ITINERARY
Day 1 - Santiago de Chile
Day 2 - Santiago de Chile/Punta Arenas
Day 3 - At sea
Day 4-6 - The Falkland Islands
Day 7-8 - At sea
Day 9-13 - South Georgia
Day 14 - At sea
Day 15-19 - Antarctica
Day 20-22 - Drake Passage & Beagle Channel
Day 23 - Punta Arenas/Santiago de Chile
Day 1 Dynamic diversity
Your expedition starts with an overnight stay in Santiago,
Chile’s energetic cultural epicenter. Its many museums,
beautiful architecture, and top-notch restaurants provide all the
captivating points of interest you would expect of a large capital
city. There are a wide range of sites and attractions, so
you’ll only be limited by time, not options.
Ride the historic funicular up to Cerro San Cristóbal for
sweeping views of the city and the Andean glaciers that serve as a
backdrop. This is the city’s largest park, and hosts the
national zoo and botanic gardens. The park is located next to the hip
Bella Vista neighborhood, with chilled-out cafés and
Latin-inspired bars and clubs by night that make it the perfect spot to
visit. Stroll to the 18th-century presidential palace and down to the
Plaza de Armas, the historical heart of the city. Don’t
worry, you will have plenty of photo opportunities strolling through
the region and its many landmarks.. If you have time, head to the
Mercado Central fish market to sample classic Chilean seafood stew,
caldillo de congrio.
Want more time to explore the capital? That’s understandable
and why we recommend coming a few days early. Perhaps even join one of
our amazing Pre-Programs, to the amazing Atacama Desert or Chilean
Patagonia.
Day 2 Set off on your
expedition
You’ll be leaving Santiago early in the morning to catch your
flight in Santiago, so make sure to set your alarm. From the airport,
you fly to Punta Arenas, the capital of Chile’s southernmost
region, located on the Brunswick Peninsula, just north of the Strait of
Magellan. This once-booming penal colony reached its peak during the
gold-rush and sheep-farming periods of the 1880s and early 1900s. Now,
it is one of only two low-tax ports in Chile.
MS Fram will be waiting for you, ready to embark on its expedition
cruise to Antarctica. After you board the ship, you’ll meet
the Expedition Team and some of the crew members. They will conduct a
health and safety meeting, which is mandatory for all guests, before
setting sail. Head out to the observation deck to wave goodbye to Punta
Arenas as we set off on our southward course. Then head to the Explorer
Lounge & Bar to enjoy your favorite drink and turn your
imagination toward Antarctica—all while taking in the
fantastic views from the bar.
Day 3 Across the Strait
of Magellan
After your epic voyage is over, it will dawn on you that it was here,
in the Strait of Magellan, where your adventure truly began. It was
named after the Portuguese explorer Fernando de Magallanes, who
discovered it while leading a Spanish expedition to circumnavigate the
globe in 1520. Soak up the mesmerizing views that surround you, and
consider Fernando and his crew, who charted these waters in a rickety
ship 500 years ago.
With our course set for the Falkland Islands, you’ll now be
in the hands of the expert Expedition Team. You will find that they are
not just inspirationallecturers and attentive hosts, but bonafide
adventurers who all have their fair share of exciting stories and
information to share. Their enthusiasm is contagious, whether the
lecture deals with marine biology, Arctic survival, oceanography, or
photography. Feed off this energy and the anticipation will continue to
build! Join them in the lecture hall and in the Science Center to learn
about the interesting history and fascinating wildlife of the Falkland
Islands. Want to be even more hands-on? Attend art classes and even
learn how to tie knots for when you go on landings.
Some of the best times play out in our restaurants, located on the aft
of the ship. You’ll be sure to note that every table, no
matter where it is placed, has an amazing view of the scenery. The
Strait looks particularly good while soaking in the outdoor hot tubs on
deck 7.
Day 4-6 Charming island
life
The Falkland Islands are probably best known for their checkered past.
They were discovered by the British and then settled by the French and
Spanish. Later, they were fought over during the Falklands War between
Argentina and Great Britain. The allure of these islands is immediately
evident. Their natural beauty will delight you throughout the three
days we spend exploring them.
