Antarctica, South Shetlands, The Falklands and South Georgia

Few experiences in life compare to the sheer amazement of looking upon Antarctica’s coast for the very first time. This is a land almost completely free of the touch of humankind; an untouched wilderness that seems frozen in time. Your expedition cruise takes you right into the center of it, where you’ll encounter the serenity and grandeur of one of the planet’s most inspiring landscapes.

In the nearly 100 years since the South Pole Continent was first reached by the most intrepid explorers of the day, little has changed. Antarctica is still seen as an exciting voyage and a rare achievement few can claim. Here, you’ll feel the same thrill of setting foot on snowy, ice-packed shores as did Sir Ernest Shackleton when he took the first ofmany steps on the first land crossing of the continent. You’ll also gaze in wonder at the mountain ranges and glacial peaks first seen by Robert Falcon Scott and Roald Amundsen as they raced in wooden ships to see these lands by sea. All along the way, Antarctica will astound you with its crystal blue mountains of ice, daylight that persists for months at a time, and hundreds of fearless penguins plunging into the ocean for fish.

Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Depart USA and arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina the following morning
Enjoy a complimentary overnight hotel stay in Buenos Aires before flying to Ushuaia to begin your expedition. The Argentine city offers history-rich sightseeing and dozens of other attractions. If your flight arrives early enough, you’ll have time for an optional city tour.

Day 3: Ushuaia, Argentina
Fly to Ushuaia for a sightseeing tour along the steep streets of the southernmost city in the world. Here we board Minerva and settle in for our first night at sea. Take advantage of the austral summer daylight to toast a bon voyage out on deck as we set sail past the cormorant and seal colonies of the magnificent Beagle Channel, as we head out into the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 4: At Sea
As we sail east toward the Falklands, our illustrious team of lecturers begin their informal series of discussions on the fauna, flora, geology and history of Antarctic exploration. Be sure to spend some time looking out for whales, dolphins and birdlife and take advantage of our open bridge policy. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Dinner.

Day 5: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Stepping ashore on these proudly British scattering of some 420 rocky islands hundreds of miles from any other land mass, you’ll have a sense of having reached the ends of the earth. It certainly was for the old wrecks of whalers and clippers that lie strewn in the harbor. We offer a choice of shore excursions in the Falklands’ picturesque frontier capital. The rolling hills and huge clumps of tussock grass provide a habitat for cormorants, elephant seals, sea lions and penguins.

Day 6-7: At Sea
Our days at sea are filled with briefings from our team of experts and whale and seal watching. It’s also the perfect time to get to know your fellow guests. You may find that Antarctica travelers are among the most stimulating people you’ll ever meet! As we approach South Georgia, sightings of wildlife become more frequent, attracted to the rich krill found in these waters.

Day 8-9: South Georgia Island
Called “The Alps in Mid-Ocean,” this spectacularly beautiful island is actually a continuation of the Andes. It was here that Sir Ernest Shackleton found help for his stranded crew. He is buried at the former whaling hub of Grytviken. South Georgia boasts some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on earth: 95% of the world’s southern fur seals arrive here each summer to breed. There are five species of albatross, including the extraordinary wandering albatross. As always, weather shapes our explorations, but we plan to visit Salisbury Plain, where a vast colony of stately king penguins in glistening ebony tuxedos stretches as far as the eye can see.

Day 10-11: At Sea
Lecturers recap our adventures in South Georgia while we pass through waters filled with marine mammals.

Day 12-14: Antarctica and South Shetland Islands
We plan to land on the Antarctic Peninsula and several South Shetland Islands. On Deception Island, those who dare can go “swimming” in the thermal waters of Pendulum Cove. It was on Elephant Island that Shackleton’s crew was stranded. We’ll also transit Lemaire Channel* and Paradise Bay, iceberg-strewn passageways of breathtaking beauty.

Day 15-16: Cruise the Drake Passage
In 1578, cruising Cape Horn aboard the Golden Hind, Francis Drake and his crew encountered a tremendous storm which blew them southwest around Tierra del Fuego, proving that it was separated from any southern continent, and the passageway came to be known as the “Drake Passage.”

Day 17: Ushuaia – Buenos Aires
Today we disembark for our complimentary charter flight to Buenos Aires to catch connecting flights home. If you’ve added an optional hotel or land extension, your transfers are included.

What's Included:

• Complimentary Economy Class air to/from Buenos Aires
• Complimentary overnight hotel stay in Buenos Aires,
  Argentina (in addition to 14 nights on board)
• Included charter flights* to/from Ushuaia, Argentina,
  transfers and city tour with lunch en route to ship
• Complimentary beverages, including select wines and
  spirits, served throughout the ship
• All onboard gratuities
• Expedition team of the highest caliber
• All Zodiac® excursions
• Complimentary backpack and parka
• Boots and binoculars available on board for use
  during expedition

What's Not Included:

• Transportation to and from the embarkation point

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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.