DAY 1
Santiago, Chile
The magnificent Andes Mountains provide an awesome backdrop for the sprawling Chilean metropolis of Santiago. The population of Chile’s capital numbers more than six million but, with its relatively compact size, pretty leafy suburbs and well-oiled infrastructure, it is by no means an intimidating city. Santiago is a curious mix of skyscrapers and 19th-century European architecture, with some Spanish-style bungalows thrown in for good measure. Threaded through this architectural tapestry are numerous green spaces, busy markets and quaint old squares. Street life is vibrant and the presence of many chic sidewalk cafes, outside of which traditionally-dressed women hawk their wares hoping to catch the eye of the tourists, adds to the vibe. There are also some impressive museums, great accommodation options for all budgets, excellent restaurants and some good shopping opportunities. The public transport is excellent, making getting around in the city centre a doddle.
Check In: 07/12/2023- Check Out: 08/12/2023
DAY 2
Puerto Williams, Chile
Puerto Williams is a small town located on the southern shore of Navarino Island in Chile. It is considered the southernmost town in the world, as it sits just a few kilometres from Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America. Despite its remote location, Puerto Williams has a population of around 2,500 people and serves as the capital of the Chilean Antarctic Province. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including mountains, glaciers and the Beagle Channel.
Arrive: 08/12/2023- Depart: 08/12/2023
DAY 3
Cruising the Drake Passage
Cruising the Drake Passage is an exhilarating experience for adventure seekers and nature lovers. The Drake Passage is the body of water between the southern tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica, known for its rough and unpredictable seas. Cruising through this passage provides a unique opportunity to witness some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, including icebergs, glaciers and an abundance of wildlife such as whales, seals and various species of birds. It is also a chance to learn about the history of polar exploration and the delicate ecosystem of the region. While the Drake Passage can be challenging to navigate, modern cruise ships are equipped with advanced technology and experienced crew to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for passengers.
Arrive: 09/12/2023- Depart: 10/12/2023
DAY 5
Antarctic Sound
The Antarctic Sound is a stretch of water named after the first ship to have passed through this body of water from the Bransfield Strait to the Weddell Sea in 1902. The Antarctic eventually sank and crew and scientists had to spend quite some time in this area before they could be rescued. Sites that have to do with this story – like Hope Bay or Paulet Island – are sometimes visited. At Paulet, Hope Bay and Brown Bluff Adelie and Gentoo Penguins breed, as do Kelp Gulls and Cape Petrels, Snow Petrels and Skuas. The Sound’s main attractions are the spectacular tabular icebergs that come from the Larsen Ice Shelf further south.
Arrive: 11/12/2023- Depart: 11/12/2023
DAY 6
Antarctic Peninsula
Remote and otherworldly, Antarctic is irresistible for its spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers, and for the possibility of up-close encounters with marine mammals and the iconic penguins. The Antarctic Peninsula – the main peninsula closest to South America – has a human history of almost 200 years, with explorers, sealers, whalers, and scientists who have come to work, and eventually intrepid visitors coming to enjoy this pristine and remote wilderness. It is a region of protected bays, unscaled snow-capped mountains, vast glaciers and a few places where whalers or scientists have worked. Just as irresistible are the many Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, the seals basking on ice floes, the whales and orcas.
Arrive: 12/12/2023- Depart: 14/12/2023
DAY 9
South Shetland Islands
Some 770 kilometres (478 miles) south of Cape Horn, the South Shetland Islands are usually the first land seen in Antarctica. Separated from the Antarctic Peninsula by the Bransfield Strait, nine major islands make up the group. The region was the first to be exploited by sealers in the early 19th century, and because of its proximity to South America, it still is the most visited by scientists and tourists. Chinstrap, Adelie, Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins all breed here. In addition, because it is the warmest part of the continent, large moss beds as well as orange, black, grey and green lichens grow –even hair grass and pearlwort manage to survive. Leopard seals, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, Southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals can be seen in the water and on the beaches.
Arrive: 15/12/2023- Depart: 15/12/2023
DAY 10
Cruising the Drake Passage
Cruising the Drake Passage is an exhilarating experience for adventure seekers and nature lovers. The Drake Passage is the body of water between the southern tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica, known for its rough and unpredictable seas. Cruising through this passage provides a unique opportunity to witness some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, including icebergs, glaciers and an abundance of wildlife such as whales, seals and various species of birds. It is also a chance to learn about the history of polar exploration and the delicate ecosystem of the region. While the Drake Passage can be challenging to navigate, modern cruise ships are equipped with advanced technology and experienced crew to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for passengers.
Arrive: 16/12/2023- Depart: 16/12/2023
DAY 11
Sailing around Cape Horn
Cape Horn is known for its treacherous waters, fierce winds and unpredictable weather. Sailing around Cape Horn offers a unique opportunity to witness some of the world’s most stunning natural beauty, including rugged cliffs, glaciers and an abundance of wildlife such as albatrosses and whales.
Arrive: 17/12/2023- Depart: 17/12/2023
DAY 12
Puerto Williams, Chile
Puerto Williams is a small town located on the southern shore of Navarino Island in Chile. It is considered the southernmost town in the world, as it sits just a few kilometres from Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America. Despite its remote location, Puerto Williams has a population of around 2,500 people and serves as the capital of the Chilean Antarctic Province. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including mountains, glaciers and the Beagle Channel.
Arrive: 17/12/2023- Depart: 18/12/2023
DAY 13
Santiago, Chile
The typical image of a lush tropical paradise comes to life on the friendly island of St Lucia. Despite its small size – just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide – St Lucia is rich in natural splendour with dense emerald rainforest, banana plantations and orchards of coconut, mango and papaya trees. The twin peaks of Les Pitons, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site rise dramatically 2,000 feet into the sky and dominate the island. Look out for unusual birds with brilliant plumage such as the St Lucia parrot, see a surprising diversity of exotic flora and enjoy the warm hospitality of the islanders in the small villages and open-air markets.
Check In: 18/12/2023- Check Out: 19/12/2023
