Your journey commences in Ushuaia, in southern Argentina. Upon arrival, make your way to the hotel for an included pre-voyage hotel. This evening, you are encouraged you to visit the welcome desk set up in the lobby of the hotel to check in with the representative and to collect luggage tags for your voyage. One of the southernmost cities in the world, windswept Ushuaia is the gateway to Tierra del Fuego National park where hiking enthusiasts and wildlife aficionados will discover the beauty of the area.

Your journey through Chile's spectacular fjord region commences this afternoon. Gather at the central meeting point then transfer to the pier for embarkation. Excitement is in the air as you enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner before casting off, bound for the stunning landscapes of Patagonia, rugged coastal Chile and historic city of Valparaiso

Your journey is now well underway. Through the night sail south through the Wollaston Islands and down to the notorious Cape Horn headland on Hornos Island – one of the most southern points of Chile and the northern boundary of the Drake Passage. Prior to the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914, Cape Horn was part of a key world trade route (the Clipper route) and today rounding Cape Horn is a bucket list item for many recreational sailors. Weather and sea permitting, go ashore to explore the rugged landscape, lighthouse and chapel found on Hornos Island.

Sail in a northwesterly direction back into the Beagle Channel, which separates Argentina from neighboring Chile, and into Alberto de Agostini National Park, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its large tracts of ancient sub-Antarctic forest systems. Naturalists believe these forests started growing around 10,000 years ago. At the break of dawn, you’ll find yourself at the opening of the Pia and Garibaldi fjords. The fjord and glacier you visit will depend on the current sea and tidal conditions. Plan to head to shore for the first time, with the option of taking a short but steep hike up to find panoramic views of either of the glaciers. Explore either of the massive glaciers and near-by waterfalls here by Zodiac. Resident wildlife in the Beagle Channel includes the South American sea lion and several species of birds, including Magellanic penguins and albatross.

Sailing through the night, by morning reach the western tip of the great isle of Tierra del Fuego. Take in views of the ice-capped peaks of the Darwin Range as you enter remote D’Agostini Sound. Here, the Dainelli and Serrano Glaciers, along with several others, cascade into the sea. Your captain will assess current ice and weather conditions to determine where you can land to explore from shore.

Arrive at Cabo San Isidro, on the north shore of the Magellan Strait, the site of the southernmost lighthouse on the continent. This is your opportunity to enter the normally impenetrable Magellanic southern beech forests. A hiking trail follows the shoreline, passing shell middens left by the indigenous Kawéskar people, leading from Aguila Bay, a site of an important whaling station over a century ago. Wildlife watchers will appreciate the variety of forest birds, and the viewpoint above the bay where dolphins are often observed swimming in the kelp beds below.

Cruise through the maze of channels that form Chile’s inside Passage, gradually making your way northward. Exit the Strait of Magellan and soon find yourselves in the Smyth Canal along the east coast Manual Rodrigues Island – named after the guerilla leader and arguably one of the founders of independent Chile – home to a large section of the Alacalufes National Reserve. As you explore this rugged area keep a look out for Chilean dolphins, whales, and sea lions, as well as White-Crested Elaenias, Southern Churríns, Southern Crested Caracara and the Magellanic Woodpecker. Conditions permitting, land for a shore excursion before returning to the ship for dinner. Over dinner and through the night continue to sail through the Smyth Channel towards Peel Fjord.

In a trip full of superlatives and highlights, today may well be near the top. Navigating into Peel Fjord, make your way towards the impressive glaciers of this region. If you’re on the outer decks for a morning coffee or photography session you may hear what sounds to be thunder - a noise stemming from glacier movement and breakage known as calving. After breakfast, make your way onto the water where, from the low vantage point of the Zodiacs or Kayaks, the sheer scale of the glacier faces is an experience you won’t forget. Be on the lookout for wildlife such as South American Sea Lions, Rock Cormorants, and Andean Condors.

Navigating into Eyre fjord, the vast sweep of the Brüggen Glacier comes into view. Often called the ‘Pio XI’, at almost 60 kilometers in length it is the largest glacier in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Antarctica. It rises almost 70 meters above the surface of the water and is a staggering 4 kilometers wide. In the afternoon, put on your expedition gear to explore the seldom-visited Falcon Fjord.

Wake up at the shores of Wellington Island, outside one of the most remote inhabited places in the world. The tiny indigenous village of Puerto Edén is home to the last remaining Kawéskar people. A visit to shore allows you to explore the village and to potentially purchase local handicrafts including baskets and models of bark canoes reflecting the Kawéskar’s paddling heritage. In the afternoon, sail north along Messier Channel, now leaving the Patagonian fjords to voyage over the open sea, rounding the Taitao Peninsula by night.

Throughout the day the onboard experts educate you with a series of presentations about the environment, wildlife and history of this stunning region. Take some time to relax in the wellness center, pool or stroll around the decks. The open bridge policy means that you can join the ship’s Captain and learn about the operations of your modern expedition vessel.

Moving to milder climates, you are now in a position close to the town of Castro – the provincial capital of the island of Chiloé. The town was founded in 1567 and is the third-oldest city in Chile. Today it is known for its elaborate churches, made entirely of wood, which has earned it a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make your way ashore and you will immediately be struck by the colorful houses built on stilts around the harbor. Known as ‘palafitos’, they are simple homes built by local fisherman. The local markets are a highlight and showcase some of the most impressive crafts and textiles in the country. Reboarding the ship in the afternoon, hug the coastline, hoping to see the snow-capped summits of the many active volcanoes that characterize this region.

Located at the mouth of the Valdivia River, Niebla is an intriguing coastal town with a rich history, inhabited for centuries by the indigenous Mapuche tribe. Europeans first discovered it in the mid-15th century. Take in the historical remains of Fuerte de Niebla – part of an important fort system established by the conquering Spanish army to protect the estuary of the Valdivia River – and immerse yourself in the exhibitions at the Casa del Castellano museum. Unwind before the day is done by taking a stroll along one of the outstanding nearby beaches and enjoy the sand, cliffs, and rock formations that scatter the coastline.

Make your way towards the historic port of Valparaiso, the educational presentations continue and you can enjoy an entertaining voyage recap by the Expedition Leader. Join the photography expert in the multimedia room, where you can download and/or back up your precious images. Or spend time outside on the observation decks, in the spacious lounges or on the bridge. It’s a fitting time to reflect on a wonderful expedition. This evening enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship.

This morning arrive at Valparaiso, the principal deepwater port for Santiago, around 100 kilometers inland from the coast. After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers as you disembark RCGS Resolute. A transfer to downtown Santiago, via Santiago Airport, is provided for all guests.