Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle Crossing

The journey begins sailing east to the Falklands with its large population of Rockhopper and Magellanic penguins along with Black-browed albatross. The historic side of the islands is also explored before sailing on to South Georgia. Ernest Shackelton is buried here under the spectacular ice crowned mountains.

The ship threads her way through magical fjords to Salisbury Plain and Gold Harbour, places so remote that they have evolved into astonishing wildlife havens boasting a 100,000-plus population of King penguins and chicks on their beaches. The island also supports significant populations of Elephant and Fur seals. The voyage continues to the South Orkney Islands and then enters an enchanted world of icebergs and ice-covered mountains approaching the bays and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula. This is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife: penguins of almost all descriptions, Leopard and smaller seals, and three or four species of whales. The ship is small enough to navigate through the narrow Lemaire Channel, with glacial walls towering high on both sides, leading to a jigsaw of jewel-like islands that are home to huge penguin rookeries, Elephant seals and countless seabirds.

The aim on this voyage is to head as far south as ice and weather permit - if you can spare the extra time, the rewards of this unique icy pilgrimage are immeasurable.