Falkland Islands - To The Ends of the Earth

15 days, Guided Groups, Fixed Departures

The Falkland Islands conjures up images of remote wilderness, astounding wildlife, a history of mankind fighting the elements and themselves for survival-a place where nature rules and indelible memories are created. Chile is one of South America's best kept secrets with an astonishing variety of landscapes, intricate coastline and delicious national gastronomy. This incredible journey combines both destinations in an astounding and very unique itinerary-to the ends of the earth.

Beginning in Chile and the renowned Torres del Paine National Park, enjoy some of the world's most spectacular treks, past colossal towers and horns of granite piercing the sky; dramatic glaciers plummeting into dazzling blue lakes; fjords; ancient forests; wild rivers - nature and wilderness at their most magnificent. Fly on to the Falkland Islands.

Here you will experience not only the capital, Port Stanley, with walks on Mount Tumbledown and amongst the penguin colonies of Kidney and Gypsy Coves, but also experience life on the outer islands and farm settlements. From Darwin to the superb walking on Pebble Island, from Port Howard to the abundant wildlife havens on Sea Lion Island, you will enjoy superb flora and fauna, historical sites, rugged hikes and traditional friendly welcomes. Visiting as much of the islands as possible yet with ample time spent in each location, this itinerary really is an all-encompassing view of the Falklands. Return to Santiago and the Maipo Valley for some wine-tasting before flying home.

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A STRICT LIMITATION ON GROUP SIZE - MAXIMUM 10 CLIENTS. PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO ENSURE YOUR PLACE.

Days 1 and 2. Outbound to Santiago

Fly overnight to Santiago and enjoy an afternoon city tour.

Days 3 to 5. Torres del Paine

Patagonia's jewel in the crown! Here you will enjoy various day hikes amongst this spectacular scenery to such celebrated spots as the Grey Glacier and Las Torres themselves whilst staying at the fabulously comfortable eco-camp.

Day 6. To the Falklands!

Fly to Mount Pleasant and transfer to the historically important Darwin settlement. This historically important area, close to Goose Green, will be your first experience of a typical islanders' welcome.

Days 7 and 8. Pebble Island

Flying low over the stunning coastlines, islands, sandy beaches and remote mountains, head out to Pebble Island. Its diverse terrain offers extensive beaches, rocky peaks, wetlands and dramatic coastal cliffs providing vital breeding habitats for Sea Lions and thousands of penguins-all six species have been seen here: Magellanic, Gentoo, Rockhopper, Macaroni, King, and Erect-crested. There are several reminders of the 1982 conflict and the walking possibilities are endless due to its sheer size and surprisingly rugged mountainous terrain.

Day 9. Port Howard

A short hop brings you to Port Howard, a traditional farm in dramatic surroundings with some of the best walking on the islands. Imposing Mount Maria offers superb views out over Falklands Sound.

Day 10. Sea Lion Island

Sea Lion Island offers superb wildlife sightings due to its compact size and perfect habitat of sandy beaches, fresh water ponds, flat heath land and spectacular giant tussock grass. Right outside your lodge resides large populations of Elephant Seals, sealions and countless colonies of penguins. Pods of killer whales and dolphins circle the island. The sheer abundance of wildlife is overwhelming!

Days 11 and 12. Mount Tumbledown and Kidney Cove

Fly to Port Stanley and take a guided walk up Mount Tumbledown. Enjoy a wonderful walk over the green tundra to Kidney Cove where colonies of Gentoo, Rockhopper and a few King penguins reside. Return via Sparrow Cove, the resting place of SS Great Britain.

Days 13 to 15. Stanley, Wine-tasting and Home

A coastal walk to the charming Gypsy Cove with its Magellanic penguins is a lovely way to end your visit to the islands. Return to Santiago for a final morning of wine-tasting before flying overnight back to the UK.