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13 Mar 2022 - ASG84G
Day 1 - Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia where you will be transferred to your hotel (preferred flights only). On arrival, please request Aurora Expeditions cabin tags from the hotel check-in staff, and fill them in.
Day 2 - Ushuaia
Take your cabin luggage down to reception by 8am, so it can be taken to the ship ahead of your arrival. Later, check-out of the hotel and enjoy free time before a tour of Ushuaia. Enjoy a visit to "La Mision" neighbourhood, the Old Government House and the upper area of the city. You'll also see the antique houses which belonged to the first families who settled in Ushuaia, and head to the Old Prison Museum. Later, transfer to the pier to embark your ship. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner. (Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own expense)
Day 3 - Drake Passage
As you cross the Drake Passage, enjoy lectures on Antarctica's history, wildlife and environment. Watch the seabirds following in the ship's wake.
Day 4 - Drake Passage - South Shetland Islands
Cruise near the tip of the South Shetland Islands and keep an eye out for your first iceberg. Weather permitting, you may able to enjoy your first landing in Antarctica late afternoon.
Day 5 - 7 - Antarctic Peninsula
Arriving in Antarctica is an unforgettable experience. Spend a few days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. There is approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and days can be as busy as you wish. You may be able to enjoy two Zodiac excursions everyday. Glide past majestic icebergs, keeping an eye out for whales and seals. Ashore, walks along pebbly beaches or snow-covered ridgelines. Optional activities are available. In addition to Zodiac cruising and shore excursions, you'll enjoy cruising narrow straits and scenic bays.
Day 8 - Elephant Island
Weather permitting, set sail for Elephant Island, a half-submerged mountain in the South Shetlands. Learn about Shackleton and how his ship was crushed in pack ice. Him and his men spent time on Elephant Island in 1916. You'll hopefully cruise past Cape Valentine to see the beach where the men stepped ashore, and see Point Wild where they set up camp. It may be possible to attempt a landing.
Day 9 - 10 - At Sea
Learn more about Shackleton's voyage and the mission to rescue his men as you cruise to South Georgia.
Day 11 - 15 - South Georgia
Cruise down the east coast of South Georgia taking in the incredible scenery. You may be able to enjoy two Zodiac landings, taking in nesting penguins, seal haul-outs and bird cliffs. You'll also see South Georgia's kelp forests, remarkable underwater ecosystems. You may also be able to visit the remnants of South Georgia's whaling stations and pay respects to Sir Ernest Shackleton. In addition to Zodiac cruising and shore excursions, you'll cruise through fjords.
Day 16 - 18 - At Sea
You will be mesmerised by the ceaseless flight of the seabirds that follow our wake as we head to the Falkland Islands. Enjoy onboard lectures, relax with a book or head to the observation areas. If time and weather conditions permit, you could see Shag Rocks.
Day 19 - Falkland Islands (UK)
The Falklands~Malvinas comprises two large islands (East and West Falkland), with over 700 islands scattered off the coast. All but seven of these are uninhabited, with windswept coastlines, white sand beaches and crystal clear water. These beautifully barren islands are true wildlife havens, sheltering an impressive diversity of birdlife, including the largest black-browed albatross colony on earth. The cold, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands make this a prime location for spotting marine life. There are many beautiful areas to explore across the Falklands~Malvinas, each offering a unique perspective on this magnificent archipelago. Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing winds, weather and wildlife opportunities. We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Even though we’re north of the Antarctic Convergence it can be quite chilly here, so you’ll want to layer up before joining Zodiac cruises into rocky coves or along sea cliffs, keeping watch for seals, sea lions, dolphins and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you may be able to visit albatross colonies, penguin rookeries and perhaps even have a traditional English ‘tea and scones’ at a local cottage. We also aim to land in historic Stanley, the capital of the Falklands~Malvinas. This charming town has a distinctly British character, with terraced town houses, pioneer cottages and even an iconic red telephone box! Colourful buildings house cosy cafes, English pubs, souvenir shops, a post office and the fascinating Historic Dockyard Museum, with displays on the maritime history of the Falkland Islands, natural history and links to Antarctica.
Day 20 - At sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea.
Day 21 - Ushuaia
Disembark this morning and bid farewell to your expedition team and fellow travellers. Transfer to Ushuaia airport.
In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you among the action to see and do as much as possible. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions.