NOTE: Jan 2 - 19 Day trip spends ONE LESS DAY in Antarctica.

South Georgia adds another dimension to your Antarctic adventure: see king penguin, fur seal and elephant seal, with a focus on Sir Ernest Shackleton's explorations. On the Falkland Islands, spend time leisurely hiking to penguin rookeries and other unspoiled wildlife habitats, or perhaps stroll the village streets of Stanley.

Depart on your overnight flight to Santiago, Chile.

Arrive in the morning and transfer to your hotel, where immediate check-in has been arranged. Take time to relax. Get to know your fellow adventurers this evening at a welcome cocktail reception.

Fly to Ushuaia at the southern tip of South America. You have time for some sightseeing and a traditional Patagonian barbecue lunch. This afternoon, board your ship and settle in for a first night on the water. Familiarize yourself with the ship; you may even want to toast your journey in the bar.

Your journey to the Falkland Islands is an exciting one, as you join the captain on the bridge or spot wildlife from the deck. The waters here are rich in krill, making them a favorite with local wildlife searching for food.

West Falkland and its surrounding islands are scantly inhabited by people and remain mostly unspoiled. Depending on local conditions and the discretion of your captain and expedition leader, landings may include the opportunity to see New Island or Carcass Island. Spend time leisurely hiking to penguin rookeries and other unspoiled wildlife habitats.

As the ship approaches South Georgia, deck-side sightings of whale, seal and other wildlife become more frequent. Informative lectures — as well as casual talks with your guides — soon have you scanning the seas like an expert.

South Georgia is actually a nearly submerged continuation of the Andes mountain range, and your days here are spent exploring its glacier-carved coves and rugged shores. Weather permitting, enjoy a visit to impressive Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay or Gold Harbour, home to a vast colony of stately king penguin. You also have the opportunity to retrace part of the route taken by Ernest Shackleton during his historic crossing of South Georgia Island in 1916.

Lecturers recap your adventures in South Georgia while the ship passes through waters rich with marine mammals and fish.

As conditions permit, the ship's itinerary calls for landings on the Antarctic Peninsula and a number of South Shetland Islands, which may include Half Moon, Penguin and Deception Islands. Other possible island visits may include Cuverville, Paulet and Goudier Islands. There are also plans to sail through Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, with additional opportunities for exploration, including a stop at a scientific research station.

Return through Drake Passage, where there are more chances to observe marine and birdlife. You may also want to compare notes on your journey with your fellow travellers, either on deck or in one of 'Le Boreal's' comfortable gathering spots with superb views.

Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport to fly to Santiago. From Santiago connect to your independent flight home.

Connect to a homebound flight.

Arrival meet and greet in Santiago (staff inside custom’s arrival area)
Baggage handling and transfer airport hotel
Overnight accommodation at Grand Hyatt Santiago (with pre-registered gtd early check in) including breakfast and bottled water
Santiago city tour
Welcome cocktail reception
Group transfers hotel/airport for charter flight check in
Arrival baggage handling and meet and greet in Ushuaia
National Park tour with lunch in Ushuaia
Cruise accommodations on Le Boreal
All meals, open bar, house wines and champagne (excluding premium wine and premium champagne) throughout voyage
Full enrichment /lecture program (15-16 Expedition staff as per 2011/12)
All shore excursions and fees
All staff and crew gratuities on Le Boreal
Expedition parka and backpack
24 hour in cabin room service with complimentary mini-bar (restocked on request)
Post cruise baggage and passenger transfer for charter flight
Staff assistance for baggage re-check and onward flight coordination in Santiago
Dinner meal voucher at airport