Emperors & Kings
Itinerary
Day 1
Ushuaia, Argentina
Ushuaia is considered the gateway to Antarctica, making it the perfect place to begin this unique adventure. Your included hotel room will be ready for occupation after 4 PM (16:00). You can store your luggage at the hotel if you arrive earlier.
Day 2
Embarkation Day
Your luggage will be transferred from your hotel to the ship today. You will transfered to the ship separately from a pre-arranged meeting place. As embarkation is in the late afternoon, you will have most of the day to explore the town or visit the nearby National Park. During the Welcome Briefing you will be introduced to special guests Robert Bateman and Birgit Freybe Bateman. The Batemans have earned international reputations as artists and conservationists. They will share a lifetime of experience during two presentations that they will deliver during the voyage.
Day 3-4
At Sea
Crossing the Drake Passage is as much a part of the Antarctic experience as penguins and krill. With the right weather conditions the transit will be relatively easy, but pack your seasickness medicine just in case the Drake lives up to its reputation.
Day 5-6
Through Bransfield Strait to the Weddell Sea
In anticipation of the first landing at the rookery while sailing you learn how to enter and exit Zodiacs and helicopters. The addition of helicopters for ice reconnaissance, aerial sightseeing and shore transfers is one reason that an icebreaker expedition delivers the ultimate Antarctic experience.
Day 7-9
Snow Hill Island Rookery
Adventurers returning from previous safaris raved about the experience of visiting the most northerly rookery in the world. They found the Antarctic springtime environment as fascinating as the birds. The Emperors raise their young on sea ice that has captured icebergs, freezing them in place like huge sculptures dropped at random into the landscape. It is our intention during this expedition to spend 3 days in the vicinity of the rookery.
Day 10-11
At Sea
From the Weddell Sea, we will sail across the Southern Ocean to South Georgia.
Day 12-16
South Georgia
Shore landings on South Georgia are planned at King Penguin rookeries. You may encounter many other species of birds as you sail along the shoreline.
Day 17-18
At Sea
While you sail from South Georgia to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) you’ll spend time on deck identifying seabirds that accompany the vessel.
Day 19-20
Falkland Islands
Landings in the Falkland Islands should provide opportunities to see Rockhopper Penguins, and other species endemic to the islands.
Day 21
Santiago, Chile
Today you fly from Stanley, to Santiago, where you spend the night. The Andes Mountains tower over Santiago de Chile. At the heart of the city founded in 1541, is the Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by historical buildings from the Colonial era.
Day 22
Santiago, Chile
Making an already rare adventure unforgettable are special guests Robert Bateman and Birgit Freybe Bateman. The Batemans have earned international reputations as artists and conservationist. They will share a lifetime of experience during two onboard presentations.
