Experience Buenos Aires and Antarctica with the beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. This expedition offers you the ideal introduction to the Great White Continent. Departing from and finishing in the port of Ushuaia, you will see the most exciting sights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. The program focuses on viewing wildlife and the breathtaking scenery of narrow waterways, glaciers, icebergs and the snow capped mountains. During the time in Antarctica on board activities include lecturers, pre and post landing briefings and recaps in the evenings, as well as films related to polar exploration and also feature films. As we sail across the Drake Passage, our Expeditions’ lecturers will be out with you on deck to help in the identification of an amazing variety of seabirds, including many albatrosses, which follow in our wake. The Ushuaia open bridge policy allows you to join our officers on the bridge and learn about navigation, watch for whales, and enjoy the view. A full program of lectures will be offered as well.

The above itinerary is a guide only. Our exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. A daily program sheet will be issued on board.

Cruise departure date (9 nights): November 03, 2010, November 13, 2010, December 12, 2010, December 21, 2010, January 09, 2011, January 28, 2011, February 26, 2011, December 01, 2011, January 19, 2012, February 07, 2012, February 26, 2012, March 16, 2012, March 25, 2012.

Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata. The city has a spectacular legacy of architecture and parks, and its citizens consider themselves European. It is famous for the tango, superb restaurants, and the best shopping on the continent. The city has numerous museums related to history, and art in its many forms; fine, modern, decorative, popular, sacred and arts and crafts, as well as theatre and popular music. It is also known for its preserved homes of noted art collectors, writers, composers and artists.

Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locating your vehicle.

Enjoy a private airport (International) transfer with professional driver and English speaking Guide.

Upon arrival by air in to Buenos Aires' International Airport (Ezeiza/EZE), Americans and Canadians are required to pay a reciprocity fee of $131 USD for Americans and $70 USD for Canadians. Other nationalities will vary. Upon payment for Americans, cash (Argentine Pesos or American Dollars), credit card or travelers checks, a receipt will be stapled at the back of your passport and is valid for the duration of the passport. Subject to change without notice. For Canadians, the reciprocity tax will be valid for one entry only. Please consult with the Argentine consulate for full details.

Buenos Aires is where it all happens, and we want you to immerse yourself in its beauty, history, and sheer radiance. Enjoy a private guided, half-day panoramic tour, discovering the rich parks and open spaces of the Northern Neighborhood and the eye-catching buildings and grounds of Palermo and Recoleta, in the comfort of a private vehicle. After being picked up from your hotel, you'll be driven to the Obelisk; a distinct symbol of the city. After that, you will visit different squares such as Plaza de Mayo, Plaza San Martín, Plaza del Congreso and some of the main avenues such as Corrientes, de Mayo, and 9 de Julio. Enjoy views in the historical neighborhoods of La Boca, San Telmo, Montserrat and the elegant neighborhoods of Palermo, Recoleta, and the modern Puerto Madero. Breathe in the fresh air as you pass through parks such as Lezama, Tres de Febrero and the Ecological Reserve. En route you will also get to visit financial and commercial areas and Soccer Stadiums. At the end of your tour you will be dropped back at your hotel.

This evening spend time at leisure or relax at your hotel.

Hotel Madero is placed in the wistful and scenic Puerto Madero area, and is a beautiful hotel to stay in while getting to know the fiery city of Buenos Aires. The 197 rooms offer a vast space in which one can relax and unwind, with great views. The culinary skills of the French chef at Madero's Red Resto & Lounge, are showcased via French specialties fused with international. Spend time at the bars, sipping on cocktails, or drop by the pool for a refreshing swim.

Overnight at Hotel Madero.

Sleep in this morning and relax at your hotel.

A visit to Buenos Aires would be incomplete without a tango show. Watch as professional tango dancers take the room by storm, whipping feet, hair, dresses and heels along the floor and enchanting the audience with the romance and heat of this dance. The Argentine Tango has drawn its influences from all regions and settings, and is famous for its intermingling of styles and fusions of world dance techniques. Embrace this authentic dance in the place where it originated, as you enjoy dinner and drinks.

Enjoy the unique sexual magnetism of the Tango performed by some of the best tango dancers and singers. Its origins are traced back to the 1880’s, and its birthplace is the suburbs: which accounts for its deep malevolent, sexual, passionate and troublemaker contents. Tango is – since its origins – a vital expression mixed up with a particular form of breathing, dressing, talking, and loving of the “porteños” that creates a new type of style: the Tango Style. Taste the most delightful typical Argentine and international dishes, the specialty are prime beef, with the best local wines in a charming atmosphere with excellent service. A superb orchestra will help you discover the secret of the music of Buenos Aires while you watch. At the end of the evening, you will be returned to your hotel.

Overnight at Hotel Madero.

Ushuaia is the world's second-southernmost city and is located on the southern tip of the island of Tierra del Fuego. Guarded on the north by the Martial mountain range and on the south by the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is a key access point to the southern regions. The city and nearby national park is a popular vacation spot for Buenos Aires. Ushuaia is one of the departure points for Antarctic expeditions and for visiting the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver and English speaking Guide.

Fly from Buenos Aires domestic airport to Ushuaia. Note flights are subject to changes based on availability. The flight duration is approximately 3.5 hour.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with vehicle, English speaking guide and driver.

At world’s end, a dream begins, as unique as the nature that surrounds it. Fueguino Hotel Patagónico has privileged views of Martial Glaciar and mountain range, Beagle Channel, cruise ship dock and Ushuaia center. This new, modern hotel in located in Ushuaia's city center. The hotel has 53 warmly appointed guest rooms, each with panoramic views, Italian wood furnishings, with elements in stainless steel. Guest beds in same wood, with leather head boards. Large closets and mirror doors.

