Arrive in Argentina's capital and transfer to your hotel, where you spend the rest of the day at leisure. Meet your fellow adventurers for a welcome cocktail reception this evening.

Latin passion and European Romance define the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, a dynamic mecca known for its wide-ranging architectural styles, contemporary and historic arts, and culinary pleasures and parrillas (steakhouses). Dive into its best treasures under the wing of expert local guides, choosing from a selection of included excursions. Opt to explore the city on a guided tour complete with a tango demonstration; spend the day at an authentic estancia (ranch), where you pause for a traditional lunch; or discover a burgeoning art scene on a guided tour focused on Buenos Aires street art.

Today, fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. On arrival, enjoy lunch at the Arakur resort and — time and weather permitting — the opportunity to take a guided trek in the Cerro Alarken Nature Reserve. Or simply relax with a cappuccino and enjoy the scenic views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. This afternoon, arrive at your ship and settle in for your first night on board the stylish and comfortable Le Lyrial, featuring all-balcony staterooms and suites. Wander the decks to become acquainted with the ship, relax in the lounge, and mingle with fellow guests in anticipation of your voyage. On departure, enjoy cruising through the beautiful Beagle Channel before heading out to sea.

The southward journey toward Antarctica is an exciting one. An important trade route in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Drake Passage is a 600-mile-wide swath of water where the Southern Ocean currents are squeezed between South America’s southern tip and Antarctica’s northernmost reaches. Its stormy waters and icy conditions often made the journey a difficult one, though the stabilizer-equipped Le Lyrial handles it with ease. As you travel in the comfort of your luxury cruiser, enjoy enriching lectures from members of the Expedition Team on topics ranging from birdlife and geology, to photography and history. After lunch, join your naturalists on the deck to look for various species of whales and abundant seabirds, which join other mammals in feasting on the krill-rich waters of the Drake Passage; it’s all just a taste of the wildlife you encounter in the days to come. Later in the evening, chat with experts about the wildlife spotted today and discuss the next day’s itinerary.

As the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands appear on the horizon, a sense of excitement begins to build. While day-to-day itineraries depend on weather, ice and wildlife conditions, twice-daily excursions carefully planned by your Captain and Expedition Team may include exploration of the following areas:

Antarctic Sound: At the northernmost tip of the Antarctic mainland, this body of water features some of the best sightseeing on the peninsula and a proliferation of giant icebergs. Noted for its vast numbers of bird species, the sound is home to the largest breeding colonies of Adélie penguins in Antarctica. Landings here may include Paulet, Vortex, or Terror islands. You may also make your first continental landing at sites such as Brown Bluff or Esperanza Station at Hope Bay.

South Shetland Islands: Antarctic research stations, remarkable history, amazing geological features and abundant wildlife define these islands off shore of the Antarctic Peninsula. Island visits may include Penguin, Half-Moon, and Deception, where you may cruise into this flooded caldera to explore geothermal black sand beaches and abandoned whaling stations.

Danco Coast: Separating the South Shetland Islands from the Antarctic continent, the Danco Coast is famed for its scenic, jaw-dropping waterways. From the comfort of ‘Le Lyrial,’ you may sail through the Gerlache strait, Paradise Bay, and photogenic Lemaire Channel. Landings may include Neko Harbor, Cuverville Island, and Wilhelmina Bay.

Each cruise day begins with an early breakfast followed by a morning excursion on swift Zodiacs. Guided by expert drivers, each Zodiac excursion is accompanied by lecturers and joined by groups of no more than 10 guests. After mornings discovering native species and striking terrain, return to ‘Le Lyrial’ for lunch, and time to relax and observe the wildlife-rich waters that surround you, searching for everything from fin whales, humpback whales, and orcas, to imperial shags and the southern giant petrel. By afternoon, set out for the day’s second excursion, which may include visiting a working scientific research station, hiking on a sheltered beach packed with basking southern elephant seals, or circumnavigating colossal icebergs that serve as floating homes to seals and penguins. After full days of adventure, evenings aboard your luxury cruiser invite you to unwind over cocktails in the cozy lounge before a beautiful dinner in the elegant dining room. At night, choose to recap the day’s discoveries with your naturalist guides, chat on deck with fellow guests, or seize the opportunity to capture photos in the stunning low light characteristic of Antarctica’s long, ethereal twilight.

Bid farewell to wondrous Antarctica and begin your cruise back to Ushuaia at the southernmost tip of Argentina. The ship’s return through the Drake Passage is an interlude for recap and reflection, with time to compare notes with your expert lecturers on the wildlife, history, and geology of the White Continent. Spend time on board with new-found friends in the comfortable common spaces of Le Lyrial, enjoy quiet relaxation on the private balcony of your cabin, or absorb more fascinating lectures by your captivating Expedition Team. While cruising through this historic passage, you may spot various species of whales and seabirds, including the elusive albatross and the giant petrel, an opportunistic predator and scavenger nicknamed the “stinker.” The immense albatross is an especially stunning sight to behold. These wandering birds boast a wingspan of 11.5 feet on average and use their powerful wings to glide through the air for hours at a time in search of food.

Le Lyrial docks at Ushuaia this morning. Enjoy breakfast, and then say goodbye to your Expedition Team and ship’s crew before disembarking. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires, where you connect to your international flight home.