South Atlantic Semi-Circumnavigation

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn about the fascinating fauna and unlikely flora on the South Shetland Islands
• Observe Adélie penguins, blue-eyed shags, skuas and elephant seals on Petermann Island
• Discover the island where Shackleton’s ill-fated crew sought refuge
• Step ashore the rarely visited South Orkney islands and observe nesting penguins
• Visit Gough Island, one of the most remote inhabited islands on the planet

ITINERARY

DAY 1  USHUAIA
Ushuaia is the gateway to the White Continent. Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range in Argentina's Patagonia region, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. Often described as 'the End of the World', the city carries the reputation well - the moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help.

DAY 2-3  DAY AT SEA
Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts.

DAY 4-6  ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent live their Antarctica dream. It's the most accessible part, with scientific bases and incredible scenery. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.

SHORE EXCURSIONS (SEEOPTIONAL ACTIVITIES)

DAY 7-8  DAY AT SEA
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

DAY 9-11  SOUTH GEORGIA
Often called the 'Galapagos of the Poles,' South Georgia has a number of landing sites with half a million king penguins or three million breeding pairs of macaroni penguins, making up the largest population in the world alongside harrumphing elephant seals. Among its remarkable sites is Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) rests in peace.

DAY 12-15  DAY AT SEA
Spend your day at sea enjoying your boutique 5-star ship. Treat yourself to a spa day, attend an expert-led onboard lecture or enjoy the ocean views from the deck or the comfort of our Observation Lounge.

DAY 16  TRISTAN DA CUNHA
Seabirds outnumber humans on this remote British outpost in the middle of the southern Atlantic. Millions of species like the rare yellow-nosed albatross, skuas, terns and petrels, including the endangered Tristan albatross, inhabit the bluffs. Northern rockhopper penguins breed on the beaches, while upwellings attract whales and dolphins. Fur seals also haul out on the island teeming with avian life.

SHORE EXCURSIONS (SEEOPTIONAL ACTIVITIES)

DAY 17-20  DAY AT SEA
Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

DAY 21  CAPE TOWN
Between mountains and the ocean, Cape Town is a vibrant, multicultural city with a lively waterfront featuring seafood restaurants, shopping and attractions. A cable car transports visitors to distinctive Table Mountain with sweeping views. Boats head to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Nearby Boulders Beach is home to African penguins, and world-class Stellenbosch vineyards offer wine tastings amid Cape Dutch architecture.

SHORE EXCURSIONS (SEEOPTIONAL ACTIVITIES)

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Flight: Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5* hotel or onboard
• All transfers between the hotel, port and airport
• Onboard accommodation
• All meals onboard including room service 24 hours a day
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks & select alcoholic beverages 24 hours a day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• Shore excursion programme led by our expert expedition team
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka
• Use of rubber boots for shore landings
• Standard WIFI
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes
• Itineraries are correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change

DAY 4-6  ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
KAYAK IN ANTARCTICA WITH SWAN HELLENIC EXPEDITION TEAM (SINGLE OUTING)
Optional
02 h 00 m

DAY 16  TRISTAN DA CUNHA
ZODIAC CRUISE WITH SWAN HELLENIC EXPEDITION TEAM
Enjoy a Zodiac cruise and try to spot the marine life is Northern Rockhopper Penguins, Tristan Albatross and Sea Lions
Included
02 h 00 m

DAY 21  CAPE TOWN
SHUTTLE SERVICE TO V&A WATERFRONT
Visit the vast VA Waterfront with the freedom to shop or dine at your leisure
Discover culture and heritage in the harbourside attractions
Enjoy flexibility, and stay as long as you like in this bustling area using the shuttle buses
Included
03 h 00 m