Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica: Explorers and Kings

18 day trip with Quark Expeditions on the Ocean Diamond from Uschuaia to the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula with landings by Zodiac in remote bays where we experienced close encounters with the wildlife, especially penguins and seals and whales swimming alongside the boats. The scenery was stunning especially sailing close to the icebergs. We were superbly looked after on the ship and the cabins and public areas were warm and welcoming and the staff couldn't have been more helpful. The food was excellent and plentiful and they catered well for my gluten free requirements as I am Coeliac. The expedition staff were knowledgeable as we had experts on penguins, ornithology, geology, whales, history, microbiology and photography. Praise goes to the captain as a mega storm was forecast as we were in the Falklands and we had to alter the itinerary to avoid it and though we hit some rough seas we missed the hurricane in the Falklands where the next 3 ships after us were stuck in the harbour there for 3 days. Ecology was a big concern and we had to have our clothing, rucksacks examined before each trip ashore to check there were no seeds and have them vacuumed, and boots and trousers were hosed down after each trip ashore then we walked through disinfectant.

What a fantastic trip, Falklands and Albatross, South Georgia and Penguins/Seals and Antarctica and Tabular Icebergs. This trip is a true adventure where the rewards are high and the camera is rarely away from reach. Its jaw dropping beauty will leave you wondering where else on earth can i go that will give you so many fabulous memories.

An amazing experience: history in the Falklands; huge penguin colonies in South Georgia and beautiful ice and whales in Antarctica. I had high expectations before the trip but they were exceeded in every area. An unforgettable experience.

It was the most wonderful experience and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Sheer excitement.

This was a trip that I had wanted to do for many years, especially visiting the Falkland Islands as that is the first piece of history I can really remember growing up. Several of my friends had also visited the area and said "it was an absolute must!". For me it is also a "once in a life time" trip although I would consider returning to the Falkland Islands as I would like to see the battle fields and more of the Islands.......but we shall see!

A real trip of a lifetime, although it was booked as such, I would love to be able to go again one day perhaps at a different time of the season. It far exceeded our expectations on every level.

THE trip of a lifetime, itinery exceeded expectations AND so did the weather!

The trip was wonderfully organised, good mix of landings and zodiac excurions. On the sea days, it was hard to be bored in between yoga sessions, penguin lectures and the entertainment. Visiting Antarctica, The Falklands and South georgia was a humbling experience... Rolling mountains, hearing the roar of avalanche, watching whales swim past the boat, watching elephant seals inspect you as you walk past them - you have the opportunity to be right there, visiting and co-existing with penguins and seals rather than observing them from afar...

Holiday of a lifetime, which will never be forgotten. Had an absolutely amazing time from start to finish. This holiday was beyond our expectations!

A truly wonderful experience. It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to visit such an awe inspiring part of the world, and to have been made aware of the importance of keeping Antarctica and its wildlife in its present state for future generations.

This was a very special trip. We had fantastic weather and managed 19/20 planned landings by Zodiac. There was an abundance of wildlife, both birds and mammals, including some seldom seen birds and whales.

Fantastic - great photographic trip. A lot of days at sea though - so an interest in sea-birds useful! South Georgia should be a must for anyone who enjoys photographing wildlife, so the time toget there is well worthwhile.

It was a long way to travel - but it was well worth it, started with a few days in Ushuaia (Argentina) before the expedition cruise started. Ushuaia is a small town with many overpriced so called duty free shops, and outside the town is the National Park - which to be honest was very ordinary.Now to the actual trip itself - the Falkland, South Georgia and Antarctica - it was brilliant, very well run by the expedtion staff and the journey on the Valivov was 'plain sailing'.On this trip we missed one zodiac cruise, but managed to carry out all the other activites.Managed to see all the expected wildlife for that time of year, and great views when land and ice in view.

A wonderful trip. Once youy have seen Antarctica, you understand the importance of conserving and protecting it. Be prepared to come back as an ambassador for the region!

I had high expectations, but this trip surpassed them all. The ship was functional & comfortable; the ship crew & expedition team were fun & hard working. The landscapes and wildlife were AWESOME (I hate that word, but no other word does it justice!). The sea and sunshine smiled on us most of the time, which was a real bonus. I've travelled a lot, but i feel truely privileged to have visited this corner of the world. I'm now planning my next polar trip.