From Australia or New Zealand to Buenos Aires

Your flight from Australia or New Zealand takes you to Buenos Aires, where you'll have two overnight stays. Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic adventure. Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, this city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache. There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practise your dance moves in the famous hometown of the tango. Why not consider arriving a few days early to see all this vibrant city has to offer, or explore the region on our optional Pre-Programme.

Early start in Ushuaia

Fly to Ushuaia and start your adventure 

Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where we'll meet your hybrid-powered expedition ship, specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters. 

This bustling port is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city. 

After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board.

Get set for Antarctica

Centre on science before your Antarctic adventure 

On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your polar expedition cruise. 

Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You'll learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join.  

There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

Antarctica: another world

Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty 

Nothing quite prepares you for it. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder. as you spend five magical days exploring Antarctica. 

When we arrive, the Antarctic summer is coming to an end, so you can look forward to seeing the landscape beautifully illuminated by breathtaking sunsets. It’s a great time to see penguins in their final stage of moulting and its peak whale-watching season as large amounts of krill lure cetaceans to the area. 

You'll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice cruises. You may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs. Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping you grow in your insights into the frozen continent.

The Drake Passage

Discover more about the Falkland Islands 

As you savour your Antarctic experiences, prepare for more adventures ahead as we cruise towards the Falkland Islands. Your Expedition Team will brief you about the history and biology of the islands. In the Science Center, you can look through the microscope at the tiny krill and phytoplankton that sustains so much of the region's wildlife.  

Get tips from our professional photographer to improve your images or join workshops on wildlife painting and nautical knots. You can also book a spa treatment, visit the gym, and enjoy the locally sourced, regionally inspired dishes in our restaurants.

Wildlife of the Falklands

Enjoy birding and hiking in these green islands 

The Falkland archipelago is filled with seamless horizons and white sands teeming with birdlife. Only the occasional farm dots the landscape. You’ll find grassy hills and wildflowers, in contrast to the vast whiteness of Antarctica. You'll also enjoy a community walk around Stanley, taking in the Jubilee Villas gardens, Christ Church Cathedral and the Historic Dockyard Museum.  

Our landings, hikes and excursions are, as always, guided by the conditions. We hope to visit albatross and penguin colonies, which are often found sharing space with seals, and getting as close as we can without disturbing them.

A relaxing day at sea

Relax and get ready for Puerto Madryn 

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we sail towards Puerto Madryn. You’ll have experienced so much in Antarctica and the Falklands that your head will likely be a swirling kaleidoscope of special memories and new knowledge.  

Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to examine special interests in more depth. Learn more about photography, or simply relax on deck, mulling over the highlights of a memorable adventure.  

End the day in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.

Puerto Madryn

Visit a UNESCO wildlife haven 

Puerto Madryn boasts warm temperatures and beautiful beaches. It’s also the gateway to the dramatic Valdes Peninsula, and while we’re here, you can explore the stunning nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

You might get the chance to see marine mammals. There are also no less than 180 species of birds living on the peninsula, so don’t forget to bring your binoculars. Stroll through the tranquil natural beauty of the reserve, enjoy a delicious bite to eat and browse the local arts and crafts shops.

Final sailing days

Time at sea to rest and reflect 

As we sail the final leg from Puerto Madryn to Buenos Aires, enjoy your final day at sea. 

Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to examine special interests in more depth. Learn more about photography, or simply relax on deck, mulling over the highlights of a memorable adventure. And don't forget to contribute your findings to Citizen Science projects. 

End the evening in the Explorer Lounge with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.

From Buenos Aires to Australia or New Zealand

As your expedition to Antarctica and the Falklands comes to an end in Buenos Aires, take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced on this incredible journey. Your mind will be swirling with memories of icy landscapes and the resident wildlife, and your camera will contain images you’ll treasure for a lifetime. From the ship, you’ll be transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay before your flight back to Australia or New Zealand the following day. But that doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure. Why not join our optional Post-Programme before heading home.