Starting in Chile, travelers will explore the wilds of Patagonia with Classic Journeys' expert naturalist guides in the Torres del Paine National Park. Guests will enjoy walks to vivid turquoise lagoons, views of the southern ice field and a day spent with Patagonian gauchos on a working estancia. From Chile, travelers will move to the Argentinian city of Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego Island, also known as "the end of the world." After enjoying the sights and local seafood, travelers will journey through the legendary Drake Passage on the all-suite luxury Silversea Cruises ship, Silver Cloud, while whale-watching and spotting other Antarctic wildlife like penguins, dolphins and albatrosses. This journey leads up to the day of the total eclipse. The ship's crew will navigate to the perfect spot to witness the incredible astrological event, and travelers will be accompanied by scientists and astrologers to explain the natural phenomenon.
During the second week of the itinerary, travelers will make their way to Elephant Island where, with their on-board historian, they will learn how Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton and his crew survived the harsh climate when stranded in 1916. Travelers will then sail along the cinematic Antarctic Peninsula and enjoy a variety of activities such as kayaking between icebergs, island hopping on a Zodiac boat, and hiking the continent's most panoramic trails. After finishing this fantastic expedition in Antarctica, travelers will sail through the South Shetland Islands and explore the incredible landscape of Deception Island, a flooded volcanic caldera complete with hot springs. Throughout the cruise, Silversea's plush suites, gourmet dining, fabulous wellness facilities, and on-board experts (from artists to ornithologists) create the perfect onboard experience to complement the expedition options available each day from the ship.
When the trip wraps up after a visit to the South Shetland Islands, travelers can opt for an extension to explore mythical Easter Island with their expert Classic Journeys guide. On scenic walks, travelers will enjoy the volcanic geography of the island and immersion into fascinating Rapa Nui culture - seeing the Moai statues up-close, lunching with locals and watching a performance by the Rapa Nui Ballet. On the final day of the itinerary, travelers can relax at the Hangaroa Spa to renew their body and mind, or walk along the caldera of the 2.5-million-year-old Rano Kau volcano.
