21-Day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland

ITINERARY

Day 0: ALVEAR ICON HOTEL (CHARTER)

Day 1: TRANSFER HOTEL/AIRPORT

Referred to as the "Paris of South America", Buenos Aires is considered as one of the most livable cities in South America. Although the bustling capital city has just under 3,000,000 inhabitants and a population density of 13,680 inhabitants per square kilometer (34,800 per square mile), it was rated in 2018 as one of the top cities on the continent for its ‘quality of life’. Twinned with world cities such as Moscow and Miami, Buenos Aires displays through its architecture, a cultural past rooted in both the Old and New Worlds. A vibrancy for life can be seen everywhere. Crowded public markets, street performers dancing the tango, colorful graffiti-style street art, ultra-modern buildings, a dramatic skyline and a bustling port. Culturally, Buenos Aires has the busiest live theatre industry on Earth, outperforming New York, London and Paris. Every weekend, over 300 theatres are active with plays and productions.

Buenos Aires was founded in 1580 by Spanish explorer Juan de Garay, and has changed hands many times during its history.

BUENOS AIRES AIR CHARTER TO USHUAIA

TRANSFER AIRPORT/SHIP

For centuries Ushuaia’s harsh climate seemed too forbidding for the establishment of a European settlement, thereby leaving the land to its native inhabitants, the Yahgan People.

Today, however, Ushuaia is the southernmost city on Earth and is often referred to as "the end of the world". Nestled on the banks of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia greets its visitors with a tapestry of colorful houses dotted against a background of dramatic snow-capped mountains. The jagged peaks of Monte Olivia, which tower some 4,530’ (1,318 m) above, dominate the landscape. Dense forests of Southern beech trees, extend from sea level to alpine.  Thanks to its location and relative proximity to the Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the Great White Continent. Rich in natural history, indigenous people’s heritage, and the spirit of exploration, Ushuaia offers something for everyone, from spectacular trekking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to discovering the rich stories and historical heritage at "The End of the World" museum.

Day 2: At Sea

Day 3: New Island, Falkland Islands
Wind-swept New Island, one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands, lies on the western fringe of the Falklands Archipelago. Its gentle, low-lying eastern shores are indented with white, sandy bays and coves beaming with turquoise water.  Gradually rising, these slopes are transformed into rugged sea-battered cliffs on the island’s western side. A place of colorful landscapes, New Island supports some of the largest concentrations and diversity of wildlife in the Falklands, with over forty species of nesting birds. Four species of penguins, including 13,000 gentoo and 26,000 Southern rockhopper penguins call the island home. Embracing winds and seas below, 60,000 black-browed albatross soar along the cliffs. New Island’s history is as rich and plentiful as its natural wonders. The island has known human presence since the late 1700s, especially with many whaling ships finding refuge in its coves and bays from tempestuous weather.

Day 3: West Point Island, Falkland Islands
Albatrosses have long captured the imagination of sailors, roaming the vast oceans, embracing storms and winds far from the safety of land and so at ease in the roughest sea conditions. In summer, a large colony of black-browed albatrosses come to breed on West Point Island. Along with rockhopper penguins, they reside between the rocky ledges and among the tussock grass.  Other species can also be seen throughout the island: fur seals and sea lions visit its shores and dolphins frequent its harbor. Cliff Mountain, its highest point, rises to 1,250’ (381 meters) above the highest sea cliffs in the Falklands. The Napier family, descendants of the original farmers, still own and operate West Point Island as a traditional sheep farm. Living in a modest family house sheltered by weathered Monterey cypress trees, they welcome visitors in for a cup of tea. Experience West Point’s spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and its human population of just two, Lily and Roddy Napier.

INCLUDED EXPEDITION: Walks on shore and Exploration with the Expedition Team

Join the Expedition Team for a Zodiac landing on West Point Settlement. A leisurely walk across the island will lead us to tussock-grass covered area with cliffs, full of breeding seabirds. Majestic Black-browed albatrosses, Rockhopper penguins and Blue-eyed cormorants.

