Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent

Arrive in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, birthplace of the tango and the “Paris of South America.” Stretching along the banks of the Rio de la Plata, the city is a mosaic of European-style architecture and South American spirit. After brunch, enjoy a panoramic city tour highlighting its Beaux-Arts palaces, grand boulevards, and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron. In the early evening, gather for an informal reception at the hotel. (B) Stay: Alvear Art Hotel

This morning we fly over Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Enjoy lunch while cruising the Beagle Channel.

Later, embark the National Geographic Explorer, an authentic expedition ship uniquely equipped with a hull strengthened to “ice-class” and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions. With just 81 cabins and a maximum capacity of 148 passengers, the spacious and modern National Geographic Explorer offers a roster of tools for exploration and a variety of public areas for viewing the incredible passing landscape. In the ship's spacious lounge, you will have informative presentations and a nightly recap of the day's activities. (B/L/D) Stay: National Geographic Explorer (10 Nights)

Cruise south through the fabled Drake Passage, named after the explorer Sir Francis Drake. Set between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, a crossing of the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable - a milestone in any adventurer's personal travel history. Warmer waters of the north meet the colder, denser waters of the south here in the Antarctic Convergence, making the area rich in marine life. (B/L/D)

The next six days are filled with discovering Antarctica, the last great wilderness stretching across ice-covered desert and mountains for over five million square miles. The ethereal beauty and immense scale of the continent is like nowhere else on the planet. (B/L/D)

The voyage keeps a flexible schedule (daily activities are contingent on weather conditions) to take advantage of the unexpected. With nearly 24 hours of daylight, make the most of your days with daily explorations. (B/L/D)

You may take a Zodiac foray amongst towering icebergs under a bright sun, walk along the shoreline amid a huge penguin colony, hike to a summit for a breathtaking view, or kayak along a cliff-side rookery in search of blue-eyed shags. (B/L/D)

Today you could have the thrill of watching the ship crunch through the packed ice or step ashore to the cries of thousands of Gentoo penguins. (B/L/D)

Learn from the experts how to identify different penguin species and get photo tips from a National Geographic photographer while watching those same penguins. (B/L/D)

Onboard, the undersea specialist may present video from that day's dive with rare images taken up to 1,000 feet below the surface. The expert staff will craft an expedition where you will learn more, see more and experience more. (B/L/D)

Leave Antarctica and sail back to Ushuaia, crossing the southern waters of the Drake Passage. The ship's spotters will keep an eye out for marine life, albatross and other seabirds that cross the ship's bow. (B/L/D)

You may want to enjoy a wellness treatment, spend time in the gym, catch up on the book you haven't had a minute to read, or participate in on board discussions reflecting on all you have seen and learned. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, disembark in Ushuaia with time for independent exploration before proceeding to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. (B/L) Stay: Alvear Art Hotel

Your tour ends today. (B)