Antarctica, Falklands, & South Georgia

Arrive this morning in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, set on the Rio de la Plata, and check in to your fine hotel. In the afternoon, take a guided overview of the city, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces, grand boulevards, and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron.

The morning's LAN charter flight offers some rare views of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Enjoy lunch during a catamaran cruise of the scenic Beagle Channel before embarking your expedition ship and setting sail.

Whales beneath, birds above, as you settle in to shipboard life. Spend time on deck or the bridge watching the sea. The ever-changing light presents endless photo possibilities.

The Falkland Islands boast the largest albatross colony in the world, irresistible Magellanic penguins in their burrows amid the green tussock grass, and herds of enormous Elephant seals. Stroll the photogenic tin-roofed, Victorian-style houses of Port Stanley. Visit the Anglican Cathedral with its organic archway of whalebones, and the Falkland Islands Museum.

As you voyage south, watch for icebergs. There is also time to enjoy a wellness treatment, workout in the fitness center, or catch up on a book. Each day your Naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.

Renowned for its beauty and vast colonies of King penguins, this is also the final resting place for the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Teeming wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and soaring cliffs filled with birdlife greet our ship. Hundreds of young Antarctic Fur seals are on hand as our Zodiacs make landfall. Stand in awe surrounded by 100,000 King penguins.

These days at sea give you a chance to reflect on all that you have seen and experienced n South Georgia, and prepare for the exciting days ahead in Antarctic. There is time to hear talks from the staff, read in the ship's cozy library, and search for whales from the Bridge. For the more indulgent, enjoy a rejuvenating massage with a licensed therapist, work out in the gym, or simply relax.

With long hours of daylight, make the most of your days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands. Your schedule is flexible, allowing your ship Captain to take advantage of the unexpected. Sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel and land on the “White Continent,” exploring via Zodiac, kayak, and on foot, and using the ship's arsenal of tools for exploration.

As you sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the escort of seabirds that cross your bow. There’s time to share photos with the onboard National Geographic photographer, catch up on the book you haven’t had a minute to read, and write emails home, saying “don’t want this to end”.

Disembark in Ushuaia and have some time to explore before boarding your exclusively chartered LAN flight to Buenos Aires (not included in cruise fare), and the subsequent overnight flights home.