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

Day 1 — Buenos Aires, Argentina

You will arrive in Buenos Aires on the first day of your itinerary, as the home of tango, with a thriving cultural and gastronomic scene, it’s well worth taking some time to explore the city. You will arrive via transfer at the group hotel, where you will spend one night.

Day 2 — Ushuaia, Argentina and Embarkation

After breakfast, you will take the charter flight to Ushuaia in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Ushuaia is the southern most city in the world and serves as the gateway to Antarctica. You will board the ship in the late afternoon and embark through the 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 ship mates, 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

Enroute to South Georgia you will cross the Antarctic Convergence, 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.

In September 1921 he set out on one final Antarctic expedition, arriving in South Georgia in January, where he had a fatal heart attack, and is now buried in the cemetery at Grytviken.

Days 12 and 13 — At Sea

After leaving South Georgia you are finally enroute to Antarctica! While you’re at sea, you will be able to enjoy the 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 — South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

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

You will spend your time here being able to enjoy a variety of activities like Zodiac cruises, snowshoeing and visits to penguin rockeries.

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 the home of the midnight sun.

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. Terms like bergy bits and pancake ice will be part of your vocabulary, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will fill your days, and your Expedition Team will continue offering presentations and looking out for species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.

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 as well, perhaps 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.