Welcome to Buenos Aires. Begin your Antarctic Explorer adventure with an overnight stay in this Argentinian metropolis and explore its sophisticated streets. Meet your shipmates at the hotel in the evening for a welcome meeting. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception. Please note, no arrival transfer is included in Buenos Aires. Clients are asked to make their own way to the joining hotel. Full details of the hotel will be given on your final documents. Special Information

This morning take a 3-4 hour charter flight to Ushuaia. On arrival enjoy a little free time to explore the charming port town. Board the ship and cruise out through the beautiful Beagle Channel in the afternoon. Named after the British ship the HMS Beagle, this channel is rich with birdlife, so look out for penguins, cormorants and petrels. The waterway transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, providing unforgettable scenery along the way.

While at sea, you'll be kept busy by your expedition team, who will prepare you for the adventures to come. The team may include marine biologists, historians, geologists and more. Enjoy on-board presentations about the history and wildlife of Antarctica.

Your first encounter with land after being at sea will be the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). This area is packed with birdlife so you'll be able to use your newfound knowledge to identify particular species of animals. Look out for Magellanic, gentoo and rockhopper penguins, Black-browed albatross and two endemic bird species - Cobb’s wren and the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck. Meet the friendly local residents and explore the islands on daily Zodiac landings. POSSIBLE LANDING SITES AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS - FALKLAND ISLANDS CARCASS ISLAND The 8 km long (five mile) island, northwest of West Falkland, belongs to Rob and Lorraine McGill. It's a picturesque island, where songbirds nest among the luxuriant growth that covers the gently rolling landscape. The island is named after a Royal Navy ship, the HMS Carcass, whi...

Further shipboard presentations over the next few days will prepare you for upcoming landings and Zodiac cruises along the coast of South Georgia. Cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary dividing Antarctica from the rest of the southern seas, and sail into true polar waters. Keep warm in the parka provided up on deck and take advantage of the unlimited hot drinks available.

Jagged mountains erupting from the sea, your first sight of South Georgia is spectacular. Once ashore, you might hear a chorus of barking and squealing seals and penguins. Planned activities over the next few days include a series of landings at king penguin rookeries and abandoned whaling stations. Keep an eye out for albatross and petrels, and don’t be surprised if you spot the odd reindeer, as these were introduced by Norwegian whalers in the early 20th century. Perhaps visit Sir Ernest Shackleton's grave at the abandoned whaling station of Grytviken. As landings are dependent on weather and ice conditions, please be aware that plans may change with little notice. POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS – SOUTH GEORGIA DRYGALSKI FJORD This is a photogenic and dramatic fjord, with sharp and jagged peaks rising out of the...

Heading south again, spend a couple of education-filled days at sea en route to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Make use of the on-board library and attend more lectures made by the expedition team.

By now you should have reached the Antarctic Peninsula. Your expedition team will make sure that your four days here are filled with varying landscapes, wildlife encounters and activities. Perhaps take a 'polar plunge' into the ice-cold waters of Neko Harbour, scramble to the top of a craggy hill for panoramic views of the area or witness a glacier calve into the sea near Danco Island while on a Zodiac cruise. Chinstrap, Adelie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Curious whales, such as minkes, are often attracted to Zodiacs, giving you the chance to get right up close to these majestic animals. Perhaps partake in an optional sea kayaking adventure (at an extra cost and subject to availability). Every day along the peninsula will provide unique experiences. POSSIBLE LANDING...

Begin your homeward journey through Drake Passage. Cross your fingers for smooth sailing but be prepared for potentially rough seas. This immense passage separates the Antarctic Peninsula from South America, and was named after the famed English explorer, Sir Frances Drake. Enjoy your last couple of days at sea relaxing with your shipmates and enjoying views from the deck.

Arrive into Ushuaia this the morning after breakfast. After disembarkation, experience a little bit of Patagonia by touring Tierra del Fuego National Park. Transfer to the airport for the group charter flight back to Buenos Aires (approximately 3-4 hours). You should arrive into the Argentinian capital at about 5 pm, but we recommend that any onward flights should be booked to depart after 8 pm in case of delays. Special Information