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Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
22 days, Montevideo to Ushuaia
Challenge. Desolation. Unlimited wonder. It’s not difficult to grasp what attracted the great explorers to Antarctica. Get a personal appreciation for the struggle to tame the bottom of the world on this 22-day adventure to the land that entranced Ernest Shackleton and countless others since. Down here, you’ll explore the Falkland Islands, encounter abandoned whaling stations on South Georgia Island, and pay your respects at Shackleton’s grave. Elsewhere, you’ll catch up with penguins (king, chinstrap, gentoo, and Adélie varieties), learn all about them through daily lectures, get close to whales and cavorting seals from a Zodiac boat, and keep an eye peeled for towering icebergs and massive glaciers. Prepare to be astonished.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Marine
Small-ship adventures on the world’s great seas, rivers, and other places only accessible by boat.
Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Age requirement: 10+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Montevideo to Ushuaia
From$13999USD
Valid on
Oct 22 2024
Trip Code: XVGFSX
Special Offers
Expires on May 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV025ANT06
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More from Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
Itinerary Notes
This trip is assigned a Physical Rating of 2. It is accessible to most fitness levels and for those able to do extended walks and light hiking on various terrain. It is important to note that for landings in Antarctica we use Zodiacs and wet beach landings in what sometimes can be extreme environments. This will require you to be able to safely navigate ice and snow on uneven ground, to lift your leg over the side of a Zodiac and push yourself up, walk on wet, rocky beaches and stand throughout the landing with no place to sit. Our expedition team is there to assist you if needed but having good mobility is important for your safety and enjoyment. Please also note that the G Expedition does not have an elevator and thus staircases must be used to move between decks, and depending on the weather the ship can sometimes find itself navigating rough and choppy sea conditions. For visual examples of the zodiac landings and activities please refer to the Excursions image gallery on the Expedition landing page here.
Itinerary
Day 1Montevideo
Arrive in Montevideo at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Uruguay's capital city.
Day 2Montevideo/South Atlantic Ocean
Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port of Montevideo.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDays 3–5South Atlantic Ocean/Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
With course set southeast, become acquainted with the ship. Enjoy the lecture and educational sessions about the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 6–7Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)/Southern Ocean
The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world. In Stanley, meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long, dark winters.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 8–9Southern Ocean/South Georgia
With course set for South Georgia, days at sea are filled with historical and biological lectures to prepare for landings. Look out for the many whales that inhabit these waters.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 10–13South Georgia/Scotia Sea
Home to many interesting sites (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visit a huge colony of king penguins, a major highlight of this part of the journey. South Georgia is also the home over half of the world's enormous southern elephant seals, the largest of all seals. Keep an eye out for newly birthed southern elephant pups. Weather permitting, enjoy 3-4 days free to explore this island.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 14–15South Shetland Islands/Antarctica
Plotting a southwesterly course across the Scotia Sea, sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route backwards.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 16–19South Shetland Islands/Drake Passage
Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the South Shetland Islands, just north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Weather and ice conditions permitting, our goal is to attempt memorable shore landings daily and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The ship will attempt to reach the Antarctic Peninsula for a landing, weather and ice-permitting.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 20–21Drake Passage/Ushuaia
Reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures en route to Ushuaia. Keep a careful look out for a last chance to spot whales.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 22Ushuaia
Disembark in the morning.
Meals included:
BreakfastWhat's Included
- 20 nts aboard the G Expedition
- 1 nt hotel in Montevideo, on a twin share basis
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
- Lectures and educational programs
- Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
- Expedition parka
Accommodations
Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 20 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.
Meals
21 breakfasts, 19 lunches, 20 dinners
Allow USD25-35 for meals not included. Drinks and tips on board not included.
Transportation
G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.
Staff & experts
One expedition team member per 10 guests.
Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
Antarctica Kayaking - From $1299.00
Weather permitting, you will head out in kayaks on days where zodiac landings are also available. Kayaking as part of a group led by experienced and skilled leaders allows an opportunity to experience these remote regions from another vantage point. No other activity gets you as close to the natural environment! This activity is offered on all departures and must be booked prior to your trip, see Tour details for more information.