Wild South Atlantic & Antarctic Peninsula - 22 Days | Venture

The harbour of Rio de Janeiro, cradled by the southern contours of Guanabara Bay under the majestic shadows of Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountains, is one of the world's most unique and awe-inspiring ports. As you approach by sea, Sugarloaf Mountain is your welcoming beacon, inviting you to experience the exhilarating cable-car ride to its summit for a panoramic view of the city and its famed beaches: Copacabana, Tijuca, Ipanema, and Leblon.

Rio de Janeiro vibrates with the rhythm and vitality of its renowned Carnavál Sambadrome parades, regardless of when you choose to visit. The city enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status, recognized as the 'Carioca Landscapes, Between the Mountain and the Sea.' Your exploration of Rio wouldn't be complete without visiting certain landmarks: the ascent to Sugarloaf, the lush Tijuca Rainforest Park, the towering Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado, and for football aficionados, the legendary Maracanä Stadium.

*Please note: Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.

The tiny harbor town of Parati (Paraty) is a colonial-era charmer, overlooking a protected bay along Brazil’s Costa Verde, “the Green Coast.” Founded by the Portuguese in 1597, Parati flourished as a transportation hub during the 17th and 18th centuries after gold was discovered in the state of Minas Gerais. The port was all but forgotten after Brazil declared its independence in 1822; today, its time-warp Old Town — designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019 — the largest concentration of colonial architecture in the country. Spend some time wandering its pedestrianized cobblestone streets, admiring the elegant churches and whitewashed buildings with colorful trim. Forte Defensor Perpétuo — in the 18th century to protect the town from pirates — features a small museum and mesmerizing views. The historic Caminho do Ouro or Gold Trail is a 1,200-mile-long thoroughfare laid by slaves that connected Minas Gerais with neighboring states; you can follow a stretch from Parati through lush Atlantic rainforest in Serra da Bocaina National Park, stopping at a series of waterfalls and freshwater pools.

Spend the next days at sea indulging in the ship's amenities. Take this opportunity to relax and make acquaintances with your fellow travelers.

Tucked between Brazil and Argentina, the Republic of Uruguay decidedly holds its own with unique traditions and identity. Despite being South America's second smallest nation, Uruguay feels like a vibrant city enveloped by expansive ranchlands. Often dubbed as the 'Switzerland of South America,' Montevideo mirrors Switzerland's discreet banking system.

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS:
OPTION 1: Montevideo Highlights & Tango Experience
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Montevideo on a scenic drive. Witness historic landmarks and monuments, then visit the Mercado Agricola, a bustling farmer's market teeming with local charm. End your day with a stirring tango performance at Baar Fun Fun, a venue steeped in over 80 years of history.

OPTION 2: Montevideo Old Town Walk & Tango Show
Explore the architectural wonders of Montevideo on foot. Discover the eclectic mix of styles in the city, then experience the passion of Uruguayan dance at Baar Fun Fun.

*Activities are subject to change depending on availability.

Make the most of the upcoming two days at sea by contemplating the horizon and immersing yourself in the vast depths of the ocean. Prepare for the exciting adventure ahead as we approach the Falkland Islands, renowned for their diverse wildlife.

Wind-swept New Island, one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands, lies on the western fringe of the Falklands Archipelago. Its gentle, low-lying eastern shores are indented with white, sandy bays and coves beaming with turquoise water. Gradually rising, these slopes are transformed into rugged sea-battered cliffs on the island’s western side. A place of colorful landscapes, New Island supports some of the largest concentrations and diversity of wildlife in the Falklands, with over forty species of nesting birds. Four species of penguins, including 13,000 gentoo and 26,000 Southern rockhopper penguins call the island home. Embracing winds and seas below, 60,000 black-browed albatross soar along the cliffs.

New Island’s history is as rich and plentiful as its natural wonders. The island has known human presence since the late 1700s, especially with many whaling ships finding refuge in its coves and bays from tempestuous weather.

Steeple Jason Island has some of the most breathtaking landscapes around, with its twin pinnacles on either side of the island rising sharply to 1,000’ (300 m) and connected by a low-lying neck of rock and tussock grass. Highly prized for its overwhelming abundance of wildlife, Steeple Jason is not easy to reach. Protected as a Nature Reserve and privately owned by the Wildlife Conservation Society. The Island is home to the largest colony of Black-browed albatross in the world. The Island also has a large number of striated caracaras, skuas, and southern giant petrels while several colonies of gentoo penguins are scattered around the island.

Carcass Island is a mesmerizing blend of unspoiled beauty and captivating wildlife. As you step onto this island, you'll find yourself in an enchanting world where rolling hills meet the azure sea and wind-sculpted trees stand sentinel over verdant pastures.

