22-night In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

Santiago is a huge city of nearly five million inhabitants surrounded by immense Andean peaks creating a spectacular backdrop. The city centre is quite manageable with a collection of wide avenues, squares and parks all laid out in a grid pattern. Chile has a distinctly European flavour and Santiago will bring this home to you as you visit the churches, monuments and museums all designed in a certain familiar style.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Santiago - Private Half-Day Tour (4 Hours) — Optional Private Excursions

Discover the essence of Santiago as you explore its historic city center, lush parks, vibrant neighborhoods, and the city’s official founding site.
Your private tour begins with a convenient hotel pickup, taking you straight into the heart of Santiago’s historic district. Visit the iconic La Moneda Presidential Palace, where your guide will share insights into Chile’s founding and its modern political history. Stroll through the bustling city center, including the colorful Paseo Bandera, adorned with striking street sculptures nestled between government buildings and Chile’s financial hub. At the historic Plaza de Armas, learn about Santiago’s colonial roots, established in 1541 by Pedro de Valdivia, before driving along the scenic Parque Forestal, which lines the banks of the Mapocho River. Pass through the cultural enclaves of Barrio Bellas Artes and Lastarria, and admire the elegant stairways, fountains, and facades of Santa Lucía Hill.

Depending on your interests, you can explore Barrio Bellavista—home to lively restaurants and Pablo Neruda’s eccentric residence, La Chascona—or head uptown to experience the striking contrasts of this remarkable city.

This curated tour offers a perfect balance of history, culture, and scenic exploration.

Santiago - Culinary Contrasts: Markets & Bohemian Tour (5–6 Hours) — Optional Private Excursions

Immerse yourself in Santiago’s vibrant culinary scene as you explore the rich traditions of the market district and the trendy gourmet delights of hip Barrio Italia—a must for urban food lovers!

Your journey begins with a hotel pickup and a visit to Santiago’s historic center. Starting at the Plaza de Armas, we’ll make our way to the bustling Market District, home to La Vega Chica, La Vega Central, Tirso de Molina, and Mercado Central. Here, you’ll dive into Chile’s culinary traditions, experiencing the vibrant energy of markets that supply fresh goods to the entire city. Enjoy the colorful sights, enticing aromas, and lively atmosphere as you sample classic dishes like porotos (beans), savor a refreshing mote con huesillos—a beloved treat somewhere between a dessert and a drink—and try other traditional Chilean flavors. Wrap up the market visit with fresh seafood at Mercado Central, perfectly paired with a crisp Chilean white wine.

Next, we’ll drive through scenic Parque Forestal, pass the historic neighborhood of Lastarria, and admire Cerro Santa Lucía, the official founding site of Santiago. Our final destination is the bohemian Barrio Italia, a neighborhood known for its relaxed vibe, charming cafes, and boutique shops. Here, indulge in gourmet chocolate samples, stroll through the hidden arcades, and treat yourself to artisan ice cream, a favorite Chilean dessert.

This tour offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, giving you a taste of the contrasts that make Santiago such a dynamic and diverse city.

Santiago is a huge city of nearly five million inhabitants surrounded by immense Andean peaks creating a spectacular backdrop. The city centre is quite manageable with a collection of wide avenues, squares and parks all laid out in a grid pattern. Chile has a distinctly European flavour and Santiago will bring this home to you as you visit the churches, monuments and museums all designed in a certain familiar style.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Santiago - Private Half-Day Tour (4 Hours) — Optional Private Excursions

Discover the essence of Santiago as you explore its historic city center, lush parks, vibrant neighborhoods, and the city’s official founding site.
Your private tour begins with a convenient hotel pickup, taking you straight into the heart of Santiago’s historic district. Visit the iconic La Moneda Presidential Palace, where your guide will share insights into Chile’s founding and its modern political history. Stroll through the bustling city center, including the colorful Paseo Bandera, adorned with striking street sculptures nestled between government buildings and Chile’s financial hub. At the historic Plaza de Armas, learn about Santiago’s colonial roots, established in 1541 by Pedro de Valdivia, before driving along the scenic Parque Forestal, which lines the banks of the Mapocho River. Pass through the cultural enclaves of Barrio Bellas Artes and Lastarria, and admire the elegant stairways, fountains, and facades of Santa Lucía Hill.

Depending on your interests, you can explore Barrio Bellavista—home to lively restaurants and Pablo Neruda’s eccentric residence, La Chascona—or head uptown to experience the striking contrasts of this remarkable city.

This curated tour offers a perfect balance of history, culture, and scenic exploration.

Santiago - Culinary Contrasts: Markets & Bohemian Tour (5–6 Hours) — Optional Private Excursions

Immerse yourself in Santiago’s vibrant culinary scene as you explore the rich traditions of the market district and the trendy gourmet delights of hip Barrio Italia—a must for urban food lovers!

Your journey begins with a hotel pickup and a visit to Santiago’s historic center. Starting at the Plaza de Armas, we’ll make our way to the bustling Market District, home to La Vega Chica, La Vega Central, Tirso de Molina, and Mercado Central. Here, you’ll dive into Chile’s culinary traditions, experiencing the vibrant energy of markets that supply fresh goods to the entire city. Enjoy the colorful sights, enticing aromas, and lively atmosphere as you sample classic dishes like porotos (beans), savor a refreshing mote con huesillos—a beloved treat somewhere between a dessert and a drink—and try other traditional Chilean flavors. Wrap up the market visit with fresh seafood at Mercado Central, perfectly paired with a crisp Chilean white wine.

Next, we’ll drive through scenic Parque Forestal, pass the historic neighborhood of Lastarria, and admire Cerro Santa Lucía, the official founding site of Santiago. Our final destination is the bohemian Barrio Italia, a neighborhood known for its relaxed vibe, charming cafes, and boutique shops. Here, indulge in gourmet chocolate samples, stroll through the hidden arcades, and treat yourself to artisan ice cream, a favorite Chilean dessert.

This tour offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, giving you a taste of the contrasts that make Santiago such a dynamic and diverse city.

Punta Arenas is the southernmost city on Earth, overlooking the Straits of Magellan. Situated astride one of the world's historic trade routes, its prosperity has risen and fallen with that trade. Punta Arenas enjoyed its first great boom during the California Gold Rush, when it served as a haven for great clipper ships. Although the port's importance diminished after the opening of the Panama Canal, the city reached even greater prosperity early in this century as the center of Chile's international wool trade. Today, Punta Arenas reflects a great mix of cultures, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors, and it remains an utterly fascinating testament to the Chile's rich history. Punta Arenas is also the starting point for excursions to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Punta Arenas: Exploring the End of the World - 3.5 hours — Optional Private Excursions

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION

• A visit to the Braun-Menendez Regional Museum.
• Cocktail and canapés at the De La Cruz hill
• The municipal cemetery and the tomb dedicated to the Ona Indians.

 DESCRIPTION

This city tour begins with a visit to the southern sector  of Punta Arenas where we’ll visit the eerie wreckage of the Lord  Longsdale ship and the local market.

Afterwards we’ll head back to Old Town Punta Arenas. Here its European architecture, public buildings, main square and gardens with their varied styles denote wealth and luxury that existed in the city during the "golden era" between 1880 and 1914, when Punta Arenas was one of the most active ports of the Southern Cone.

The visit will continue to the Braun-Menendez Regional Museum, the former residence of Maurice Braun and Josefina Menendez, a marriage that united the two largest fortunes in the region of Magallanes. With the falling price of wool and the nationalization of the farms during the 1970's, the family lost most of their wealth and their descendants have since moved from Patagonia to the rest of world.

Moving from downtown towards the North, we’ll arrive at the Mount La Cruz panoramic point. It offers a beautiful view of the city, with its colorful roofs spreading up to the strait and showing the landscape of Tierra del Fuego, Mount Sarmiento and the southern area of the Brunswick Peninsula. Before continuing will take a few minutes to make a toast enjoying this unique view and brilliant photo stop.

