Antarctica, Argentina & Brazil - Cruise & Land journey

Welcome to Buenos Aires, where you’ll have an overnight hotel stay. Perhaps spend some time in the city, nicknamed the ‘Paris of South America’. Resplendent with Belle Epoque buildings, sidewalk cafes and green spaces, there’s the fiery passion of Latin America – a collective love for football, flame-cooked meats (asado) and the tango.

Highlights include La Boca, a colourful, creative mecca with a must-do art walk, and San Telmo, a former aristocratic neighbourhood that was abandoned during a 19th-century epidemic. Mansions were turned into conventillos (shared housing), boutique hotels, antique shops, and tango clubs, exuding a captivating bohemian vibe.

Today you will take an included flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The Captain and crew will warmly greet you as you board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht.

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).

Arriving in Antarctica for the first time is unlike anything you have experienced before. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, your itinerary is open and dependent on the ice and weather conditions.

We may have the opportunity to visit Deception Island, one of the only places in the world that ships can sail to the centre of a submerged caldera of an active volcano. Another highlight is Brown Bluff, a stunning ice-capped volcanic cliff. Additionally, you could take a Zodiac cruise past the breathtaking Devil Island or go ashore at Telefon Bay to see penguins, seabirds and seals.

Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). To see Antarctica from above or below the horizon book a helicopter^ or a submersible^ experience.

At the heart of your Antarctic voyage is the Discovery Team of up to 20 leading polar experts with diverse qualifications, from science to geology, botany, history, photography, marine biology and glaciology. They will answer your most curious questions and be with you throughout every moment of your journey.

Your experienced Captain and the team will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, making the most of 18–20 hours of daylight.

Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). To see Antarctica from above or below the horizon book a helicopter^ or a submersible^ experience.

Awake this morning in an unpredictable and stunningly beautiful environment that always finds a way to surprise you. Step out onto your private verandah and see icebergs towering out of the ocean thousands of metres tall.

Remarkable wildlife encounters await during your time in Antarctica. Going ashore to visit a penguin colony is an unforgettable experience. Watch the sea for humpback, blue, fin and minke whales, as well as the distinctive black and white orcas.

Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). To see Antarctica from above or below the horizon book a helicopter^ or a submersible^ experience.

Around 12 million penguins live on the Antarctic 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 expert Discovery Team member, or from their level in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard – a breathtaking experience.

Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). To see Antarctica from above or below the horizon book a helicopter^ or a submersible^ experience.

For many, the polar plunge is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a rite of passage for an expedition to Antarctica. Once throughout your voyage, the marina will be set up for the brave people who want to jump into the freezing Antarctic waters. Invigorating, exciting, and surprisingly refreshing.

If you choose to skip the polar plunge, make sure you find a good viewing location as you feel the chills of everyone coming out of the water. Join them for a cup of hot chocolate or toast with a glass of whiskey.

Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). To see Antarctica from above or below the horizon book a helicopter^ or a submersible^ experience.

There are endless ways to experience Antarctica. You may be on your Discovery Yacht watching from the comfort of the Observation Lounge, on a Zodiac excursion or immersed in the environment on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Walking across the rocky beaches or crunching through the snow, you’ll be awed by the dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife that can only be found at the edge of the earth.

Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). To see Antarctica from above or below the horizon book a helicopter^ or a submersible^ experience.

Your next few days in South Georgia will reveal its striking landscapes, abundant wildlife and fascinating human legacy.

In the coming days you may land at Fortuna Bay, home to King Penguins, Antarctic fur seals, elephant seals, brown skuas, giant petrels and Antarctic terns. At the settlement of Grytviken you can see the rusting remnants of an old whaling station. Other potential landing sites include Saint Andrews Bay, known for its huge breeding colony of King penguins, and Gold Harbour, a dramatic bay with abundant King penguins and elephant seals.

Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). To further discover South Georgia book a submersible^ experience.

Prepare to be amazed by the abundant wildlife that calls this island home. From the majestic presence of thousands of King penguins to the sight of elephant seals and male fur seals staking their claim on the beaches, every moment promises unforgettable memories. The Discovery Team will share their knowledge of the remarkable creatures that live here and explain how important the landscape is for the breeding and survival of different species on the island.

Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting).

Pay your respects to the renowned explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton at his final resting place in the settlement of Grytviken.

Keep your camera ready as you explore South Georgia. With its breathtaking landscapes, vast colonies of wildlife and adorable seal pups, the island could provide some of the best photographs of your voyage. 

Back on board, explore some of the 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.

Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). To further discover South Georgia book a submersible^ experience.

Enjoy one more day exploring the awe-inspiring beauty of South Georgia, where nature's grandeur unfolds in dramatic landscapes unlike anywhere else. Picture yourself amidst a mountainous island rising majestically from the sea, adorned with pristine snow and glistening glaciers.

Discovery: When enjoying daily Discovery excursions, ask for your expert polar 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.

Considered one of the wonders of the far Southern Hemisphere, the Falkland Islands overflow with natural beauty. The windswept green hills and clear waters lapping the white sand beaches could be mistaken for a much more tropical location.

Over the following days, explore these spectacular islands. You may call at the historic capital, Stanley, which has a distinctly British feel, right down to its cosy pubs and elegant Christ Church Cathedral. West Point Island is another potential landing site, famed for its vast cliffside colony of black-browed albatross, as is Rookery Point, home to thousands of breeding pairs of penguins.

