Retrace sea lanes navigated by storied explorers Shackleton, Amundsen and Scott on a journey that includes 2 nights in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a 9-night, 5-star cruise aboard the deluxe Ocean Victory. Be among the fortunate few to set foot on “The White Continent,” a legendary wilderness at the bottom of the globe. On this active, expedition-style program, witness wildlife-rich waters, where seabirds dive and dip, and keep an eye out for sea lions, pods of whales and rare dolphins from the comfort of your ship. Get up close to this pristine environment and towering ice sculptures during guided excursions accompanied by a knowledgeable expedition team. Aboard sturdy Zodiac crafts, cruise amid sapphire-hued icebergs, intricate ecosystems and abundant wildlife — including humpback whales, leopard seals and Adélie penguins. Experience the thrill of hiking onshore and kayaking around this rarely visited territory. As you travel, expert guides and speakers will share meaningful insights, while a professional Travel Director will manage the logistics.

HIGHLIGHTS:
· Fourteen-day expedition to Antarctica, including 2 nights in vibrant Buenos Aires and a 9-night cruise aboard the deluxe Ocean Victory, an ice-class expedition ship designed for Antarctic waters with the flexibility to adjust course spontaneously, maximizing wildlife sightings.
· Be among the fortunate few to discover “The White Continent,” where whales, seals and penguins mingle among turquoise glaciers and glimmering icebergs.
· Retrace storied sea lanes navigated by legendary explorers Shackleton, Amundsen and Scott.
· Experience Zodiac excursions led by an expedition team of naturalists, with expertise spanning marine biology, ornithology, glaciology, conservation, history and photography.
· Enjoy a city tour of Buenos Aires, featuring the popular neighborhoods of Palermo, Montserrat, La Boca, Puerto Madero, San Telmo and a visit to the historic Recoleta Cemetery.
· Visit Port Lockroy and gain insight into the daily activities of past researchers at the living museum known as “Base A."
· Mail a postcard stamped with an Antarctica postmark from the official British Post Office.
· Marvel at the crescent‑shaped Half Moon Island — site of Cámara Station, monitored by Argentine biologists studying regional wildlife.

PROGRAM FEATURES:
· Two nights at the deluxe Buenos Aires Marriott.
· Nine-night cruise to Antarctica aboard Ocean Victory.
· Elegantly appointed, deluxe accommodations.
· All transfers during the Program: flights and deluxe motor coaches.
· Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions.
· Complimentary non-premium liquor, house wine, beer, nonalcoholic beverages and minibar service throughout the cruise; complimentary house wine and beer at lunch and dinner and nonalcoholic beverages at all meals during the land program.
· Included meals | 3 receptions, 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners
· Complimentary Wi-Fi access (conditions permitting).
· Onboard expedition team of naturalists who provide a series of enriching lectures throughout the cruise.
· Receive complimentary boot rental during the trip and take home a complimentary polar‑grade blue parka as a souvenir.

ACTIVITTY LEVEL:
This ACTIVE program is designed for people who are in good health and can comfortably participate in a demanding daily schedule of physical activities. The itinerary may feature full days of ongoing activities, including:
-Several days with disembarkations via Zodiac vessels and walks on sandy/rocky beaches or snowed surfaces with sometimes steep short inclines
-Shore landings by rubber Zodiac boats that will require you to get in and out of the Zodiacs with minimal assistance
-Walking over rocky, uneven and sometimes steep terrain while ashore in Antarctica

Crossing the Drake Passage can be rough and unpredictable. On average, one in five passengers on board the ship experiences sea sickness during the approximately 36-hour crossing of 600 to 650 miles of open sea. If you are prone to motion or sea sickness, please consult your physician for a suitable medication — and take it several hours before sailing into heavy seas when possible.

Depending on the excursion, more leisurely alternatives may be available.