The Brazilian Coast, Antarctica & South Georgia

The paradisiacal beaches of Búzios will enchant you just as they did the French actor Brigitte Bardot. A simple fishing village until the early 1960s, this is now one of the most upscale areas in Brazil, bedecked with ritzy boutiques, fine restaurants, spacious villas and chic bars. Búzios is comprised of three settlements on a small peninsula, each with its own unique charm.

Today, explore the beautiful resort through a Scenic Freechoice activity or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion. Freechoice: Board a schooner and cruise along the beaches of Búzios, or explore the city on board an open-air wheeled trolley. Alternatively, enjoy the many tastes of Búzios. Discovery: Test your skills during a surf lesson at Geriba Beach, or glide along the coastline on a kayak with our discovery team. (B/L/D)

In Paraty, you will find that it is impossible to take a bad picture against the wonderfully photogenic cobbled streets lined with chalk-white buildings and splashed with bold blocks of primary colours. Backed by steep, jungled mountains, Paraty is a joy explore. Make sure to stop and listen to the birds, with 120 endemic species located in the Atlantic forest along with hummingbirds, toucans and parrots. Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.

Freechoice: Visit a 17th century Bananal Farm and learn of its history and sustainability practices, or experience the verdant natural beauty of Serra da Bocaina National Park during an off-road excursion along the Gold Trail. Choose to learn of the roots, customs and culture of an indigenous village or explore the city of Paraty unveiling its history, its beauties and some of its secrets of the colonial past. Discovery: Go birdwatching with the Discovery Team, or paddle in the calm and protected waters of Paraty Bay. (B/L/D)

Portuguese for ‘Beautiful Island', Ilhabela is a former pirate haunt boasting volcanic peaks, dense tropical jungles, a multitude of waterfalls and stunning beaches. Nearly 85% of the island has been turned into a UNESCO-Biosphere Reserve, sheltering a remarkable abundance of plant and animal life, including toucans and capuchin monkeys. Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.

Freechoice: Join a city tour before exploring the Toca Waterfalls, or visit the Tres Tombos in a 4x4 vehicle and relax on Curral Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the North Coast. Discovery: Choose to walk through the Mata Atlântica rainforest, taking in the unique Brazilian tropical fauna and flora, natural pools and falls along the way, or snorkel in the marine reserve at Cabras Island. (B/L/D)

Since the early 20th century, this sun-drenched peninsula has enjoyed the reputation of being an elite favourite. Referred to as the ‘Monaco of the South', Punta del Este's iconic cityscape and incredible beaches attract visitors from all over the world. Playa Brava, one of Punta's main beaches, is home to the iconic sculpture of fingertips emerging from the soft golden sand - ‘La Mano'. Among other sculptures around the city, the art galleries and museums give Punta del Este an artsy, eclectic atmosphere.

Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion. Freechoice: Enjoy an olive oil tasting session or observe the amazing sea lion habitat at Isla de Lobos, home to the largest non-migratory sea lion colony in the world. Choose to embrace the artistic beauty of Punta del Este and visit the Ralli Museum and Atchugarry Foundation, or join a city tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Discovery: Enjoy a guided bike ride and soak up Punta del Este's irresistible charm, lush flora and beautiful sandy beaches. (B/L/D)

Remote and sparsely populated, the Falkland Islands are a wildlife lover's paradise. You will visit a number of the outer islands, where large colonies of penguins and albatross thrive. Fur seals and elephant seals roam sandy beaches, while the surrounding waters are home to whales and dolphins. Visit the very British capital, Stanley and its small but thriving community.

Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion. Freechoice: Take a walking tour of the small capital or on a Battlefields Tour visit the key sites of the conflict. Discovery: Partake in a Scenic Discovery excursion at Gypsy Cove, walk the wildlife trail and see the Magellanic penguin colony. (B/L/D)

South Georgia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world. The island is a speck in the vast South Atlantic Ocean, one of the most remote parts of our planet. A 3,000-metre mountain range forms the spine of the long, narrow island. Between the mountains, shattered glaciers carve their way through tussock grass to the deeply indented coastline. Despite being such a small outpost in the vastness of the South Atlantic, the sea around South Georgia is one of the liveliest areas on earth.

The abundant marine life supports millions of seals, whales, penguins and seabirds. Ernest Shackleton and five of his crew sailed from Elephant Island in the James Caird for 16 days and 1,300 kilometres and finally found safety in the tiny entrance of Cave Cove. This epic story of survival began with the sinking of Shackleton's ship, the Endurance, in the Weddell Sea, six months earlier. As you explore South Georgia, you will have the opportunity to reflect on Shackleton's epic journey. Discovery: Equipped with a fleet of custom built Zodiacs and kayaks, your discovery excursions will take you to the places of your wildest dreams. (B/L/D)

Welcome to Antarctica. Seeing the 7th continent for the first time is unlike anything you would have experienced before. Feeling the fresh, crisp air on your face. Hearing the snow crunch under your boot when you first step foot on the pristine land.

Your expert Captain and crew will navigate some of the most beautiful waterways which may include traversing the stunning 11-kilometre-long Lemaire Channel where steep cliffs hem in the iceberg-filled passage just 700 metres wide at its narrowest point. Enjoy the chance to visit areas alive with wildlife, such as penguins, seals, and whales. You could explore the remnants of a derelict whaling station and a vacant British base or climb to the rim of a volcanic crater.

Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, a host of choices are open and, depending on the ice and weather conditions, the Antarctic Peninsula is yours to explore. Your experienced Discovery Team Leaders will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, making the most of 18-20 hours of daylight.

Discovery: Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, and step onto islands to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard around icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding below. (B/L/D)