The epic journey to the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica commences this afternoon in Ushuaia, in southern Argentina. Gather at a central meeting point and transfer to the pier and embark your expedition ship. After settling into your cabins and exploring the ship, meet your expedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air, enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner and cast off for the adventure of a lifetime.

Sailing northeast towards the Falkland Islands you are joined by hundreds of seabirds, including the wandering albatross, who you'll come to know well on this journey. Giant petrels and smaller Cape petrels are also constant companions. Photographing these magnificent birds from the deck of the ship takes patience and skill and the photography expert will be on hand to show you the best techniques. Join the ship’s Captain on the bridge and learn about the operations of our modern research vessel. 

Throughout the journey, onboard experts will provide a series of presentations about the environment, the wildlife, history, and locations - as well as some interesting details about the upcoming solar eclipse.

Having arrived in the Falkland Islands overnight, launch the Zodiacs and make your first shore excursion this morning. The plan will be to explore several locations in the West Falkland archipelago. These remote islands are home to a proliferation of seabirds and migratory birds including the stunning black-browed albatross. The first penguin sightings will be on West Point Island with its bustling rookeries of rockhoppers. On Carcass Island, observe nesting 
Magellanic penguins as well as oystercatchers, geese and the striated caracara – a bird of prey. 

The following morning, arrive in Stanley, the capital of the Falklands Islands. Wander through the charming streets of brightly painted houses, and learn how this quiet harbor was once a major port in the 19th century for tall ships rounding the fabled Cape Horn. There are several interesting activities to enjoy today. Stanley has an excellent museum that outlines the historic events that took place during the conflict with Argentina in 1982. The waterfront memorial built to commemorate the lives of the British servicemen killed during the war is a sobering reminder of recent history. Stanley’s famed philatelic museum with its impressive collection of historic stamps is another interesting diversion.

Chart a southeasterly course bound for South Georgia. The seabirds once again join the ship in the Southern Ocean. Educational presentations continue and are always popular. History is a key theme of this voyage and the epic story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the HMS Endurance expedition is central to any trip to South Georgia. Perhaps you will pick up some valuable tips from the onboard photographic guide, learning about image composition, the subtle polar light and all the basics of good camera craft. You will also learn about Polar conservation - a theme particularly close to the hearts of the expedition guides and crew.

South Georgia has often been called the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ and as you approach the deep bays of this rugged, rocky outcrop, you will begin to see why. Begin your exploration of the island on Zodiacs wandering in the vicinity of Elsehul Bay. Large numbers of fur seals and the much larger elephant seal will line the dark sand beaches. Living in the tussock grass, king penguins and their chicks may number up to 100,000 birds in some locations, including Salisbury Plain, St Andrews Bay, and Gold Harbour. The island is also home to large numbers of nesting albatross as they fill the skies above, coming and going from the nest.

South Georgia is a thrilling location for history lovers and the rusting relics of the early whaling era are all around. Observe several of the old stations including Leith, Husvik and Stromness. A highlight is a visit to Grytviken – the largest of the old whaling stations situated at the head of Cumberland Bay. It is here you will visit the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

For many, being in the presence of the great explorers a real highlight. An excellent museum at Grytviken, maintained by the South Georgia Heritage Trust and the restored church built by the original Norwegian whalers provides a fascinating glimpse into the past.

The departure from South Georgia is carefully timed to have you in position for the eclipse and prevailing weather conditions will determine the schedule in the coming days. The Captain will position the ship taking into consideration the optimal viewing conditions underneath the path of totality.

With the weather permitting this day, the ship is positioned at its very best location to view the eclipse. The path of totality is scheduled to cover your position around 5:00 am so you will be well rugged up as you venture the outer observation deck. What makes this event particularly unusual is that its path is east to west, the opposite direction to most eclipse paths in lower latitudes. This phenomenon is only possible in polar regions. The duration of the eclipse lasts just a few minutes, but the memory of witnessing it in such a wild a remote corner of the planet is sure to last a lifetime.

Enjoy your whole day at sea as you sail for the continent of Antarctica. Ice conditions at this time of the season will dictate the course. Spend time on the outer decks soaking up the scenery and observing the great seabirds of the Southern Ocean, and throughout the day there are interesting presentations by the expert guides. Alternatively, just relax in the lounge with a good book and a hot beverage.

Around 60 miles off the coast of the Antarctic mainland, you will find the South Shetland Island chain. Possible landing sites could include King George Island, Half Moon Island or Yankee Harbour. Weather conditions permitting to sail the ship into the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. There are some outstanding hikes at these locations and the old whaling station and aircraft hangar at Deception Island beg for further exploration.

After much anticipation, enter the icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula in the vicinity of Mikkelson Harbour or Cierva Cove. Snow-covered mountains soar from the dark waters. Along the shoreline in the bays and harbors of the Peninsula lives an incredible abundance of wildlife. Large rookeries are home to chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins. Seals live on the ice floes, including the powerful leopard seal that you can hope to encounter. Gulls, skuas and cormorants are also found nesting and feeding at many sites along the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore by Zodiac boat and ashore where a range of exciting activities await. Locations to visit include Wilhelmina Bay, Orne Harbour, Cuverville Island and the Errera Channel. Join the photographic guide taking pictures of stunning icebergs. Or enjoy a hike to the top of a snowy mountain saddle with one of our adventure guides. If the opportunity presents itself, visit a science base or an old historic hut. The sea kayakers may range up to several miles from the ship, for a truly memorable experience.

As you make your way back to the southern shores of South America the educational presentations continue. Enjoy an entertaining and memorable voyage recap by your Expedition Leader. Join the photography experts in the multimedia room where you can download and back up your precious images. If weather conditions allow, the ship will be able to make a rounding of Cape Horn. This fabled stretch of water is home to legendary tales of exploration and on navigation. It’s a fitting place to reflect on a wonderful, and unique, expedition. Approaching the entrance to the Beagle Channel in the early evening light, enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship.

Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home. It will be possible to connect to flights through to Buenos Aires or other destinations in South America. Otherwise, enjoy a night in town or venture further afield to explore the highlights of Patagonia in the following days.