19th Nov - 11th Dec 2009 - 091122; 16th Dec 2009 - 6th Jan 2010 - 091219 Family Departure; 1st - 22nd Jan 2010 - 100104; 27th Jan - 17th Feb 2010 - 100130; 12th Feb - 5th Mar 2010 - 100215

Day 1 - London/Buenos Aires

Depart from London Heathrow by overnight flight to Buenos Aires.

Day 2 - Buenos Aires

On arrival in Buenos Aires, we transfer to the hotel for a two-night stay. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 3 - Buenos Aires

Morning introduction to the ‘Paris of Latin America’, taking in the highlights of the Teatro Colon Opera House, the Recoleta Cemetery, the Plaza de Mayo, La Casa Rosada and the old quarters of San Telmo.

Day 4 - Buenos Aires/Ushuaia

Early morning transfer to the airport for the shared charter flight southwards to Tierra del Fuego and the town of Ushuaia at the southernmost tip of Argentina, for embarkation aboard the Minerva. Time permitting, enjoy a traditional Patagonian barbeque lunch and visit to Lapataia National Park.

Day 5 - At Sea

As you sail northeast towards the Falkland Islands, lecturers begin their informal series of enlightening discussions on the flora, fauna and the history of the region.

Days 6 and 7 – The Falkland Islands

Remote and proudly British, the Falklands Islands offer a chance to step back in time, to an era of whalers and clipper ships, and a place where nature is still very much at large. Option to enjoy nature walks or stroll through the streets of Stanley.

Days 8 and 9 - At Sea

We head southeast across the South Atlantic towards South Georgia, with plenty of time to watch for passing bird life and the occasional whale and enjoy the informative lecture programmes.

Days 10 to 12 - South Georgia

We spend our time exploring South Georgia’s numerous coves, fjords and historic sites, including the former whaling station of Grytviken and the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton. The scenery here represents a breathtaking combination of rocky beaches, wildlife rookeries and a stunning glacial backdrop. Landing sites within South Georgia are subject to the permission of the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Permission and weather permitting, visits are planned at wildlife sites that are home to vast colonies of stately king penguins, fur and elephant seals.

Days 13 and 14 - Scotia Sea

Lecturers recap our adventures in South Georgia, whilst Minerva heads across the Scotia Sea towards Antarctica.

Days 15 to 17 - Antarctica

Our voyage brings us to the offshore islands and spectacular icebound backdrop of the Antarctic Peninsula. During our visit we enjoy a programme of exploration and discovery amidst this amazing environment, with usually scheduled stops twice a day. We hope (conditions permitting) to have landings by fast Zodiac boats on such islands as Deception Island home to an active volcano where (weather permitting) an Antarctic swim amid steam and hot water can be enjoyed, and scenically dramatic King George Island. We may venture ashore on Zodiacs to see some of the thousands of penguins and other seabirds nesting here. Sailing through Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, we cruise iceberg-strewn channels. There may also be an opportunity to visit a scientific research station or to see surviving relics from past whaling and sealing days. Each day is different in Antarctica and flexibility is the key to the expedition.

Days 18 and 19 - Drake Passage

The journey northward to Cape Horn across the strait named after the famous British mariner and explorer is an exciting one and you can reap and share the many highlights of your amazing journey with the team of lecturers.

Day 20 - Ushuaia/Buenos Aires

Today we disembark from Minerva and board the shared charter flight back to Buenos Aires. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Day 21 - Buenos Aires/London

Departure for the overnight flight to London. Arrive London day 22.

The nature of expeditionary cruising means the captain may change the itinerary based on local conditions.

Departure 091122 embarks in Buenos Aires (not Ushuaia). Departures 100104 and 100215 include only one day in the Falklands. Departure 100104 has four days in Antarctica, whilst Departure 100215 spends 4 days in South Georgia.