Cape Horn to the Cape of Good Hope

Extraordinary and unusual, an expedition from Cape to Cape has been the challenge and dream of many sailors and explorers. Colorful milestones line our route on this epic voyage from Cape Horn, at the tip of South America, to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Explore the wildlife and icebergs of Antarctica and South Georgia, with its vast king penguins colonies. Visit the remote outpost of Tristan da Cunha — one of the least accessible, least visited and most dreamed-of places anywhere — before ending in lively Cape Town. You explore the Antarctic in prime season, mid-February, accompanied by the best Ice Team on earth. We always change course for wildlife sightings — and our Zodiacs, kayaks and an Undersea Specialist help us understand these remote lands.

Itinerary:

DAY 1-2 — U.S./Fly overnight to Santiago, Chile
Arrive in Santiago, backed by the soaring Andes. Check into the Grand Hyatt. Join a guided view of the city, and visit the Pre-Columbian Museum. (L,D)

DAY 3 — Santiago/Ushuaia, Argentina/Embark
This morning’s LAN charter flight offers rare views of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia. Join a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel. Embark ship. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 — At Sea
Watch for whales and birds as you settle into shipboard life. (B,L,D)

DAY 5-9 — Antarctica
With nearly 24 hours of daylight, we make the most of our days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands. Our schedule is flexible to take advantage of the unexpected. Cruise in Zodiacs, paddle kayaks, observe penguins. We land on the “white continent” and sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 — South Orkney Island
Mountainous and rugged, the South Orkneys are never quite free of ice. Giant icebergs litter the surrounding waters and every rocky beach teems with penguins. Leopard seals can be seen and innumerable birds nest on these wild islands. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 — At Sea (B,L,D)

DAY 12-15 — South Georgia
Renowned for its beauty and vast colonies of king penguins, this is also the final resting place for Sir Ernest Shackleton. Teeming wildlife, breathtaking scenery and soaring cliffs greet us. 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! (B,L,D)

DAY 16-19 — Sail the Southern Atlantic
With our bow pointed northeast towards the African continent, our days at sea are spent relaxing and hearing talks from our Naturalists to prepare us for the exciting days ahead. (B,L,D)

DAY 20-21 — Tristan da Cunha/Nightingale Island
“Welcome to the Remotest Island” reads the sign at our landfall today. In the middle of the South Atlantic, Tristan is home to just over 300 hardy souls who make their living from the sea. We meet the islanders to learn firsthand about their culture and history. Nightingale Island is a wildlife haven, home to millions of breeding greater shearwaters, albatross and a unique race of rockhopper penguins. There’s time to hike with our Naturalists on this oceanic Eden. (B,L,D)

DAY 22-25 — At Sea
Watch for marine life at the Bridge, hear talks by our expedition staff, take time for a massage, a workout in the gym, or catch up on some reading. (B,L,D)

DAY 26 — Cape Town, South Africa/Disembark/Overnight Hotel
Disembark and explore Cape Town, the premier city in South Africa, celebrated for its great seaside location and vistas. For a spectacular view of the Cape, take a cable car to the top of the city’s landmark, flat-topped Table Mountain (weather permitting). Then visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, known for its remarkable collection of Cape flora. Check in to the fine Table Bay Hotel, on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with the rest of the day free to explore. (B,L)

DAY 27-28 — Cape Town/Home
Ask about our three Optional Extensions to Cape Town, South Africa, to Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, and to Easter Island.

What's Included:

All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.

What's Not Included:

Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.

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All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.