Day 1 – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrive and check in to your hotel. Buenos Aires, Argentina’s vibrant capital, is a captivating mix of Latin and European influences. Its tree-lined boulevards and colonial architecture reflect Spanish, French, and Italian heritage, while the city's lively cafés, bodegas, and buzzing nightlife showcase its distinctly Argentine spirit. The city's barrios, or neighbourhoods, each have their own unique charm, and the bohemian atmosphere of historic San Telmo, with its cobbled streets and Belle Époque buildings, is alive with the passionate rhythms of tango.
Day 2 – Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and board your charter flight to your embarkation point. Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is nestled between the Beagle Channel and the southernmost slopes of the Andes. With its remote feel, this gateway to Tierra del Fuego, or the "Land of Fire," has long been a base for Antarctic expeditions. The region’s name was inspired by the indigenous Yámana, who lit constant fires to stay warm. Tierra del Fuego, an untamed wilderness of Argentine and Chilean islands, remains largely unspoiled.
Day 3 – Sail the Drake Passage
Named after the 16th-century English explorer Sir Francis Drake, the Drake Passage stretches for 600 miles between Cape Horn and Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands. As you cross this renowned stretch of water, attend an engaging lecture or watch a film in The Aula, one of the world's most advanced educational venues at sea. This innovative space features retractable floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic 270° views, blending the indoors with the breathtaking outdoors.
Days 4 to 10 – Explore Antarctica
Antarctica, both ethereal and awe-inspiring, has captivated explorers for centuries. Marvel at the icebergs that glisten in the tranquil bays, and the dramatic, snow-capped mountains rising from the rugged cliffs. These awe-inspiring landscapes are a haven for wildlife, with fur seals lounging on ice floes, and the spectacle of glaciers calving into the sea. In the nutrient-rich waters, humpback, fin, and blue whales often greet the expedition ships that venture into their icy domain.
Day 11 – Sail the Drake Passage
The Drake Passage is infamous for its rough seas, characterised by massive waves, hurricane-force winds, and icy conditions that challenge even the most seasoned sailors. On your return journey, take in the stunning scenery from the Finse Terrace, a unique outdoor lounge named after a famous mountain plateau in Norway. Enjoy the comfort of heated couches and lava rock firepits as you relax in the open air, soaking up the views of the dramatic coastline and expansive ocean.
Day 12 – Scenic Sailing: Cape Horn
Cape Horn, located where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans converge, is often considered the southernmost point of the continent. Part of the Hermite Islands archipelago, this remote and windswept place is defined by towering, prehistoric volcanic rock formations. Atop Hornos Island stands its iconic lighthouse, which has guided sailors since 1991. This lighthouse, the southernmost traditional lighthouse in the world, is a beacon of safety for those navigating these treacherous waters.
Day 13 – Ushuaia, Argentina
Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your charter flight. Bid farewell to your fellow travellers and make your way back to Buenos Aires, or continue your onward journey.