Seize the rare opportunity to stand among thousands of penguin in the Falklands and explore the wildlife-rich, glacier-carved coves and rugged shoreline of South Georgia Island. Cruise on MV 'Minerva' to the White Continent and follow polar explorer Ernest Shackleton's route across South Georgia Island. Journey out on Zodiac expeditions for close encounters with wildlife at the southern tip of the world.

Depart on your overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Arrive this morning and transfer to your hotel, where immediate check-in has been arranged. Take time to relax before this afternoon's optional city tour that shows you the highlights, including the Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada, the Cabildo and the Metropolitan Cathedral. You may drive past the colorful La Boca District or San Telmo, the birthplace of the sultry tango.

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, and you may even want to toast your journey in the Wheeler 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 or perhaps stroll the village streets of Stanley. This tiny capital is a quaint town of small shops and brightly painted houses.

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 filled 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 including Half Moon, Penguin and Deception Island. Other possible island visits may include Cuverville, Paulet and Goudier Island. 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 'Minerva's' comfortable gathering spots.

Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport.

Arrive in the morning and connect to homebound flights.

Itinerary shown is for December 17th and January 28th Departures. The January 2nd Departure spends one less day in the Falkland Islands and one more day in Antarctica. The February 13th Departure spends one less day in the Falkland Islands and one more day in South Georgia.

The Dec 17th Departure is a FAMILY Departure! Save 50% off adult cruise prices for children (18 years and younger) travelling with at least one full-fare paying adult per cabin. (Does not apply to suites or pre- and post-cruise land services).