The windswept green hills are home to large farms that have been
family-owned for generations. And the beaches! If it weren’t
for the Arctic wind for here, the white sand and clear, azure waters
might be mistaken for the Caribbean. Colonies of penguins waddle
alongside grazing sheep, while caracaras patrol overhead and geese
forage at the water’s edge.
There are nearly 800 islands here, and the list of possible sites to
visit is just as long. Rather than confining ourselves to a fixed
itinerary, we prefer to be flexible and keep our exploration
spontaneous. After all, this is an adventure! The Expedition Team and
the captain will take note of the sea and weather conditions at all
times and pick the safest and best sites for that day. Whether we set
foot on Saunders Island, West Point, Carcass Island, or one of the many
other locations we could visit, you can rest assured that those spots
are the safest and best options for your expedition.
One of our most likely places to visit is Stanley, the capital of the
archipelago on East Falkland. This little town is a great place explore
on foot and an excellent jumping-off point for several optional
excursions. In the center of town, don’t miss its nice
selectionof local shops. Maybe even pop in at an English pub to share a
pint with the friendly locals.
Day 7-8 Cruising the
South Atlantic
After the Falkland Islands, we will spend two days cruising toward
beautiful South Georgia. Known as the ‘Galápagos
of the Poles’, you can look forward to an archipelago of
impressive and diverse wildlife.
That’s still a couple of days away, though. In the meantime,
learn from the Expedition Team and pay close attention as they prepare
you off on what to expect. They will tell you everything they know
about South Georgia, including information about the area’s
wildlife, polar history, geology, and glaciology, as well as the
legendary Norwegian whalers. One of the most fascinating stories is
that of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the crew of the ill-fated ship
Endurance. These stories are filled with amazing feats of bravery.
You’ll also learn how to make your visit as safe and
sustainable as possible. You also have the opportunity to join Citizen
Science programs to help collect data for current scientific research
projects.
Day 9-13 The Serengeti of
the Southern Ocean
If you love wildlife, you’re going to love South Georgia.
Nicknames such as ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’
and ‘Galápagos of the Poles’ are heavy
claims, but the islands more than live up to their reputation.
You’ll understand why wildlife photographers from around the
world flock to South Georgia.
Uniquely positioned inside the Antarctic ecosystem yet outside the
reach of sea ice, South Georgia is the ideal home for thousands of
breeding penguins and seals. There are notable populations of king
penguins, who prefer the warmer weather here than their emperor penguin
cousins in Antarctica. Both South Georgia and the South Sandwich
Islands have been identified an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area
(IBA), supporting many seabirds, including albatross, penguins,
petrels, shags, skuas, and terns. We will spend five days in South
Georgia. Our plan is to head ashore at several possible places and take
you close to the wilderness and wildlife. One such place is the
settlement of Grytviken, home to a Norwegian seaman’s church
built in 1913 and the final resting place of Antarctic explorer Sir
Ernest Shackleton.
However, like our time in the Falklands, our itinerary is not set in
stone. We know all the interesting sites and penguin colonies where we
may take you, but we always adjust our plans according to the weather
conditions. That’s what makes our expedition cruises so
memorable.
Day 14 Antarctica bound
After lengthy stays in both the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, you
will have fully immersed yourself in these amazing destinations and
their wildlife. Our Expedition Team will now focus your attention on
the main event of your expedition: Antarctica. They will offer
comprehensive lectures and presentations covering polar explorer
history, the environment and, of course, the wildlife of the region.
Throughout our journey, the Expedition Team will take water samples for
you to study under the microscopes in the Science Center, allowing you
to even see wildlife at the cellular level.
As we approach Antarctica, the Expedition Team will talk about the
strict environmental guidelines and the IAATO sustainability rules that
we follow. This continent is dedicated to peace, science, and tourism.
No human activity is permitted that might interfere with
Antarctica’s delicate natural balance. Our motto is to leave
nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures! Although even
then, we sometimes wipe away our footprints to prevent penguins from
getting stuck in them!
