Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost city. Explore this vibrant Patagonian city, or stretch your legs in the surrounding forests. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path into the raw nature of Tierra del Fuego. The island of Tierra del Fuego is a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows, and rich boggy wetlands. In the afternoon, board the vessel, waiting to welcome you in port.

After the mandatory safety drill, the expedition begins as you navigate through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles Darwin's ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina and has been the jumping-off point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown. Watch out for whales and dolphins as you sail off the edge of the map into the tempestuous Drake Passage.

Sail onward, and cross the famed Drake Passage - the body of water separating Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, nicknamed the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest comfortably aboard your expedition vessels, which are purpose-built with stabilizers, and powerful engines and manned by a highly qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider the Drake Passage a lifetime achievement - and you will complete the crossing twice!

The days in the Drake Passage will be put to good use preparing for your arrival in Antarctica - your Expedition Leader will brief you comprehensively on how to stay safe and minimize your impact on this precious wilderness, as well as briefing you thoroughly on the plans for the time spent exploring, including hints and tips for wildlife watching. The dedicated Expedition Team will assist you in biosecuring your clothing and equipment (a vital process to protect Antarctica's delicate ecology), as well as sharing tailored lectures on Antarctic exploration history, wildlife, geology, glaciology, and more! 

Cross into the Antarctic Convergence on the third day of your voyage - watch the mercury plummet as you sail southwards into Antarctic waters, an abrupt cooling that marks the intersection of Antarctic waters with the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As the sea cools, wildlife multiplies; these are some of the most biologically productive water on Earth, so expect to see petrels, albatrosses, and potentially penguins, seals, and whales in abundance. Weather permitting, you may be able to make landfall in the South Shetland Islands (a small but spectacular archipelago to the north of the Antarctic Peninsula) on the afternoon of your second day in the Drake Passage, marking the start of your exploration on the Last Continent. 

With no set itinerary in Antarctica, this voyage offers adventurous travelers the chance to experience Antarctica as it was meant to be - flowing with the wind, sea, and ice, and taking the best opportunities Mother Nature provides. This voyage departs in the first half of the brief Antarctic summer when sea ice is at its maximum - this offers ample opportunities to explore the icy wilderness of the last continent. The exact route will be subject to careful planning by the Expedition Leader and Captain - however, aim to visit a range of sites that showcase the best of this staggeringly beautiful region. 

Marvel at the massive icebergs and vast glaciers on an optional kayak excursion in Paradise Bay. Be moved by penguins tenderly caring for their precious eggs, and fiercely defending their nests on Cuverville Island. Watch cataracts of ice tumble into the clear blue ocean on a snowshoe hike over the active glaciers of Neko Harbor. Experience the Antarctica of old at historic huts such as Damoy Point, lovingly restored and open to all. Awake to the icy wind and the bray of penguins during one of this voyage's several camping options. Feel the spray of water from the blow of a humpback whale on a Zodiac safari in Wilhelmina Bay. Wonder at awe-inspiring scenery on a ship cruise through the Lemaire Channel. Watch city-sized tabular icebergs drift silently past the ship in the Antarctic Sound. Wherever you go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalizing history and breathtaking natural beauty abound.

This time of year, expect to see penguins carefully constructing their pebble nests and fiercely defending their precious eggs from hungry skuas and Giant Petrels. The start of the Antarctic summer also sees the return of groups of humpback whales - these ocean wanderers come to Antarctica to feed on the abundant krill this time of year. With luck, you may even see the young of these gentle giants. 

There is no set itinerary on this trip, which allows the staff onboard to maximize the experience for all onboard. Whilst the suggestions above are just possible routes and landings, you can be sure that this will be the ultimate adrenaline-fuelled experience on the White Continent. 

Eventually, depart Antarctica, and spend two days at sea on your way northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage towards the more welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During your time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to provide the guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of the Expedition Team during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of the albatross that accompanies northwards. 

During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video by the onboard photographer - the ideal opportunity to re-live your Antarctic adventure. Skål! 

On the morning of the final day of your voyage, arrive back at the pier of Ushuaia, Argentina. Trees, grass, and a busy city may seem strange to you after the white wilderness of Antarctica! After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Albatros Expedition Team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime.