South Georgia & The Falklands (Malvinas) (NAT)
20 Days
20 Days
DAY 1 — U.S./Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina
Depart Miami on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires. Please inquire for other gateways.
DAY 2 — Buenos Aires/Overnight Hotel We
arrive this morning in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, set on the Rio de la
Plata, and check in to our luxurious hotel. We have planned several
exclusive events during our three days in Argentina's capital city. This
afternoon, we visit the pink Presidential Palace, whose famous balcony
is forever associated with Eva Peron, the old quarter of San Telmo, and
La Boca, with its striking multi-colored houses. An exclusive event is
planned at El Zanjon, a beautifully restored residence and the city's
finest archaeological venue. Walk along the colorfully illuminated
underground tunnels, unveiling the very beginnings of the city, and end
our day with a wine toast. Return to our hotel for a relaxing dinner.
(L,D) |
DAY 3 — Buenos Aires/Overnight Hotel Today
we explore the city's cultural heritage, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces,
the Museum of Latin American Art and the impressive Evita Museum. A
short walk through the famed Recoleta Cemetery shows us local history n a
snapshot: presidents, artists and influential Argentineans lie in this
eclectic landmark. In the bohemian neighborhood of San Telmo we witness
another cultural icon: the Tango. After a delicious dinner of Argentine
beef and wine, you'll have an exclusive visit to the most authentic
tango venue in Buenos Aires. El Viejo Almacen has housed stories of
treachery and love, singers and dancers, knives and poems--and always
gathers the best musicians and dancers in town. (B,L,D) |
DAY 4 — Buenos Aires/Embark Ship Today
we exeprience elegant country living at a beautiful private estancia
(ranch). Enjoy the grounds, and savor a typical Argentinean barbecue,
before ending the day aboard National Geographic Explorer, set on a
southerly course. (B,L,D) |
DAY 5-6 — At Sea—South Atlantic Ocean
We
relax and settle in to shipboard life, listening to informal
discussions from our Naturalist staff to prepare us for the wildness
ahead and spending time on deck and on the Bridge, scanning for seabirds
and whales. There's time to tak full advantage of the ship's amenities:
workout in the Fitness Center, indulge in the spa or sauna, browse the
library or relax in the Observation Lounge.DAY 7 — Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia
Our
staff has ben longing to return to the Peninsula Valdes since 2005.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Peninsula Valdes is a wildlife
haven where the endangered southern right whales come to breed, mate and
calve their young. October is the peak of the migration season, and at
this time of year the cows and newborn calves can be seen, often in
water as shallow as 15 feet. We take smaller boats out to the bay and
look for these behemoths. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 — At Sea--South Atlantic During
our day at sea, we learn about the fascinating history of Antarctic
exploration, as well as the flora, fauna and geology of South Georgia. A
lookout is kept to identify the seabirds that follow our ship:
wandering albatross, prions and black-browed albatross. (B,L,D) |
DAY 9-10 — Falkland Islands Each
Falkland Island is a variation on the theme of topographical beauty
with white-sand beaches, vaulting cliffs, windswept moors and the sunlit
yellows and sage greens of waving tussock grass. The Falklands boast
the largest albatross colony in the world, thousands of irresistible
gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, as well as herds of fur and
elephant seals. (B,L,D) |
DAY 11-12 — At Sea Seabirds above, whales beneath as we head to our next destination: South Georgia Island. (B,L,D) |
DAY 13-18 — South Georgia Island
These
days are devoted to exploring the spectacular coastline of South
Georgia Island. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, the
schedule is flexible. Throughout our journey there will be opportunities
for walking, hiking, kayaking and Zodiac excursions. Leisurely
circumnavigating the island, we plan to make stops every day including
Grytviken, the final resting place of Shackleton, and Stromness Bay
where Shackleton, Tom Crean and Frank Worsley finally reached aid at a
whaling station. And, at St. Andrew’s Bay, you may come upon 100,000
king penguins!DAY 19-20 — At Sea These
days are spent relaxing at Sea in the Southern Ocean, enjoying the
amenities of the ship, hearing talks from our expedition staff, and
absorbing all that we've seen and heard so far. |
DAY 21 — Falkland Islands Our
journey across theSouth Atlantic Ocean takes us once more to the island
archipelago that teems with the wondes of nature and wildlife. Take a
last walk along the beautiful white-sand beaches, meander through the
tussock grass or sit atop a cliff and ponder the views. And, our visit
to Port Stanley offers a chance to meet the hospitable locals, hoist a
few at the famous Upland Goose pub and meander this remote Victorian
town. |
DAY 22 — At Sea Our
final day at sea allows us time to relax and reflect on all that we
have seen and learned. At the Bridge, observe expert navigation at work
as our skilled Captain and officers navigate the same waters that
Shackleton and his expedition sailed aboard the Endurance.
Sometimes misty and gray, other times calm and clear, the crossing is
unforgettable — a milestone in any adventurer’s personal travel history. |
DAY 23-24 — Ushuaia, Argentina/Disembark/Bueno Aires/Fly to US Our
journey ends in Ushuaia this morning, with time to explore before
boarding our chartered LAN Chile flight to Buenos Aires, and an
overnight flight to the U.S. |
