Explore the Antarctic Peninsula

Day 1: Arrive into South America 

For expeditions which start in Buenos Aires: Arrive in Buenos Aires, set on the Rio de la Plata, and check in to the included Alvear Art Hotel (or similar). In the afternoon, you will have a guided overview of the city, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces, grand boulevards, and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron. 

For expeditions which start in Santiago: Arrive in Santiago and check in to the included Mandarin Oriental (or similar).  The capital is nearly surrounded by the Andes, which form an inspiring backdrop to your 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. 

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia (Mandatory – Additional Cost)

Today you will join your fellow expeditioners on a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. From the plane, enjoy glorious views as you fly over the vividly rugged terrain of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Before boarding the ship your group may visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, with its beautiful forest of southern beech.

Lunch will be served onboard a private catamaran while cruising the Beagle Channel, where you’ll be on the lookout for huge South American sea lions and birds like imperial cormorants. You may even spot your first penguins - look out for Magellanic penguins porpoising through the water.  

In the afternoon you will embark on your ship and set sail for Antarctica.  Please note that the mandatory charter flight package is at additional cost and includes your flights to and from Ushuaia.   

Days 3 & 4: At sea crossing the Drake Passage

This 500-mile-wide strait between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most famous bodies of water in the world. Sometimes ferocious, sometimes flat calm, the Drake is always a fascinating place in its own right. This part of the journey is your best opportunity to see huge seabirds like the wandering albatross cruising past overhead - cameras at the ready!

This is also time to get to know your way around the ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (a great place to spot wildlife), have a relaxing massage, attend the educational presentations on the wildlife and geology that you will soon be experiencing, or settle into a comfy chair in the Observation Lounge, look out over the waves and reflect on the incredible history of this fabled passage. 

Depending on the weather conditions and the speed you make during your crossing, you may be arriving into the South Shetland Islands and/or the Antarctic Peninsula on Day 5.  If so, you may even have your first excursion this afternoon. Certainly keep your eyes peeled for that first iceberg! 

Days 5 to 9: Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula stretches over 800 miles from north to south, a spine of craggy peaks cut by dozens of deep fjords. It’s an enormous region with many different faces and ever-changing weather. Your ship’s expedition team have decades of exploration experience, allowing them to stay flexible and respond to changing conditions, turn on a dime and select the optimal activity for each day.

The objective is to be out daily, exploring in the Zodiacs, hiking at penguin colonies, discovering remote bays, photographing wildlife, and learning fascinating details from the naturalists and other experts who accompany you on every excursion. There is also time for simply relaxing and watching while the ship cruises through some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. Grab a cup of cocoa and a comfortable seat in the Observation Lounge, visit the officers on the Bridge, or just kick back in your cabin and watch for seals on ice or whales blowing in the distance.

Whether you are cruising past spectacular glaciers in the ship, watching seals in the Zodiacs, or hiking around the penguin colonies, you will benefit from the company of an expert National Geographic photographer along with the ship’s own photo instructor, who share what they capture and help you to perfect both the art and the technique of polar photography. 

Days 10 & 11: Crossing the Drake Passage, heading to Ushuaia

Bid Antarctica farewell as you begin the crossing back to Ushuaia. An albatross or two may join the avian escort of seabirds, and crew spotters will 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 even catch up on the book you haven't had a minute to read.

This is also a great time to start sorting through your many photographs. 

The continuing programme of educational talks from the expedition team will reflect on all you have seen and learned. 

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Day 12: Fly back to Buenos Aires or Santiago

After breakfast, you will disembark in Ushuaia. Here the charter flight will be waiting to return you back to civilization.

Please note that you will be flying back to whichever city you originally came through e.g. either Buenos Aires or Santiago.

For those select departures with optional flights back to the US you will take your onward flight overnight tonight.If you are arranging your own international flights home, please ensure your plane is due to depart after 9.30pm at the absolute earliest. Alternatively you may wish to arrange an additional night in the city and fly on tomorrow.