Overview

Challenge. Desolation. Unlimited wonder. It’s not difficult to grasp what attracted the great explorers to Antarctica. Get a personal appreciation for the struggle to tame the bottom of the world on this 22-day adventure to the land that entranced Ernest Shackleton and countless others since. Down here, you’ll explore the Falkland Islands, encounter abandoned whaling stations on South Georgia Island, and pay your respects at Shackleton’s grave. Elsewhere, you’ll catch up with penguins (king, chinstrap, and gentoo varieties) and learn all about them through daily lectures, get close to whales and cavorting seals from a Zodiac boat, and keep an eye peeled for towering icebergs and massive glaciers. Prepare to be astonished.

Itinerary

Day 1Montevideo

Arrive in Montevideo at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Uruguay’s capital city.

Day 2

Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port of Montevideo.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Days 3–5

With course set southeast, become acquainted with the ship. Enjoy the lecture and educational sessions about the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Days 6–7

The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins and albatross are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world. In Stanley, meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long, dark winters.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Days 8–9

With course set for South Georgia, days at sea are filled with historical and biological lectures to prepare for landings. Look out for the many whales that inhabit these waters.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Days 10–13

Home to many interesting sites (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visit a huge colony of king penguins, a major highlight of this part of the journey. Weather permitting, enjoy 3-4 days free to explore this island.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Days 14–15

Plotting a southwesterly course across the Scotia Sea, sail for two days, retracing Shackleton’s route backwards.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

South Shetland Islands/Drake Passage

Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the South Shetland Islands, just north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting), and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Drake Passage/Ushuaia

Reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures en route to Ushuaia. Keep a careful look out for a last chance to spot whales.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 22

Disembark in the morning.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Included

• 20 nts aboard the G Expedition
• 1 nt hotel in Montevideo
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
• Lectures and educational programs
• Waterproof boots supplied for USA size 6 – 16
• Expedition parka

Accommodations
Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window) (20 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.

Meals
21 breakfasts, 19 lunches, 20 dinners
Allow USD25-35 for meals not included. Drinks and tips on board not included.

Transportation
G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus.

Staff & experts
One Expedition team member per 10 guests.