There's not many places left in the world where the majesty and multiplicity of nature remain truly unspoilt by man's presence. Indeed, there are very few plots of land 14 million sq miles in size that have a permanent human population of zero - and still fewer regions where you're more likely to run into a colony of penguins than any other living soul. But Antarctica is just such a place.
A far cry away from the luxury beach resorts and sun-drenched lagoons of more traditional globetrotting haunts, the southernmost tip of the planet is indisputably the most pristine and visually inspiring places you could ever hope to visit. Alongside its jaw-dropping scenery - encompassing perilous glacial towers, expansive alpine ranges and seemingly-endless ice shelves that emit an almost-divine aura - this vast and desolate place confounds expectations and provides a home for some of the world's most unique, well-adapted and in many cases downright bizarre species.
A number of specially-designed ships are now capable of taking visitors into the unforgiving territory - just one of which is the Argentina-based Clipper Adventure. With tours ranging from 11 to 20 days you can explore the brilliant and profoundly moving natural splendour of the world's fifth-largest continent from within the safe and modern confines of this luxury ship, equipped to carry a modest 120 guests and offering all the home comforts you would expect of a modern-day seafaring adventure.
The Clipper Adventure is one of a handful of boats that first heads east to explore the British territories of the Falklands and South Georgia - both themselves home to an incredible array of wildlife ranging from indignant, harrumphing elephant seals to albatrosses whose wingspans extend an awesome 3.5 metres. But while these two islands alone could easily fill up an entire holiday's worth of exploration, travellers soon find themselves back on the ship, this time bearing south and traversing an ever more cluttered maze of islands, inlets and waterways awash with gigantic icebergs.
As the ship slowly trudges forward to the Antarctic Peninsula, the climate gradually becomes noticeably more hostile. Temperatures rarely rise above freezing and the distinctly dry air constantly reminds seafarers - as if they needed the hint - that this is one of the most punishing, rugged environments on the planet.
And yet still life thrives in this climate. Beneath the ice cold waters of the Weddell sea, gigantic humpback and minke whales effortlessly glide to the surface - enrapturing visitors as they proudly announce their presence with a violent spout, before gracefully disappearing into the depths once more. At Snow Hill Island near the Northern Peninsula, meanwhile, thousands of emperor penguins clamour and cluster for warmth and attention. Take another of the ships that Steppes Travel routinely uses - the icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov - and its on-board chopper will take you within hiking distance of the community, allowing you to walk right up to the iconic creatures, watching them tumble, toboggan and waddle around just as nature - perhaps somewhat confusingly - intended.
There can be no doubt that Antarctica is a uniquely inspirational place to visit. Precisely because of this special status, however, it befalls all of us to take extra strides to protect the pole's unblemished natural beauty.
Steppes Travel is proud to operate in full compliance with all of the guidelines recommended by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. It is also an Executive Friend of the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) - founded by Cambridge University in memory of Captain Robert Falcon Scott, renowned Antarctic explorer - with each Steppes booking including a year's subscription to SPRI.
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