Contrasting the fascinating history and overwhelming wildlife populations of the Sub-Antarctic with the awesome beauty and strikingly different wildlife of Antarctica itself - the ultimate Antarctic expedition

The journey begins sailing east to the Falklands with its large population of Rockhopper and Magellanic penguins along with Black-browed albatross. The historic side of the islands is also explored before sailing on to South Georgia. Ernest Shackelton is buried here under the spectacular ice crowned mountains. The ship threads her way through magical fjords to Salisbury Plain and Gold Harbour, places so remote that they have evolved into astonishing wildlife havens boasting a 100,000-plus population of King penguins and chicks on their beaches. The island also supports significant populations of Elephant and Fur seals. The voyage continues to the South Orkney Islands and then enters an enchanted world of icebergs and ice-covered mountains approaching the bays and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula. This is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife: penguins of almost all descriptions, Leopard and smaller seals, and three or four species of whales.