Glaciers & Wilderness - Argentinean Patagonia with Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands

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. Watching the unperturbed wildlife in their natural habitat. This is a land of peace.

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. There may be the chance to visit a working scientific base and discuss life in these harsh conditions with the staff. 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. If conditions are favourable, there may be the opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33’ South.

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, who have made countless journeys to Antarctica, 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, 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)