Arrive in Buenos Aires at your convenience on Day 1 of your itinerary. Once in this vibrant city, renowned for its architecture and strong European influences, make your way independently to your group hotel (the pre-expedition hotel night is included in the mandatory transfer package).

After an early breakfast at the hotel, you transfer to the airport and board a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you head to a central location in town, where you have some free time to explore this charming port city before making your way to the pier.

In the late afternoon, you embark on your ship and begin sailing through the historic Beagle Channel, which cuts through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago at the southernmost tip of South America. Excitement builds as you set sail—the next land you see will be Antarctica!

Crossing the legendary 800-km stretch of water is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. As you stand on the deck of Ultramarine, take in the dramatic seascapes and endless horizon. Watch for dolphins, whales, and seabirds, including albatrosses, petrels, and skuas, gracefully gliding over the occasionally rough waters. As the ship nears the Antarctic Peninsula, stay alert for your first sight of towering, uniquely shaped icebergs.

Today, you cross the Antarctic Convergence, entering the biological Antarctic, where the warmer sub-Antarctic waters meet the colder Antarctic waters. Your days at sea are filled with presentations from your Expedition Team on topics like photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. Between presentations, spend time on deck spotting wildlife or enjoy chatting with your fellow travelers over a drink at the bar.

Helicopter operations in Antarctica are highly weather-dependent. Your itinerary is designed to spend time each day in stunning locations that offer helicopter opportunities when weather conditions allow. If flying isn't possible, you’ll still have a chance to fully experience Antarctic wildlife, ice, and landscapes, ensuring your trip is rewarding regardless of the conditions. Each day on the Antarctic Peninsula highlights the flexibility and expertise of your expedition team, pilots, and crew.

Antarctic Sound, Erebus and Terror Gulf, and the northwestern Weddell Sea form the setting for your adventure. You begin by sailing into Antarctic Sound, where you'll visit two towering geological landmarks: Madder Cliffs on Joinville Island and Brown Bluff on the northern tip of the Antarctic Continent. Your goal is to visit large Adélie penguin colonies in the area via Zodiac, while Gentoo penguins and seals often wander along the coast. You'll also take in the breathtaking landscape, including the 678-meter (2,225-foot) volcanic rock cliffs at Brown Bluff. If weather permits, you'll switch from sea to sky for your first flightseeing experience, giving you a bird's-eye view of Antarctica, just like a snow petrel.

Take some time to relax as you journey back across the 800-kilometer Drake Passage. Onboard the Ultramarine, you can unwind at Tundra Spa, where you can book a soothing facial treatment or massage. Additionally, you can relax in the sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows that keep you connected to the polar seas while you rejuvenate indoors.

Your polar learning isn't over. Join the onboard experts as they continue to share their extensive polar knowledge through scheduled presentations in the Ambassador Theater. The state-of-the-art, high-resolution LED screen wall in the main theater provides clear, high-definition viewing of presentations from your Expedition Team from any angle. This is a great chance to ask any lingering questions you have about your Antarctic experiences.

Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.