The island's name might raise eyebrows, but rest assured it has nothing to do with its current state. Named after HMS Carcass, which surveyed the area in the 18th century, this island is a vibrant sanctuary teeming with life. It serves as a haven for birdwatchers, hosting a dazzling array of avian species from Magellanic penguins and Black-browed albatrosses to Striated caracaras and numerous songbirds.

At Carcass Island, human presence is minimal, allowing nature to take center stage. The charming settlement offers a warm welcome, while the absence of land predators ensures the fearlessness of the local wildlife, making close encounters a common occurrence.

Albatrosses have long captured the imagination of sailors, roaming the vast oceans, embracing storms and winds far from the safety of land and so at ease in the roughest sea conditions. In summer, a large colony of black-browed albatrosses come to breed on West Point Island. Along with rockhopper penguins, they reside between the rocky ledges and among the tussock grass. Other species can also be seen throughout the island: fur seals and sea lions visit its shores and dolphins frequent its harbor. Cliff Mountain, its highest point, rises to 1,250’ (381 meters) above the highest sea cliffs in the Falklands.

The Napier family, descendants of the original farmers, still own and operate West Point Island as a traditional sheep farm. Living in a modest family house sheltered by weathered Monterey cypress trees, they welcome visitors in for a cup of tea. Experience West Point’s spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and its human population of just two, Lily and Roddy Napier.

Saunders Island, a wild and remote jewel in the Falkland Islands, is steeped in history. It was here, at Port Egmont, that the first British settlers made their mark in 1765. Today, the spirit of these early pioneers lives on, with descendants of the initial farming families still residing on the island, carrying on the age-old tradition of sheep farming.

But it's not just human history that makes Saunders Island so fascinating—it's a veritable sanctuary for wildlife. The island is home to five different species of penguin—king, macaroni, gentoo, rockhopper, and the occasional magellanic—each adding to the island's vibrant biodiversity. In addition, 500 steamer ducks, white-bridled finches, and an impressive 22,000 black-browed albatrosses choose to breed here. And if you turn your gaze seaward, you might spot dolphins frolicking in the harbor or Southern right whales in the distance.

The Falkland Islands are a world unto themselves. This remote archipelago are wind-swept and bathed in stunning natural beauty, magnificent wildlife, and are home to a gregarious mix of people. More than 200 islands dot the waters around the two mainlands of East and West Falkland, presenting landscapes that are breathtakingly pure and stark, yet vibrantly detailed. Here, the shores are devoid of trees but teem with an impressive variety of bird species including albatross, penguins, caracaras, and geese.

The Islands are also steeped in maritime and military history, with over three hundred shipwrecks scattered along their coasts. The serene white crosses marking the final resting places of British and Argentine soldiers serve as silent testaments to the war of 1982. Through the course of their history, many have laid claim to these islands, but today, they stand proud as a self-governing British Overseas Territory.

The solitary lighthouse at Cape Pembroke stands as a beacon for those journeying to Stanley, warning them of the perilous rocks, reefs, and shoals that the Falkland Islands are known for. Stanley, the largest settlement on the islands, is a charming enclave with a population of over 2,000. Its quaint gardens, delightful tea rooms, brightly hued houses, and cozy hotels exude a distinctly Victorian aura, as if time has graciously stood still here. The Anglican Cathedral, the world's southernmost, proudly graces Stanley’s waterfront.

In Stanley, the extraordinary wildlife of the Falklands is always close at hand. Dolphins often dance at its harbor, while steamer ducks, kelp gulls, and other birds thrive on its shores. Southern sea lions bask in the sun, and Southern giant petrels glide through town, seemingly unfazed by human activity. Established in the 1840s, Stanley was named after Edward Smith-Stanley, Earl of Derby, who never actually set foot on these islands.

In the upcoming days at sea, take advantage of the ship's amenities as you delve into studying the geography and wildlife of the region. Prepare yourself for the exciting exploration of the remarkable Antarctic continent.

Your captain and the skilled expedition team will plan your exploration and adventure in Antarctica based on weather, ice conditions, and reported wildlife distribution during the expedition. This adaptable approach guarantees that you can maximize the benefits of favorable conditions, enriching your experience as you uncover the awe-inspiring landscapes and distinctive wildlife of this pristine continent.

During the return across the Drake Passage, seize a last opportunity to appreciate the refreshing Southern Ocean air. Utilize time on deck to observe seabirds and search for whales, partake in informative presentations by your Expedition Team, and commemorate the unique experiences shared while exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.

After an exhilarating cruise amidst the pristine surroundings of the South Atlantic islands and Antarctica, disembark in Ushuaia and proceed to the airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires.