Best of Antarctica

Day 1 : Buenos Aires (- / - / -)

Upon arrival, our staff will be waiting for you at the airport to transfer you to the selected hotel.

Half day Buenos Aires City Tour

The tour includes attractions such as the 9 de Julio Avenue, the Obelisk and Corrientes Street; we will seethe Plaza de Mayo, the Cathedral and the Cabildo (Old City Hall). After that, the trip will continue towards the most traditional neighborhood of Buenos Aires, San Telmo, which is characterized by its old colonialhouses and the cobblestoned streets.

Later on, the tour will go to La Boca Neighborhood located in the south of the city. There will be a stop soas to look around the colorful zinc houses that make up this area of Buenos Aires and that used to be therefuge and home for the first immigrants and popular artists. Soon after, the you will have a panoramic view of Puerto Madero – the old port of the city that was turned into one of the most exclusive gastronomic and residential areas in Buenos Aires.

Finally, the last point in the tour is Recoleta, which is one of the most selected neighborhoods and where, among other attractions, the Recoleta Cemetery can be found. Also, there are bars, cafes and fancy restaurants that are worth a visit.

Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Day 2 : Buenos Aires / Ushuaia (B / - / -)

Breakfast at the hotel.

At the set time, you will be transfer to the airport in Buenos Aires. Upon arrival at Ushuaia airport, one of the cruise representatives will take you from the airport to the corresponding hotel.

A help desk rom the cruise compny will be set in the hotel lobby to answer all the questions about the cruise.

Overnight in Ushuaia.

Day 3 : Ushuaia / Beagle Channel (B / - / D)

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

Half day tour to the Tierra del Fuego National Park In the morning we will pick you up at the hotel, from where we will go to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, which is located 12 km from the center of the city of Ushuaia. Before entering the National Park, we will stop at the End of the World train station where passengers who wish may choose to take the mythical train (about 60 minutes ride) that ends within the National Park. This is an optional ride not included on this package, but that can be booked on the spot. Those who do not make the journey on the train can enjoy a small walk in the Fuegian forest (in winter the small walk could be aborted according to weather conditions).

Once the train journey is over, the group will meet again inside the Park with the vehicle and guide to continue with the tour to Ensenada, a bay that combines the Andes, the sub-Antarctic forest and sea in the same place defining an ecosystem unique from Argentina. In this area of the park, native people used to live and their archaeological remains. There is also the last post office in America, where it is sometimes open and we can send postcards to anywhere in the world. (Ensenada bay is closed in winter).

We will continue to other panoramic points to make small tours to appreciate the flora and fauna that surprises us with its beauty: Acigami Glacier Lake (Roca) shared with Chile, Lapataia Bay, where the sign indicating that we have reached the end of the Pan American route.

We will return to the city of Ushuaia and you can choose to stay there before heading to the cruise meeting point or to return to the hotel.

Beginning of the Cruise :

At the set time, usually after lunch, the cruise company will transfer you from the hotel or meeting point to the ship.

You will be welcomed on board the Ocean Endeavour by the Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers.

This evening we set sail through the Beagle Channel that was named after the British ship the HMS Beagle.
This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and is rich in wildlife. Keep a look out for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as sea lion colonies.

Enjoy your first taste of life at sea and a welcome dinner. The air is likely to be filled with anticipation, as your next view of land will be of Antarctica - the White Continent.

Overnight on board the Cruise.

Days 4 & 5: Drake Passage (B / L / D)

The Drake Passage

As we leave the Beagle Channel, prepare yourself for potentially rough seas as we enter the legendary Drake Passage. This infamous and unpredictable channel of water separates the southernmost tip of South America from the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. It was named after the English explorer, Sir Frances Drake.

As we head southwards, there is time to get to know your shipmates and get an insight into the excitement ahead with presentations from the Expedition Team on everything Antarctic - from the history and geology to the incredible wildlife.

We will notice a drop in temperature as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. At the Antarctic Convergence, the colder polar waters flowing north meet the warmer equatorial waters flowing south. This mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface, attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species. Look out through the panoramic observation windows or brave the elements outside on deck as you keep your eyes peeled for albatrosses flying overhead, icebergs and maybe even breaching whales.

Leaving the Antarctic Convergence in our wake, we continue south towards Antarctica, maybe making landfall by early evening on Day 4, if conditions are favourable. The first sighting of land always brings great excitement, and is often embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition.

Overnight on board the Cruise.

Days 6 to 9: South Shetlands and Antarctica (B / L / D)

Breakfast on board.

The White Continent :

For the next four days we explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula that is famed for its majestic mountains, glaciers, imposing icebergs, ice-strewn waters and abundance of wildlife. The scenery,wildlife and serene silence of Antarctica will enchant and enthral and you will soon realise why this region has captivated the attention of explorers and travellers for centuries.

Your days on the Antarctic Peninsula will form the core of your adventure. Every day will be different as we cruise by Zodiac amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. Unpredictable weather and ice conditions mean that the itinerary will be flexible, but will make the most of wildlife sightings, as we aim to explore penguin rookeries, seal and bird colonies, whale feeding areas as well as visiting sites of historic and scientific interest and climbing to vantage points for panoramic views. There is always something new or unexpected to see, with opportunities for kayaking, snowshoeing and photography with an expert, which means that your expedition will be a unique and personal experience and unlike any other. Enjoy the antics of thousands of curious penguins as you sit on a pebbled beach, scout for whales and seals as you cruise by Zodiac, visit a research base, listen out for the mighty crack of a calving glacier and maybe brave a polar plunge in the icy waters!

As we cruise through the Peninsula, the lecture programme continues and sightseeing is at its most spectacular off the ship’s outer decks. Enjoy the Ocean Endeavour’s newly designed health and fitness features, with facilities that include a spa, His and Hers saunas, saltwater pool and gym plus yoga sessions.

Overnight on board the Cruise.

Days 10 & 11 : The Drake Passage (B / L / D)

The Drake Passage :

We hope to make one final excursion or shore landing today before we leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind, and head back across the Drake Passage. This is another great opportunity to look out for wildlife from the deck of the ship, as you identify seabirds and maybe whales with the help of your Expedition Team. Gain more insight into the region by attending final lectures and presentations by the polar experts and take time to relax and reminisce about your Antarctic experiences.

By the evening we hope to be back in the tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel, ensuring a restful nights sleep on board.

Overnight on board the Cruise.

Day 12 : Disembark - Ushuaia / Buenos Aires (B / - / D)

We are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, disembarking after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight from Ushuaia back to Buenos Aires. Arrival in Buenos Aires and transfer to the hotel.

Tango show and Dinner :

In the very heart of San Telmo, this historic restored tenement (known as "conventillo") is a classic example of the culture of the old city of Buenos Aires.

The premises of La Ventana take a trip to these old times. The interior, which preserves the building in its purest style, creates the ideal setting for a unique experience which includes 32 performers, two tango orchestras, an Argentine folk music group, dancers and singers. Besides, there is a menu consisting of national and international cuisine and an exquisite selection of Argentine wines.

* Please note that it can be either this tango house or a similar one.

Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Day 13 : Buenos Aires / … (B / - / -)

Breakfast at the hotel.

At the set time, you will be transferred to the airport to take your flight.

End of our services.