In Shackleton's Footsteps: Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula

What Awaits You

Live out your Antarctica dream on this exceptional voyage aboard our luxury ice-class expedition ship. Your journey to this icy wilderness starts with the notorious two-day Drake Passage sea crossing. Following in the footsteps of legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton, we visit South Georgia. Here you will clamber onto beaches crammed with millions of penguins and take home everlasting memories. Get ready for fabulous photo opportunities of magnificent icebergs as we sail around the Antarctic Peninsula. This immersive cruise is the ultimate Antarctica journey that will make for the trip of a lifetime.

Expedition Highlights

A once-in-a-lifetime journey—exploring pristine ice landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and the raw beauty of Earth's last great wilderness aboard our boutique expedition ship.

Better chance to spot wildlife

Longer cruises offer significantly better opportunities to witness the wildlife of the White Continent: penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds in their natural habitat.

Legacy of Polar Exploration

Antarctica carries the legacy of early exploration, where figures such as Sir Ernest Shackleton are part of a wider story shaped by endurance, discovery, and the unknown.

West Point Island

Dramatic cliffs plunge into the turquoise sea, while vast numbers of black-browed albatrosses and rockhopper penguins create an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Drake Passage

Sail the Drake Passage, following in the wake of explorers across one of the world’s most legendary sea crossings, where the meeting of oceans creates a dynamic seascape alive with seabirds and the promise of Antarctica ahead.

Antarctic Peninsula

Expert-led Talks

Learn more about this isolated polar region from our onboard team of experts.

Antarctic Peninsula

Icebergs and Glaciers

Listen to the symphony of nature as towering icebergs and colossal glaciers crack and calve.

Port Stanley

The capital of the Falkland Islands is a place where British heritage meets rugged South Atlantic character. Friendly locals, abundant wildlife, and the quiet echoes of history.

Citizen Science Workshops

During your trip, join Swan Hellenics Citizen Science programs and contribute to real-world environmental research.

Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Sail beyond 66°33′S and feel the true scale of the far south, where daylight, ice, and weather set their own rules.

Antarctic Peninsula

Albatross all around

Spot majestic albatross as they soar alongside the ship across the ocean.

Saunders Island

One of the most wildlife-rich islands in the Falklands. Here, you can observe colonies of gentoo, rockhopper and macaroni penguins.

Ushuaia

The World’s Southernmost City

Known as the “End of the World,” Ushuaia offers a unique blend of frontier spirit, colorful history, and breathtaking scenery.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Here you will clamber onto beaches crammed with millions of penguins and take home everlasting memories. Get ready for fabulous photo opportunities of magnificent icebergs as we sail around the Antarctic Peninsula. This immersive cruise is the ultimate Antarctica journey that will make for the trip of a lifetime

NOTE: This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Overview

Day 1. Ushuaia

Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world

Day 2. Day at sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers

Day 3. West Point Island

Birdlife is the big draw on this lush sheep-farming island, where thousands of rams and ewes roam. Settled by British explorers in 1765, the island’s unique scenery includes golden sand beaches filled with the cacophony of rockhopper, gentoo and Magellanic penguin colonies, and the pillar-shaped nests of black-browed albatross. Nine of the Falklands’ 14 endemic plants, including silvery buttercup and hairy daisy, grow here and are a real treat

Day 3. Saunders Island

Black-browed albatross grace the skies over this remote Falkland Island, while Commerson's dolphins play in its waters. With a sparse population of people and sheep, the island is also a sanctuary for fur seals, rockhopper penguins, Magellanic penguins and imperial cormorants, nesting amid its cliffs and the impressive Cliff Mountain. Hiking through the moss-covered terrain unveils beautiful wildflowers like pink-petalled Felton's

Day 4. Port Stanley

Anyone familiar with Britain’s trademark red post boxes might spot a resemblance in this British outpost. Port Stanley, on East Falkland, is the tiny capital of the Falkland Islands and is small enough to get around on foot. The Historic Dockyard Museum is devoted to maritime history and exploration. Magellanic penguins gather on the beach at nearby Gypsy Cove, and sea lions and dolphins frolic in the harbour

Days 5-6. Day at sea

Days 7-10. South Georgia

Often called the 'Galapagos of the Poles,' South Georgia has a number of landing sites with tens of thousands of King Penguins and gentoo penguins, making up some of the largest populations in the world alongside harrumphing elephant seals. Among its remarkable sites is Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) is laid to rest

Day 11. Day at sea

Days 12-16. Antarctic Peninsula

Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent live their Antarctica dream. It's the most accessible part, with scientific bases and incredible scenery, like the photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Mikkelsen Harbour, where among gentoo penguins, snowy sheathbills and skuas, Antarctic Weddell seals haul out

Days 17-18. Day at sea

Day 19. Ushuaia

Guest Reviews

Each Swan Hellenic journey is designed to inspire curiosity, broaden horizons, and create lasting memories. Our guests' experiences bring to life the spirit of cultural discovery and exploration that defines our voyages.

What elevates Swan Hellenic above competitors is the expedition team and the dedication to immersive travel. The expert lecturers, naturalists, and guides are world-class, offering fascinating lectures and ensuring safe, intimate excursions.

Rachel TaylorAustralia

Everything was absolutely perfect! There was not a single thing to complain about. It was incredibly fun, and that fantastic atmosphere was maintained by the entire crew from the very first to the very last minute of our stay!

Alexander KorneevFinland

A terrific expedition trip! Small number of guests, very attentive staff, very interesting ports of call. Excursions were varied & fun!

Katie BrownCanada

I highly recommend Swan Hellenic! Every single aspect of my cruise was outstanding. The food was fantastic and the ship is awesome. The crew supported my every need in an excellent manner.

Robbie AsherUnited States

From the captain to the expedition guides, from the service staff to housekeeping. 100 out of 100 points!

Annette ClavinDenmark

Journal

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