20 Night Cruise sailing from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia aboard MS Expedition. 1 night hotel stay pre-cruise in Buenos Aires.

Challenge. Desolation. Unlimited wonder. It's not difficult to grasp what attracted the great explorers to Antarctica. Get a personal appreciation for the struggle to tame the bottom of the world on this 22-day adventure to the land than entranced Shackleton and countless others since. Down here, you'll explore the Falkland Islands, encounter abandoned whaling stations on South Georgia Island and pay your respects at Shackleton's grave. Elsewhere, you'll catch up with penguins (King, Chinstrap and Gentoo varieties) and learn all about them through daily lectures, get close to whales and cavorting seals from a Zodiac boat and keep an eye peeled for towering icebergs and massive glaciers. Prepare to be astonished.

Day 1 Arrive Buenos Aires
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Depart Buenos Aires (1B,1D)
Embarkation on the M/S Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port of Buenos Aires.

Day 3-5 At Sea (2B,2L,2D)
As we make the passage east, become acquainted with the ship. We also begin lecture and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

Day 6-7 The Falkland Islands (2B,2L,2D)
The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins and albatross are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest Black Browed albatross colony in the world. Port Stanley provides an opportunity to meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long dark winters.

Day 8-9 At Sea (2B,2L,2D)
Sailing east we set course for South Georgia Island. Days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare us for landings. Keep your eyes peeled for the many whales that inhabit these waters.

Day 10-13 South Georgia (4B,4L,4D)
Home to many marvels, including Shackleton's Grave, South Georgia Island has several former whaling stations and is home to prolific wildlife. Visiting a huge colony of King Penguins is a major highlight of this part of the journey. Weather permitting we will have four full days to explore this island.

Day 14-15 At Sea (2B,2L,2D)
We turn south and sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route backwards as we head towards Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Day 16-19 Antarctica (4B,4L,4D)
Experience some of the most unique wildlife viewing and inspiring scenery in the world as you set foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather conditions permitting), and encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie penguin rookeries, Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, and orca, humpback and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history. During the voyage we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

Day 20-21 The Drake Passage (2B,2L,2D)
Reflect on our memorable adventure and take in some final lectures as we head back to Ushuaia. Keep a careful look out on your last chance to spot whales.

Day 22 Depart Ushuaia (1B)
Disembark in the morning.