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In the Footsteps of Shackleton
A truly extraordinary epic adventure through the remote Falkland Islands, the wildlife paradise of South Georgia and the surreal landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula where you will enjoy unforgettable encounters with untamed wildlife in a vast, dramatic setting - one of travel's most inspiring journeys.
HIGHLIGHTS
See South Georgia's incredible wildlife with varied penguins species
Follow in the footsteps of Shackleton's perilous voyages
Wander the quaint British town of Stanley in the Falkland Islands
Sail the Antarctic Peninsula with stunning ice breaking
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE USHUAIA
Arrive Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas Intl Airport where you will have chance to rest and relax for the day.
Overnight: Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, Ushuaia
Meals: NIL
DAY 2: USHUAIA / EMBARKATION
Today, you will be transferred to the port for embarkation on the Ocean Endeavour where you will be warmly-greeted and a briefing for the adventures ahead.
Overnight: Ocean Endeavour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3: AT SEA
There are many activities to keep you engaged while you are at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by your expedition team. You will be prepped on saftety procedures for zodiac cruises and shore landings, and also given instructions for getting the most out of your optional kayaking adventures.
Overnight: Ocean Endeavour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4 to DAY 5: FALKLAND ISLANDS (ISLAS MALVINAS)
Upon your arrival in the Falklands (Malvinas), your camera will get its first workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of this region. This archipelago contains 2 main islands - East Falkland and West Falkland - which you will explore during zodiac excursions and daily landings. We visit the quaint British town of Stanley, which offers a unique British outpost feel, complete with eclectic charm where we have the chance to visit the local pub, churches and museums. In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to Magellanic gentoo and rockhopper penguins and if you are lucky, you may even spot King Penguins as well. Expect to see black-browed albatross, Cobb's wren and the Falkland's flightless steamer duck.
Overnight: Ocean Endeavour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 6 to DAY 7: AT SEA
Sailing south, you will officially enter Antarctic waters once you cross the invisible biological boundary called the Antarctic Convergence. Encircling the continent, cold Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, creating an abundance of krill and marine life that attracts whales and seals to this part of the world.
Overnight Ocean Endeavour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 8 to DAY 11: SOUTH GEORGIA
This remote outpost was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a haven for hunting whales and elephant and fur seals. Today, island wildlife populations have rebounded but you will see remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts. One significant site is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton where we visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, home to an old whaling station, a museum, a gift shop, a church and a small research station. We will also witness teeming wildlife here in South Georgia - rookeries with thousands of King Penguins waddling on a beach, and thousands of fur and elephant seals.
Overnight Ocean Endeavour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 12 to DAY 13: AT SEA
Say goodbye to the King penguins as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations, lectures and workshops led by your expedition team who will prepare you for the wildlife that will greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time chatting with shipmates over a drink and if conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, our first official stop in Antarctica.
Overnight Ocean Endeavour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 14 to DAY 17: SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS & ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. Landing on the "Land of Extremes", you will be inspired and overcome by emotions with its desolation and silence and at the next moment, a calving glacier crashing into the brilliant blue sea or a captivating waddling penguin. Your expedition team will take care of each landing, whether you are trekking up a glacier, visiting a research station or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adelie and Gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Curious whales, such as minkes are often attracted to the zodiacs, giving you a chance to get within reaching distance of these majestic animals.
Overnight Ocean Endeavour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 18 to DAY 19: CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
After more than 2 weeks of endless wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, completing your Antarctic adventure. Enjoy your final moments mingling with your fellow shipmates and newfound friends.
Overnight Ocean Endeavour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 20: DISEMBARKATION USHUAIA
After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to your expedition team. You will be transferred to the Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas Intl Airport for your flight home or continue your journey in Argentina and beyond.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa is an exceptional hotel located inside the Reserva Natural Cerro Alarken, just a few minutes from downtown Ushuaia and set on a magnificent outcrop high above the city. DEsigned to standards of sustainable architecture, each of the splendid rooms and suites offer a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere with state-of-the-art technology and environmentally-friendly features.
Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable, well-appointed small expedition ship expertly engineered to explore the Polar Regions. The newly-refurbished vessel offers a superb guest experience with an expansive choice of cabin categories, large cabins and common areas, a sundeck and observation area, plenty of deck space for polar landscape viewing accommodating a maximum 199 passengers.
