Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands

Fly from the UK to Buenos Aires.Arrive at your hotel for your one-night stay. 
Latin passion and European romance define the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, a dynamic city known for its wide-ranging architectural styles, contemporary and historical arts, and culinary experiences.

Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, the main island of Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world. The Captain and crew will warmly greet you as you board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse.

Toast the start of your once-in-a-lifetime expedition as you depart South America and cruise through the calm and scenic Beagle Channel, named so for the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his five-year discovery journey. Admire the dramatic views of the Andean mountains from the comfort of your private verandah or from the Observation Deck with its commanding view of the bow.

At 55 degrees latitude south, Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ah) is closer to the South Pole than to Argentina's northern border with Bolivia. It is the capital and tourism base for Tierra del Fuego, the island at the southernmost tip of Argentina.Although its stark physical beauty is striking, Tierra del Fuego's historical allure is based more on its mythical past than on rugged reality. The island was inhabited for 6,000 years by Yámana, Haush, Selk'nam, and Alakaluf Indians. But in 1902 Argentina, eager to populate Patagonia to bolster its territorial claims, moved to initiate an Ushuaian penal colony, establishing the permanent settlement of its most southern territories and, by implication, everything in between.When the prison closed in 1947, Ushuaia had a population of about 3,000, made up mainly of former inmates and prison staff. Today the Indians of Darwin's "missing link" theory are long gone—wiped out by diseases brought by settlers and by indifference to their plight—and the 60,000 residents of Ushuaia are hitching their star to tourism.The city rightly (if perhaps too loudly) promotes itself as the southernmost city in the world (Puerto Williams, a few miles south on the Chilean side of the Beagle Channel, is a small town). You can make your way to the tourism office to get your clichéd, but oh-so-necessary, "Southernmost City in the World" passport stamp. Ushuaia feels like a frontier boomtown, at heart still a rugged, weather-beaten fishing village, but exhibiting the frayed edges of a city that quadrupled in size in the '70s and '80s and just keeps growing. Unpaved portions of Ruta 3, the last stretch of the Pan-American Highway, which connects Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, are finally being paved. The summer months (December through March) draw more than 120,000 visitors, and dozens of cruise ships. The city is trying to extend those visits with events like March's Marathon at the End of the World and by increasing the gamut of winter activities buoyed by the excellent snow conditions.A terrific trail winds through the town up to the Martial Glacier, where a ski lift can help cut down a steep kilometer of your journey. The chaotic and contradictory urban landscape includes a handful of luxury hotels amid the concrete of public housing projects. Scores of "sled houses" (wooden shacks) sit precariously on upright piers, ready for speedy displacement to a different site. But there are also many small, picturesque homes with tiny, carefully tended gardens. Many of the newer homes are built in a Swiss-chalet style, reinforcing the idea that this is a town into which tourism has breathed new life. At the same time, the weather-worn pastel colors that dominate the town's landscape remind you that Ushuaia was once just a tiny fishing village, snuggled at the end of the Earth.As you stand on the banks of the Canal Beagle (Beagle Channel) near Ushuaia, the spirit of the farthest corner of the world takes hold. What stands out is the light: at sundown the landscape is cast in a subdued, sensual tone; everything feels closer, softer, and more human in dimension despite the vastness of the setting. The snowcapped mountains reflect the setting sun back onto a stream rolling into the channel, as nearby peaks echo their image—on a windless day—in the still waters.Above the city rise the last mountains of the Andean Cordillera, and just south and west of Ushuaia they finally vanish into the often-stormy sea. Snow whitens the peaks well into summer. Nature is the principal attraction here, with trekking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife spotting, and sailing among the most rewarding activities, especially in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park).

Today you will enter Antarctic waters, an unpredictable but stunningly beautiful environment that always surprises. Put on your your complimentary polar parka and head to the Observation Deck to spot icebergs for the first time – it’s a feeling that will stay with you forever.

Watch out for whale blows in the distance and your expert polar Discovery team will be on hand to provide and answer any insightful information. Comprised of up to 20 members, this team of geologists, historians, ornithologists, marine biologists, and glaciologists is at the heart of your Antarctic Voyage.

Slide open the floor-to-ceiling doors of your verandah suite to see icebergs sculpted by nature and glacial mountains rising thousands of metres from the ocean. Antarctica is a birdwatcher's paradise, with more than 40 different species, so keep your eyes peeled for wandering albatrosses, which has the largest wingspan of any flying bird, as well as shearwaters, giant petrels and more.

Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, Discovery excursions throughout your Expedition Voyage are dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Your experienced Captain and specialist Polar  Discovery Team, who have made countless journeys to Antarctica, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, making the most of 18–20 hours of daylight.

Discovery: Daily experiences may include cruising on Zodiacs, stepping ashore to view vast penguin rookeries or historic huts, and kayaking or paddle boarding around icebergs. Wherever your voyage takes you, you will have countless “pinch me" moments.

Portal Point^^ – a former British refuge hut – may be a potential landing site during your voyage.

Discovery: Or you may visit Deception Island^^ as part of your itinerary. Nestled in the South Shetland Islands archipelago, it is one of the only places in the world that ships can sail directly into the centre of a submerged caldera of an active volcano. With her world-class design and state-of-the-art technology, Scenic Eclipse can sail through a rocky gap into the horseshoe-shaped harbour. The island is also home to a few small scientific outposts and hundreds of thousands of chinstrap penguins.

