You'll arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile where you will be met by a representative of AE Expeditions and transferred to your hotel. 

Overlooking the Straits of Magellan, Punta Arenas sits astride one of the world's most historic trade routes. Today, the city reflects a great mix of cultures, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors, and it remains an utterly fascinating testament to Chile's rich history.

Enjoy free time to explore Punta Arenas at your own pace and discover the town’s excellent restaurants. Enjoy a Welcome Reception and Pre-Embarkation Briefing this evening, where you will receive a mandatory IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) briefing and also learn about the proposed flight times and logistics for the following day.

Transfer to Punta Arenas airport for your charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (weather permitting). The flight will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. 

On arrival into King George Island, your expedition team is on hand to greet you for your Zodiac transfer to board the vessel. You’ll have time to settle into your cabin before briefings.  

Note: King George Island is located at the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required in order for the plane to take off and land safely. 

It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the freshest, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.  

On arrival, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are yours to explore, and you'll have a host of choices available to you. Because of being so far south, you will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.  

Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. 

Zodiac excursions usually happen twice a day, cruising along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries and discover historic huts.

While ashore you can wander along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. 

In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, your ship may cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge (Captain's call) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way into the sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent. 

On this voyage, the plan is to cross the Antarctic Circle, an imaginary line located at the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33' South (approximately). This is certainly a special highlight for everyone, and the moment will be celebrated with a toast on the deck. You’ve earned some boasting privileges, joining a small group of lucky adventurers who’ve made it to this part of the world. As you approach and cross the circle, you will notice subtle changes in the landscape, icescape, and also in the distribution of wildlife. The waters at this time of year are rich with krill and you should see plenty of whales - particularly humpbacks and minkes, and enjoy the spectacle of penguins feeding their ravenous chicks. 

As you approach Frei Base on King George Island, it is time to bid farewell to Antarctica and your amazing adventure before boarding your flight (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes) to Punta Arenas, Chile. On arrival at the Punta Arenas airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.  

After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow passengers as you continue your onward journey, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature. A transfer to the airport is included in your voyage fare. (Breakfast included).