Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands Cruise: Photography & Exploration

Description

Join this panoramic Luxury Expedition Cruise and explore the colourful Falkland Islands, unspoiled South Georgia with its rookeries of king penguins, and epic Antarctica — an ideal itinerary for photographers and explorers alike. Go ashore with your Expedition Team to visit areas rich in the history of polar exploration and experience the wildlife of the Southern Ocean region in all its glory.

Trip Name

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands Cruise: Photography & Exploration

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 224 Launched: 2015 A sleek silhouette, a welcoming intimate atmosphere, discover aboard this new ship the philosophy that has made our sisterships such a success: the spirit of Yacht Cruises. Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 122 staterooms and Suites, with balconies, will join our fleet in April 2015. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the our destinations and the blue light of the Vega star in the Lyra constellation. The result is a subtle variation around a palette of blues, ranging from the luminous delicate grey-blue of the Polar ice to splashes of the vivid turquoise blue found in Mediterranean coves A refined ambiance is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat’s hull, while the central sculpture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea. In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonymous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive in Argentina’s capital and transfer to your hotel.Palacio Duhau — Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

Day 2 - Day 2 Buenos Aires | Discovering a Vibrant Capital

Explore Buenos Aires with your local guides, choosing from excursions that include a guided tour with a tango demonstration or a tour of the city’s vibrant street art scene. In the evening, join your fellow guests and A&K staff for a welcome cocktail reception. Meet some of your expert expedition staff members, including National Geographic photographer Michael Melford.Palacio Duhau — Park Hyatt Buenos Aires | Meals: B

Day 3 - Day 3 Ushuaia | At the Edge of the World

Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Take a guided trek in the Cerro Alarken Nature Reserve before boarding your luxurious expedition cruiser for the next 15 days of adventure. Watch from the comfort of your private balcony as ‘Le Lyrial’ heads out to sea.'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Day 4 - Day 4 At Sea | Riches of the Southern Ocean

As you sail east toward the Falkland Islands, A&K’s Expedition Team begins its exciting lecture series, covering everything from penguins to the formation of sea ice to thrilling personal accounts of living in Antarctica. Photography enthusiasts especially enjoy time with Michael Melford and your A&K photo team, who are on hand to exhibit extraordinary images, share tips and answer questions. The cool waters are rich in krill, making them a favourite with local wildlife searching for food. Alongside your naturalist guides, spot various species of whales and seabirds from ‘Le Lyrial’s’ deck.'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Day 5 - Day 5 The Falkland Islands | Historic Outpost

Today, ‘Le Lyrial’ arrives in the remote Falkland Islands. Conditions permitting, you may visit the tiny capital of Stanley, strolling its charming streets and exploring its surrounding wilderness areas, or land at the southeast Falkland Islands of Sea Lion and Bleaker, home to unspoiled wildlife habitats.'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Day 6 - Days 6 - 7 Cruising the South Atlantic | Abundant Wildlife

As you head toward South Georgia, sightings of whales and other wildlife become more frequent. Time spent cruising is once again filled with informative lectures and casual talks with your guides, leaving your knowledge of the region greatly enriched. The open ocean is a treasure chest bursting with life — scan the seas to spot marine mammals and seabirds as the ship cruises the nutrient-rich waters past the Shag Rocks islands.'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Day 7 - Days 8 - 10 South Georgia | Wildlife Haven

Explore South Georgia, the Southern Ocean’s crown jewel of wildlife. South Georgia is a nearly submerged continuation of the Andes Mountains, and your days here are spent exploring its glacier-carved coves and rugged shores — ideal for exploring with your naturalist guides on Zodiacs (sturdy inflatable boats). Weather and ice conditions permitting, excursions over the next three days include stops along the northeast coastline of the island, where we hope to visit vast colonies of king penguins and southern elephant seals. You may also explore iconic historic sites with your A&K historian, who shares tales of the whaling era and the heroic age of exploration. You also learn about the life and exploits of Antarctica’s greatest explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose final resting place is right here on South Georgia Island, at Grytviken. A photographer’s paradise, South Georgia is a locale where you’re sure to capture some of your very best shots.'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Day 8 - Days 11 - 12 Scotia Sea | Life at Sea

Cruise the Scotia Sea while your expert lecturers recap your adventures in South Georgia and hint at what’s to come in Antarctica. Prepare for your Antarctic arrival by learning more about the Seventh Continent from the experts who know it best, from its awe-inspiring terrain to the hardy wildlife that inhabits it.'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Day 9 - Days 13 - 15 Antarctica | Incredible White Continent

Conditions permitting, your itinerary calls for landings on the Antarctic Peninsula and a number of South Shetland Islands. Your expedition team takes advantage of the best opportunities to set out on Zodiacs and explore the continent’s iconic shores, which teem with gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins. Antarctica’s stunning geography enhances the excitement of your experience here as dramatic snow-capped mountains, shimmering glaciers and iceberg-strewn channels compete for your attention. At the evening’s recap, you might look through your photos with Michael Melford and his team as they make suggestions for how to improve your framing and techniques.'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Day 10 - Days 16 - 17 Drake Passage | Reflections at Sea

Bid farewell to Antarctica as ‘Le Lyrial’ points north for her return to Ushuaia. Enjoy more opportunities to observe birds and marine life while reflecting on an incredible journey with fellow guests and new friends.'Le Lyrial' | Meals: BLD

Day 11 - Day 18 Depart Ushuaia

After breakfast, disembark ‘Le Lyrial.’ Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires, where you board your flight home or join your Ushuaia post-tour extension.Meals: B

Day 12 - Please Note:

Itinerary is for guidance purposes only and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances, including weather, wildlife, ice, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond A&K’s control, at the sole discretion of the Captain.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Cruise for 15 nights on an exclusively chartered voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia and The Falkland Islands
Voyage to the Falkland Islands to explore this remote archipelago’s colourful, storied history and abundant wildlife
Explore historic, wildlife-rich South Georgia, where you visit spectacular king penguin colonies and legendary sites that tell the tale of Antarctica’s greatest explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton
Experience the best of Antarctica during Zodiac excursions led by A&K’s award-winning Expedition Team
Enjoy additional photo coaching lectures and hands-on workshops from special guest lecturer and famed National Geographic photographer and conservationist Michael Melford