Various species of penguins can be found in Antarctic and the sub-Antarctic region, with around 12 million penguins living on the Peninsula, including Adélie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, and the very rare Emperor penguins. Guided by the expert Polar Discovery Team, you’ll witness colonies up close; hear their mighty calls and watch as they clumsily waddle along and interact with each other.

Whales are another majestic creature you may encounter, whether a minke, a humpback or an Orca. Watch them from the comfort of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, in a Zodiac with an experienced Polar Discovery Team member, or from their level in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard – a breathtaking experience. 

Discovery: Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, step onto islands to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard around icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding below.

Lemaire Channel^^, renowned for its picturesque views and often referred to as 'Kodak Alley', could be our next exciting destination. If during your voyage the Scenic Eclipse weaves through this channel, make sure you set your alarm and embrace the cool air from the Observation Terrace. Pass through the 11-kilometre-long channel, just 700 metres wide at its narrowest point, and be amazed at the dramatic rocky mountains and glowing blue icebergs so close to the ship.

In between Scenic Discovery experiences, enjoy a specialty tea or coffee in the Observation Lounge and watch the world float by through Swarovski telescopes.

In the distance on a clear day you can see Mount Francis ^^ standing tall as Anvers Island's highest peak, showcasing the rugged beauty of Antarctica.  Every day is unique, you might get the chance to hike or spend time on the pebbled beach, enjoying the view surrounded by curious penguins.

Back on board, explore some of Scenic Eclipse’s indulgent spaces, from the welcoming Observation Lounge to the expansive Senses Spa#. Soothe your muscles in the sauna or heated therapy lounge, join a yoga or Pilates class. Choose one of up to 10 world-class on board dining experiences tonight.

Between the 3000-metre mountain range that forms the spine of South Georgia Island, shattered glaciers carve their way through tussock grass to the deeply indented coastline.

A possible landing site is Fortuna Bay^^, which has panoramic views of jagged summit peaks and remarkable Konig Glacier. You may also visit Salisbury Plain^^, home to the world's second largest King penguin of more than 250,000. Stand in an amphitheatre of snow-capped mountains to watch the colonies. Elephant and fur seals also frequent the three-kilometre-long pebble beach. Once on the brink of extinction, populations have rebounded since hunting was banned in the 1960s.

Discovery: Today you may have the chance to explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of custom-built Zodiacs and kayaks. Your expert Polar Discovery Team will take you on enlightening excursions that put you close to South Georgia's stunning wildlife and nature.

Prepare to be amazed by the abundant wildlife that calls South Georgia home. With your camera and binoculars ready, you may have the chance to witness incredible scenes unfold before your eyes. From the majestic presence of thousands of king penguins reclaiming their territory to the sight of elephant seals and male fur seals staking their claim on the beaches early in the season, every moment promises an unforgettable experience.

Discovery: When enjoying daily Scenic Discovery excursions, ask for your expert Discovery Leader for photography tips and guidance on how to spot the wildlife around you. They will help you immortalise these incredible moments while cruising on the Zodiacs, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding around impressive ice formations.

Beyond its remarkable wildlife, South Georgia Island is steeped in a fascinating human legacy. You may get the chance to pay your respects to Sir Ernest Shackleton, the renowned explorer, at his final resting place in the settlement of Grytviken^. Here, you can also see the remnants of old whaling stations, with some ships left rusting around the bay.

Discovery: Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, step onto islands to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard around icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding below.

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world, South Georgia was rightfully nicknamed the ‘Galápagos of the Poles’. Watch for giant petrels and brown skuas as they soar above and playful fur seals in underwater kelp forests.

Go on nature hikes with the Polar Discovery Team to find penguin colonies and other remarkable Antarctic wildlife. Alternatively, stand on the Observation Terrace or your private verandah as Scenic Eclipse cruises through the pristine icy landscape. Use your complimentary binoculars to spot whales, snow petrels, and more.

Remote and sparsely populated, the Falkland Islands are a wildlife lover’s paradise. The world’s largest population of Gentoo penguins is found here, in addition to King, Magellanic and rockhopper penguins. Watch as they waddle along, interacting with each other.

You can also find black-browed albatross, plus Cobb’s wren and Falkland’s flightless steamer duck, which are both endemic bird species. Make sure to ask for some wildlife insights from the expert Polar Discovery Team – comprised of up to 20 members, this team of geologists, historians, ornithologists, marine biologists, and glaciologists is at the heart of your Antarctic Voyage.

Discovery: Daily experiences during your expedition voyage may include cruising on Zodiacs, stepping ashore to view vast penguin rookeries or historic huts, and kayaking around icebergs. Wherever your voyage takes you, you will have countless “pinch me” moments.

While in the Falkland Islands, you will likely visit Stanley^^, the capital of the archipelago. Since its colonisation in the 18th century, the ownership of the Falkland Islands has been clouded in controversy between France, Britain, Spain and Argentina. This town offers a unique British outpost feel. Visit an array of local shops, see the Christ Church Cathedral with its whalebone arch, or share a pint with friendly locals at an English pub.

Tonight could be the night you meet your new friends at Sushi^ @ Koko’s for dinner. Enjoy entertainment in the state-of-the-art theatre and unwind with a nightcap at the Scenic Lounge Bar.

Your voyage ends this morning as you farewell the crew. Disembark, taking away memories of a truly unforgettable experience.Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.

Please book your flight to depart out of Buenos Aires after 12:00 PM.

Please note, the itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons and weather conditions. As such, Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above.