Arrive today in Santiago and check in to the fine, centrally located Mandarin Oriental (or similar), and have the morning to relax. Santiago is nearly surrounded by the Andes, which form an inspiring backdrop to our afternoon guided overview of this vibrant city. We explore the Plaza de Armas, the main square, and the nearby Presidential Palace, enjoying beautiful views from the many hills that dot the city. We gather for an informal reception and a drink at the hotel in the early evening. 

This morning's charter flight brings you over Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. If the weather is fine, have a chance to view the spectacular mountains rising out of the Beagle Channel as you enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise. Then, embark the expedition ship and set sail.

Settle into shipboard life, listening to informal discussions from our naturalist staff to prepare us for the wildness ahead in the Falklands. Spend time on deck and on the bridge, scanning for seabirds, notably the albatross.

Each Falkland Island is a variation on the theme of topographical beauty with white-sand beaches, vaulting cliffs, windswept moors, and the sunlit yellows and greens of waving tussock grass. While the Falklands boasts a human population (3,000 people in total; 2,500 of whom live in the capital, Stanley) the animals—specifically thousands of irresistible Gentoo, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins, magnificent albatross with 11-foot wingspans, and curious fur seals—vastly outnumber them and constitute a major draw for wildlife lovers.

During our days at sea, we learn about the fascinating history of Antarctic exploration, as well as the flora, fauna, and geology of South Georgia. Our naturalists help identify the seabirds that follow us: wandering albatross, prions, and black-browed albatross. There’ll also be time to browse the library, enjoy a massage in the wellness center, or workout in the gym.

Explore the spectacular coastline of South Georgia Island. Steeped in Shackleton and whaling lore, covered mostly in glaciers, South Georgia explodes with life: gentoo and macaroni penguins, enormous snorting elephant seals, and a thriving fur seal population. Here on South Georgia—the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean—you can observe one of the world’s great wildlife spectacles: literally tens of thousands of stately king penguins on a single beach! In keeping with the nature of an expedition, our schedule is flexible with opportunities for walking, hiking, kayaking, and Zodiac excursions. This is also the setting for the historic adventure story of Sir Ernest Shackleton aboard the ill-fated Endurance, and we’ll visit his gravesite at Grytviken to drink a toast to “the Boss.”

With whales beneath and birds above, head up to the bridge, or spend these days enjoying the ship’s spa, fitness center, library, and observation deck. After time at sea, your journey across the South Atlantic Ocean takes you once more to the island archipelago that teems with nature. Your afternoon visit to Port Stanley offers a chance to see the human face of the islands, to meet the hospitable locals, hoist a drink at a local pub, and stroll around this remote colonial town.

After breakfast, disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for our private charter flight to Santiago or Buenos Aires to connect with your overnight flight home.