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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 than 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, and gentoo varieties) and 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.
Highlights
• Meet hardy locals and see unique wildlife in the Falkland islands
• Explore abandoned whaling stations and visit Shackleton’s grave
• Walk quietly amongst king penguins and watch them surf into the beach
• Learn about the environment and ecology from industry experts
• Spot whales and seals while cruising through icebergs on Zodiacs
• Set foot on the continent of Antarctica
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Day 1 Arrive Montevideo
Arrive in Montevideo at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Uruguay's capital city. Overnight at the group hotel.
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Day 2 Montevideo/South Atlantic Ocean
Today we embark on the M/S Expedition. The group will leave the hotel together in the early afternoon. The morning is free for you to do any last minute shopping or visit one of Montevideos colorful neighbourhoods. The evening is spent onboard the ship sailing southwards towards the Falkland Islands. Please note while it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day on board, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview.
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Days 3–5 South 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. Spend time on deck to spot wildlife including albatross and possibly whales and dolphins. Relax in the library, grab a drink in the Polar Bear Pub, or make some new friends in the Discovery Lounge.
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Days 6–7 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)/Southern Ocean
The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Nesting Albatross and penguins are abundant. Port Stanley provides an opportunity to meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long dark winters.
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Days 8–9 Southern Ocean/South Georgia
With course set for South Georgia, days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare for landings. Look out for the many whales that inhabit these waters. Our lecture series resumes to prepare us for South Georgia, spend plenty of time on deck to identify the abundant sea birds of the South Ocean.
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Days 10–13 South 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. Weather permitting, enjoy 3-4 days free to explore this island. South Georgia Island is home to many marvels including Shackleton’s grave, former whaling stations, incredible scenery and prolific wildlife. Weather permitting spend 3-4 full days and opt to explore this island. A huge colony of king penguins is the highlight of this part of the journey. On nearby islands look out for the wandering albatross in their nesting grounds.
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Days 14–15 Scotia Sea/South Shetland Islands
Plotting a southwesterly course across the Scotia Sea, sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route backwards. Plotting a southwesterly course across the Scotia Sea, sail for two days the legendary Elephant Island in the South Shetland Islands. The waters are rich with nutrients and the long summer days provide the ingredient that is missing most of the year. The result is a complex food chain topped by several species of whales, seals, and seabirds.
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Days 16–19 South 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. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting), 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 peninsula also has a remarkable human history; during the voyage we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.
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Days 20–21 Drake Passage/Ushuaia
Reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures on route back to Ushuaia. Keep a careful look out for a last chance to spot whales. Turning north, embark upon the 400 mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The G Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. At some point on the first day, cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer sub-antarctic water moving in the opposite direction. It is the largest biological barrier on earth and is marked by a change in temperature, salinity and nutrient levels. The north flowing Antarctic waters predominantly sink beneath southward moving sub-antarctic waters. While further south associated areas of mixing and upwelling create an ocean very high in marine productivity. Wandering, Black-browed and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Prion's and Cap Petrels are among some of the species of seabirds that may join the Expedition on the journey towards the South American continent.
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Day 22 Ushuaia
Disembark in the morning. Our adventure comes to a close. Have a final breakfast on the expedition ship before saying our goodbyes as we disembark in Ushuaia in the morning. Fly out of Ushuaia anytime from noon onwards.
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Please Note:
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable.
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22 October, 2025 to 12 November, 2025
2 Upper, 2 lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
2 Upper berths and 1 lower berth. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 3.
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 4.
Our four suites all feature separate entrances, living and sleeping areas. Each living area includes a 2-seater couch, armchair, coffee table and desk. Each bedroom contains a double bed as well as a vanity area. Located on Deck 4.
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22 October, 2026 to 12 November, 2026
Located on the Main Deck
Approximately 13.5 sq. m (145 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower and 1 upper berth and a porthole
Ensuite bathroom with hairdryer
Located on the Lower deck
Approximately 11 sq. m (115 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and one porthole
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the main deck
Approximately 11 sq. m (115 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and one porthole
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the main deck, midships (Deck 2)
Approximately 11 sq. m (115 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and 2 windows
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the Captain's Deck or Upper Deck
Approximately 12 sq. m (132 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and large view window
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the Captain’s Deck
Approximately 13 sq. m (144 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and a large view window
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the Captain’s Deck
Approximately 20 sq. m (215 sq. ft.)
Include a double bed (comprised of 2 twin berths), a couch and sitting area, and a large view window
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the Bridge Deck at the stern
Approximately 19 sq. m (208 sq. ft.)
Includes a double bed (comprised of 2 twin berths), large sitting area with couch
Panoramic window facing either aft or port or starboard (depending on the cabin)
Ensuite bathroom
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Expedition
Expedition
Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 105 metres
Passenger Capacity: 128
Built/Refurbished: 1976/2017
Launching for the 2025/2026 season, this newly refurbished expedition vessel offers a stylish yet rugged upgrade for polar exploration. With brand new engines, refreshed communal spaces, and modernised cabins complete with ensuite bathrooms, it blends performance, comfort, and an intimate atmosphere for just 128 guests. Designed to keep things cosy and capable, the ship’s small size means guests can disembark more frequently (weather permitting), ensuring more time ashore, closer wildlife encounters, and memorable moments that larger ships simply cannot provide.
On board, 70 well-appointed cabins feature lower beds, private facilities, and views of the ever-changing landscapes through windows or portholes. Facilities include a dining room, observation deck, theatre-style lounge for presentations, jacuzzis, gym, and a 24-hour tea and coffee station. Guests can also enjoy optional adventures such as kayaking among ice floes or camping overnight on the Antarctic ice. Whether navigating polar waters or tracing the rugged coastlines of the Scottish Isles, this ship offers a perfect balance of adventure and comfort in some of the world’s most spectacular destinations.
Kayaking
Weather permitting, you will head out in kayaks during the days where zodiac landings are also available. Kayaking as part of a group lead by experienced and skilled leaders, is an opportunity to experience these remote regions from another vantage point. No other activity gets you as close to the natural environment!
Optional tours and excursions are available, please contact us for more details.
