Chile’s southern and northern water systems tell the story of the world’s creation like a gigantic history book. This expedition shows you the most beautiful chapter of this story, with countless passages past amazing sights. The HANSEATIC inspiration is the perfect match for the nautical challenges. Let your yearning for adventure run wild, surrounded by snow- and ice-covered hills in Chile’s southern fjords. The small and manoeuvrable ship allows plenty of time for intensive experiences and observations. The journey becomes the destination, as impressively reiterated by the Beagle Channel with a passage through “Glacier Alley”. As you pass the Garibaldi Glacier, you’ll see just how close you are to the primeval maze from your vantage point on the extensive outside decks, glass balconies and the deck tour at the bow. Enjoy the fantastic views of its shimmering blue tongue of ice. The hands of time seem to turn back as you pass through the famous Strait of Magellan in the wake of the first person to circumnavigate the globe. As you arrive in Punta Arenas, the pioneering spirit of the golden age of seafaring will bowl you over. From there, a hike through Magallanes National Reserve* will take you into a world of diverse flora. The fauna, on the other hand, will be the focus on a trip to see the Magellanic penguins on Isla Magdalena*. Thousands of the creatures congregate here at this time of year. The rarely visited Tucker Islands are the ideal expedition territory for an exciting Zodiac ride, where you can keep a lookout for Magellanic penguins and cormorants. Isolated, untouched, unspoilt – your cruise through the fjord landscape will give you an intensive experience with more thrilling glacier adventures. The passage of the Kirke Narrows also reveals a wealth of natural beauty with the route to Puerto Natales which is just 100 m (328 ft) wide – an exciting way to reach a port city that is often only accessible by aeroplane. You’ll be surrounded by nature here, and with a little luck you might be able to spot dolphins, whales and seals. One of Chile’s highlights, with mountains reaching 3,000 m (9,843 ft) at their peak is the Torres del Paine National Park*. Over 100 different species, including rheas, flamingos and Andean condors, live between glittering waterfalls, extensive forests and shimmering aquamarine mountain lakes. A trek to the Base Las Torres* offers the opportunity to observe the natural surroundings whilst on the move. Walk to a glacial lake against the backdrop of the three granite needles that tower over the park. The Calvo and Amalia Glaciers rise up at the heart of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. How has this region changed over the centuries? Your experts will reveal the beauty and sensitivity of these icy giants.

There is no limit to the awe-inspiring sights on your flexible expedition through Chile’s northern fjords. The excitement on board will rise as you approach South America’s largest ice mass: the majestic Pio XI Glacier (Seno Eyre). With its bizarre craggy surface, it sparkles blue and white. You will glide between icebergs great and small as you take in the impressive views from a Zodiac. An encounter with the residents of Puerto Eden, who number barely more than 90, will show you how leisurely life is in the “middle of nowhere”. Further insights into the remote existence here can be found in Caleta Tortel, the city of bridges – connected by walkways made of cypress wood that are around 7.5 km (4.7 mi.) long. As you then cruise through the fjords, the captain and crew will select the most exciting routes to stunning experiences. Chile’s landscape presents the visual proof of the unbelievable energy in the Earth’s core where several tectonic plates meet. You’ll be fired with enthusiasm by the three volcanoes in Chaiten that exemplify this primeval world.

Once a 17th-century hotspot for attacks by pirates and privateers, Niebla is now a popular beach town. A city tour of Valdivia* traces historic footprints and takes you into the lively hustle and bustle of the market. A hike in the natural reserve of Oncol Park* will introduce you to the natural treasures of the Valdivian rainforest, such as the radal and meli trees. From the north of Chile, you can reflect on your route along almost the entire coastline of the country and hundreds of nautical miles with a great wealth of wonderful experiences.