WILD SOUTH ATLANTIC & ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Seabourn Venture

Seabourn Venture was launched in July of 2022, designed and built for diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards. She includes a plethora of modern hardware and technology that will extend the ship’s global deployment and capabilities. This ship features an innovative design, created specifically for the ultra-luxury expedition traveller. She is also designed to carry a complement of double sea kayaks as well as 24 Zodiacs that can accommodate all onboard guests at once, which will allow for a truly immersive experience. Venture features 132 all veranda, all ocean-front suites.

Day 1 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Day 2 Parati, Brazil

The tiny harbor town of Parati (Paraty) is a colonial-era charmer, overlooking a protected  bay along Brazil’s Costa Verde, “the Green Coast.” Founded by the Portuguese in 1597, Parati flourished as a transportation hub during the 17^th and 18^th centuries after gold was discovered in the state of Minas Gerais. The port was all but forgotten after Brazil declared its independence in 1822; today, its time-warp Old Town — designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019 — the largest concentration of colonial architecture in the country. Spend some time wandering its pedestrianized cobblestone streets, admiring the elegant churches and whitewashed buildings with colorful trim. Forte Defensor Perpétuo — in the 18^th century to protect the town from pirates — features a small museum and mesmerizing views. The historic Caminho do Ouro or Gold Trail is a 1,200-mile-long thoroughfare laid by slaves that connected Minas Gerais with neighboring states; you can follow a stretch from Parati through lush Atlantic rainforest in Serra da Bocaina National Park, stopping at a series of waterfalls and freshwater pools.

Days 3 – 5 At Sea

Use this time as you please. Relax by making the most of the on board facilities, or keep an eye out for birds and marine life as you sail.

Day 6 Montevideo, Uruguay

Tucked between Brazil and Argentina, the Republic of Uruguay decidedly holds its own with unique traditions and identity. Despite being South America’s second smallest nation, Uruguay feels like a vibrant city enveloped by expansive ranchlands. Often dubbed as the ‘Switzerland of South America,’ Montevideo mirrors Switzerland’s discreet banking system. You will have the choice of two included excursions:

OPTION 1: Montevideo Highlights & Tango Experience
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Montevideo on a scenic drive. Witness historic landmarks and monuments, then visit the Mercado Agricola, a bustling farmer’s market teeming with local charm. End your day with a stirring tango performance at Baar Fun Fun, a venue steeped in over 80 years of history.

OPTION 2: Montevideo Old Town Walk & Tango Show
Explore the architectural wonders of Montevideo on foot. Discover the eclectic mix of styles in the city, then experience the passion of Uruguayan dance at Baar Fun Fun.

Days 7 – 8 At Sea

As you approach the Falkland Islands, spend your days at sea watching for wildlife from the observation decks aboard.

Days 9 – 12 Falkland Islands

You will visit the following sites in the Falkland Islands:

New Island: Supports some of the largest concentrations and diversity of wildlife in the Falklands, with over forty species of nesting birds. Four species of penguins, including 13,000 gentoo and 26,000 Southern rockhopper penguins call the island home. Embracing winds and seas below, 60,000 black-browed albatross soar along the cliffs.

Steeple Jason: some of the most breathtaking landscapes around, with its twin pinnacles on either side of the island rising sharply to 300 metres and connected by a low-lying neck of rock and tussock grass. The Island is home to the largest colony of Black-browed albatross in the world. The Island also has a large number of striated caracaras, skuas, and southern giant petrels while several colonies of gentoo penguins are scattered around the island.

Carcass Island: this island is a vibrant sanctuary teeming with life. It serves as a haven for birdwatchers, hosting a dazzling array of avian species from Magellanic penguins and Black-browed albatrosses to Striated caracaras and numerous songbirds.

West Point Island: a large colony of black-browed albatrosses come to breed on this island. Along with rockhopper penguins, they reside between the rocky ledges and among the tussock grass.  Other species can also be seen throughout the island: fur seals and sea lions visit its shores and dolphins frequent its harbor.

Saunders Island: It was here, at Port Egmont, that the first British settlers made their mark in 1765. But it’s not just human history that makes the island so fascinating—it’s a veritable sanctuary for wildlife. The island is home to five different species of penguin—king, macaroni, gentoo, rockhopper, and the occasional magellanic—each adding to the island’s vibrant biodiversity.

Port Stanley: the largest settlement on the islands, is a charming enclave with a population of over 2,000. Its quaint gardens, delightful tea rooms, brightly hued houses, and cozy hotels exude a distinctly Victorian aura.

Days 13 & 14 At Sea

As excitement builds for Antarctica, catch up with fellow expeditioners in the bar, keep watch for wildlife from the open bridge, or learn more of wildlife and history from the expert guides.

Days 15 – 19 Antarctic Peninsula

It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.

Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.

You will generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You’ll want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of the best spots along the peninsula.

Days 20 & 21 At Sea

As you sail towards Ushuaia, you may choose precious time editing photos, enjoying the onboard facilities, or attend final lectures. Celebrate the end of an unforgettable voyage with newfound friends.

Days 22 Disembark Ushuaia

During the early morning, you will cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia – which holds the distinctive title of being the southernmost city on Earth, often referred to as ‘the end of the world’ – where you will be free to disembark around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers.