Antarctic Explorer with Cape Horn and Diego Ramirez from Buenos Aires

Welcome to Buenos Aires, where your Antarctic adventure begins. Arrive into the city any time today, and independently transfer to the group hotel (accommodation for the night is included). There’s plenty to see and do if you arrive early into Buenos Aires. The city features an eclectic mix of European, Latin and cosmopolitan influences, with a thriving cultural and nightlife scene. Comb the antique markets and cobbled streets of San Telmo, see the presidential palace of the Casa Rosada in the Plaza de Mayo or pay your respects to Eva Peron at the famous Recoleta Cemetery.

If you have time during the day, explore the boulevards, galleries and European architecture of Buenos Aires. In the evening, you may like to head out for a steak dinner with your new travel companions.

Notes: A transfer from Buenos Aires airport to the hotel is not included.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport and board a private flight to Ushuaia, the Patagonian port town at the ‘end-of-the-world’. Later, set sail through the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago and opens up into the Southern Ocean. Photo opportunities abound, as dramatic coastlines emerge and seabirds sore overhead. It’s possible to spot seals, penguins, cormorants and more from the deck. Settle into your cabin and get to know the expedition team and your fellow travellers.

Take a different route out of the Beagle Channel if conditions are right today and aim to start your journey to the “edge of the earth” at Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Here, at the very southern tip of the Tierra del Fuego collection of islands, is the most isolated place in the Americas. The rocky headland of Hornos Island once looked over a major global trade route from the 18th to 20th centuries and, if conditions are right for a landing, you might be able to hike to the Stella Maris Chapel, lighthouse, and albatross-shaped monument that honours the mariners who never made the journey round the horn. Continue on even farther south to the totally isolated and barely explored Diego Ramirez Islands. Discovered in 1619 and once thought to be the world’s most southernmost landmass, you’ll have the chance to Zodiac cruise around these tussock grass-covered islands to spot the abundant birdlife – look out for black-browed albatross, shy albatross and grey-headed albatross, plus sightings of dolphins, South American fur seals, and rockhopper, macaroni and Magellanic penguins are also possible here.
Your ship will then continue cruising farther south, to the Diego Ramírez Islands, the most southern point of
South America and one of the leastexplored places on the planet. This small archipelago was actually thought to be the southernmost land mass in the world when it was discovered in 1619 by the Spanish Garcia de Nodal expedition. Named after the expedition’s cosmographer, the archipelago held this distinction for 156 years, until Captain James Cook’s discovery of the South Sandwich Islands in 1775. Weatherpermitting, we’ll Zodiac cruise around these tussock grass-covered islands to admire the abundant birdlife. A designated Important Bird Area, and part of the recently-designated Diego Ramirez Islands and Drake Passage Marine Park, the archipelago is home to millions of breeding seabirds, and an exceptional place for birdwatching. Binoculars in hand, birders will marvel at the sight of multiple species of albatross (these islands are the southernmost albatross breeding ground in the world), including black-browed albatross, shy albatross and grey-headed albatross. Sightings of dolphins, South American fur seals, and rockhopper, macaroni and Magellanic penguins are also possible here. 
If conditions look more promising toward the end of your expedition, this itinerary day may take place after your Antarctic Peninsula exploration.

There’s always something to keep you busy while crossing the Drake Passage. Named for Sir Frances Drake, an English seafarer, it’s notoriously rough but luckily your ship is a far cry from the vessels of old. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy presentations about the continent’s geography, environment and wildlife to get you up to speed on all things Antarctica. Spot seabirds flying with your ship to the Great White Continent, keeping an eye out for albatross on their migration route. Keep your eyes peeled for breaching whales and other marine mammals in the southern oceans, and cosy up with a drink, getting to know your shipmates at the bar. There are things on at different times of the day, so do as little or as much learning (and chatting) as you like.

Welcome to the Antarctic Peninsula, where a vast amount of wildlife can be found with a backdrop of ice, water and mountains. The sheer scale of everything must be seen to be believed. No two days on any expedition are the same and landing sites can’t be guaranteed, but our expert expedition crew will make sure each day is memorable. Zodiac rides allow for closer encounters with marine life including whales and seals, while onshore exploration might take you to penguin rookeries or on an optional activity such as snowshoeing, kayaking and overnight camping. The lecture program will continue throughout your time at the peninsula and the team of experts will be available to answer any questions you may have about the region.

Take some time to reflect on your voyage during the two-day return journey to Ushuaia. This is also your last chance to soak up the experience and knowledge of your expert expedition crew before the end of the trip. Your final meal together is often a highlight, so live it up and enjoy as you celebrate the journey with your fellow travellers.

After a shipboard breakfast and a short excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. Your Antarctic adventure comes to an end here.