Welcome to Punta Arenas, Chile, where your Antarctic adventure begins. Punta Arenas, which is on the Strait of Magellan, is the most populated city in Patagonia. In the afternoon, meet your leader and fellow explorers at the official starting point hotel. Enjoy a first meal together and be briefed on the necessary preparations for embarkation day. If you arrive into Punta Arenas early, there are plenty of things to see and do. For a poignant look into the city’s history, perhaps visit the Cementerio Municipal to see the lavish tombs of wool barons and the modest graves of immigrants and explorers.

Today, cross the famous Drake Passage on a three-hour charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica. Instead of two days by sea, cross the infamous Drake Passage by air in only a few hours. Get your first glimpse of the dramatic Antarctic landscape, as your plane descends for landing on King George Island. As the largest island in the South Shetlands, King George is home to research stations belonging to Argentina, China, Russia, South Korea, Holland and the US, among others. On landing, spend some time exploring before being transferred by Zodiac to the ship. Meet the rest of your shipmates and set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula.

Enter an unknown world as your ship approaches the mainland of the White Continent. The Antarctic Peninsula is an extension of the Transantarctic Mountain chain. Your captain and expedition team will help point out penguins, seals, seabirds and whales throughout the journey. You’ll also learn about the history, geology and wildlife of the region through in-depth presentations. Each day, if the weather allows, you’ll make a couple of trips onto land by Zodiac for various activities. You might take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs around Pleneau Island one day, then hike to a penguin rookery the next. You might even choose to camp for a night on the Antarctic ice. If you take this option, ensure you dress warmly and eat plenty before you leave the ship, as no food is allowed on land. POSSIBLE LANDING SITES: ...

Few people can say they’ve crossed the Antarctic Circle, and you are one of them. Toast to your adventure with a glass of champagne, while paying homage to the first explorers to journey this far south. This is now deep Antarctica, home to Weddell seals, spectacular ice formations and the midnight sun. This region is also home to the densest concentration of wildlife in Antarctica. While not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle is a moment to remember. The event will usually happen while at sea, so be sure to head up to the bridge and snap your photo of the GPS reading 66° 33’ S.

As you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula, continue to make the journey onto land twice a day. The expedition team will always be on the lookout for new species of wildlife. With the help of presentations and the team, you may now be able to tell the difference between Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins. If you haven’t already had your fill of icebergs and Antarctic wildlife, you’ll be satisfied by the time you return to King George Island.

Today, say goodbye to the expedition team and disembark the ship at King George Island for the three-hour flight back across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas. We will transfer you from the airport to the hotel where you can enjoy a final dinner, reminiscing about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

There are no activities planned for today. After breakfast, make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your flight home or continue on your travels.