As always, the ship’s amenities are available for you to
enjoy. Now is your chance to work up a sweat in the gym or the sauna,
if you haven’t already. Don’t forget to stroll out
on the deck from time to time on your way to Antarctica. Spotting your
first huge iceberg is always a highlight.
Day 15-19 A world of ice
and wonder
Forget all your past experiences. Antarctica is in a league of its own.
No matter how high your expectations, Antarctica never disappoints.
Holding 90% of the world’s ice, the Great White Continent
gives meaning to the word ‘massive’. The only
country in the world with more surface area is Russia. Land lays
underneath the ice, but in certain places you would have to dig through
two and a half miles of snow and ice to reach it.
You will probably see your first seals and penguins from the ship, and
that in itself is a fantastic experience. Nothing compares, however, to
standing on the same shore as a colony of thousands of penguins. Same
goes for the seals that might pop up beside you as you enjoy an
optional kayaking activity among the icebergs. In the thrill of the
moment, you might not even remember to reach for your camera to take a
picture!
Just as the Antarctic icescapes change throughout its seasons, so does
the wildlife. In early austral spring, there is much more snow, making
the landscapes even more pristine. This is when the penguins are
meeting up. We rarely see whales at this time of year, in October and
November. In December, however, whales are more frequently seen in
these waters. That’s also when the first penguin chicks
hatch, which is always a delightful sight. February and March is peak
whale-watching season, as the massive amounts of krill in the Antarctic
waters attract a wide variety of whale species who come for a veritable
feeding frenzy.
In February and March, there will be less snow, and you will be able to
see the extremely cute, clumsy penguin chicks running around. For the
bird aficionados, there are 46 species of birds to find here, including
petrels, albatross, and terns.
Our Expedition Team will take excellent care of you while you enjoy
Antarctica’s marvels over the next five days. Join them in
ice-cruising in small boats (RIBs) and on landings to really explore
the icescapes of this frozen continent. If you visit early in the
season when snow conditions are good, you might even be able to go
snowshoeing. Like usual, there are no set sites we will definitely
visit. We are at the whims of the elements and will allow the wind and
sea ice to guide us in picking the best landing sites.
Day 20-22 Land ahead!
After five unforgettable days in Antarctica, it’s time for
the MS Fram to reverse course and carry you back north over the Drake
Passage. Known for its potentially high winds and strong currents, the
passage can also be silent and still. Luck will dictate whether youwill
experience the so-called ‘Drake Shake’ or the
‘Drake Lake’. Don’t worry, even if we
experience rough seas, you can rest easy on our safe and purpose-built
expedition ship.
During the crossing, the Expedition Team will recap our experiences in
Antarctica. That way, you can keep your head in glorious Antarctica for
just a little bit longer! Now that your cruise is coming to a close,
this is the perfect time to spend time with your fellow explorers and
go through the photos you took during the voyage. You still have time
to revisit some of your favorite activities and amenities on the ship,
enjoy!
After the Drake Passage is behind us, we will enter the scenic Beagle
Channel, where majestic mountains make a striking contrast with the icy
seas. Watch for the rare endemic Peale’s dolphin and other
wildlife as we sail through this amazing wilderness, a remote area
seemingly untouched by humans.
Day 23 Hold on to your
great adventure
In the morning we pull into Punta Arenas and back to civilization.
You’ll transfer to the airport for your flight back to
Santiago, where you’ll have a second chance to explore the
capital of Chile. If you’re not ready to go home, consider
extending your vacation with a Post-Program adventure to Easter Island,
famous for its mysterious statues of giant heads. Prolong your
adventures! Before disembarkatio, it’s time to bid a fond
farewell to your fellow passengers, to the crew, and to the Expedition
Team members.
After a 23-day experience at sea, surrounded by some of the most
remote, awe-inspiring scenery known to man, how do you call it quits?
You just don’t. The experience continues, both in your memory
and the knowledge you now carry with you. It lives in the stories and
photos you will bring back to your friends and family. We hope your
sustainable expedition cruise experience has been inspiring and has
renewed your awe of nature and reignited a passion to protect it.
(Click image to view Ship details)