Overnight at Fueguino Hotel Patagónico .

The Antarctic Ocean comprises the southernmost waters of the World Ocean, generally taken to be south of 60°S latitude and encircling Antarctica. It is usually regarded as the fourth-largest of the five principal oceanic divisions. This ocean zone is where cold, northward flowing waters from the Antarctic mix with warmer sub-Antarctic waters.

Partake in a half day private tour with your own vehicle, driver and guide to explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park, situated 11 km from Ushuaia. The park was established in 1960 with the intention of protecting the southernmost portion of the sub Antarctic forest and is made up of 63000 hectares. Unlike many other parks, it combines the ocean, forests and mountains. The biological richness of the Tierra del Fuego Island with its beautiful scenery is simply stunning. You can find animals such as red foxes, cauquenes, ducks, Patagonian wood peckers and more than 90 species of birds that are part of the Fuegian fauna, as well as beavers and rabbits, which were introduced to the island by colonizers. The forest is formed by lengas, guindos, ñires and valleys of peat and lichens. Ensenada Bay, Lake Roca and Lapataia Bay (the end of the Pan-American Highway that connects Alaska and Tierra del Fuego) give color to this unique place where we can still find reminders of the ancestral inhabitants: the yámanas. At the end of the tour you will be brought back to your hotel.

Enjoy a private cruise pier transfer with vehicle, English speaking guide and driver.

Embark the Ushuaia in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture staff. After you have settled into your cabins we sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass.

The ice-strengthened polar vessel The Ushuaia is very well appointed and provides ample deck space and an open bridge policy. The full complement of inflatable landing craft ensures superb landings and wildlife viewing opportunities on the otherwise inaccessible coastline. The Ushuaia has been refurbished to accommodate a maximum of 84 passengers in 41 comfortable twin cabins and suites. All cabins include ample storage space. Public areas feature a large dining room, an observation lounge and bar, a well-stocked library and a small infirmary. Their chefs prepare excellent cuisine including many local specialties and the bar is well-stocked with carefully selected wines. Their expert captain, officers and crew are highly experienced in Antarctic navigation and have a great love of nature. They provide a specialist team of international expedition leaders and lecturers, all extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, helpful and dedicated to the protection of the environment.

Overnight at Ushuaia (9N).

Named after the renowned explorer, Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters. This creates a great upwelling of nutrients, which sustains the biodiversity of this region. The Drake Passage also marks the northern limit of many Antarctic seabirds. As we sail across the passage, our Expeditions’ lecturers will be out with you on deck to help in the identification of an amazing variety of seabirds, including many albatrosses, which follow in our wake. The Ushuaia’s open bridge policy allows you to join our officers on the bridge and learn about navigation, watch for whales, and enjoy the view. A full program of lectures will be offered as well.

Overnight at Ushuaia (9N).

The first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we have reached the South Shetland Islands, a group of twenty islands and islets first sighted in February 1819 by Capt. William Smith of the brig Williams. With favorable conditions in the Drake Passage our lecturers and naturalists will accompany you ashore as you experience your first encounter with the penguins and seals.

Overnight at Ushuaia (9N).

The South Shetland Islands are a haven for wildlife. Vast penguin rookeries, beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals make every day spent in this amazing island group unforgettable. Sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island is truly amazing. King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, features colonies of nesting Adélie and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns and Southern Giant Petrels and is home to scientific bases of many different countries. Macaroni, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins as well as elephant seals await you at Livingston Island.

Overnight at Ushuaia (9N).

The Antarctic Peninsula’s remarkable history will provide you with a type of excitement often only associated with the early explorers. You will have plenty of time to explore its amazing scenery, a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways, and an incredible wide variety of wildlife. Apart from penguins and seabirds you are very likely to see Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals as well as Minke, killer (orca) and humpback whales at close range.

Overnight at Ushuaia (9N).

Paradise Bay is perhaps the most aptly named place in the world and we attempt a landing on the continent proper. After negotiating the iceberg-strewn waters of the Antarctic Sound, we hope to visit the bustling Adélie Penguin (over 100,000 pairs breed here) and Blue-eyed Cormorant colonies on Paulet Island. The Nordenskjöld expedition built a stone survival hut here in 1903. Today its ruins have been taken over by nesting penguins.

Overnight at Ushuaia (9N).

Further exploration may take you to Melchior Island, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbour, Pléneau Island and if ice conditions permit, to Petermann Island for a visit to the southernmost colony of Gentoo Penguins.

Overnight at Ushuaia (9N).

We leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.

Overnight at Ushuaia (9N).

We leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.

Overnight at Ushuaia (9N).

We arrive at Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the Ushuaia after breakfast.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with vehicle, English speaking guide and driver.

Fly from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires domestic airport. Not flights are subject to changes based on availability. The flight duration is approximately 3.5 hrs

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver and English speaking Guide.

Hotel Madero is placed in the wistful and scenic Puerto Madero area, and is a beautiful hotel to stay in while getting to know the fiery city of Buenos Aires. The 197 rooms offer a vast space in which one can relax and unwind, with great views. The culinary skills of the French chef at Madero's Red Resto & Lounge, are showcased via French specialties fused with international. Spend time at the bars, sipping on cocktails, or drop by the pool for a refreshing swim.

Overnight at Hotel Madero.

Enjoy a private airport (International) transfer with professional driver and English speaking Guide.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).