To end this excursion we’ll take you to the beautifully landscaped Municipal Cemetery. Here, one can admire the splendid mausoleums of pioneer families as well as a tomb dedicated to the Unknown Ona, the now extinct Fireland Indians. They say you can't really understand a culture until you see where they bury their dead, and in the case of the cemetery of Punta Arenas, this edict certainly rings true. The Municipal Cemetery was opened by the Governor Señoret in 1894 and features a giant stone portico donated by Sara Braun in 1919. Inside this necropolis lies a veritable miniature city, with avenues that connect the magnificent tombs of the region's founding families, settlers, and civic workers and a rather solemn tomb where lie the remains of the last Selk'nam Indians of Tierra del Fuego. 

*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car

Operational notes :
 
Duration : 3.5 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Snacks and refreshments at Mount La Cruz
Travellers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car

Punta Arenas: Flavors of Patagonia - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION

• An orientation tour of Punta Arenas
• A private culinary experience with a renowned local chef

 DESCRIPTION

The Walking City Tour begins at Main Square Plaza Muñoz Gamero and Old Town with its European arquitecture, public buildings and gardens with their varied styles denote wealth and luxury that existed in the city during the "golden era" between 1880 and 1914, when Punta Arenas became one of the most active ports of the Southern Cone.

To continue towards the area near the port and regional market where will meet up with Luis Gonzalez, Chef and owner of the unique Remezon Restaurant which offers wild flavours that come from this part of the world. Thus his proposal has been awarded and praised by many visitors.

Luis Gonzalez enjoys sharing his Patagonian recipes and culinary secrets with those who come to the Remezon. Today we’ll be doing some grocery shopping together at the market and his favourite spots and afterwards enter his kitchen where cooking is not only fun but we’ll also learn more about Punta Arenas culture, its people and way of living at the ends of the world.

After participating in preparing some delicious dishes it will be time to sit back and enjoy lunch.

Before leaving Luis will surprise you with a very special memento of this Patagonian culinary experience. 

*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car

Operational notes :
 
Duration : 4 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Lunch with wine at the Remezón restaurant 
Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car

Punta Arenas - A day on a Patagonian Ranch - 5 hours — Optional Private Excursions
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION

• The local fauna
• Typical Patagonian lunch

New Island is one of the finest wildlife areas in the Falklands. This is largely because of the variety and density of bird life which lives there. The island's north and eastern coasts feature majestic cliffs, and some beautiful lower lying sandy bays. The island is a research center as well as a nature reserve and is home to a slew of wildlife including, Rockhopper penguins, South American sea lions and many other creatures for nature lovers and bird watchers to enjoy.

Saunders Island is located on the northwestern region of the Falkland Islands. The highest point is Mount Richards which is 1,499 ft. high. It consists of three peninsulas linked by a narrow new. The neck is approximately one hours drive and it is isolated for a prime wildlife viewing.

Port Stanley is the only town on the Falkland Islands, and though it has little more than 1,200 residents, it contains half of the islands' population. There are 700,000 sheep, and a wonderful assortment of sea birds and elephant seals.

The Antarctic Peninsula thrusts out past the Antarctic Circle, lunging vainly towards the Andes, across the infamous Drake Passage. As far as the Antarctic is concerned, the peninsula is the most densely populated location on the continent, sprinkled with vast research bases and minute outposts alike. At the height of the summer season, the human population numbers over 3,000 - not counting tourists. That figure shrinks to less than 1,000 during the intensely chilly winter.

The South Shetland Islands are a string of islands running parallel to the north west coast of the Antarctic peninsula. The South Shetlands are almost completely ice covered. About 2-3 percent is ice free, usually along the coast, where all life is found whether penguins, seals, or the human inhabitants of the various bases. The islands are frequently visited by tourist cruise ships and each has a different character. From north to south, the main islands are: Elephant Island, King George Island, Penguin Island, Bridgeman Island, Aitcho Islands, Greenwich Island, Half Moon Island, Livingston Island and Deception Island.

Destination Guide

A number of geographical anomalies around the Gerlache Strait make these waters among the most plankton-rich in the world. So, in addition to some of the most stunning  polar mountains, and majestic floating ice floes in the distance, you are likely to see a profusion of humpback whales feeding in this rich ecosystem.

