Across the Antarctic Circle Sail/Fly

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. Arrive independently and transfer to the hotel for your included overnight stay. Enjoy time seeing the sights and sounds of this city which is renowned for its enchanting scenery, before enjoying a good night’s sleep in preparation for the adventures ahead.

After checking out of the hotel, you will have time to explore more of Ushuaia and its surrounds before heading to the port in the mid-afternoon to board the brand new polar vessel Greg Mortimer. Settle into your cabin and get to know your home for the next 10 nights as the ship sets sail through the scenic Beagle Channel. A luggage transfer from the hotel is included.

As your ship sails south through the famous Drake Passage keep an eye out in one of the many observation areas for the seabirds, including albatross, which follow the ship, and the first of many iceberg sightings. Enjoy informative lectures on the wildlife, history and geology of the areas you are about to discover and attend bio security briefings for your time in Antarctica. As we approach the Shetland Islands there may be the opportunity to make some shore landings.

As you awake on day 5 your ship will have sailed through the Gerlache Strait and the sight that awaits this morning is the stunning Antarctic Peninsula. A land of superlatives, Antarctica’s vast proportions are a sight to behold. Enjoy Zodiac excursions to explore penguin rookeries, visit historic sites and scientific stations, and get up close to the masses of elaborate icebergs. Watch seals basking on the ice floes, join an excursion in search of orca sightings, and enjoy the exhilaration of stepping foot on the white continent. As with all polar expeditions, your exact itinerary in Antarctica will be dictated by weather and wildlife sighting opportunities so be prepared for the unexpected. Making the most every moment, your captain will choose the best course each day for wildlife viewings and adventures, with a new experience guaranteed each day. For the more adventurous there will be ample opportunities for kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving.

As we continue south, ice conditions govern our movements. Whether we cross the Circle via the 'inner route' or the Bellingshausen Sea, we celebrate in style. With luck, we reach magnificent Crystal Sound, pass through the Gullet and steam on to Marguerite Bay. Orcas, humpbacks and minkes feed in the channels. If ice conditions allow, we may visit historical Stonington, Pourquoi Pas and Detaille Islands before returning north to warmer climes.

After your thrilling exploration of Antarctica your ship will arrive at mountainous King George Island where you will disembark for the final time. If time and weather permits you may be able to explore the penguin and seal-rich waters of Fildes Bay and visit the surprising Trinity Church at Bellingshausen Station, before catching your charter flight to Punta Arenas in Chile. Upon arrival in Punta Arenas you will transfer to your hotel for your included overnight stay.

After breakfast in the hotel it will be time to bid farewell to your fellow passengers as you check out and head to the airport for your onward or homeward travel.