Arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, transfer independently to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).

After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport and board your private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, transfer from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier. 

After a late afternoon embarkation, sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next land you see will be the Antarctic! 

Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing, as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You’ll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates while your Expedition Team provides safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead. The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by the expert onboard staff and leaders, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers over a drink at the bar.

Once the Drake Passage is left in your wake and the South Shetland Islands come into view, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. Begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. On every visit to Antarctica, visitors witness something new or unexpected, which means your expedition will be unlike any other—a unique, personal experience. 

Each day, take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront, visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal. The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains enchant as you hike snowy pathways to vantage points offering panoramic views of your surroundings. Discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and the next be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes—such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles—become indelible memories. Each day is different, carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world. 

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you've shared exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica. 

Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.