Sample Itinerary: 8 Days – Military Footsteps & History
This enlightening 8 day tour takes you on an historic retelling of the Falklands War, and details the brief Argentine occupation of the islands in 1982. Start your visit at Darwin to explore nearby San Carlos and Goose Green, then fly to Pebble Island, landing onto the same airstrip that was once Argentine occupied. Upon your return to Stanley visit Mount Tumbledown, Mount Harriet, Mount Longdon and Wireless Ridge. Guided tours of these and other battlefields, cemeteries and memorials are a must for anyone with an interest in military history.
Itineraries are bespoke, so if you wish to combine Military History with Wildlife experiences or other interests – just contact us with your requirements and they will be tailored to suit
Day 1
Darwin
Arrive at Mount Pleasant International Airport. Transfer overland to Darwin/Goose Green settlement for overnight stay at Darwin House, a most comfortable lodge located by the sheltered waters of Choiseul Sound for 2 night’s accommodation on a full board basis.
Situated close to Darwin settlement, are various memorials connected with the Battle of Goose Green in May 1982; The 2 Para Memorial was “Erected by 2 Para in memory of their fallen comrades.” The Lieutenant Colonel H Jones memorial marks the spot where the Commanding Officer of 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment was killed as the Battalion advanced on Goose Green.
Day 2
Goose Green & San Carlos Battlefield Tour
Full day battle tour with driver/guide taking in Darwin, Goose Green and San Carlos – taking in the Argentine and British Cemeteries, memorials and small museum. Packed lunch included.
You will be collected from your accommodation by a driver/guide in a 4×4 vehicle to spend the day exploring the key battle and memorial sites on East Falkland relating to the events of 1982. The majority of the tour will be undertaken on gravel roads with a small amount of walking involved. Your driver/guide will take you to the British Cemetery at San Carlos, site of the British landings in 1982 where a major air and sea battle took place. You will also visit the Argentine Cemetery at Darwin where the International Red Cross have recently assisted with identification of the majority of souls laid to rest there. Goose Green and surrounding areas are the final chapter of the tour. Your driver/guide will provide a detailed insight into the events and experiences of the conflict for both military, civilian, Argentine and British counterparts. There will be an opportunity to visit a small museum dedicated to the 1982 conflict which has been recently relocated from San Carlos.
Day 3
Pebble Island
Internal flight to Pebble Island for 2 nights accommodation on a full board basis. The two standard tours available consist of the West End and East End Tours. Your driver/guide will discuss the options available to you based upon your particular interest and current weather conditions.
Bountiful wildlife awaits. Visit one of the Falkland Islands’ largest Rockhopper colonies where you may also spot the odd Macaroni lurking and be equally surprised at just how far the Gentoo and Magellanic penguins have ventured from the ocean to take up residence. Other birdlife that you will see include a southern giant petrel colony, nesting variable hawks, turkey vultures, skuas, peregrine falcons as well as striated and southern caracaras.
Pebble is also dotted with remnants of the events of 1982. View the remains of several Argentine Daggers/Mirage aircraft shot down during the conflict and see the remains of a Skyvan close to the airstrip along with a cairn commemorating the infamous SAS raid (site of the first land based action in 1982). Experience the poignancy of the Argentine Learjet memorial in honour of those airmen who were shot down and crashed close to Marble Mountain along with the HMS Coventry memorial on First Mountain.
Day 4
Pebble Island
Pebble Island – If yesterday you completed the West End tour the today complete the East End full day tour with a driver/guide. Over the two days this gives you plenty of time to linger at your leisure at the historical sites and wildlife habitations.
Day 5
Stanley
Internal flight to Stanley and transfer to the Malvina House Hotel for 3 nights accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast basis – Afternoon at leisure.
Day 6
Full day excursion
Full day excursion with drive/guide taking in Mount Harriet recaptured by 42 Commando where many positions and remnants of Argentine equipment can be seen. Continuing on to Fitzroy to see memorials for the Welsh Guards and RFA, (site of the Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram bombing) packed lunch included.
Day 7
Full day excursion
Choice of full day tour- either, tour of Mt Longdon and Wireless Ridge, recaptured by 3 and 2 Para respectively, or tour Mt Tumbledown which was defended by the Argentine Marines and retaken by the 2nd Battalion of the Scots Guards.
Day 8
Afternoon – transfer to Mount Pleasant International Airport for your return international flight.
