Antarctica Expedition Cruise (Amundsen Cabin)

DAY 1: BUENOS AIRES

Buenos Aires airport reception and transfer to at the Moreno Hotel.

DAY 2: USHUAIA

Fly south over the rugged Patagonian landscape to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Sitting on the shores of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia actually means the bay facing westward in the language of the original Yamna inhabitants. Once a penal colony (the presidio was disbanded in the 19440s) for political prisoners as well as hardened criminals, Ushuaia is now a major tourist attraction, particularly for those embarking on an Antarctica expedition. The town of 40,000 is also a major ski resort area for both alpine and cross-country skiers and offers magnificent hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park, the only coastal national park in Argentina. After arrival and transfer to the hotel, in the afternoon embark on an active exploration of the city. The hike starts in the El Mirador del Beagle area, a neighborhood located in the highest point of the city and an example of the development of the city in recent years. The trail takes you along the edge of the forest, featuring amazing views of the many landmarks which played a part in Ushuaia’s interesting sea-faring history. Overnight at Hosteria Los Fuegos. [B]

DAY 3: USHUAIA -TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK

Today is a full day exploration of the famed Tierra del Fuego National Park. Upon arrival in the park, we start a 7 km trek (3.5 hours) to a wonderful scenic point overlooking Lake Roca, Lagunas Verde and Negra, Rivers Ovando and Lapataia and Bahía Lapataia. Hiking through this beech forest keep your eyes peeled for the incredible birdlife including the Magellanic woodpecker (the largest in South America), Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles and Andean Condors. After lunch, embark on an easy, downstream kayak trip in the crystal-clear, quiet waters of the Ovando River, and into Green Lake, one of the most beautiful places in the park. Approaching our final destination at Lapataia Bay, you may encounter sea birds flying over, looking curiously at us: sea petrels, albatross, and steamer ducks, among others. At the end of the day, take in the gorgeous southern sunset at the end of the world. Overnight at Hosteria Los Fuegos. [BL]

DAY 4: DRAKE PASSAGE

Enjoy a free morning and early afterrnon to explore Ushuaia on your own. Transfer to pier in afternoon for embarkation. Check-in with the M/V Antarctic Dream begins at 4::00PM where you will be greeted by the Expedition Leader and staff and shown to your cabin. Overnight aboard the M/V Antarctic Dream. [BD]

DAY 5 & 6: DRAKE PASSAGE

Wandering albatrosses, storm petrels and other seabirds will escort our vessel as sailing south across this famous 400 mile passage named after Sir Francis Drake, the 16th-cenntury English navigator. The ship continues towards the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar waters sink beneath the warmer waters of thee more temperate zone creating a zone of upwelling known for its concentration and abundance of seabird, whales and other marine life. Late in the afternoon on day six you will sight land. These are the South Shetland Islands, a haven for wildlife including fur seals, penguin rookeries, and wallowing elephant seals. In 18119, the British explorer William Smith described the South  Shetland Islands as “barren and covered with snow, with seals in abundance.” Overnight aboard the M/V Antarctic Dream. [BLD]

DAY 7: AITCHO ISLAND

You’ve traveled to the ends of the earth to set foot on the "Great White Continent" and today is the day! This afternoon, step ashore on Aitcho Island, the largest of the Shetland Islands. After the land excursion, the boat will cross the Bransfield and Gerlache Straits to Neko Bay. Overnight aboard the M/V Antarctic Dream. [BLD]

DAY 8: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA & NEKO BAY

Besides the magnificent scenery of mountains, snow and ice, in Antarctica you can expect to see a wide variety of the native wildlife. Other birds to look out for are blue-eyed shags, gulls, cape petrels, skuas, snowy sheathbills and Antarctic terns. Marine mammals that you are likely to see include Weddell crab¬-eaters and leopard seals, while orcas, humpback and mink whales may be spotted at close range. Neko Bay was discovered by Adrian de Gerlache, a Belgian explorer. Port Lockroy is close to Wiencke Island in the Antarctic Peninsula and was the main base off the 1944 Tabarin Operation - the scientific research included the Antarctic's first ionosphere measurements and also the first recording of an atmospheric whistle. Overnight aboard the M//V Antarctic Dream. [BLD]

DAY 9: PARADISE BAY & CUVERVILLE ISLAND

This morning, weather permitting, disembark and explore Paradise Bay via zodiaks. In the evening you’ll will visit Cuverville Island home to one of the largest colonies of Gentoo penguins and skuas and dramatic scenery. Overnight aboard the M/V Antarctic Dream. [BLD]

DAY 10: PLENEAU & PETERMANN ISLAND

Today, you’ll sail south through the narrow Lemaire Channel, visiting Petermann Island which is the most southern land point of the expedition. You’ll have the opportunity to disembark and walk amongst the southernmost colony of Gentoo penguins which nest near the landing spot. On this island you can see a colony of beautiful Adelei penguins, skuas and blue-eyed shags as well. Continuing on to Pleneau Bay, you’ll have the opportunity to visit impressive ice formation via zodiac. Overnight aboard the M/V Antarctic Dream. [BLD]

DAY 11: DECEPTION ISLAND, WHALERS BAY & PENDULUM COVE

The adventure continues sailing toward Deception Island, the largest active volcano in the area at the northwest side of the Peninsula. During the morning, weather permitting, you can disembark in Whaler's Bay and Pendulum Cove to experience the unique experience of swimming Antarctic water! In the afternoon, disembark at Hannah Point (Livingstone Island). This is one of the best places in the Antarctic to see fauna and you should see Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, giant petrels, Wilson petrels, skuas and blue-eyed shags and with luck, sea elephants. Overnight aboard the M/V Antarctic Dream. [BLD]

DAY 12 & 13: DRAKE PASSAGE

Today, we will leave Antarctica and head north back across the Drake Passage. Now is the chance to compare and revise notes and dwell on the adventures of the past week, to take in the final lectures and to enjoy the delicious cusine on board as you return to Ushuaia. Overnight aboard the M/V Antarctic Dream. [BLD]

DAY 14: DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA & BUENOS AIRES

After an early breakfast, arrival in Ushuaia is around 9:00AM. Thus ends an incredible and unique expedition. You’ll be met at the dock and transferred to the airport for your afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, transfer for overnight at Moreno Hotel. [B]

DAY 15: BUENOS AIRES & DEPARTURE

Spend the morning and early afternoon exploring one of the most atmospheric cities in South America - Buenos Aires. Options include are historical sites such as the Barrio Norte with its splendid old homes; San Telmo where the artist and musicians live and work; La Boca, a neighborhood of brightly painted Italian family homes and restaurants; and the Avenida 9 de Julio with its towering obelisk as much a symbol to Buenos Aires as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. In addition to the standard tour, we have developed a special city tour called "The Four Balconies of Buenos Aires" in which a local guide uses four parks and plazas to introduce visitors to the city, its history, its style, and the peculiar psychology of the Porteno (inhabitant of Buenos Aires). On your own free time you may also take in a tango show or visit some of the more than 150 art galleries and museums. In the evening, transfer to airport for your international flight home.