Unusual route: Deep into the south

Day 1: Journey begins at the end of the world

Your journey begins where the world seems to end. Ushuaia, Argentina —known as the southernmost city on Earth—is located at the very tip of South America. In the afternoon, you will board the ship in this small, picturesque town on Tierra del Fuego. Ushuaia is nicknamed "The End of the World," but for you, it is the beginning of an intense expedition. In the evening, you will sail through the Beagle Channel, lined with majestic mountains, leaving civilization behind.

Days 4 to 6: The Antarctic Peninsula

You will follow in the footsteps of the famous Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache and, weather permitting, land on Auguste Island. This is the same place where the crew of the Belgica first set foot on Antarctic soil in 1898.

Another possible destination is Hydrurga Rocks, a small group of islands east of the much larger Two Hummock Island. Here you have the chance to observe Adélie and chinstrap penguins, as well as Weddell seals, leopard seals, and southern elephant seals. With a little luck, humpback whales and Antarctic minke whales may also be seen in the surrounding waters.

These days, they are venturing further and further south and exploring the Antarctic Peninsula extensively. Among other things, these special destinations await you there:

• Charlotte Bay – Here you will likely make your first landing on the Antarctic mainland at Portal Point.
• Cuverville Island – This small, steeply rising island is nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Rongé Island. It is home to a large colony of gentoo penguins and breeding pairs of brown skuas.
• Danco Island – Gentoo penguins nest here, but Weddell seals and crabeater seals are also welcome guests.

Days 8 to 11: Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Crossing the Antarctic Circle, you will reach the particularly ice-rich region of Crystal Sound. With a little luck, you will be able to observe a variety of Antarctic wildlife and find yourself in the midst of the vast Antarctic landscape with its endless rugged ice fields and majestic towering mountains. Conditions permitting, you will land on Detaille Island , a historic site and former research station. The virtually unchanged station offers a rare glimpse into the early days of scientific research in Antarctica against an impressive backdrop.

Pourquoi-Pas Island / Horseshoe Island

After visiting one or both islands, you will be even more amazed by the groundbreaking expeditions of the past. Pourquoi-Pas Island, named by the famous explorer and scientist Jean-Baptiste Charcot, is home to penguins and seals. On a hiking trail, the impressive view of the glaciers that shaped the island's landscape is a constant companion.

Horseshoe Island is home to an abandoned research station whose buildings are reminiscent of the legendary Mary Celeste—as if it had simply been abandoned one day. Groundbreaking scientific studies and long-distance dog sled expeditions took place here, and the remains of the old dog kennels can still be seen. The island not only provides a fascinating insight into history, but with its harsh conditions and striking views, it also embodies the original essence of the Arctic.

Stonington Island

Between the 1930s and 1970s, Stonington Island was an important center for scientific research, with both American and British research stations. To this day, historic buildings and artifacts tell the story of the glorious Antarctic pioneers. Once connected to the mainland by snow and ice, this place is a powerful reminder of the remoteness of Antarctica and the untamed power of the wilderness. The combination of rich wildlife, unspoiled nature, and historical relics makes Stonington Island a particularly multifaceted experience.

Red Rock Ridge

Your landing point on the Antarctic mainland, Red Rock Ridge, can be seen from afar: its striking red-colored rocks stand out dramatically against the icy landscape. Conditions permitting, you will go ashore here. There is a breeding colony of Adélie penguins in the area, and with a little luck you may also spot seals and Antarctic cormorants nesting nearby.

Days 15 to 18: Entering the Bellingshausen Sea

Today, your ship is expected to reach the Ronne entrance – an area first documented during Lincoln Ellsworth's flights and later mapped by the British Graham Land Expedition. Weather permitting, you will land in this extremely remote region by Zodiac or helicopter in one of the most isolated places in the world. As ice and weather conditions along the coast of Ellsworth Land are constantly changing, your expedition leader will determine the best options for activities in this area at short notice.

Days 21 to 24: Northern route – From Peter I Island to the Drake Passage

After leaving Peter I Island, the captain sets course northward. They leave Antarctica and sail across the Bellingshausen Sea into the endless expanse of the Southern Ocean.

As your ship glides through the waters, your onboard experts continue to offer interesting lectures —for example, on the history of Antarctic expeditions or the sensitive marine ecosystems of this unique region.

The wildlife will also be your constant companion: keep an eye out for wandering albatrosses and petrels gliding elegantly over the waves, or even whales. With a little luck, you may spot humpback whales or perhaps even a blue whale feeding in these nutrient-rich waters.

Now you're facing the huge Drake Passage again, this time as the last leg of your journey back to South America.