This adventure starts with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, the bustling capital of Argentina. Spend the evening at your leisure and discover `Paris of South America´ for yourself on a warm spring or summer day or extend your stay with an optional Pre-Programme to explore wild Patagonia.

Fly early in the morning to Ushuaia, where MS Fram awaits. Once on board, we kick off our journey with a welcome dinner.

We cross the open sea towards the Falkland Islands. Enjoy our in-depth lectures and keep an eye out for wildlife from deck.

The Falkland Islands teem with wildlife, and offer clear blue skies, vast vistas and stunning white beaches. Here, the sheep graze alongside colonies of penguins, while caracaras patrol overhead and geese forage at the water’s edge. Penguins waddle close to take a look, then continue on their way, providing great photo opportunities! We hope to go ashore for exploring, hiking or taking a closer look at all the birds. Stanley makes an excellent starting point for our excursions. We will be docked in the capital the entire day,

Prepare yourself for Antarctica as we cross the famed Drake Passage. During the voyage south, the Expedition Team starts the lecture programme on the area’s wildlife, whaling and polar history. They are well-versed in every facet of South Georgia, from its geology and glaciology to the mating rituals of seals and the legends of the Norwegian whalers.One of the fascinating stories that will be told is that of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the men of the ill-fated ship Endurance, and their amazing feats of bravery.You will also learn what it takes to be an Antarctic Ambassador in our mandatory briefing and join the Citizen Science programme to learn more about the wildlife and ecosystems of Antarctica.

We explore the thriving ecosystem and rich history of South Georgia. The area is known as the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean and is a world-famous location for wildlife photographers.South Georgia’s unique position inside the Antarctic ecosystem - yet outside the limit of sea ice - makes an ideal home for tens of millions of breeding penguins, seals and seabirds. During our stay here, you will see adult seals lounge on the sand while their pups race in and out of the water, albatross soar overhead, and penguins cluster in their thousands. Enjoy the sight of hanging glaciers, cliffs, and scenic lagoons.You will also visit a museum, the Norwegian seaman’s church, and the grave of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. South Georgia also offers good hiking, and one of our favourite trails follows part of Shakleton´s route on his brave journey across rugged mountains to find help for the 22 men left on isolated Elephant Island.

The Expedition Team will continue the lecture programme, covering history and the great explorers, marine biology, wildlife, oceanography and climate change. Spend some time on deck and look out for wildlife. We are usually followed by different sea bird species, such as albatrosses.

The South Orkney Islands consist of four islands situated in the Scotia Sea about 600 km northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula. We arrive here in the very early morning to experience the Solar Eclipse, weather permitting. Our Expedition Team will be on deck to give out special-purpose solar filters which will protect your eyes while you observe the extraordinary occurrence.If your cabin faces the right direction, you can enjoy the event through the window, without even having to change out of your pyjamasA professional astronomer will also be part of the Expedition Team for the full duration of the voyage, delivering a series of in-depth lectures and providing insights during the Solar Eclipse.After observing the Solar Eclipse, we plan to explore the South Orkney Islands themselves. 85% of the islands’ surface is made up of glaciers, which make it the perfect home for various species of penguins and seals. We will do our best to navigate a route through the area’s icebergs and sea ice.

As we continue towards Antarctica you can learn more about the wonders of the Deep South, focusing on the history, environment and wildlife of the region. Using the state-of-the-art microscopes in the ship’s Science Center, you can analyse samples taken during the expedition cruise to see another kind of ‘wildlife’ at the cellular level.

Antarctica is wilderness on a massive scale. It is home to 90 per cent of the world´s ice, reaching up to 4,000 metres in thickness. Winter sea ice virtually doubles the size of the continent. In summer, Antarctica is a breeding ground for millions of penguins, whales and seals.As outlined in the Antarctic Treaty, this is a continent dedicated to peace, science and tourism. We are founding members of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and faithfully follow strict environmental guidelines designed to protect the perfect natural balance of the ecosystem here.No human activity permitted that can alter the perfect natural balance that has evolved through millennia without interference. That´s why we follow very strict environmental guidelines and rules. When we leave, we will not even leave foot prints behind. Our captain and Expedition Team will take advantage of the often-ideal conditions to take you ice-cruising, and to come ashore on landings for exciting activities. You may have the chance to kayak the icy waters in the company of whales, hike or even camp on the world´s most isolated continent.

On our way back to civilisation, we will continue our lecture series and recap our experiences of Antarctica. The voyage from the Antarctic Peninsula to Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina is roughly 950 km (600 miles) or 40 hours of sailing time in good weather.

We make landfall in Tierra del Fuego. Your voyage ends in the world’s southernmost town, Ushuaia, and your journey back continues with a flight to Buenos Aires. If you crave even more exploration after Antarctica, we recommend you extend your stay in Buenos Aires or join an optional Post-Programme to the magnificent Iguazu waterfalls.

Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.