Stand in the shadow of Ernest Shackleton

The world’s most southerly city, Ushuaia is an outpost like no other. Once a penal colony the city at the bottom of Tierra del Fuego still holds an almost mystical appeal. It’s here that you will board your boat and set sail for the Falkland Islands.

Landing in the northwest corner of the Falklands archipelago on these two islands is always a treat. These days West Point is uninhabited by humans, but is home to a stunning colony of rockhopper penguins and beautiful black-browed albatross. Having explored here you’ll sail the short distance to Saunders Island, keep an eye open for dolphins on the way. Saunders is home to around four people in the summer months which means you’ll be welcomed to the manager’s house with a traditional Smoko (tea and cake). Saunders Island has never been home to rodents or cats meaning the ground nesting birds here have really flourished among the tussock grass, which is also where you will find giant elephant seals.

Visiting the tiny capital of the Falkland Islands can feel like a step back in time and with just 2,000 inhabitants there is a distinctly “English” feel to everything here. it is easily small enough to explore on foot from the museum to the Thatcher Memorial and the cathedral to the three pubs there’s more than enough for anyone to discover. The historic dockyard may well be of interest too as for so many years these islands were a stop off point for ships going round the horn of South America.

With three days to explore South Georgia, there is a huge amount to discover. This tiny island is often described as the “Galapagos of the Poles” and for good reason. Home to the largest population of southern elephant seals (which can weigh up to 3 tonnes), 3-million breeding pairs of macaroni penguins, over half a million pairs of king penguins, nesting sites for wandering albatross, sooty mantle albatross, fur seals and rich waters attracting countless whales each year it really lives up to its nickname.

Grytviken is perhaps best described as the “capital” of South Georiga although it is only home to four people who look after the museum here during the summer months. This abandoned whaling station is the only one you can really explore and puts into perspective the sheer volume of the industry that once wreaked havoc on the wildlife of the region. It is a truly humbling experience to walk among the giant vats that once contained the oil these hunters prized so highly.

It is here that Shackleton was laid to rest and no trip to South Georgia is complete without raising a glass to the Boss and his right-hand man Frank Wild.

It was here that Frank Wild and 21 of Shackleton’s men survived for 128 days with no contact with the outside world and absolutely no knowledge as to when or if they were going to be saved. The story of how they got here, and their eventual rescue has gone down in legend, and will be retold by the historian onboard your ship as you visit key points of the epic journey.

Antarctic Sound, located at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and towering icebergs. Often referred to as “Iceberg Alley,” it offers a breathtaking spectacle of tabular icebergs that have broken off from the Larsen Ice Shelf. This remote and icy passage is a haven for wildlife, including penguins, seals, and seabirds.

Known for its dramatic landscapes of towering glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and floating icebergs, the Antarctic Peninsula offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing. With 4 days to explore you will encounter vast colonies of penguins, seals lounging on ice floes, and majestic whales breaching in the frigid waters. Zodiac cruises and guided hikes allow for close encounters with the region’s unique flora and fauna. The sheer isolation and pristine beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula make it a once-in-a-lifetime destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.