Freechoice:
Walk Port Stanley: Tour the small capital with an expert guide for a closer look at the Islanders' daily life.

Battlefields a Mountain Perspective: Visit the key sites of the Falklands War on a Battlefields Tour, delving into the events that led up to the 1982 conflict.

Stanley Highlights: This tour by coach offers a thorough introduction to the town's key sights and historical landmarks.

Fitz Roy Farm Tour:  Start at the Jetty Visitor Centre with a brief history of the Falklands, then continue to the shearing shed for a live shearing demonstration and visit the Farm Manager’s House.

Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). To see the Falkland Islands from above or below the horizon book a helicopter^ or submersible^ experience.

These remote and sparsely populated 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, and vast numbers of shearwaters and petrels. Fur and elephant seals roam sandy beaches, while the surrounding waters are home to whales and dolphins.

You will also learn about their fascinating and tumultuous history. Since the 18th century, ownership of the Falkland Islands has been contested between France, Britain, Spain and Argentina. Following the Falklands War of 1982, the islands have been part of the British Commonwealth.

Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). To see the Falkland Islands from above or below the horizon book a helicopter^ or submersible^ experience.

Your cruise ends this morning as you farewell the crew. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to your hotel for a three-night luxurious stay.

An elegant city with pockets of colourful character, discover the highlights and the hidden secrets of this famed ‘Paris of the Americas’ with your local guide, including Casa Rosada, the executive mansion and office of the Argentinian President. Visit soulful San Telmo and La Boca’s colourful Caminito. This evening, enjoy dinner at the Gala Tango show.

Freechoice: Take a tour with a local artist to uncover the vibrant urban art scene. Alternatively, discover the culinary secrets of Argentinian cuisine with a food walking tour.

Fly to the magnificent natural wonder of Iguazú Falls for your three night Special Stay at your elegant hotel, uniquely set inside the park gates. As a guest of the hotel, you will be able to experience the sun setting over the top of the falls without the general public.

Enjoy a leisurely walking tour to discover the Brazilian Falls before the park gates open to the public. Be awed by the world’s largest volume waterfall as you stand on the walkway in the middle of the falls. Later this morning, take an exhilarating jet boat ride towards the base of the falls and feel its spray on your face.

Optional helicopter flight: Soar over Iguazú Falls on an optional helicopter flight (additional cost, please
book on tour).

Visit the Argentinian side of the falls.  Discover the walkways across the top of the falls on the Argentinian side to the lookout where you will see the famous ‘Devil’s Throat’ and be awed by the sheer volume of water cascading over the falls.

Fly to the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. A highlight will be your three night Special Stay at the iconic Belmond Copacabana Palace, set in the heart of the beach strip.

Sunset Drinks
At Sugarloaf Mountain, take the cable car to the peak for Scenic Sundowner drinks and canapés while taking in the spectacular views of Rio at sunset.

Welcome to the Cidade Maravilhosa, or the Marvelous City, as Rio is known in Brazil. Synonymous with the girl from Ipanema, the dramatic views from Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado mountain, and fabulously flamboyant Carnival celebrations, Rio is a city of stunning architecture, abundant museums, and marvelous food. Rio is also home to 23 beaches, an almost continuous 73-km (45-mile) ribbon of sand.As you leave the airport and head to Rio's beautiful Zona Sul (the touristic South Zone), you'll drive for about 40 minutes on a highway from where you'll begin to get a sense of the dramatic contrast between beautiful landscape and devastating poverty. In this teeming metropolis of 12 million people (6.2 million of whom live in Rio proper), the very rich and the very poor live in uneasy proximity. You'll drive past seemingly endless cinder-block favela, but by the time you reach Copacabana's breezy, sunny Avenida Atlântica—flanked on one side by white beach and azure sea and on the other by condominiums and hotels—your heart will leap with expectation as you begin to recognize the postcard-famous sights. Now you're truly in Rio, where cariocas (Rio residents) and tourists live life to its fullest.Enthusiasm is contagious in Rio. Prepare to have your senses engaged and your inhibitions untied. Rio seduces with a host of images: the joyous bustle of vendors at Sunday's Feira Hippie (Hippie Fair); the tipsy babble at sidewalk cafés as patrons sip their last glass of icy beer under the stars; the blanket of lights beneath the Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain); the bikers, joggers, strollers, and power walkers who parade along the beach each morning. Borrow the carioca spirit for your stay; you may find yourself reluctant to give it back.

Today, you will discover the beating heart of this exotic city. Take a fascinating walking tour through downtown Rio, home to the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Selaron Staircase. Learn about Rio’s history and culture and appreciate the locals’ lifestyle. Ride the cogwheel railway to the top of Corcovado Mountain to see the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. This afternoon, indulge in a mouth-watering Brazilian Churrascaria experience.

Freechoice: Walk through the UNESCO biosphere reserve, Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden) while learning about its unique history, or discover how the old and modern parts of Rio’s downtown co-exist on a historical walking tour. 

Enrich
A highlight awaits at your private farewell dinner in the elegant Cipriani Restaurant at the Belmond Copacabana Palace where you will enjoy a wonderful tasting menu.

Bid farewell to your new friends as you transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport, taking a lifetime of wonderful memories with you.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.