Any voyage to Antarctica is an adventure, but the MV OCEAN VICTORY with only 198 passengers is truly something extraordinary. We start in Buenos Aires, called by many the Paris of South America, then travel south to board our ship for our 10 days cruise to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. If Antarctica has been on your bucket list, don't miss this opportunity.

 

Included meals are denoted: Breakfast: B, Lunch: L, Dinner: D

 

DAY 1             

We board our overnight flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

 

DAY 2               L, D

We are met by our guide and drive into Buenos Aires, home to 14 million Argentinians. We stop for lunch, then enjoy a free afternoon before our welcome dinner this evening.

 

DAY 3             B, L, D             

On our tour of Buenos Aires, we'll  visit the Palermo and Barrio Norte districts, with the expensive houses and classic architecture; La Boca and San Telmo, the old part of the city, with its flea markets; the recycled area of Puerto Madero, old warehouses which were converted into fancy offices, restaurants and cinemas; Recoleta, including the cemetery to see Eva Peron’s mausoleum; the Plaza de Mayo, to take a look at the Cabildo (municipal building during the colonies and now a museum), the Casa Rosada. This square is where Eva and Juan Peron used to address the crowds during their political rallies, and where the Madres de Plaza de Mayo, relatives of the people who disappeared during the last military government, gathered to claim for their missing. Stop for lunch at one of B.A.’s fine restaurants. In the evening we go out for dinner, to a place where we will be able to see Tango being played and danced by experts. Tango was born in the southern neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, in the port area, and is a mixture of European, African music. We will also have the chance to appreciate the music of the Highlands of Northern Argentina, influenced by the Incas. 

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DAY 4              L

Early in the morning, we check out of the hotel. After a short transfer, we arrive at the domestic flights airport to check in for our flight to Ushuaia, the largest city on the world- famous Tierra del Fuego Island. The Western part of the island belongs to Chile and the eastern part to Argentina. After a 3 hour flight, mainly over the Atlantic, we land in the Southernmost city in the world, and the only one in Argentina which is located West of the Andes. We meet our guide and go directly to Tierra del Fuego National Park, through National Road 3, one of the longest roads in Argentina, crossing Patagonia and the Pampas. It covers part of the Beagle Channel, the border with Chile and Lake Fagnano. With its glacial lakes and beech forests, it is home to the Magellanic woodpecker, kelp goose, and other endemic species. The forest is part of the Sub-Antarctic rain forest, which is located on a narrow strip at the foot of the Andes. It can be found almost 3000 km North but it is never wider than 100-150 km.  We will check out the park then check into our hotel. 

 

DAY 5          B, L, D              

This morning the fun really begins when we board the MV OCEAN VICTORY for our cruise to Antarctica. With only 198 guests, this cruise offers a unique experience. We start across the Drake Passage.

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DAY 6  B,L,D    DAY 7      B,L,D

We continue our voyage across the Drake Passage, making Zodiac landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts along the way. Because our ship is small and versatile, our captain may alter our route to suit wildlife viewing opportunities and weather.

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DAY 8              B, L, D

We arrive at the South Shetland Islands. A string of islands running parallel to the north west coast of the Antarctic peninsula, the South Shetlands are almost completely ice covered. About 2-3 percent is ice free, usually along the coast, where all life is found whether penguins, seals, or the human inhabitants of the various bases. 

 

DAY 9              B, L, D

We continue our exploration of the South Shetland Islands. Perhaps we'll take a swim in the volcanic heated waters of Deception Island, or count penguins on Livingston. Then we continue our sail toward the Antarctic Peninsula.

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DAY 10              B, L, D

The area that makes up the Antarctic Peninsula, Scotia Arc, the South Georgia Islands and the South Sandwich Islands is one of the most productive parts of the Southern Ocean. Stretching out over 1,500 kilometers towards the tip of South America, the Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost part of the Antarctic continent. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current provides a strong natural barrier, which results in these waters harboring a high percentage of diverse and endemic marine plants and animals. 

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Day 11             B, L, D

On no other journey can one experience so much pristine nature and varieties of wildlife in so few days. We'll take many Zodiac excursions and enjoy wildlife spotting with our experienced guides. Thank goodness for our included parkas and rubber boots!

 

DAY 12      B,L,D       DAY 13   B,L,D

We must leave the stunning Antarctic and return to the continent. We cruise near Cape Horn, considered to be the southernmost tip of South America. Maritime conditions have protected the rocky region from human settlement, so we’ll enjoy the same views as the earliest explorers discovered centuries ago.

DAY 14           B,L          

We return to Ushuaia and disembark, then make the non-stop flight back to Buenos Aires.  We drive towards  the Pampas, to San Antonio de Areco, the gaucho tradition capital of the country, where we will be visiting a typical ranch. We will have an Argentina style barbecue, “asado” and we will be able to watch a few of the gauchos showing off their riding skills and traditional music. We then go back to downtown Buenos Aires to check into our hotel. 

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DAY 15          B,D

We check out of our hotel and have some free time to  explore the now familiar streets of Buenos Aires before boarding our overnight flight to Albuquerque.

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DAY 16        

Today, we arrive in Albuquerque, ready for our own beds, but filled with the magical extremes of the Antarctic and Argentina.

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 Itinerary subject to change