Arrive this morning in Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America” and home of the tango. Enjoy a Porteños tour, viewing the Teatro Colon opera house; Avenida 9 de Julio honoring Argentinean independence; the Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva “Evita” Perón rests in her tomb; the Presidential Palace; the Casa Rosada; and the San Telmo barrio lined with cobblestone streets. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers during your welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Today is at leisure to experience this lively city. Browse the boutiques of Calle Florida or visit one of the many renowned art museums. Or perhaps you’ll choose to take the optional Tigre y Delta trip and pass by historic mansions and former residences of Buenos Aires’ aristocracy; then a cruise takes you among a network of homes built on stilts.

This morning you fly* to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, situated on the Patagonian peninsula overlooking the historic Beagle Channel. Explore the “Land of Fire” at Tierra del Fuego National Park. Walk the shores of Roca Lake, see evidence of the settlements of the now-extinct Yámana indigenous people, and visit Lapataia Bay where the Panamerican Highway ends.

The morning is yours to enjoy free time in this famous port town before boarding the MS Midnatsol expedition vessel.

Cruise south through the fabled Drake Passage, named for the legendary Sir Francis Drake. 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. Spot whales and sea birds as you begin this voyage of exploration. Experts provide presentations on history, biology and geology throughout your adventure.

Arrive in 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. Follow in the footsteps of the great explorers…the privilege of witnessing this fragile, remote environment is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The next eight days are filled with discovery! Weather conditions determine each sailing’s final itinerary. Regardless, adventure awaits. First, cruise through the astounding glacier-lined Lemaire Channel – “Kodak Gap” – and enter the majestic Neumayer Channel with its imposing cliffs. Humpback, Killer and Minke whales – and icebergs – are common sights. PolarCirkel (rugged excursion) boats take you to incredible locations along the Antarctic Peninsula which could include: • Half Moon Island, a small island in the South Shetland chain boasting mountainous views and a nesting place for Chinstrap penguins, Kelp gulls and Antarctic tern.

Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include: • Whalers Bay, Deception Island, featuring an active volcanic caldera. Zodiac into Whalers Bay where ruins from a 20th-century whaling station rest ashore. The black volcanic sand and waters upon the beach are warmed by geothermal vents.

Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include: • Neko Harbor, part of the Antarctic mainland nestled in the fjord-like Andvord Bay, where penguins plus Elephant and Weddel seals are often spotted.

Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include: • Wilhelmina Bay, where mountains and high glaciers create dramatic scenery. View the 1915 wreck of the Norwegian ship, Guvernøren.

Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include: • Yankee Harbor, on the South Shetland Islands, was once the base of operations for early sealers. Today it still provides a natural safe haven for sailors and explorers like you who come to see the large colony of Gentoo penguins.

Continue your visits by PolarCirkel boats to locations which could include: • Cuverville Island, sitting on the scenic Errera Channel, offers up excitement before you even make landfall. Embark upon a thrilling passage through the channel amid dramatic icebergs. Once on shore you will be surrounded by throngs of nesting penguins. • Almirante Brown Research Station in Paradise Harbor, where Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins nest.

Leave Antarctica, crossing the southern waters of the Drake Passage. Participate in engaging lectures on Antarctica’s wonders.

Spend another day crossing Drake Passage. Enjoy many interesting discussions that reflect on the unforgettable images and experiences of this amazing continent.

Disembark the ship in Ushuaia, transfer to the airport* and return to Buenos Aires. This evening, celebrate the end of your journey as you enjoy a dinner featuring Argentine favorites and a tango performance! Admire the passion and artistry of the show, meet the dancers and even try some steps of your own.

Your tour ends today.