Victorian houses in the middle of the South Pacific – explore British overseas territory in Stanley. Join the experts for a nature walk along the coast or visit the world’s southernmost Anglican church.

As soon as this subantarctic animal paradise comes into view, mighty glaciers and fjords will captivate you. Bustling colonies of king penguins carpet the coasts and steep slopes. Hundreds of thousands of animals share the island with elephant seals and fur seals, which you can observe from a respectful distance after landing on one of the black shores. You’ll keep returning to the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, who found his final resting place on South Georgia in 1922.

SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS
The South Orkney Islands are a lonely, glaciated world of icy wilderness in the Scotia Sea. They are home to chinstrap and Adelie penguins, which can be spotted here. With luck, you’ll also see icebergs drifting off the rugged coast. Find out how the polar researchers at the Argentinian Orcadas Station live when you visit by Zodiac, weather permitting (subject to authorisation).

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
The South Shetland Islands form a long chain in the ocean. The legendary Elephant Island is where Shackleton’s team held out for months. Jagged crags loom fiercely on the horizon and the evening sun casts a delicate pink glow over the snowfields. Only small ships like the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expedition class are able to sail into the flooded caldera of Deception Island. Accompanied by the creaking of the ice, venture onwards to the Antarctic Peninsula. Majestic glaciers and gigantic icebergs glint in Paradise Bay. Another impressive sight awaits in the Lemaire Channel, where mountains up to 1,000 m (3,281 ft) high line the spectacular shipping passage. Look forward to some thrilling moments.

ANTARCTIC CIRCLE
The further south your expedition goes, the harsher and icier the endless world of white appears. The excitement on board will mount as you approach the crossing of the Antarctic Circle. How far can the ship advance? Thick ice fields are a common sight here, the glaciers seem more dominant, and more icebergs drift on the water, creating a very special feeling of pioneering adventure.