Antarctic Express: Sail South, Fly North via Buenos Aires

Revel in the excitement of crossing the famed Drake Passage after embarking from Ushuaia, with the convenience of a northbound return flight at the end of your expedition. Minke and humpback whales or Adélie penguins floating on ice floes may greet you as you travel to the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The surreal silence in this vast wilderness may overwhelm at first, but playful, charismatic wildlife and your intrepid travelling companions keep you grounded. You’ll develop a new appreciation and understanding of Antarctica’s extreme contrasts – harsh mountain peaks and fragile ecosystems; stark, lonely icescapes; and populous, gregarious penguins.

Day 1: Start Ushuaia, Argentina
You may arrive in Ushuaia at any time today. Many choose to arrive a day or two before embarkation day to explore this quaint port city at the bottom of South America, and the surrounding region.
Day 2: Embark in Ushuaia
Your luggage is collected from the hotel lobby and transferred to your cabin on the ship. Meet at a designated location near the pier, usually about 4pm, and board the waiting buses for your transfer to the ship. After a late afternoon embarkation, we sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Excitement builds in anticipation of your next stop: Antarctic.
Day 3 - 4: Cross the Drake Passage
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica, much of it is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through the human eye. Our first sightings are from the ship itself. The captain and expedition team keep their eyes out for whales and seabirds and will alert us to any sightings. Our team of expert lecturers also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region. Even more exciting are our daily excursions to land. Walking up to a beach dotted with penguins and seals is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and weather dependent, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities. We may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs in Pléneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a chinstrap rookery the next day. From the booming shot of a calving glacier at Petermann Island to the complete silence of night in Antarctica, each day offers exciting opportunities.
Day 5 - 8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching the Seventh Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched as Antarctica. You begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travellers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means your expedition will be unlike any other, creating a unique, personal experience. Each day, you take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your expedition team takes care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or observing chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which are found here. Keep an eye out for weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion presents a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier. Every day is different, having been carefully crafted by your expedition team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.
Day 9: Disembarkation and fly to Punta Arenas
After your week of exploration, say goodbye to your expedition team and disembark at King George Island. Your two-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your group transfer to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy an evening on your own, in the city or at the hotel to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.
Day 10: End Punta Arenas
After breakfast, you are free to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.