After breakfast at your hotel you’ll enjoy a tour of Chile’s capital city, Santiago. You’ll visit the city’s historic center where you’ll find the Plaza de Armas, the main cathedral, and the Presidential Palace. Situated in a valley hugged by the snowcapped Andes mountains, take the chance to view the city from the top of Santa Lucia Hill. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure, shopping, eating and exploring to your heart’s content.

Today you’ll visit two of central Chile’s most popular coastal cities: Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. Valparaiso is a vibrant, colorful collection of hillside houses overlooking the bay. Here you’ll visit the one-time summer house and now museum of Pablo Neruda, one of Chile’s most prolific poets. Continue to the tranquil Viña del Mar, a popular beachside retreat for the Santiago elite.

We get one step closer to beginning our Antarctic adventure as we take a morning flight to Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost city. Upon arrival you’ll attend a briefing in preparation of the upcoming voyage, after which you can enjoy a welcome dinner shared with the other guests.

After a quick flight to King George Island, located in the South Shetland Islands, you’ll finally be able to breathe in the crisp and clear Arctic air. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellinghausen Station before embarking on your sea vessel by way of a Zodiac, a small yet sturdy boat unit.

Cruise through deep inlets set amongst towering icy cliffs as we follow the western coast of the Antarctic peninsula. Throughout the next few day the Ocean Nova vessel will take us for a smooth ride as we make daily stops and group excursions via the ship’s fleet of Zodiac boats. Walk ashore areas of the peninsula to get an up close look at native wildlife such as seabirds, penguins, whales and seals. You’ll also be able to take in incredible vistas from the comfort of the ship’s glass-enclosed lounge. Local weather conditions will ultimately determine the route taken, however opportunities for activities and exploration are always found.

Bid farewell to Antarctica as we dock at King George Island and prepare for a short flight to Punta Arenas. Once you’ve arrived back on Chilean surf, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and accomodation for the night.

Catch a morning flight to Chile’s capital where you will continue on according to your scheduled international departure.