11 Night Highlights of Antarctica Expedition Cruise and Land Tour from Buenos Aires

Feel the rhythm of bustling Buenos Aires. Start your Antarctic adventure with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires. Home to a proud and diverse community of 'portenos', or 'people of the port', this city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendor and Latin American panache. There are plenty of places to explore, including many 'parrillas' serving authentic Argentine steak. This is the renowned hometown of the tango, so maybe you'd like to practice your dance moves. Consider arriving a few days early to experience everything this vibrant city has to offer with an optional Pre-Program.

Setting off from the bottom of the world. Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where you'll meet your hybrid electric-powered expedition ship, specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters. This bustling port is the capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego Province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia is a contender for the title of the world's southernmost city. After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you'll have time to locate your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities onboard.

Cross the Drake Passage. On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with everything you need to make the most of your polar expedition. Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen as experts talk passionately about Antarctica's history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. Learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible and discover the Citizen Science projects you can join. There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy delicious cuisine, and meet fellow travelers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty. Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica's immense, frozen beauty. Antarctica will fill you with wonder, being surrounded by looming glaciers and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals. Perhaps the most surprising part of Antarctica is the silence. The stillness that reigns is broken every so often by the locals - the wildlife. Whales begin to arrive in greater numbers by December and January. This is also when the first penguin chicks hatch. Seeing those clumsy clumps of feathers running around is always a charming sight. February and March are peak whale watching months, when huge amounts of krill lure whales to the area. Nature is king here and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. Rest assured that each day will offer something different and thrilling. Join the Expedition Team on landings and while ice cruising. You may even have the chance to kayak among the icebergs. Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping expand your insight into the frozen continent. Over five magical days, experience this amazing world in a way that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Heading back north across the Drake Passage. After five incredible days, you'll have experienced so much in Antarctica. Your head will likely be filled with a swirling kaleidoscope of special memories and impressions. The next couple of days will be a chance to reflect on your adventure to the seventh continent. As your mind tries to conjure up the magical Antarctic scenery, now could be a good time to sift through your photos and videos to recapture a sense of its magnitude. Why not take the chance to unwind in the sauna, or enjoy a few relaxing spa treatments in the wellness area.

From Ushuaia to Buenos Aires. Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina's southernmost province. From here, you'll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but it doesn't have to be the end of your adventure. Why not join an optional Post-Program before heading home.