Welcome to Santiago, the vibrant capital of Chile. Relax and spend the night here, preparing for your adventure.

Fly from Santiago to Puerto Williams and embark on Silver Wind for your Polar adventure.

Puerto Williams, located on Navarino Island in the Beagle Channel, is often called the "southernmost city in the world," though Ushuaia in Argentina also claims the title. With around 2,500 residents, it offers stunning views of windswept mountains and the striking "Dientes de Navarino" peaks rivaling Torres del Paine. Originally inhabited by the Yaghan people, the city was founded in 1953 as a naval base named after British-Chilean commander John Williams Wilson. Once a strategic military site, it now serves as a quiet gateway for Antarctic expeditions, offering a peaceful, rustic atmosphere far from the hustle of Ushuaia.

Days at sea offer the ideal chance to relax, recharge, and finally do those things you’ve meant to catch up on. Whether it’s hitting the gym, indulging in a spa treatment, whale watching, reading, or soaking up the sun, these tranquil sea days complement your action-packed shore excursions.

Remote and raw, New Island lies to the west of the Falkland Islands, and the humble human population here is far outweighed by the extraordinary birdlife that resides along its craggy coastline. Out in the tempestuous wilds of the South Atlantic Ocean, the island is a sanctuary of animal life - with crowds of rockhopper penguins, wrinkled seals, and stern-looking albatross among its many residents. The penguins of the Falklands are a sight to see, fooling and falling on the beaches before diving in and whipping through the waters. Home to five species, including king penguins - who strut with their orange collars glowing against the pure white feathers of their chests. Sea lions, seals, and elephant seals bark and lumber along the shoreline while sleek orcas patrol and Peale's dolphins cut through the waves. Settlement Rookery's cliffs rattle with crashing sea waves and the shouts of hollering black-browed albatross, king cormorants, and rockhopper penguins. Enjoy gorgeous sweeping landscapes littered with shipwrecks and sprinkles of colorful wildflowers. A warm welcome is guaranteed, especially when the local custom of smoko is served up – towering platters of cakes and biscuits with tea and coffee. Things haven't always been so peaceful here, however, and you can pay a visit to the battlefields and memorials of the costly war in 1982 when the British and Argentinians clashed fiercely over these islands.

A north-westerly outpost of the scenic Falkland Islands, be welcomed ashore by the calls and cries of a huge black-browed albatross colony. 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 vast 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 and the imperial cormorants who rest here in great numbers. You're also likely 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 to the waters to spot Commerson's dolphins chasing each other around the island's wave-washed footprint. Whales and fur seals are also visited; you may spot them lounging around West Point Island's inviting shores.

Included Shore Excursions:
Zodiac Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
Hiking with Silversea Expedition team
Kayaking with Silversea Expedition team

Despite being a stalwart of Britishness, Stanley resembles Patagonia more 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 also a good smattering of imported garden gnomes and Union Jacks to remind you whose territory you are on. The ownership of the Falkland Islands has long been controversial, ever since colonization in the 18th century. They have been considered French, British, Spanish, and Argentine at various points in their life. 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 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, Stanley's true heroes 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 unforgettable experience.

Included Shore Excursions:

Exploring the Highlights of Stanley
This tour offers a perfect overview of Stanley's highlights quickly. A local guide will introduce you to the Falklands' small capital as you drive along Ross Road, spotting landmarks like the Cathedral with its Whale Bone Arch, the 1982 Battle Memorial, old shipwrecks, and Stanley's original houses. You can also see local sites like the hospital, Government House, and Stanley Airport, gaining a glimpse of island life. The tour includes scenic views of Stanley from the harbor and local wildlife sightings. It finishes at the Historic Dockyard and Museum, with an option to end at the Jetty Visitor Center.

Battlefields – A Mountain Perspective
Depart Stanley heading west with your guide sharing insights into the Falklands' political and socio-economic background. As you travel, enjoy scenic views, including "Boot Hill" and the wind turbines that provide up to 40% of Stanley's energy. Arrive at Estancia Farm, a base for British troops during the 1982 conflict, where residents once assisted the forces. Continuing east, your guide will highlight key military movements, stopping at the Chinook and Puma wreckage and a viewpoint over Stanley and its surrounding battle site mountains, recounting the events leading up to the Liberation of Stanley.

Mount William Hike
Take a Hike in Stanley's surrounding mountains with stunning panoramic views as your reward when you reach the top. It is an ideal tour to stretch your legs, and you cover the peaks of both Mount William and Mount Tumbledown with your experienced guide. Enjoy stunning views across Stanley and Port William and mountain views of important battle sites during the 1982 conflict.

Gypsy Cove Exploration
Gypsy Cove is a popular destination known for its stunning coastal scenery and wildlife, particularly the Magellanic penguins. The Gypsy Cove hike is a relatively short and easy walk that offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy beautiful views and observe the local fauna. Enjoy a leisurely walk with your Expedition staff, and with a little luck, you spot Magellanic penguins, various seabirds, and potentially other wildlife such as sea lions. Enjoy stunning views of white sand beaches, turquoise water, and coastal landscapes. Explore the remnants of World War II defenses, including gun emplacements and bunkers. The Gypsy Cove hike is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting the Falkland Islands.

Selected Shore Excursion:
Meet famous Explorer Mensun Bound
Enjoy a one-hour visit to Port Stanley, home of maritime archaeologist Mensun Bound, famed for discovering Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance, beneath the Weddell Sea. Nicknamed the “Indiana Jones of the Deep,” Mensun will share stories from his best-selling book, The Ship Beneath the Ice. Meet Mensun and his wife Joanna, then explore nearby sights like Christchurch Cathedral, the Whale Bone Arch, and the Historic Dockyard Museum.
 

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you’ve meant 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 the side.

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 can witness a cacophony of calling birds, natural set pieces like elephant seals clashing and thrashing, and crowds of colorful 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 center - 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.

Included Shore Excursion:

Expedition activities with Silversea Expedition team
South Georgia, an island with high mountains and glaciers going down to the ocean, has the largest king penguin colonies worldwide. It is a nesting ground for various albatross species, amongst other seabirds. Also, elephants and fur seals are common at the island's beaches. At various beaches, there are still some remains from the whaling time. At the former whaling station Grytviken - which will be visited during your time at South Georgia - is in your days a small museum, the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, and a small post office.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you’ve meant 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 the side.

Elephant Island is perhaps Antarctica's best-known location, promising thrilling adventure, legendary tales, and immaculate Antarctic beauty. The exploits of its early explorers have immortalized 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 discover Shackleton's tale for yourself as you arrive in the island's icy realm. The remarkable, slowly flowing Endurance Glacier - which you can 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.

Included Shore Excursions:
Zodiac Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
Kayak with Silversea Expedition Team

Few voyages ignite the imagination like a journey down to one of the planet’s most remote, extreme, and enchanting wilderness, Antarctica. It is an adventure in its purest form; only a handful of people will be lucky enough to experience the majestic beauty of these monochrome landscapes first-hand. The Antarctic Sound will be one of your first encounters with this whitewash kingdom, located at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula - which sprawls up like a tentacle towards Tierra del Fuego, South America’s most southerly point, otherwise known as the ‘End of the World.’ Taking its name from the first ship to brave the passageway between the peninsular and the Joinville Island groups in 1902, the Sound is a raw, sensory assault of imposing iceberg slabs broken away from the disintegrating Larsen Ice Shelf. Come face-to-face with stadium-sized ice islands and meet the extraordinary birdlife that calls this whitewash kingdom home. Watch on as colonies of Gentoo penguins hop around and cape petrels sweep overhead as the continent’s unique wildlife thrives around you.

Included Shore Excursions:
Zodiac Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
Hiking with Silversea Expedition team
Kayaking with Silversea Expedition team

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 miles 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 hair stand on end as you experience the thrill of the truly unknown and extraordinary. The vast peninsula is sprinkled with research bases at the frontline of human scientific endeavor, pushing to study and understand this unique landscape, its exceptional wildlife, and humans' impact 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 can find thousands of adorable Adelie penguin pairs thriving undisturbed in this peninsula's unique setting.

Included Shore Excursions:
Zodiac Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
Hiking with Silversea Expedition team
Kayaking with Silversea Expedition team

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 most 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 can 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.

Included Shore Excursions:
Zodiac Cruise with Silversea Expedition team

Sailing the legendary Drake Passage is an experience few are lucky 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 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. The 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 the 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 spectacular animal life to the passage.

Puerto Williams, located on Navarino Island in the Beagle Channel, is often called the "southernmost city in the world," though Ushuaia in Argentina also claims the title. With around 2,500 residents, it offers stunning views of windswept mountains and the striking "Dientes de Navarino" peaks rivaling Torres del Paine. Originally inhabited by the Yaghan people, the city was founded in 1953 as a naval base named after British-Chilean commander John Williams Wilson. Once a strategic military site, it now serves as a quiet gateway for Antarctic expeditions, offering a peaceful, rustic atmosphere far from the hustle of Ushuaia.

After breakfast, disembark Silver Wind and board a charter flight back to Santiago.