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Antarctica

Earth’s Final Frontier: A Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Program No. 25158RJ
Experience the wonders of the southernmost continent, the South Shetland Islands and Buenos Aires on this once-in-a-lifetime voyage to Antarctica.
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Adventures Afloat Study CruiseExpeditionNew
Length
18 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
14,999
Special Offer
Flights start at
FREE

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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
18 days
17 nights
What's Included
40 meals ( 15B, 12L, 13D )
7 expert-led lectures
15 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
15 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 15 miles, approximately 3.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 1/2 mile at a time; standing up to 1 hour at a time; sidewalks, paved roads, some uneven terrain. Do not forget to refill your reusable water bottle at the hotel before getting on the motorcoach.
Afternoon:
Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat “Expedition” program. Expedition ships are designed to venture into remote landscapes, enabling us to seek opportunities for getting up close to nature and wildlife. There may also be serendipitous occasions to experience something unexpected. The itinerary may change based on weather, sailing conditions, and potential wildlife sightings. Routes, port stops, field trips, and excursions could be impacted; the cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. Updates will be provided aboard ship. Thank you for your understanding. In addition to lectures, field trips, and activities exclusively for our Road Scholar group, you are invited to take advantage of activities and events offered by the cruise line that are separate from Road Scholar. While on board, there will be educational presentations on a variety of topics by members of the ship’s resource staff. Many are active researchers with expertise in areas such as history, geology, and biology. Due to the remote location of the ports, embarkation and disembarkation will be via Zodiac rafts. Staff will be available for assistance. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. After orientation, we will meet our local expert and board a motorcoach for a field trip in Buenos Aires. We will get to explore the city both by motorcoach and on foot.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, the evening is at leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 60 miles one way, approximately 3 hours total riding time with one stop for restroom. Walking short distances and standing; unpaved ground at the ranch. Hat, sunblock, and mosquito repellent strongly recommended. Do not forget to refill your reusable water bottle at the hotel and at the ranch.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will depart by motorcoach to experience the famous La Pampa, land of the gauchos, or Argentine cowboys. We’ll spend the day at a local family ranch, to learn the culture of the gauchos, watch their horse-riding skills, listen to their songs strummed on the guitar, and learn the tradition of yerba mate, a local tea drunk out of a special, gourd-shaped cup. Also, we will visit a typical countryside small town of the flatlands.
Lunch:
At the estancia, we will enjoy a typical Argentine asado—barbecue of meats and poultry, with side salads and garnishes.
Afternoon:
Returning from La Pampa and our experience with the gauchos, the rest of the afternoon will be at leisure.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 20 miles to airport, under 1 hour riding time. Getting on/off an airplane; flight time approximately 3.5 hours. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Following check-out, we’ll transfer to Buenos Aires Airport on time to take our flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival to Aeropuerto Internacional de Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas, we’ll transfer to the hotel and check in.
Lunch:
On your own. Depending on the flight schedule, we will have the opportunity to get something to eat at our own expense at the airport or in Ushuaia.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
We will walk to a nearby hotel for dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach several times during field trip; driving 30 miles, approximately 4.5 hours total riding time. Walking short distances on a boardwalk and unpaved ground. Do not forget to refill your reusable water bottle before leaving the hotel. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will board a motorcoach for an expert-led field trip to Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego — Tierra del Fuego National Park — approximately 7.5 miles west of Ushuaia. This was Argentina’s first shoreline park. Native forests of lengas, coihues, ñires, canelos, and mossy foliage are home to guanacos, foxes, and muskrats. Short trails follow the southern edges of the park, providing scenic views of the Ensenada and Lapataia Bays, and the famous Beagle Channel. Sea birds are abundant along the coast and include albatross, terns, geese, ducks, and gulls. Also be on the lookout for condors, Magellanic woodpeckers, and Austral conures. A 5-mile trail that leads west from Bahia Ensenada passes through an area of archaeological importance with grass-covered shell mounds left by the Yamaná (Yahgan) inhabitants hundreds of years ago.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. Don’t forget to stamp your passport with the End of the World stamp or visit iconic sites such as The End of the World Museum or The Prison of the End of the World that are located walking distance from the hotel. An hour before dinner, the Group Leader will present a lecture to introduce Antarctica as a continent, as the habitat of many species, and as a goal for many explorers.
Dinner:
On your own to explore the local cuisine and walk around the picturesque town.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out, transfer, and embarkation tomorrow.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Embarking the ship.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of our rooms this morning. Our bags will be picked up by the cruise line to be transferred to the ship. Keep your personal belongings in your handbag as well as medicines and passports, as you will get your luggage after you board in the afternoon. The Group Leader will deliver your Road Scholar tag with your cabin number to be attached to each piece of luggage you will send to the ship.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will transfer to the port and board the Ocean Albatros for 11 nights. After completing boarding procedures and getting your cabin, take some time to start becoming familiar with the ship. There will be a mandatory passenger briefing and safety drill before departure.
Dinner:
In the dining room aboard ship. Road Scholars are invited to sit together as a group on our first night out. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, we will always have three meals a day. Hours of operation will be posted around the ship, as they are subject to change based on the activities planned for each day.
Evening:
At leisure. You might like to check out the library that offers a wide range of multilingual books ranging from fiction to travel literature. You can curl up with a book, watch a DVD, and broaden your understanding of the region's history, flora, fauna, climate, scientific contributions, and more.
Activity Note
At sea for the day and night.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Join this unique adventure where the rhythms of the sea, ice, and wildlife will lead us. Today, we will begin a two-day voyage through the Mar de Hoces, better known as the Drake Passage. The Ocean Albatros is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded, never-ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. At some point on the second day at sea, we will cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer sub-Antarctic water moving in the opposite direction. It is the largest biological barrier on earth and is marked by a change in temperature, salinity, and nutrient levels. When we pass this zone, we will have entered the most nutrient-rich waters on earth — the Southern Ocean. The best way to experience wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out.
Lunch:
In the dining room aboard ship.
Afternoon:
As we make the passage, we will have time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library, and lecture hall where we will meet our guides, ship’s crew, and expedition staff. Everyone is invited to attend lecture and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region. Topics we may hear about include climate change, marine life and the marine ecosystem, birds/wildlife in general, geology and geography, weather systems, and expedition history. Tea and coffee are available in the lounge.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
At sea for the day and night.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will continue crossing the Drake Passage. Wandering black-browed and light-mantled sooty albatross, prions, and Cape petrels are among the species of seabirds that may join us on our journey as we cross into Antarctica.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
The onboard educational programming will continue as we cross the Drake Passage.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Gym facilities and a sauna are available.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
In the days ahead, we will venture further west along the Antarctic Peninsula into the Gerlache Strait region. This icy expanse requires meticulous planning by our Expedition Leader and Captain, who will plot a route to explore a variety of sites highlighting the area's staggering natural beauty. The Gerlache Strait, consisting of the “spine” of the Antarctic Peninsula and a large number of mountainous glaciated islands, offers a plethora of iconic Antarctic experiences.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We will continue to explore the Antarctic Peninsula. From Zodiac cruises in Paradise Bay, to witnessing penguins nesting on Cuverville Island, each potential stop promises awe-inspiring encounters. Explore historic huts at Damoy Point, witness humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay, and marvel at the jaw-dropping scenery of the Lemaire Channel. Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalizing history, and breathtaking natural beauty abound.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We’ll board the Zodiac boats and explore the Antarctic Peninsula.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Zodiac boat trip continued.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
During our time on the Antarctic Peninsula, we will delve southwards, seeking the Antarctic Circle. The exact timing of crossing the Circle depends on wind, sea and ice conditions, and will be determined by the Captain and Expedition Leader. However, crossing the Antarctic Circle, the ultimate bucket list tick, is the main goal of this thrilling expedition! While our exact destinations will depend on weather and ice conditions, your Expedition Leader will ensure guests are informed of our plans through nightly briefings. In the ever-changing Antarctic environment, flexibility is key as we adapt plans to suit the conditions while offering enriching onboard experiences such as lectures, recaps, wine tasting, and spa treatments.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Zodiac boat trip continued.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Zodiac boat trip along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Zodiac boat trip continued.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship
Morning:
Zodiac boat trip along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Zodiac boat trip along the Antarctic Peninsula continues.
Dinner:
Aboard ship
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Our Antarctic odyssey culminates amidst the rugged beauty of the South Shetland Islands. This archipelago represents the northernmost tip of Antarctica, standing proud against the relentless force of the Southern Ocean. Despite the furious elements, the islands boast a remarkable richness of wildlife, with numerous colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins dotting the island shores, accompanied by an array of formidable seabirds like the predatory Giant Petrels. The ice-capped peaks of Livingstone, Greenwich, and King George Islands offer a stunning backdrop to explore. Experience the eerie landscape of Deception Island, an active volcanic crater with black steaming sands and rusting ruins, or witness the bustling penguin colonies on Aitcho and Half Moon Islands, or immerse yourself in the history of Yankee Harbour, once a vital anchorage for sealers.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
As we bid farewell to the South Shetland Islands, we carry with us memories of their stark beauty and abundant wildlife, a fitting conclusion to our extraordinary Antarctic expedition.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
At sea for the day and night.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we will leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching, whale watching, and some final lectures by our expedition staff, we will have a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia. Remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for albatross, prions, and whales.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Our educational program will continue as we cross the Drake Passage.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
At sea for the day and night.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Our educational program will continue as we cross the Drake Passage.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Our educational programming at sea will conclude.
Dinner:
Aboard ship. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation after arrival in Ushuaia and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Disembarkation is scheduled to begin at approximately 8:00 a.m. after breakfast. Transfer to Ushuaia Airport on time to take your included flight to Buenos Aires. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Getting on/off an airplane; flight time approximately 3.5 hours.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
After completing disembarkation, we will transfer to the airport to take our included flight back to Buenos Aires. After 3.5 hours, we will arrive at Buenos Aires Airport. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!





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