National Geographic: Journey to Antarctica

Day 1: Fly to Buenos Aires or Santiago

Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina (for the Explorer) or Santiago, Chile (for the Orion).

Day 2: Buenos Aires or Santiago

For the Explorer - overnight Hotel in Buenos Aires. Guests travelling aboard National Geographic Explorer arrive this morning in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, set on the Rio de la Plata, and check in to the fine Sofitel Buenos Aires (or similiar). In the afternoon, we have a guided overview of the city, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces, grand boulevards, and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron.

For the Orion - guests traveling aboard National Geographic Orion arrive today in Santiago. We check in to the fine Ritz Carlton Hotel, centrally located in Santiago, and have the morning to relax. Santiago is nearly surrounded by the Andes, which form an inspiring backdrop to our afternoon guided overview of this vibrant city. We explore the Plaza de Armas, the main square, and nearby Presidential Palace, enjoying wonderful views from the many hills that dot the city. (Lunch included)

Day 3: Fly to Ushuaia and embark

Today we fly by private charter flight to Ushuaia (Argentina);

• Guests travelling aboard National Geographic Explorer will fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia to embark the Explorer
• Guests travelling aboard National Geographic Orion will fly from Santiago to Ushuaia to embark the Orion

This morning's flight offers spectacular views as we fly over the rugged terrain of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. We'll have lunch aboard a catamaran cruise on the scenic Beagle Channel before embarking our ship. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Day 4: At Sea

We awake this morning well into our journey across the Drake Passage. Lying between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake Pasage holds a unique place in maritime lore. Sometimes misty and gray, other times calm and clear, crossing the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable - a milestone in any adventurer's personal travel history. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included )

Day 5-10: Antarctica

With nearly 24 hours of daylight, we'll make the most of our days, keeping a flexible schedule to take advantage of the unexpected — perhaps watching a 40-ton whale surface off the bow. We are out daily. One day, you may take a Zodiac foray amid towering bergs 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. And the next, you’ll have the thrill of watching the ship crunch through the pack ice, or step ashore to the cries of thousands of gentoo penguins. You’ll learn from our experts how to identify penguins and get photo tips from a National Geographic photographer while watching those same penguins. Back aboard, our Undersea Specialist may present video from that day’s dive — rare images taken up to 1,000 feet below the surface using our ROV. Our expert staff will craft an expedition where you will learn more, see more and experience more. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included )

Day 11-12: At Sea

As we sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the avian escort of seabirds that cross our bow, and our spotters will keep an eye out for marine life. There’ll be plenty of time to enjoy a wellness treatment, log some time in the gym, or catch up on the book you haven’t had a minute to read. Talks from our staff will reflect on all you have seen and learned. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included )

Day 13-14: Disembark Ushuaia/Fly to Buenos Aires (Explorer) or Santiago (Orion)/Home

After breakfast, we disembark in Ushuaia with some time to explore before proceeding to the airport for our LAN charter flight (guests on Explorer fly Ushuaia to Buenos Aires; guests on Orion fly Ushuaia to Santiago.) Please confirm departure and arrival cities with an Expedition Specialist before booking your flights. (Breakfast & lunch included)