Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Odyssey (Ocean Endeavour)

Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. On arrival at the airport, meet your Intrepid representative and transfer to your hotel. Attend a welcome meeting and briefing this evening to run through the details of embarkation tomorrow. If you arrive early and have some time, Ushuaia is (unsurprisingly) a fantastic place to try cold-water seafood like king crab.

Your morning is free before you transfer to and board the vessel in the afternoon. Settle into your cabin and meet the ship staff and expedition crew. Enjoy a welcome dinner and get to know your fellow travellers. Who knows, gravy might even be on the menu. Set off on your expedition in the late afternoon or early evening. Cruise down the historic Beagle Channel, maybe getting your first view of some of the region’s spectacular wildlife on the rocky shores.

Spend the next few days traversing the infamous Drake Passage, named after Sir Frances Drake, on your way to the Antarctic Peninsula. While crossing the passage you can get acquainted with the many first-class amenities available on the Ocean Endeavour – maybe do a yoga class or brush up on your photography skills in preparation for your arrival. The researchers and scientists travelling with you will begin their onboard lecture program over the next few days and (if conditions are favourable) you’ll also be able to join them on deck to spot seabirds and maybe whales. Expect to reach the peninsula on the evening of Day 4.

Spend three unforgettable days exploring the Great White Continent with your expert crew. While landing sites will be chosen based on wildlife-spotting opportunities and weather conditions, you can expect to explore on land and by Zodiac boat during daily excursions. The Antarctic Peninsula is home to leopard seals, adelie penguins and chinstrap penguins, among many others. Nights will be spent on board, listening to lectures from the expedition crew. One or more of Paul Kelly’s three planned performances might happen during our time on the peninsula.

Today we make for the ice-covered isle where Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team were stranded in 1915. Located on the north-eastern fringes of the South Shetland islands, Elephant Island has tall and craggy rock formations. If conditions allow, we will attempt a landing or Zodiac cruise around Elephant Island, which will give you a real sense of just how impressive Shackleton and co’s survival really was.

Hit the sea once again, bound for South Georgia, arriving by the evening of Day 11 if conditions are favourable. Maybe take the opportunity to relax and unwind with some onboard health and wellness services. Or perhaps you’d prefer to taste the crisp Antarctic air from on deck as seabirds and perhaps whales rear their heads.

Begin exploring South Georgia, not only one of the most remote and wild places on earth, but also holder of the nickname ‘Galapagos of the South’ due to the incredible wildlife that calls the island home. Marvel at the many seabirds, encounter penguin colonies and spy elephant and fur seal pups. While the wildlife is incredible, it’s not all about the animals. The glaciers, mountains and fascinating history of South Georgia are also captivating. The island has been a British Overseas Territory since 1775 and at 3755 square kilometres (1450 square miles) is the territory’s largest island.

Settle in for two days at sea as we cruise towards the Falkland Islands. As with your other times at sea, you can spend your time relaxing, learning, or both.

Explore the two main islands of the Falklands (East and West) by Zodiac and on foot over the next two days. Wildlife sightings should include at least three species of penguin and two endemic bird species – Cobb’s wren and the flightless steamer duck. The expedition team will educate you on the local flora and fauna so you will know what you’re looking for. Probable landing sites include the quaint capital Port Stanley, West Point Island, Sea Lion Island and Bleaker Island.

Hit the seas for the return journey to Argentina. Soak up the last of the knowledge shared by the onboard experts and make the most of the facilities while you can. On your last night on board, enjoy a farewell captain’s dinner and toast to the epic journey that was.

Your adventure comes to an end in Puerto Madryn. If you are flying out of Trelew Airport today, a transfer is included in your trip price.