The South Shetland Islands are a string of islands running parallel to the north west coast of the Antarctic peninsula. The South Shetlands are almost completely ice covered. About 2-3 percent is ice free, usually along the coast, where all life is found whether penguins, seals, or the human inhabitants of the various bases. The islands are frequently visited by tourist cruise ships and each has a different character. From north to south, the main islands are: Elephant Island, King George Island, Penguin Island, Bridgeman Island, Aitcho Islands, Greenwich Island, Half Moon Island, Livingston Island and Deception Island.

Destination Guide

The question is not how low can you go, but how far south can you go before falling off the planet. Lying across the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia at "the end of the world," this town is a rag-tag collection of colorful tin-roof houses, ice-capped peaks, scenic beaches, and a naval base. Sitting on tiny Navarino Island, no phone lines stretch between earth and sky, which is all the better for the penguins, geese, and albatross. Pristine hikes lead past beech forests, bogs, and hidden streams. Sailors and kayakers ply through quiet waters with snow-covered mountains looming on all sides.

Punta Arenas is the southernmost city on Earth, overlooking the Straits of Magellan. Situated astride one of the world's historic trade routes, its prosperity has risen and fallen with that trade. Punta Arenas enjoyed its first great boom during the California Gold Rush, when it served as a haven for great clipper ships. Although the port's importance diminished after the opening of the Panama Canal, the city reached even greater prosperity early in this century as the center of Chile's international wool trade. Today, Punta Arenas reflects a great mix of cultures, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors, and it remains an utterly fascinating testament to the Chile's rich history. Punta Arenas is also the starting point for excursions to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Punta Arenas: Exploring the End of the World - 3.5 hours — Optional Private Excursions

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION

• A visit to the Braun-Menendez Regional Museum.
• Cocktail and canapés at the De La Cruz hill
• The municipal cemetery and the tomb dedicated to the Ona Indians.

 DESCRIPTION

This city tour begins with a visit to the southern sector  of Punta Arenas where we’ll visit the eerie wreckage of the Lord  Longsdale ship and the local market.

Afterwards we’ll head back to Old Town Punta Arenas. Here its European architecture, public buildings, main square and gardens with their varied styles denote wealth and luxury that existed in the city during the "golden era" between 1880 and 1914, when Punta Arenas was one of the most active ports of the Southern Cone.

The visit will continue to the Braun-Menendez Regional Museum, the former residence of Maurice Braun and Josefina Menendez, a marriage that united the two largest fortunes in the region of Magallanes. With the falling price of wool and the nationalization of the farms during the 1970's, the family lost most of their wealth and their descendants have since moved from Patagonia to the rest of world.

Moving from downtown towards the North, we’ll arrive at the Mount La Cruz panoramic point. It offers a beautiful view of the city, with its colorful roofs spreading up to the strait and showing the landscape of Tierra del Fuego, Mount Sarmiento and the southern area of the Brunswick Peninsula. Before continuing will take a few minutes to make a toast enjoying this unique view and brilliant photo stop.

To end this excursion we’ll take you to the beautifully landscaped Municipal Cemetery. Here, one can admire the splendid mausoleums of pioneer families as well as a tomb dedicated to the Unknown Ona, the now extinct Fireland Indians. They say you can't really understand a culture until you see where they bury their dead, and in the case of the cemetery of Punta Arenas, this edict certainly rings true. The Municipal Cemetery was opened by the Governor Señoret in 1894 and features a giant stone portico donated by Sara Braun in 1919. Inside this necropolis lies a veritable miniature city, with avenues that connect the magnificent tombs of the region's founding families, settlers, and civic workers and a rather solemn tomb where lie the remains of the last Selk'nam Indians of Tierra del Fuego. 

*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car

Operational notes :
 
Duration : 3.5 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Snacks and refreshments at Mount La Cruz
Travellers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car

Punta Arenas: Flavors of Patagonia - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION

• An orientation tour of Punta Arenas
• A private culinary experience with a renowned local chef

 DESCRIPTION

The Walking City Tour begins at Main Square Plaza Muñoz Gamero and Old Town with its European arquitecture, public buildings and gardens with their varied styles denote wealth and luxury that existed in the city during the "golden era" between 1880 and 1914, when Punta Arenas became one of the most active ports of the Southern Cone.

To continue towards the area near the port and regional market where will meet up with Luis Gonzalez, Chef and owner of the unique Remezon Restaurant which offers wild flavours that come from this part of the world. Thus his proposal has been awarded and praised by many visitors.

Luis Gonzalez enjoys sharing his Patagonian recipes and culinary secrets with those who come to the Remezon. Today we’ll be doing some grocery shopping together at the market and his favourite spots and afterwards enter his kitchen where cooking is not only fun but we’ll also learn more about Punta Arenas culture, its people and way of living at the ends of the world.

After participating in preparing some delicious dishes it will be time to sit back and enjoy lunch.

Before leaving Luis will surprise you with a very special memento of this Patagonian culinary experience. 

*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car

Operational notes :
 
Duration : 4 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Lunch with wine at the Remezón restaurant 
Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car

Punta Arenas - A day on a Patagonian Ranch - 5 hours — Optional Private Excursions
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION

• The local fauna
• Typical Patagonian lunch

Santiago is a huge city of nearly five million inhabitants surrounded by immense Andean peaks creating a spectacular backdrop. The city centre is quite manageable with a collection of wide avenues, squares and parks all laid out in a grid pattern. Chile has a distinctly European flavour and Santiago will bring this home to you as you visit the churches, monuments and museums all designed in a certain familiar style.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Santiago - Private Half-Day Tour (4 Hours) — Optional Private Excursions

Discover the essence of Santiago as you explore its historic city center, lush parks, vibrant neighborhoods, and the city’s official founding site.
Your private tour begins with a convenient hotel pickup, taking you straight into the heart of Santiago’s historic district. Visit the iconic La Moneda Presidential Palace, where your guide will share insights into Chile’s founding and its modern political history. Stroll through the bustling city center, including the colorful Paseo Bandera, adorned with striking street sculptures nestled between government buildings and Chile’s financial hub. At the historic Plaza de Armas, learn about Santiago’s colonial roots, established in 1541 by Pedro de Valdivia, before driving along the scenic Parque Forestal, which lines the banks of the Mapocho River. Pass through the cultural enclaves of Barrio Bellas Artes and Lastarria, and admire the elegant stairways, fountains, and facades of Santa Lucía Hill.

Depending on your interests, you can explore Barrio Bellavista—home to lively restaurants and Pablo Neruda’s eccentric residence, La Chascona—or head uptown to experience the striking contrasts of this remarkable city.

This curated tour offers a perfect balance of history, culture, and scenic exploration.

Santiago - Culinary Contrasts: Markets & Bohemian Tour (5–6 Hours) — Optional Private Excursions

Immerse yourself in Santiago’s vibrant culinary scene as you explore the rich traditions of the market district and the trendy gourmet delights of hip Barrio Italia—a must for urban food lovers!

Your journey begins with a hotel pickup and a visit to Santiago’s historic center. Starting at the Plaza de Armas, we’ll make our way to the bustling Market District, home to La Vega Chica, La Vega Central, Tirso de Molina, and Mercado Central. Here, you’ll dive into Chile’s culinary traditions, experiencing the vibrant energy of markets that supply fresh goods to the entire city. Enjoy the colorful sights, enticing aromas, and lively atmosphere as you sample classic dishes like porotos (beans), savor a refreshing mote con huesillos—a beloved treat somewhere between a dessert and a drink—and try other traditional Chilean flavors. Wrap up the market visit with fresh seafood at Mercado Central, perfectly paired with a crisp Chilean white wine.

Next, we’ll drive through scenic Parque Forestal, pass the historic neighborhood of Lastarria, and admire Cerro Santa Lucía, the official founding site of Santiago. Our final destination is the bohemian Barrio Italia, a neighborhood known for its relaxed vibe, charming cafes, and boutique shops. Here, indulge in gourmet chocolate samples, stroll through the hidden arcades, and treat yourself to artisan ice cream, a favorite Chilean dessert.

This tour offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, giving you a taste of the contrasts that make Santiago such a dynamic and diverse city.