Morning: Arrive at Munich Airport (MUC) early to complete check‑in and enjoy a quick Bavarian breakfast at the terminal lounge. Your flight boards a direct service to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), the main gateway to the French Southern Territories.
Afternoon: Settle into the business class cabin and relax as the aircraft cruises over the Alps and into the French countryside. A short documentary about the sub‑Antarctic ecosystems prepares you for the adventure ahead.
Evening: Land in Paris and transfer to a nearby hotel for an overnight stay. Use the evening to explore the airport’s duty‑free shops and grab a light dinner before the next leg.
Find HotelsMorning: After breakfast, take the RER train to the Orly Airport shuttle for your connecting flight to Réunion Island. The journey includes a scenic view of the Paris skyline.
Afternoon: Fly from Paris to Roland Garros Airport (RUN) in Réunion, a French overseas department that serves as the staging point for Southern Ocean voyages. The flight lasts about 12 hours with a brief layover in Nairobi.
Evening: Arrive in Saint‑Pierre, Réunion, and stay at a coastal resort. Enjoy a Creole dinner and brief a briefing on the upcoming ship departure to the Kerguelen.
Find HotelsMorning: Transfer by boat from the resort to the port of Saint‑Pierre, where the research vessel R/V Marion Dufresne awaits. Complete safety drills and meet the expedition crew.
Afternoon: Set sail across the Indian Ocean, heading south‑west toward the Southern Ocean. The vessel passes the volcanic peaks of Réunion, offering striking photo opportunities.
Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner onboard, featuring fresh seafood and a short lecture on the unique geology of the Kerguelen Archipelago. Rest in your cabin as the ship enters cooler waters.
Find HotelsMorning: The ship navigates the turbulent waters of the Southern Ocean, with crew members sharing insights on the region’s meteorology and wildlife.
Afternoon: Spot wandering albatrosses and petrels circling the deck, a prelude to the massive bird colonies awaiting on Kerguelen. A short documentary on sub‑Antarctic ecosystems plays in the lounge.
Evening: Dinner is served in the galley while the ship’s helmsman reports a clear approach to the archipelago’s main bay, Baie de l'Oiseau.
Find HotelsMorning: Dock at Port‑aux‑Français, the only settlement on the islands, and disembark for a quick health check and briefing on local regulations.
Afternoon: Explore the modest research station, visiting the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF) administration office and learning about ongoing scientific projects.
Evening: Enjoy a hearty French‑style dinner prepared by the station’s chef, followed by a stargazing session under the pristine Southern Hemisphere sky.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a guided boat to the Gallieni Peninsula, where you’ll hike to the historic lighthouse and observe giant petrel colonies.
Afternoon: Continue to the nearby Baie de la Dauphine to watch seal pups basking on the rocks and, if lucky, catch a glimpse of a passing southern right whale.
Evening: Return to Port‑aux‑Français for a relaxed dinner, sharing stories with researchers about their work on climate monitoring.
Find HotelsMorning: Board a Zodiac to explore the stunning fjord of Baie de l'Oiseau, famed for its towering basalt cliffs and glacial valleys.
Afternoon: Hike to the viewpoint over the Miller Glacier, learning about the archipelago’s volcanic origin and its impact on local flora, such as the endemic Kerguelen cabbage.
Evening: Celebrate the final night with a farewell dinner featuring local specialties, and enjoy a short concert performed by the station’s resident scientist‑musician.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack belongings and say goodbye to the crew, then board the vessel for the south‑bound journey back to Réunion.
Afternoon: Sail through the Indian Ocean, reflecting on the remote wilderness experienced over the past week.
Evening: Arrive back at Saint‑Pierre, Réunion, where you’ll catch a connecting flight to Paris and, subsequently, a return to Munich.
Find HotelsIf you wish to extend the adventure, add an extra day on Réunion to explore its volcanic peaks and waterfalls before heading south. For a shorter itinerary, consider a “quick‑visit” package that skips the Gallieni Peninsula hike, reducing the trip by one day and saving roughly €700 in vessel charter fees. Regardless of length, pack thermal layers, waterproof boots, and a good pair of binoculars for wildlife spotting.