Day 1 — Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires and check into your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own.  

Day 2 — Ushuaia

This morning, fly to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and the gateway to Antarctica. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and continue to the pier to embark the ship. Then set sail on the Beagle Channel, named after the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his South American voyages. (B,L,D) 

Days 3-4 — Drake Passage

Cross the legendary Drake Passage, enjoying time to get familiar with the ship and deepen your knowledge of Antarctica. Your Smithsonian Journeys Experts and the team of naturalist guides on board will present insightful lectures on the history and wildlife of the world’s oldest continent. Watch the crew navigate on the ship’s bridge, and spend time on deck with our naturalists observing seabirds such as albatrosses and cape petrels. Once the ship reaches the Antarctic Convergence, where cold Antarctic currents merge with warmer waters of the South Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, watch for breaching fin, humpback, and minke whales as well as seabirds feeding on plankton and krill. (2B,2L,2D) 

Days 5-9 — Discovering the Antarctica Peninsula

Spend five days exploring the outer shores and islands of the Antarctic Peninsula, ethereal landscapes defined by lava and ice. Here, abrupt mountains create precipitous coastlines and massive glaciers calve icebergs of all shapes and sizes into the sea. In this seemingly harsh environment, a vast array of wildlife flourishes, including millions of penguins and seabirds, as well as numerous species of seals and whales. At this time of year, you may get the chance to observe humpback and minke whales, pods of orcas, elephant seals and leopard seals, giant petrels, and great skuas.  

Go ashore on volcanic islands to walk among fur seals and gentoo and chinstrap penguins—and their newly hatched chicks. As you continue into the realm of ice, encounter playful Adélie penguins and unusual marine life. In this hushed and magical atmosphere, find yourself cruising past tabular icebergs that dwarf the vessel, ice floes where Weddell seals loll after their meal, and sculpted ice that glows ethereal shades of turquoise and teal. Along the way, learn about the history of Antarctic exploration, from Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated expedition to the ventures of explorers such as Jean-Baptiste Charcot and Adrien de Gerlache. You may have the chance to visit a research station. 

Keep in mind that you are privileged guests in these extreme lands, and the ship's course is dependent on weather, sea, and ice conditions. Every cruise is unique, and your seasoned captain and crew are expert at making the most of the conditions at hand. (5B,5L,5D) 

Days 10-11 — Drake Passage

Relax and reflect on board as the ship turns north and makes its way back across the Drake Passage. Enjoy lively, informative discussions with your Smithsonian Journeys Experts and the ship’s naturalists. Watch for albatrosses, many different species of petrels, and marine life as you cruise across the Antarctic Convergence. (2B,2L,2D) 

Day 12 — Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Disembark early this morning in Ushuaia and set out on an excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Here, the southernmost peaks of the Andes—known as the Darwin Range—are interspersed with lagoons, bogs, and rivers. Discover the park’s flora and sub-Antarctic landscapes on a nature walk with guides, and, with luck, encounter beavers, birds, wild orchids, and more. Then, transfer to the airport this afternoon and fly to Buenos Aires. Connect to your flight home. (B)