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Solar Eclipse in Antarctica Expedition Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Overnight flight from the UK to Buenos Aires.
Day 2 - Buenos Aires
Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay. The Argentine capital combines old-world colonial architecture with lively Latin American energy and is famous for its passionate tango dancing.
Day 3 - Buenos Aires
Check out of the hotel and transfer to the port to embark ship.
Day 4-5 - At sea
Enjoy the ship's facilities on relaxing days at sea.
Day 6 - Puerto Madryn
The Valdez Peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed nature reserve located on Argentina's Patagonian coast and is home to some of the country's most dramatic wildlife, from elephant seals to Magellan penguins, the southern right whale and a wide variety of birds.
Day 7 - Puerto Deseado
Puerto Deseado is a fishing port on the estuary of the Deseado River in Patagonia and was visited in 1833 by Darwin, who described the area as one of the most secluded places he had ever seen. Today it is well known for its wide variety of wildlife including black and white Commerson's dolphins.
Day 8 - At sea
Enjoy the ship's facilities on a relaxing day at sea.
Day 9 - New Island (Falkland Islands) - West Point Island
Today's adventure introduces the remarkable beauty of the remote Falkland Islands. Admire the amazing birdlife on New Island, including rockhopper penguins, albatross and king penguins, then watch out for Peale's dolphins and Commerson's dolphins as you approach West Point Island. Learn about the island's unique vegetation including the rare Felton plant.
Day 10 - Stanley
Stanley is the capital of the remote Falkland Islands, and has a distinct British ambience. Stroll through the charming streets of this colourful little town, lined with quaint cottages and a variety of traditional pubs. Visit the 19th-century Anglican cathedral and wander through the small local museum. Some lingering reminders of the 1986 Falklands War between Britain and Argentina may still be seen though the island has settled back to its quiet business of raising sheep.
Day 11-12 - At sea
Enjoy the ship's facilities on relaxing days at sea.
Day 13-15 - South Georgia
South Georgia is a beautiful and rugged island wildlife sanctuary. Its snow covered peaks, blue glacier ice and emerald green bays are breathtaking sights which can be explored from the ship's zodiacs. As well as being inhabited by many sea and land birds and seals, this area was explored by Captain James Cook and Ernest Shackleton. Possible visits include: Cooper's Bay where there is a zodiac expedition to see the icebergs and penguins; Gold Harbour where a large king penguin colony can be found; and Grytviken where there is a historic whaling station and burial site of famous explorer Shackleton and Salisbury Plain.
Day 16 - At sea
Enjoy the ship's facilities on a relaxing day at sea.
Day 17 - Total eclipse position
A full solar eclipse is extremely rare and very exciting and the total eclipse on 4th December 2021 will take place only in Antarctica. The ship will be positioned in the small path of totality for maximum effect when the bright light of Antarctica suddenly gives way to complete blackout. On-board expedition staff will share their insightful knowledge to help you gain a better understanding of this phenomenon.
Day 18 - Elephant Island (Antarctica)
It is from this island that Sir Ernest Shackleton set out for South Georgia in a small boat in 1916, undertaking one of the most remarkable sailing journeys of all time and returning 132 days later to rescue his men.
Day 19-21 - Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica is one of earth's last great frontiers. Follows in the footsteps of pioneering spirits to a land of pristine and unspoilt landscapes. Our itinerary will be dictated by sea and weather conditions, but weather permitting, exploration of Antarctica's natural diversity continues. Passing thick pack ice which shimmers beneath a southern sky, watch out for icebergs and for whales breaching the surface of the water.
Day 22 - South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands are made up of nine major islands and the region was the first to be used by sealers in the early 19th century. Chinstrap, Adelie, Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins all breed here.
Day 23-24 - Drake Passage
Returning to South America through the Drake Passage, the clarity of the air affords spectacular views of the southern night skies. This is the area known as the Antarctic Convergence where the cold polar water meets warmer equatorial water.
Day 25 - Ushuaia - UK
Disembark ship in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.
Day 26 - UK
Arrive back in the UK.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.