Days 4: Carcass Island, Falkland Islands
Carcass Island lies to the northwest of the Falklands. It is a wildlife haven, as the island has been kept free of mice and rats. The coastline of formed by large sandy bays, beaches, tidal rock point to the north-west and cliffs and slopes along the north-eastern coast. The islands has numerous bird species, including the endemic Cobb’s wren, Gentoo & Magellanic  penguins, Ruddy headed geese and many more, freshwater ponds are important for wildfowl. Commerson’s Dolphin frequently swim along the coast. Over a hundred plant species form the green covering the island. The name of the Island derives from 18th Century visitor, HMS Carcass.

INCLUDED EXPEDITION: Walks on shore and Exploration with the Expedition Team

Join the Expedition Team for a zodiac landing on Carcass Island. Walk around the settlement to enjoy first-hand views of the local wildlife.  The birdlife is particularly rich at Carcass, some species expected to be found here are: Gentoo and Magellanic penguins, Striated caracaras, Turkey vultures, Upland geese, Blackish oystercatcher, Steamer ducks, Long-tailed meadowlark, Cobb’s wren, and Falklands thrush.

Days 4: Saunders Island, Falkland Islands
Saunders Island, a wild and remote jewel in the Falkland Islands, is steeped in history. It was here, at Port Egmont, that the first British settlers made their mark in 1765. Today, the spirit of these early pioneers lives on, with descendants of the initial farming families still residing on the island, carrying on the age-old tradition of sheep farming.

But it's not just human history that makes Saunders Island so fascinating—it's a veritable sanctuary for wildlife. The island is home to five different species of penguin—king, macaroni, gentoo, rockhopper, and the occasional magellanic—each adding to the island's vibrant biodiversity. In addition, 500 steamer ducks, white-bridled finches, and an impressive 22,000 black-browed albatrosses choose to breed here. And if you turn your gaze seaward, you might spot dolphins frolicking in the harbor or Southern right whales in the distance.

Days 5: Stanley/Falkland Is/Islas Malvinas
The lonely lighthouse at Cape Pembroke welcomes arrivals to Stanley. It alerts ships to the treacherous rocks, reefs and shoals for which the Falkland Islands have long been known. With a population of over 2,000 people, Stanley is the largest settlement on the islands. Its gardens, tea rooms, brightly colored houses and hotels lend it a slightly Victorian feel, seemingly suspended in time. The Anglican Cathedral, the southernmost in the world, stands prominently on Stanley’s waterfront.

The Falklands’ unique abundance of wildlife is evident in Stanley. Dolphins visit its harbor, while steamer ducks, kelp gulls, and other birds abound on shore. Southern sea lions can be spotted basking in the sun. Southern giant petrels often fly through town, oblivious to the human presence. Founded in the 1840s, the town was named after Edward Smith-Stanley, Earl of Derby, who never visited the islands.

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSION: Bluff Cove Lagoon:  Penguins & Tea

Discover breeding King and Gentoo penguins and the abundant bird species of the Falkland Islands on this scenic, off-road excursion to the privately-owned Bluff Cove Lagoon wildlife haven. After tendering ashore, you will be met by the Bluff Cove team and set out with your driver/guide by minibus. A 20-minute journey takes you through Stanley and across the rolling hills to Bluff Cove Farm. Here, switch to a 4x4 Land Rover vehicle. Your skillful driver will navigate the rugged off-road terrain for 20 minutes to the Bluff Cove Lagoon penguin rookery. A knowledgeable and friendly ranger will accompany you on a leisurely stroll through the penguin colony, which features a scenic backdrop of a large lagoon and a white, sandy beach that is occasionally patrolled by sea lions from the nearby island. This beautiful, pristine reserve is home to more than 1,000 breeding pairs of Gentoo penguins which protect the growing colony of King penguins and their chicks. Magellanic penguins, which burrow on the nearby island, can often be found on the beach. Bird species that frequent or nest in the area include skuas, upland geese, ruddy-headed geese, Magellanic oyster-catchers, South American terns, dolphin gulls, flightless Falkland steamer ducks, snowy sheathbills and southern giant petrels, among others. At the legendary Sea Cabbage Café on the beach, relax over tea, coffee and hot chocolate accompanied by delicious home-baked treats such as scones with diddle-dee jam and fresh cream. Bask in the warmth and aroma of the peat stove while the enjoying splendid vistas of waves crashing on the sandy beach and penguins porpoising in. The Bluff Cove Museum, also by the beach, depicts life in the Falklands and tells the story of Bluff Cove. You can find out about the farm, the nearby 1863 ‘sugar wreck’, the 1982 war with Argentina and the fabulous lagoon wildlife. You will have free time to take photographs, stroll along the beach and look around the museum. A small gift shop sells unique Bluff Cove souvenirs, including Bluff Cove tweed items made with the farm wool, and postcards that can be stamped and mailed from here. Look for samples of knitted, crocheted and felted local wool work displayed on the walls of the café and museum.

OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSIONS: Kelp Point Exclusive Wildlife Excursion

Days 6-7: At Sea

Days 8-10: South Georgia Experience
The South Georgia Islands Group is one of the least visited destinations on earth. It consists of South Georgia Island and smaller surrounding islands and rocks. Largely untouched and blessed with a sub-Antarctic climate and nutrient-rich seas, it represents a sort of Lost Eden of unspoiled wildlife habitat. Although ice and snow are present, they are strikingly green with vegetation as compared with Antarctica. They teem with wildlife, including massive populations of king and other penguin species, fur seals, elephant seals, albatrosses, giant petrels, and other seabirds. Whales, orcas and dolphins abound offshore in the most diverse marine ecosystem on earth. Your captain and expedition leader plan your days in South Georgia to offer you a variety of experiences in this remote and enchanting destination, based on conditions and wildlife reports. These will certainly include visits to historic communities such as Grytviken, with its memorial to Ernest Shackleton, the immense breeding colony of king penguins on the Salisbury Plain and other highlights, along with less well-known, but equally unforgettable sites. Your veteran expedition team members enrich your experience during presentations and in casual conversations and interpret passing sights during time spent cruising. They will also accompany you on landings at the various sites and excursions in Zodiacs and kayaks.

The South Georgia Islands Group, is a gem in the heart of the sub-Antarctic. Comprising of South Georgia Island and its smaller surrounding islands and rocks, this untouched paradise houses a rich tapestry of wildlife, thriving in a climate that is as harsh as it is beautiful. Despite the presence of ice and snow, these islands are remarkably green, their vegetation a stark contrast to the icy expanses of Antarctica. This is a Lost Eden where nature reigns supreme, teeming with an array of wildlife that includes vast colonies of king and other penguin species, fur and elephant seals, albatrosses, giant petrels, and other seabirds. Offshore, whales, orcas, and dolphins thrive in the nutrient-rich waters, making this the most diverse marine ecosystem on earth.

Your journey through the South Georgia Islands Group is carefully curated by your captain and Expedition Leader based on local conditions and wildlife reports. You'll venture to historic communities like Grytviken, visit the sprawling breeding colony of king penguins on Salisbury Plain, and explore the rarely-visited, lesser-known sites nature allows.

Days 11-12: At Sea

Days 13-18: Antarctic Experience
Depending on weather, ice conditions and reported wildlife distribution during your voyage, your captain and expedition team will program an additional day of discovery and adventure for you in Antarctica.

Days 19-20: At Sea

Day 21: Ushuaia, Argentina

USHUAIA AIR CHARTER TO BUENOS AIRES TRANSFER CITY/AIRPORT TRANSFER SHIP/CITY

EZEIZA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

TRANSFER AIPORT/AIRPORT

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Please Call Us to find out what is included in the fare

ADVENTURE OPTIONS

• Exploring Antarctica by Kayak - Starting at $295
• Diving Antarctica by Submersible - Starting at $499
• Hiking
• Cultural Tour
• Zodiac Cruising