ANTARCTICA

This morning will be at leisure to recover and settle in from your flight. In the afternoon we will embark on a city sights tour of
Buenos Aires. Discover the history of the Plaza de Mayo Square, the site of Argentina’s most important historical events – see its surroundings and the most emblematic buildings and learn all about them. Then enjoy Mayo Avenue and wonder in awe at the
oldest residential neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, San Telmo. Live and feel the original Tango in the neighbourhood of La Boca, walk along Caminito Street and enjoy the Dancers and souvenir shops. Contemplate the modernization of the city whilst traveling along Puerto Madero and its exclusive docks, full of excellent restaurants and large offices. Pass through the Retiro neighbourhood and move on to see Palermo and its most exclusive residential area before finally arriving at Recoleta. Here, discover the final resting place of Eva Peron, “Evita” and wander through Recoleta Cemetery where she is to be found. Tonight dinner will be in a local restaurant.

Today will be at leisure to spend how you wish. This evening we will transfer to the La Ventana Tango Hall located in San Telmo to watch an evening show which includes a two piece orchestra, a tango demonstration, and a dancing Gaucho with a dash of folklore thrown in followed by dinner.

This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Ushuaia. On arrival in Ushuaia Airport we transfer to our hotel for our pre night before the cruise. The rest of the day is yours to explore how you wish.

Hotel: 4* Hotel, Ushuaia for 1 night<.strong>

This morning is at leisure before we transfer to the pier of Ushuaia to embark the cruise. You will be welcomed onboard 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.

As we leave the Beagle Channel, 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 ourwake, we continue south towards Antarctica. The first sighting of land always brings great excitement, and is often embraced as the
true beginning of any Antarctic expedition.

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. 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 personalexperience 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.

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.

This morning we arrive back into Ushuaia. We disembark the cruise and transfer to the airport for our flight to Buenos
Aires. On arrival we are transfer to our hotel where we have some time at leisure before enjoying a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Today our tour comes to an end. We will transfer to the airport for our flight home to Perth. Upon arrival into Perth your driver will be waiting to take you home.