Guests traveling aboard National Geographic Orion arrive today in Santiago. Check in to the fine Mandarin Oriental (or similar), centrally located in Santiago, and have the morning to relax. Santiago is nearly surrounded by the Andes, which form an inspiring backdrop to our afternoon guided overview of this vibrant city. Explore the Plaza de Armas, the main square, and nearby Presidential Palace, enjoying wonderful views from the many hills that dot the city. In the early evening you can gather for an informal reception and a drink at the hotel. 

Today you fly by private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Fly from Santiago, Chile to Ushuaia to embark the Orion. This morning's charter flight brings you over Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. If the weather is fine, have a chance to view the spectacular mountains rising out of the Beagle Channel as you enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise. Then, embark the expedition ship and set sail.

You awake this morning well into your journey across the Drake Passage. Lying between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake holds a unique place in maritime lore. Sometimes misty and gray, other times calm and clear, crossing the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable—a milestone in any adventurer's personal travel history. 

With nearly 24 hours of daylight, make the most of your days, keeping a flexible schedule to take advantage of the unexpected — perhaps watching a 40-ton whale surface off the bow. You are out daily. One day, you may take a Zodiac foray amid towering bergs under a bright sun, walk along the shoreline amid a huge penguin colony, hike to a summit for a breathtaking view, or kayak along a cliff-side rookery in search of blue-eyed shags. And the next, have the thrill of watching the ship crunch through the pack ice, or step ashore to the cries of thousands of gentoo penguins. Learn from your experts how to identify penguins and get photo tips from a National Geographic photographer while watching those same penguins. Back aboard, your Undersea Specialist may present video from that day’s dive — rare images taken up to 1,000 feet below the surface using our ROV. The expert staff crafts an expedition where you can learn more, see more and experience more. 

As you sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the avian escort of seabirds that cross your bow, and your spotters keep an eye out for marine life. There’ll be plenty of time to enjoy a wellness treatment, log some time in the gym, or catch up on the book you haven’t had a minute to read. Talks from your staff can reflect on all you have seen and learned.

After breakfast, disembark in Ushuaia with some time to explore before proceeding to the airport for your charter flight.