Day 1 – Ushuaia – Embarkation Day  
Embark in Ushuaia in the late afternoon to a warm welcome before we set sail along the Beagle Channel.

Day 2 – 3 – The Drake Passage
Drake Passage offers excellent bird watching from the outer decks or the warm bridge. Our expedition team presents Zodiac and environmental briefings, and enlightening talks on Antarctica. Keen eyes watch for icebergs, penguins, seals and cormorants as we approach our first landing in the South Shetland Islands.

Day 4 – 7 – South Shetland Islands
Awaken to the thrill of Antarctica, where we plan to visit busy penguin rookeries, historic sites and make a continental landing. A host of choices are now open to us and depending on the ice and weather conditions the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is ours to explore. Our experienced leaders, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design our voyage from day to day. This allows us to make best use of the prevailing weather and ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. We will use daylight hours as vigorously as possible to make the most of our day.

Day 8 – Elephant Island – South Orkney Islands
Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s men wintered beneath their upturned boats. With luck and weather permitting we will go ashore to pay tribute to these hardy souls.

Day 9 – 10 – At sea, South Georgia
En route to South Georgia, we following in Shackleton’s wake across the Scotia Sea, and reflect on what we’ve seen and learned so far.

Day 11 – 14 – South Georgia
We have ample time to explore South Georgia’s spectacular northern coast, including the world’s largest king penguin rookeries and majestic albatross nests. Kayakers revel in paddling the coastline’s nooks and crannies, accompanied by playful seals. In Stromness and Grytviken harbours, 3000-metre peaks form dramatic backdrops to the remains of whaling stations. Kelp-strewn beaches are cluttered with basking elephant seals, feisty fur seals and penguins.

Day 15 – 17 – At sea
Keeping watch for the kelp-skirted Shag Rocks, we cross the Scotia Sea, entertained by our expert naturalist and historian.

Day 18 – Falkland Islands, Punta Arenas
Dawn greets us in the Falkland Islands/Maldivas capital, Stanley; where we bid farewell to Polar Pioneer. You have the option of either spending more time exploring the Falkland Islands or continuing on to Punta Arenas or Santiago, Chile.

• flight from Stanley, Falkland Islands to Punta Arenas, Chile
• transfer from ship to Stanley airport
• shipboard accommodation
• all breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage
• all shore landings as per daily program
• leadership throughout the voyage by experienced leader
• lecture, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
• medical services, there is a resident doctor and well-equipped clinic on board
• port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
• pre-departure information and briefing

• air transport or transfers to and from the ship, not included above
• fuel surcharge (if applicable)
  
• passport and visa expenses, airport departure taxes
• personal travel insurance
• laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
• tips

• extended stay in Argentina or Chile
• kayaking surcharge

• Type of cruise and final price depend on specific date of cruise. We will be happy to inform you of further details.
• The price is subject to availability and actual airfare cost.
• Difficulty level of this tour – average.
• Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.