Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North

This quaint city at the southernmost tip of South America is your gateway to Antarctica. The city itself provides a wide range of shops, cafés, gear shops and restaurants to explore before your voyage. Outside the city, snow-capped mountains and hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park offer ample adventure activities if you enjoy exploring nature.

Embark in the afternoon, with a journey through the picturesque Beagle Channel. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled and be out on deck, as the channel is home to a wide variety of wildlife including seabirds and seals. Rainbows are common here too, creating a great photographic opportunity to kick off the start to your Antarctic adventure (B/D).

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As we approach the white continent, don't be surprised if you are overcome by excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through the human eye. Our first sightings will be from the ship itself. The captain and expedition team keep their eyes out for whales and seabirds, and will alert us to any sightings. Our team of expert lecturers also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region. Even more exciting are our daily excursions to land.

Walking up to a beach dotted with penguins and seals is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and weather dependent, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities. We may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs in Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a chinstrap rookery the next day. From the booming shot of a calving glacier at Petermann Island to the complete silence of night in Antarctica, each day offers exciting opportunities (B/L/D).

Icebergs are the first attractions that welcome you to Antarctica. Massive floating bergs become more common as you get closer to land and you catch your first glimpse of the Peninsula, with its grand snow-covered mountains. In addition to spotting icebergs, you'll likely spot adélie penguins chilling on ice floes and minke or humpback whales feeding and swimming in the frigid waters. As soon as possible, the Zodiacs will be readied for your first landing in the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Experiencing this immense wilderness up close for the first time can be a numbing experience. The silence is great, the vastness is even greater.

Thankfully the noisy locals – penguins and seals – are there to remind you that this wonderful landscape isn't just a dream. Your expedition team will monitor the ice and weather conditions to determine which landing sites can be visited. With many sites to choose from, each expedition presents new opportunities for exploring by Zodiac and land. Swimming in Antarctica is perhaps the most adventurous option to tempt you, by taking a Polar plunge in the water at Neko Harbour! A typical day in this wildlife wonderland will be spent listening to calving glaciers at Petermann Island, watching penguins waddle around a beach, or taking a hike atop a hill for a panoramic view of Port Lockroy. Whatever you prefer, the photographic opportunities are endless (B/L/D).

As the ship turns north, say goodbye to the penguins, as well as many of your shipmates. With only the Drake Passage ahead, you'll disembark and enjoy a bit of time on King George Island before flying off to Punta Arenas, Chile. Once you're in Punta Arenas, we transfer you from the airport to your hotel, where you're free to explore and enjoy a final dinner out (B/D).

After breakfast, you are welcome to continue your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights (B).