South Georgia and the Falklands

Day 1

Buenos Aires, Argentina (National Geographic Endurance) or Santiago, Chile (National Geographic Resolution)

Arrive in Buenos Aires (National Geographic Endurance) or Santiago (National Geographic Resolution). Transfer from the airport to the Alvear Icon or similar (National Geographic Endurance) before setting out on a guided tour of the city’s Beaux-Arts palaces and parks. Visit Recoleta—the final resting place of Argentina's iconic first lady, Eva Perón—and enjoy a private visit to El Zanjon de Granados, one of the city’s premier museums.

Or transfer to the Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, or similar (National Geographic Resolution) before a guided overview of this vibrant city backed by the inspiring Andes. Discover sites like the Plaza de Armas and get a feel for the mix of old and new that makes this city so great.

In the early evening, gather for an informal reception and a drink at the hotel.

Day 2

Fly to Ushuaia / Embark Ship

This day has a recommended group flight.

Fly southward on the recommended flight to Ushuaia; transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided. Ushuaia—'The End of the World'—is sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the protected waters of Beagle Channel. Savor lunch onboard a private catamaran as you cruise the Channel, keeping an eye out for plump sea lions and sleek imperial cormorants. By day's end, embark and settle into your floating expedition home base.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

At Sea In The South Atlantic

Feel the excitement build as you depart South America and enter the chilly realm of the Far South Atlantic. Visit the Bridge (nerve center of the ship and ideal for spotting wildlife), enjoy a massage and listen in on informal gatherings with your naturalist staff as they discuss what to expect in the wilds of the Falklands. Spend time on deck scanning the horizon for petrels, penguins and albatross.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 4-5

Falkland Islands

The best aspects of expedition travel seem to come together in the western Falkland Islands. Where else can you land on a beach tucked into a rocky cove, hike out across a rolling green pasture and suddenly find yourself at the crest of a sea cliff looking out over the South Atlantic surf? Just a few steps further and you’re standing at the edge of a breeding colony of black-browed albatross, so close that you can hear the wind on their wings as they swoop into land beside you. Check out the thousands of irresistible gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins congregate here, along with magnificent albatross and fur seals.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6-7

At Sea

Expedition days at sea are an invitation to pause, catch a breath and absorb some of the experiences you've already accumulated—before marching off on a range of all-new ones. It’s a great time to get some background on the history of Antarctic exploration and the flora, fauna and geology of your next destination: South Georgia. And to learn from your naturalists how to identify the seabirds that will inevitably follow you there: wandering albatross, prions and others.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 8-12

South Georgia Island

Explore the spectacular coastline of South Georgia Island. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, your schedule is flexible with opportunities for walking, hiking, kayaking and Zodiac excursions. Sailing along the coast, activities will be offered every day including visits to Grytviken, the final resting place of Shackleton, and Stromness Harbour, where Ernest Shackleton, Tom Crean and Frank Worsley finally reached aid at a whaling station. The island is also home to huge elephant seals and thousands of king penguins.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 13-14

At Sea

Relax onboard and enjoy the ship’s amenities. Head up to the Bridge to observe expert navigation at work as the skilled Captain and officers sail these historic waters. There’ll also be time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, work out in the gym and browse in the library. Each day your naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 15-16

Falklands / At Sea

With whales beneath and birds above, head up to the bridge or spend these days enjoying the ship’s spa, fitness center, library and observation deck. After time at sea, your journey across the South Atlantic Ocean takes you once more to the island archipelago that teems with nature. In the afternoon, visit Stanley, the bright, pretty capital of the Falkland Islands, a charming outpost of British culture tucked into a small bay on the shore of these windswept islands in the far South Atlantic. Many Falkland Islanders still live in very traditional ways, and you’ll have a chance to visit a small farm to see some expert sheep shearing and learn about the best techniques for cutting blocks of peat for the fire. The rocky hills and white sand beaches outside town offer some excellent hikes, and afterward a cup of tea or a pint at the local tavern goes down very nicely.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17

Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembark Ship / Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile

Disembark in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Take a charter flight to Buenos Aires and connect with your flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast