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Luxury Expedition SilverCloud - Guests
Buenos Aires to Puerto Williams EXPEDITION CRUISE
We guarantee that the next three weeks will be some of the best travel memories to date. So much is on this voyage; Patagonia's famous penguins, dolphin watching in West Point Island and learning the history of the Falkland Islands are just a few highlights. Yet, surely the jewel in the crown of this adventure is three days in Antarctica, imbibing in glacial beauty and abundant wildlife. A Drake Passage crossing finishes off this epic trip.
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ITINERARY
Day
1: Buenos Aires, Argentina Passionate,
and alive with an infectious crackling energy, the Argentine capital is
a breathlessly romantic city, which blends old-world colonial
architecture with a down-to-earth Latin American clamour. Famed for
steamy tango interplays, and expertly seared steak slabs, a visit to
Buenos Aires is a fiery fiesta for the senses. Parque Tres de Febrero
is a 400-hectare oasis where 18,000 rose bushes bloom, and skyscrapers
give way to still lakes and pretty paths of rollerblading locals.
Mighty palm trees - that look like exploding fireworks - stand tall in
Plaza de Mayo, the heart of this sprawling cosmopolitan capital of 48
barrios. The square has served as the stage for many fundamental events
in this country’s history, and the location where the seeds
of independence were sewn continues to serve as the city’s
gathering point - and is a place for solidarity, rebellion and
revolution. The presidential Casa Rosada’s salmon-hued
Palatial Palace borders the plaza, while nearby Museum Nacional de
Bellas Artes houses the largest collection of public art in Latin
America. Teatro Colón, the opulent 1908 opera house, is one
of the world’s finest venues - musical performance here take
on an ethereal quality, with the exceptional acoustics transferring
every quiver of bow, and tremor of vocal cord, to the audience in
spine-tingling clarity. The gargantuan, precipitous terraces of
Bombonera Stadium form another of Buenos Aires’s incredible
venues, and a wall of noise emanates from it when Boca Juniors take to
the field. Juicy steak and punchy Malbec flow in the city’s
parrillas – steakhouses - while glitzy bars and thumping
nightclubs welcome revellers late into the night. It’s not
just the meat that sizzles here either - tango dancers fill milongas -
dance halls - to strut passionately until the early hours. Sip steaming
mate, the country’s national drink, shop in covered markets,
and explore Cementerio de la Recoleta - a city of grand graves and
intricate memorials honouring presidents, politicians and notable
Argentine heroes from history.
Days
2-3: Days at sea Days
at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with
what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to
the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading
or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect
balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.
Day
4: Puerto Madryn, Argentina Overlooking
the vast Golfo Nuevo, the northern Patagonian town of Puerto Madryn is
one of Argentina’s top whale-watching spots. Founded by Welsh
explorers, who arrived aboard the Mimosa ship in 1865, Puerto Madryn
welcomes visitors to enjoy its wonderful wildlife, traditional tea
shops, and sheep-rearing ranches known as estancias. Taste some of
Argentina’s tenderest and juiciest steak cuts, or piles of
seafood, in the waterfront restaurants of the town’s
promenade, as you fuel up ahead of the natural adventures of a
lifetime. An astonishing array of animals call the protected Valdes
Peninsula home. See penguins wandering, sea lions yawning lazily, and
playful guanacos galloping here. Head to the beaches of Estancia San
Lorenzo, to hear the racket made by hundreds of Magellan penguins. The
blackened beach of Loberia de Punta Loma bears witness to huge elephant
seals rising up and clashing dramatically – or lounging
around docilely - and you can even take advantage of the opportunity to
swim, snorkel and scuba dive with curious and playful sea lions.
Further afield, Tombo National Reserve is a vast breeding ground for
birds and penguins, while a huge Magellanic penguin colony,1,500,000
strong, spreads out further south at Punta Tombo. Boats roll out from
Puerto Madryn on the hunt for Southern Right Whales and orcas among the
many marine mammals who move through the waters offshore. Few
experiences compare with feeling the salt spray, as giant humpbacks
crash against the surface. Look out for the black and white
Commerson’s dolphins too, which are some of the smallest
members of the dolphin family.
2
Included Shore Excursions
Punta Loma Reserve &
Estancia Visit
Activity
Level: Moderate
Snorkeling with Sea Lions
Activity
Level: Moderate
Day
5: Day at sea
Day
6: West Point Island, Falkland Islands A
north-westerly outpost of the scenic Falkland Islands, you'll be
welcomed ashore by the calls and cries of a huge colony of black-browed
albatross. Indeed, the island was originally known as Albatross Island
before being renamed to reflect its geographic location. While the
albatrosses - that flash white feathers in the rugged cliffs above the
waves - are the most well known residents, they are far from the only
animal inhabitants of this remote, isolated land. A huge army of
birdlife calls the island sanctuary home, overwhelming the tiny human
population and sheep that roam West Point Island's grasses. Meet the
rockhopper penguins who scamper and burrow along the coast's boulders,
as well as the imperial cormorants who rest here in great numbers.
You're also liekly to encounter Magellanic penguins during your
explorations. Hike the island's quiet landscapes, and look out for
endemic plants like Felton's flower carpeting the green interior.
Decorated with some of the archipelago's most dramatic scenery, explore
this wind-lashed, distant land of soaring cliffs and towering coastal
precipices. Cliff Mountain is the island's standout - a towering
sandstone monolith, and the archipelago's highest cliff, falling away
to swirling waves below. Look out to the waters to spot Commerson's
dolphin chasing each other around the island's wave-washed footprint.
Whales also visit, as well as the fur seals who you may spot lounging
around West Point Island's inviting shores.
2
Included Shore Excursions
Hiking with Silversea Expedition
team
Activity
Level: Extensive
Kayaking with Silversea
Expedition team
Activity
Level: Extensive
Day
6: Saunders Island, Falkland Islands Meet
some of the world’s most incredible wildlife, on the remote
Saunders Island. Sitting to the north-west of the Falkland’s
archipelago, the British established their first settlement here in
1765, at Port Egmont. Remote, wild and wonderful, the island now serves
as a lush grazing ground for plenty of sheep - but it's an astonishing
place to encounter far rarer animals - from elephant seals to silvery
grebes and Peale’s dolphins. Connected by sinewy links of
beach and sandy dunes, which create some of the most dramatic scenery
in the Falklands, the archipelago’s fourth biggest island is
home to its best birdlife - including a colony of neatly tuxedoed king
penguins. Saunders Island's topography tightens at The Neck - where
you'll find even more penguin activity. Colonies squark and chatter in
huge crowds here, with Gentoo, Rockhopper and Magellanic penguins
dipping into the water, and clambering over boulders. A gentle hike to
the summit of Mount Richards will take you 457 metres above sea level,
offering an expansive overview, from which you can look out across the
tips of the moody waves to see Carcass Island and West Point Island
emerging. The cliffs to the north of the mountain host rare
black-browed albatross - a sight of sheer grace in flight - but
comically clumsy at times when landing. Elsewhere, wide lakes are home
to various water birds - including the rare black-necked swans. Take a
read of our blog to find out more about the hugely diverse wildlife
that is present on this unique island.
1
Included Shore Excursion
Hiking
with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level: Extensive
Day
7: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands Despite
it being a stalwart of Britishness, Stanley more resembles Patagonia
than Portsmouth. But, despite the windswept, vast and achingly
beautiful landscape of the Falkland Islands, don’t be too
surprised to find the odd pub serving ales and even
fish’n’chips. While landmarks such as Christ Church
Cathedral, with its whalebone arch are 100% local, there is a also good
smattering of imported garden gnomes and Union Jacks to remind you
whose territory you are really on. The Falkland Islands’
ownership has long been a matter of controversy, ever since
colonisation in the 18th century. At various points in their life they
have been considered French, British, Spanish and Argentine. The
Falklands War in 1982, despite only lasting for a short while, proved
that the Brits clung to this remote outpost and the islands remain part
of the British Commonwealth today. Margaret Thatcher, under whom the
war was masterminded, remains something of a local hero as can be seen
in the street signs (such as Thatcher Drive). For those who want to dig
deeper into the past, the Historic Docklands Museum provides lots of
information on the chequered historical and political background of the
Falklands. However, the true heroes of Stanley are of course the
thousands and thousands of penguins. Five species nest here during
mating season (including the rare rockhopper penguin). There are
virtually no barriers between you and the wildlife; allowing for a
truly interactive, authentic and totally unforgettable experience.
3
Included Shore Excursions
Exploring the Highlights of
Stanley
Activity
Level: Moderate
Battlefields – A
Mountain Perspective
Activity
Level: Moderate
Mount William Hike
Activity
Level: Extensive
Days
8-9: Days at sea
Days
10-12: South Georgia, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Charcoal-black
mountains ladled with snow, giant glaciers and thriving wildlife
combine to make South Georgia one of the great natural islands.
Adventure to these far flung lands - where the animals are in charge
and humans come a distant second. Here you'll witness a cacophony of
calling birds, natural set pieces like elephant seals clashing and
thrashing, and crowds of colourful king penguins stretching out as far
as the eye can see. An overseas territory of the UK, these isolated,
subantarctic islands once formed a remote whaling centre - and you can
still visit the former whaling stations. Nowadays the giants of the sea
are free to cruise the icy waters uninhibited. Written into explorer
history due to its links with Ernest Shackleton’s tale of
Antarctic exploration, shipwreck and survival, the
Endurance’s crew were saved when he reached the salvation of
these shores in 1916 - before returning to collect the remaining
sailors from Elephant Island. A museum commemorates the legendary
mission, and you can see the memorial to Shackleton that stands over
his final resting place on this fabled island. South
Georgia’s colonies of king penguins - with vivid bursts of
yellow and orange around their necks - stand, squabble and curiously
investigate, enjoying the isolated respite of this island.
They’re joined by smaller penguin species like Macaroni
penguins, and other glorious birdlife like the majestic wandering
albatrosses, which you can see gliding on gusts of wind, over the
choppy waves.
4
Included Shore Excursions
Zodiac Cruise with Silversea
Expedition team
Activity
Level: Moderate
Hiking with Silversea Expedition
team
Activity
Level: Extensive
Kayaking
with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level: Extensive
Expedition activities with
Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level: Moderate
Days
13-14: Days at sea
Day
15: Elephant Island, Antarctica Promising
thrilling adventure, legendary tales and immaculate Antarctic beauty,
Elephant Island is perhaps Antarctica’s best-known location.
The exploits of its early explorers have immortalised this harsh,
monochrome island in the tomes of human history. Believed to take its
name from the elephant seals that early explorers spotted lolling on
its rocks, the volcanic island was not properly explored until 1916 -
when Ernest Shackleton and his men were stricken by the weather and
sought salvation on its shores. Their story of survival, stranded in
this barren land, is one of humanity’s most evocative and
inspiring accounts. Elephant Island is written deep into the legend of
Antarctic exploration, and you’ll discover
Shackleton’s tale for yourself as you arrive in the
island’s icy realm. The remarkable, slowly flowing Endurance
Glacier - which you’ll see on arrival here - takes its name
from their ship, The Endurance. Visit the monument that stands to
Shackleton, often surrounded by a migrating crowd of tiny gentoo
penguins, at Point Wild - the spot where he and his 28 crew members
camped for four and a half months of Antarctic winter. Eventually,
Shackleton and a handful of courageous others sailed for South Georgia
Island, before returning to secure the rescue of the remaining crew
members. Aside from sailing amid breathtaking winter vistas, witnessing
incredible fauna and feeling the sheer rush of an adventure to the
unknown - one of the true joys of any Antarctic cruise is to follow in
the footsteps of the brave explorers who first sought out the alluring
nectar of these dangerous, evocative landscapes. If this will be your
first-time visiting Antarctica, read our blog explaining how you can
prepare for the exploits ahead.
2
Included Shore Excursions
Zodiac Cruise with Silversea
Expedition team
Activity
Level: Moderate
Kayak
with Silversea Expedition Team
Activity
Level: Physically
fit
Days
16-17: Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica The
Antarctic Peninsula unravels upwards towards South America, reaching
out a beckoning finger to the adventurous, who dare to explore this
untamed realm. Stretching up from the heart of the world’s
southernmost continent, the Antarctic Peninsula lies a mere 620 mile
from Tierra del Fuego and, for many, offers a spectacular first taste
of the snow-blanketed landscapes and colossal ice sculptures, which
make up Earth’s least-explored continent. Unseen by humans
until 1820 - a blink of an eye ago in relative terms - this is an
adventure sure to make your hairs stand on end, as you experience the
thrill of the truly unknown and extraordinary. The vast peninsula is
sprinkled with research bases, which are at the frontline of human
scientific endeavour, pushing to study and understand this unique
landscape, its exceptional wildlife, and the impact that humans are
having on this pristine continent. Witness cathedral-sized icebergs up
close, and blue-hued glaciers, slowly slipping from imposing locations
like Hope Bay. Blanched mountain peaks cover the peninsula, and
you’ll find thousands of adorable Adelie penguin pairs
thriving undisturbed in this peninsula’s unique setting.
3
Included Shore Excursions
Zodiac
Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level: Moderate
Hiking with Silversea Expedition
team
Activity
Level: Extensive
Kayaking
with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level: Extensive
Day
18: South Shetland Islands, Antarctica The
ice-coated Antarctic Peninsula forms perhaps the most accessible region
of mainland Antarctica, lying a mere 480-miles away from South America,
across the fabled waters of Drakes Passage. Lying close to the
northwestern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, separated by the
Bransfield Strait, the South Shetland Islands fall under the
jurisdiction of the Antarctic Treaty, suspending claims on their
sovereignty. Several countries maintain research bases here, and with
plump elephant seals, and crowds of Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie
Penguins also calling the islands home, it can even feel a little
crowded at times. King George Island is the largest and most hospitable
island, hosting the majority of the research stations - some of which
are populated all-year-round by tiny, hardy crews. Don’t be
fooled though, these islands offer extraordinary adventure in one of
the most remote locations on earth. The triple peaks of Mount Foster
tower above the archipelago, and you’ll feel your heart
pumping a little quicker, as you sail into the core of Deception
Island’s magnificent collapsed volcano caldera. Hike the luna
landscapes within, and even dip into the improbably warm,
geothermally-heated waters of Pendulum Cove. Elephant Island,
meanwhile, is written deep into the annals of Antarctic expedition
legend, as the site where Ernest Shackleton and the stricken crew of
the Endurance miraculously survived a harsh Antarctic winter, in 1916.
Discover even more reasons to visit this incredible icy kingdom and
find out why many consider the South Shetland Islands to be the jewel
in Antarctica’s Crown, by reading our blog.
1
Included Shore Excursion
Zodiac Cruise with Silversea
Expedition team
Activity
Level: Moderate
Day
19: Drake Passage Sailing
the legendary Drake Passage is an experience that few are ever lucky
enough to experience. The southern tip of the Americas already feels
like a wild enough environment – but the sensation of
watching the distant cliffs of the peninsular known as the
‘End of the World’ fade into the horizon, is one
that’s equal parts epic, eerie and magical. Set sail, to
slowly drop off the bottom of the map from Cape Horn, and voyage on an
expedition down into the icy underworld of Antarctica. Drake Passage is
an extraordinary voyage of romantic ocean faring legend, as you aim for
Antarctica’s icy realm. On arrival, skyscraper sized icebergs
salute you, as you traverse the waters of this continent where snow and
ice dwelling creatures like penguins and whales roam undisturbed. Your
first sight of this most-unexplored place will most likely be the South
Shetland Islands. Walk in the footsteps of some of history’s
greatest and bravest explorers as you explore famed, snow-covered
landmasses like Elephant and Deception Island. If the journey across
Drake Passage sounds daunting, don’t worry – even
in rough seas you’re never alone, and will often be
accompanied on this spine-tingling adventure by soaring albatrosses and
maybe even a protective pod of humpbacks and hourglass dolphins or two.
Converging warm and cool ocean currents attract some spectacular animal
life to the passage. If this is your first visit to this magical
continent, you’ll also want to familiarise yourself with our
blog for first timers to Antarctica.
Day
20: Cruising Cape Horn, Chile In
the past, no two words conjured up more fear to sailors than Cape Horn.
With its reputation of ferocious storms and mountainous seas it was a
place where a seafarer garnered respect for bravery against the odds.
That is, if he lived to tell the tale (he also got to wear a gold hoop
ear-ring and dine with one foot up on the table).
The
Cape itself is the rugged insular tip of South America that projects
into the storm-swept Drake Passage. The Dutch sailor Willem Schouten
and merchant Jacob Le Maire, both from the town of Hoorn (hence Cape
Horn), put it on the map in 1616 when attempting to circumvent the
trade monopoly exercised by the Dutch East India Company over the
Straits of Magellan.
Once
an unavoidable physical gateway to adventure and commerce in the
Pacific Ocean, Cape Horn nowadays has more of a spiritual attraction,
drawing intrepid travellers to pay homage to the brave sailors who, by
necessity, attempted to pass this wild and inhospitable headland.
During
clear weather, when the island is free from the frequent icy squalls
that batter its shores, a 7-metre (23 feet) high steel monument can be
seen standing about 1.5 kilometres (1 mile) away from the true cape,
near the Chilean navy station. It depicts the silhouette of an
albatross, a bird that is said to carry the souls of those sailors who
perished “rounding the Horn”. With that in mind,
consider yourself lucky to confront the Horn on a luxury Expedition
cruise ship rather than from the wave-washed and perilous deck of a
windjammer.
Day
21: Puerto Williams, Chile When
travelling in remote regions tide, wind, ice and weather conditions
determine the details of our itinerary. While we will do our best to
maintain all suggested activities, some of these may be subject to
change. Come with an open mind and a great sense of adventure, together
we can turn any voyage into a wonderful Expedition.
Personalised
service – nearly one crew member for every guest
Choice
of restaurants, diverse cuisine, open-seating dining
Beverages
in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and
spirits
In-suite
dining and room service
Onboard
entertainment
Onboard
gratuities
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
Punta
Loma Reserve & Estancia Visit
Snorkeling
with Sea Lions
Hiking
with Silversea Expedition team
Kayaking
with Silversea Expedition team
Exploring
the Highlights of Stanley
Battlefields
– A Mountain Perspective
Mount
William Hike
Zodiac
Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
Expedition
activities with Silversea Expedition team
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DISCLAIMER:Rates are per person and subject to change.