Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica – with National Geographic by Ponant

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000

A 16-day itinerary to discover the most fascinating sites of Antarctica. You will embark in Ushuaia, set sail and discover the beautiful lands of the Falklands, before heading to South Georgia and see large colonies of King penguins. Finally, you will navigate to the Great White Continent, an enchanting world filled with towering icebergs and imposing glaciers! The cruise is in partnership with National Geographic Expeditions, they will tell all about these stunning landscapes as well as formidable wildlife, including humpback whales.

Highlights

• Cruise in partnership with a National Geographic Photographer and an Expert specialised in the destination onboard
• Explore white-sand beaches and turquoise waters in the Falkland Islands
• Circumnavigation of South Georgia and discover Ernest Shackleton’s site
• Go on excursions and hike in the majestic snow-covered landscapes in Antarctica
• Admire rich and diverse wildlife in some of the most remote locations on the planet, including a large colony of King penguins

Quick Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia
Day 2: At Sea
Day 3: New Island & Grave Cove
Day 4-5: At Sea
Day 6-9: South Georgia
Day 10-11: At Sea
Day 12-13: Antarctic Peninsula
Day 14-15: Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 16: Ushuaia

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000

Day 1: Ushuaia

You will arrive in the busy port of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Ushuaia is the gateway to the Great White Continent. The region also thrives with sites that deserved to be explored like the sublime Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Day 2: At Sea

As you will spend this day at sea, the ship offers many activities to enjoy. Take some time in the spa or, depending on the season, relax in the swimming pool while looking at the open sea. Alternatively, you can go to the upper deck and take advantage of the views and observe marine species.

Day 3: New Island & Grave Cove

New Island is located on the western edge of the Falkland Islands where only two families inhabit a small village. This little paradise is covered with golden sand beaches. Beside you will find an old stone house still standing, if you follow the narrow pathway you will have the opportunity to encounter a colony of rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrosses and imperial shags.
You will make your way through Woolly Gut Strait and arrive in Grave Cove. This sheltered bay was named after vestiges of whalers’ grave on the beach. Off the boat and onto the white-sand beach, you could be followed by the elegant back and white Commerson's dolphins. The dunes will lead to a vast plain of lush green grass. Once you will get on the other side of the island, you will encounter what you have been waiting all along – the largest gentoo penguin colonies in the area. If you are lucky, you might also spot sea lions looking for their next meal in the sea.

Day 4-5: At Sea

As you will spend this day at sea, the ship offers many activities to enjoy. You can take some time in the spa or, depending on the season, relax in the swimming pool while looking at the open sea. Ideally, you can go to the upper deck and take advantage of the views and observe marine species.

Day 6-9: South Georgia

You will approach South Georgia, an island where an abundant wildlife can be seen from the king and gentoo penguins to elephant and fur seals. You will get the opportunity to discover the impressive glaciers of Gold Harbour Fortuna Bay. If conditions alloy, you can land at Salisbury Plain and admire what you came for: 300,000 king penguins waddling on the vast plain with their chicks.

Day 10-11: At Sea

As you will spend this day at sea, the ship offers many activities to enjoy. You can take some time in the spa or, depending on the season, relax in the swimming pool while looking at the open sea. Ideally, you can go to the upper deck and take advantage of the views and observe marine species.

Day 12-13: Antarctic Peninsula

Antarctica is like no other place on Earth and every expedition cruise is a unique adventure. From the majestic glaciers to the volcanic beaches and towering icebergs, the region will certainly surprise you. Words will not be enough to describe what you are about to see.
Depending on weather and ice conditions, the Captain and his team will decide which places to visit. You will be landing in mesmerising sites and go on cruises in a Zodiac to discover the incredible ice-covered landscapes of the peninsula and its remarkable wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are spotted in the area as well as many marine species like elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orca.
As this is Ponant you will be sailing in the wake of famous francophone explorers like Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache as well as the more familiar names like Sir Ernest Shackleton and.

Day 14-15: Crossing the Drake Passage

The ship will cross the iconic line of the Antarctic Polar Circle (66°33’ south of the Equator). Crossing the line is an experience known to only a few people, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience, it is where the cold currents meet warmer waters, a pristine place with diverse marine fauna.

Day 16: Ushuaia

You will disembark in the port of Ushuaia. You can either decide to fly back home or spend extra days and enjoy what the region has to offer. Ask our Travel Specialists for places to go and what to see in this part of the world.

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000