Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands

With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, we make the most of our five days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected. We’ll sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel and land on the “White Continent.” (B,L,D)

We pass the speck of land that is the legendary Elephant Island, an unforgettable part of the Shackleton story, where the crew of Endurance finally landed on April 24, 1916. From here, Shackleton and five men set sail for one of the most incredible stories of survival at sea: 700 miles across the Southern Ocean in a 22' long wooden sailboat. (B,L,D)

As we voyage south, watch for icebergs or head to the Bridge for a lesson in navigation. There'll also be time to enjoy a wellness treatment in the spa, work out in the fitness center, catch up on a book or simply relax. Each day our Naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience. (B,L,D)

Renowned for its beauty and vast colonies of king penguins, this is also the final resting place for the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Teeming wildlife, breathtaking scenery and soaring cliffs filled with birdlife greet our ship. Hundreds of young Antarctic fur seals are on hand as our Zodiacs make landfall. At St. Andrew's Bay, you may come upon 100,000 king penguins. (B,L,D)

These days at sea give us a chance to reflect on all that we have seen iand experienced n South Georgia , and prepare for the exciting days ahead in the Falkland Islands. There'll be time to hear talks from our staff, read in the ship's cozy library, and search for whales from the Bridge. For the more indulgent, enjoy a rejuvenating massage with our licensed therapist, work out in the gym--or simply relax. (B,L,D)

See the photogenic tin-roofed, Victorian-style houses of Port Stanley. Visit the Anglican Cathedral with its organic archway of whalebones and the Falkland Islands Museum. (B,L,D)

The Falklands boast the largest albatross colony in the world, irresistible Magellanic penguins in their burrows amid the green tussock grass and herds of enormous elephant seals. (B,L,D)

Our last day at sea gives us a one more opportunity to watch for marine life, and a chance to reflect on all we have seen and heard, hearing talks from our staff and bringing to summary the colossal scope of this voyage. (B,L,D)

We disembark in Ushuaia and have some time to explore before boarding our exclusively chartered LAN flight to Buenos Aires, and the subsequent overnight flight to the U.S. (B,L)