilderness and wildlife in the surrounding area. We will be docked here throughout the day.

The Falklands are teeming with wonders of nature, with fantastically clear blue skies, seamless horizons and stunning white sand beaches.

As we reach the westernmost outposts in the Falklands, you will see remote farms that have been family-owned for generations. Penguins waddle along the beaches here, often coming close to you to take a look out of curiosity, and even posing for photos! We plan to go ashore to explore the area on hikes and to spot some of the many bird species that live here.

Day 17 The Magellan Strait
As we complete the loop of the Magellan Strait, we will have a recap of everything we have experienced on this expedition cruise in the Science Center. Make sure you spend some time on deck looking for wildlife.

Day 18 The End of the Expedition
We arrive back in Punta Arenas in the morning. After the flight back to Santiago de Chile, you can extend your vacation with a post-voyage programme to Easter Island, famous for its mysterious statues of giant heads and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.