Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands and South Georgia from Buenos Aires by Quark

This is the once in a lifetime expedition, taking in the spectacular flora and fauna of the Falkland Islands before immersing yourself in the unique history and exquisite, rare wildlife of South Georgia.

The Falkland archipelago contains two main islands, East and West, which you will explore by Zodiac excursions and daily landings. South Georgia is full of history, but it is the wildlife here that is truly fascinating. Often referred to as the 'Galapagos of the Poles', South Georgia contains an exceptional quantity of wildlife, which means each landing has a new sight to behold.

You'll visit Antarctic research stations, witness minke whales breaching from your Zodiac, share magical moments with king penguins and celebrate crossing the Antarctic Circle with like-minded travellers, an experience that you will cherish forever.

Highlights

• Explore the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and on foot
• Enjoy lectures on Antarctica’s remarkable geology, history and wildlife
• See the wildlife of South Georgia, home to 30 species of breeding birds, including four species of penguin
• Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages on South Georgia and pause for a moment at his graveside
• Explore the quaint, British town of Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands
• Cross the Antarctic Circle
• Onboard lectures and educational presentations from Polar specialists

Quick Itinerary

Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Day 2: Ushuaia, Argentina and Embarkation
Day 3: At Sea
Days 4 & 5: Falkland Islands
Days 6 & 7: At Sea
Days 8 - 11: South Georgia
Days 12 & 13: At Sea
Days 14 - 16: The South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Days 17 & 18: The Antarctic Circle
Days 19 &  20: Northbound Along the Peninsula
Days 21 & 22: Cross the Drake Passage
Day 23: Disembark in Ushuaia & fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

Departures and Prices

Day 1 — Buenos Aires, Argentina

You will arrive in Buenos Aires on the first day of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its rich architecture and European heritage, you will transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 — Ushuaia, Argentina and Embarkation

After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport and board a charter flight to Ushuaia. Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world and serves as the gateway to Antarctica. Upon arrival, you will have a little time to explore this quaint port town before heading to the pier. You will board the ship in the late afternoon and sail down the historic Beagle Channel.

Day 3 — At Sea

There is plenty do onboard the ship as you sail for the Falklands, whether you choose to relax and read a book in the library, enjoy a few drinks at the bar with your shipmates, relax in the sauna or keep an eye out for wildlife on deck

Days 4 and 5 — Falkland Islands

There are two main islands in the Falklands, East and West. You will have the chance to explore these on zodiac excursions with landings on both days. On these rugged islands, humans are heavily outnumbered both by sheep and by penguins. You will spend some time in Stanley which has a distinctly British flavour to it.

Days 6 and 7 — At Sea

En route to South Georgia, you will cross the Antarctic Convergence - the invisible biological boundary unique to Antarctica, where the cold waters of the Antarctic merge with warmer Sub Antarctic, these rich waters are home to large quantities of krill and you will be able to see lots of wildlife here taking part in a feeding frenzy.

Days 8 to 11 — South Georgia

On arriving at South Georgia, you will see the remnants of the old Whaling Stations, these rusting buildings might not look like much, but it was here that Sir Earnest Shackleton finally returned to civilisation and was able to summon help for his men who had been left stranded on Elephant Island and in the Ross Sea. There is an abundance of wildlife here too including king penguin rookeries with over a 100,000 pairs, plus fur and elephant seals.

Days 12 and 13 — At Sea

After leaving South Georgia you are finally en route to Antarctica! While you’re at sea, you will be able to enjoy presentations by the Expedition Team, who will cover everything from the history and geology of Antarctica to tips on identifying different species and what makes each of them unique.

Days 14 to 16 — The South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

On arriving at Antarctica, you will be overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude and beauty of the place.

You will spend your time here enjoying a variety of activities like Zodiac cruises, snowshoeing and visits to penguin rookeries.

The wildlife here is incredible from Minke whales and humpback whales to penguins, leopard seals, petrels and albatross.

Days 17 and 18 — The Antarctic Circle

Few expedition ships make it as far as the Antarctic Circle, so you will be one of a lucky few to make it this far. As you cross the famous line, 66°33’ S you will be able to raise a toast in style. This is Antarctica at it’s most incredible, home to the midnight sun, with the potential for fantastic iceberg sightings.

Days 19 and 20 — Northbound Along the Peninsula

By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur and Weddell seal. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will fill your days, and your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you so far.

Days 21 and 22 — Crossing the Drake Passage

As you recross the Drake, Antarctica fades away, leaving you with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up its series of presentations with a slideshow of the great landing sites and wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage. Be sure to take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far.

Day 23 — Disembark in Ushuaia & Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, after breakfast. After disembarking, you will get a little taste of Patagonia by touring Tierra del Fuego National Park before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

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