Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer directly from the airport to the Alvear Icon Hotel or a comparable accommodation.

Take a flight to Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. Savor lunch during a catamaran cruise along the Beagle Channel. Board the National Geographic Endurance to begin your adventure.

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 travel is the best opportunity to see gorgeous seabirds like the wandering albatross and might be lucky enough to encounter killer whales or rare species of dolphins. This is also a day to get to know the ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (a great place to spot wildlife), have a relaxing massage, attend a talk about the biology of the penguins you’ll soon be seeing, 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. If it does get a little rough, take a couple of nice naps; you’ll be in Antarctica before you know it.

With long hours of daylight at this time of year and nine days on the Continent, experience more as you sail in the wake of history’s boldest explorers on a quest to cross the legendary Antarctic Circle. The schedule is flexible, and the state-of-the-art ship allows you to get deeper and go further to take advantage of the unexpected, whether watching whales at play off the bow of the ship, walking amid thousands of Adelie and gentoo penguins, enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise under the spectacular midnight sun, or even discovering a new uncharted cove. While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits, and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze.

One day, you might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level or embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags. Next, you might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. Everywhere you go in Antarctica you’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way your expert expedition team will enrich your experiences and our Icemaster Captain will navigate you safely through these icy waters.

Enjoy the ship’s amenities as the coast of Antarctica disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America and see the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Take some time to go through your photos. Send a message home to friends and family saying: “Don’t want this to end!” And celebrate your voyage at a farewell dinner on board.

Disembark in Ushuaia. Fly to Buenos Aires and connect with your overnight flight home.