Antarctic Peninsula and Falkland Islands

Arrive in Ushuaia, transfer to the port and embark Le Soleal. Settle in to your cabin and familiarize yourself with the ship and her crew.

To reach the mythical White Continent, your ship must cross the notorious Drake Passage, named after the famous explorer Sir Frances Drake who sailed these waters way back in 1578. Then traverse the Polar Front which marks the area where waters from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans meet.

Deep in Andvord Bay, you can find this little corner of paradise at the foot of an immense glacier. Neko Bay is without doubt one of the most beautiful sights of the Antarctic Peninsula. Wildlife is as abundant as it is exceptional: sea birds such as gulls, Cape Petrels and Cormorants, as well as marine mammals like seals, orcas and whales. Excursions aboard Zodiac dinghies allow you to sail close to blue-tinged icebergs or disembark near colonies of penguins, observe leopard seals basking on the shore or watch the Antarctic Terns flying overhead.

On the small island of Goudier, you have the opportunity to visit Port Lockroy, discovered by the French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot in 1903. Initially it served as a relief and repair base for whalers, but in 1944 Port Lockroy became a British base. It owes its name to Edouard Lockroy, a French politician and the partner of Jean-Baptiste Charcot during his expedition. You may be able to visit the small museum that retraces the life of the base in the 1950s. Since 1996, it has been open to the public during the short Southern Summer and is used for carrying out research on Gentoo Penguins. Nowadays, this base is the most visited site of the White Continent and, thanks to its little store and post office, it is the only place to offer you the opportunity to write to your friends and family and share this unique moment.

Wilhelmina Bay is found between the Reclus Peninsula and Cape Anna along the Antarctic Peninsula. Called "Whale-mina" Bay by travelers, this is known to be a great place to spot the humpback whales who frequent the bay. The surrounding landscape is sure to inspire you as the bay is encircled by steep, snow-filled cliffs and glaciers.

Nestled at the heart of the South Shetland Islands, in the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, Deception Island is easy to recognize for its horseshoe shape. On the black sand of the volcanic beaches, there are remains of abandoned huts that have been overrun by the extraordinary wildlife, part of the treasure that Nature offers us there. It is on these beaches of ash that the largest colony of Chinstrap Penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula has taken up residence. Excursions aboard our Zodiac dinghies allow you to set foot on this expanse of land where more than 100,000 pairs of penguins, Elephant Seals and Fur Seals live side by side.

A lengthy sail in the Weddell Sea allows you to experience true silence, an extraordinary and enchanting atmosphere, and unrivalled calm. Discover a secret reserve of preserved treasure: Fur Seals, penguin colonies, Wandering Albatross and other giant Petrels. Here the huge icebergs and the endless ice cap sculpt a landscape beyond compare. The lord of the manor is known as the Weddell Seal. It is a record breaker, able to remain submerged for more than an hour. Its pelage is dark grey and it has a spotted belly. To maintain its access to the sea and be able to fish, the Weddell Seal has special teeth allowing it to make a hole in the thick ice.

Rest up for the next leg of your journey as your ship sails on towards the Falkland Islands.

As you sail northward, take time to reflect on your extraordinary adventures. Share memories and photos with your fellow passengers or simply relax and take advantage of your ship's amenities as you prepare to return.

Port Stanley is the capital of the Falkland Islands. Located on East Falkland Island, this port is home to roughly 2,000 inhabitants. One of the most historical locales in the region, spend some time exploring to learn about the impact of industries such as whaling and exploration on this unique destination.

Saunders is the fourth largest of the Falkland Islands. With an area of just over 50 square miles, the island runs as a sheep farm today. Identified as a significant area for births, you may encounter a number of species here including Gentoo Penguins, Rockhopper Penguins, Macaroni Penguins, and Albatrosses.

Spend your last days on board the Le Soleal reflecting on your once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Share memories and photos with your fellow travelers or simply relax and take advantage of your ship's amenities before returning home.

Following breakfast on board, disembark in Montevideo. Transfer to the airport to continue your travels.