Stanley, in north- east East Falkland, is the capital of the Falkland Islands and home to about 2,000 of the Islands' 2,400 residents. This historic cathedral town is small, tidy and colourful, and visitors may enjoy relaxing here for a few days - walking around the town and visiting nearby wildlife attractions. Malvina House Hotel MID The Malvina House Hotel is considered Stanley's premier hotel. All 16 twin and double rooms have en- suite bathrooms. There is a large bar- lounge area and the original conservatory houses the restaurant, considered the best in town. There is also a spa and sauna. Carcass Island Carcass Island is named after HMS Carcass. It has seen 100 years of habitation by three environmentally conscious owners who have avoided the introduction of rats and cats. This means that the birds and animals here have been protected from predation, and are therefore carefree, trusting and approachable. The island is known for its colonies of magellanic and gentoo penguins. There is also a large colony of striated caracaras, a small elephant seal colony, king cormorants and night herons. Usually boat excursions are also possible to nearby West Point Island, formerly known as Albatross Island, to see the dramatic Devil's Nose, home to over 2, 000 breeding pairs of black- browed albatross. With 500 pairs of rockhopper penguins also in the area, it makes for one of the most amazing sights in the Falkland Islands. Homestay MID Carcass Island accommodation is in a settlement owner's house with all meals taken with the family. The house has one double and three twin rooms, all of which have en- suite bathroom facilities. Within walking distance of the settlement you will fi nd magellanic penguins and striated caracaras, to the north elephant seals, and to the south a colony of gentoo penguins. The Falkland Islands 162 The Falkland Islands are a British archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean. They consist of two main islands - East Falkland and West Falkland - and 776 smaller islands, many of which are unpopulated. They are famous for their amazing bird and marine mammal life, which is often easily approachable. There are six species of penguin here including king, gentoo, magellanic, rockhopper and macaroni. Tall tussac grass surrounds the beaches which are also home to elephant seal, sea lion and fur seal, and the islands are a birdwatcher's paradise with over 200 species including many large colonies of seabirds, the black- browed albatross and giant petrel. These remote, unspoilt and sparsely populated islands are heaven for nature lovers and photographers. Fact! Our Senior Travel Consultant, Clementine Gent, has travelled to the Falklands and can plan you a tailor-made itinerary using her knowledge and enthusiasm. Please ask to speak to her when you call us. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982 Stanley

Caption THE AMERICAS | THE FALKLAND ISLANDS 163 Pebble Island Pebble Island is 38 kilometres long and is one of the largest islands in the West Falklands group. It has white sand beaches, ponds and wetlands, tussock plantations, moorlands and rocky cliffs which offer shelter and protection to sealions and thousands of penguins. In fact it is the only place in the Falkland Islands where all six species of penguin known to visit the islands have been seen: magellanic, gentoo, rockhopper, macaroni, king and erect- crested. As well as the 42 resident bird species, the island attracts rare visitors from mainland South America such as the black- necked swan. Pebble Island Hotel MID This used to be the farm manager's house, but now caters for visitors offering six twin rooms, each with en- suite facilities. It is situated in the middle of the farm settlement and retains the warm and friendly atmosphere of a large farm house. Activities include a pick- up and drop- off service for walkers, tours in four- wheel drive vehicles and boat trips to neighbouring islands. Sea Lion Island Sea Lion Island is the most southerly inhabited island in the Falklands group. It is only eight kilometres long and just over a kilometre and a half at its widest point which makes it perfect for self- exploration. Beautiful plantations of tussock grass cover much of the island and provide a perfect habitat for huge colonies of elephant seal and sealions. Orcas can be seen offshore, as can leopard seals and the occasional larger whale. Dazzling white sand beaches, cliffs, fresh water ponds and heath land are home to 47 different species of bird. Many prize- winning photographs have been taken of the scenery and wildlife on this spectacular island. Sea Lion Lodge MID Sea Lion Lodge is the only purpose- built tourist lodge in the Falklands archipelago. It consists of six twin rooms and one double room with en- suite facilities. It offers modern accommodation with a degree of amenity one might not expect in one of the world's most remote locations. Bleaker Island Situated just off the south- east coast of East Falkland, isolated Bleaker Island is particularly interesting as it has a large colony of rockhopper penguins in addition to magellanic and gentoo penguins. There is also a large king cormorant colony and striated caracaras are often seen. The island has many pools which are home to a large number of waterfowl including white- tufted and silver grebes, and black necked swans. This remote island is small and fairly fl at, so walking between the various bird colonies is easy and there are many sandy beaches to stroll along. Farm Accommodation MID Accommodation is at the island's farm settlement on either a self- catering or full board basis, within walking distance of the natural highlights. Saunders Island Saunders Island is the second largest of the Falkland Islands and is home to a staggering array of wildlife. Here you may see a colony of 11,000 breeding pairs of black- browed albatross, magellanic, gentoo, rockhopper and king penguins, plus southern giant petrel, rock shag, king shag and striated caracara. The north of the island is made up of two peaks divided by a thin strip of sand known as The Neck which is considered one of the best wildlife sites in the Falklands. Cottages MID Accommodation consists of two self- catering cottages in the main Saunders Settlement and a very simple, remote self- catering cabin at The Neck. Fact! You can also visit the islands on several of the longer Antarctic Expedition Voyages and this is certainly one of the best and easiest ways to visit them. Please see our website for details of Antarctic cruises. SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for the Falklands, via Chile Day 2 Stanley, 1- night, Malvina House Hotel Day 3 Carcass Island, 2- nights, Carcass Settlement. Optional West Point boat trip ( BLD) Day 5 Saunders Island, 2 nights, Saunders Settlement. Visit the Neck, considered one of the best wildlife spots in the Falklands ( BLD) Day 7 Pebble Island, 2- nights, Pebble Island Hotel. Full- day excursion to see sealions, penguins and the 42 resident bird species ( BLD) Day 9 Bleaker Island, 2- nights, Bleaker Settlement. See the large colony of rockhopper penguins ( BLD) Day 11 Sea Lion Island, 3- nights, Sea Lion Lodge. Elephant seals are abundant here and you'll hopefully get some good photographs ( BLD) Day 14 Stanley, 2- nights, Malvina House Hotel. Day trip to Volunteer Point ( B) Day 16 Depart the Falklands for the UK, via Chile ( B) Day 17 Arrive UK Departure dates Saturdays, October to March Cost per person From £ 4795 ( Oct - Mar) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, fourteen nights hotel/ settlement accommodation, guided activities HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FALKLANDS We've designed this itinerary so it gives you a comprehensive overview of the highlights of the Falklands and takes you to the islands that are open to visitors - we have found over the years that most of our customers want to see and visit them all! TAILOR- MADE Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com