Antarctica, South Georgia, Argentina & Brazil - Cruise & Land Journey

Welcome to colourful Rio De Janeiro. This sprawling city is famous for its golden beaches, lush jungle and colourful favelas, all under the watchful eye of Christ the Redeemer. The days are fuelled by sunshine and the nights by vibrant samba music.Check into your luxury hotel for a three-night stay which combines elegant design with top-tier amenities.Start your journey tonight with a warm welcome dinner at a unique local restaurant.

Today, discover the beating heart of this exotic city. Take a fascinating walking tour through downtown Rio, home to the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Selaron Stairs.Learn about Rio’s history and culture and get a taste of the local lifestyle. Ride the cogwheel railway to the top of Corcovado Mountain to see the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, a national icon of Brazil.For lunch, indulge in a mouth-watering Brazilian Churrascaria experience.

Embrace the diversity of Rio de Janeiro with two enticing Scenic Freechoice options for exploration. Learn about the garden's vital role in preserving Brazil's unique flora and fauna. Alternatively, delve into the heart of Rio's downtown on a historical walking tour, exploring iconic landmarks. Be immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of bustling marketplaces and feel the dynamic rhythm of daily life in this captivating city.Enjoy sunset at the Sugarloaf Mountain, sipping drinks and savouring a local tapas dinner while taking in the breathtaking views of Rio at sunset.Scenic Freechoice: Botanical Garden: Walk through the World Heritage-listed biosphere reserve Jardim Botânico while learning about its unique history, admiring thousands of species of plants and looking for monkeys.Rio, City of Contrast: Take a fascinating walking tour through downtown Rio to see its most famous sights while hearing stories of the city’s history, culture and local lifestyle.

Fly southwest across Brazil today to the magnificent Iguazú Falls, the world’s largest waterfall by volume, straddling the border of Brazil and Argentina. Enjoy an exclusive three-night Special Stay. This is the only property set within the Argentinian Iguazu National Park, a glamorous, modern retreat that features spacious rooms and a serene ambiance surrounded by lush rainforest. It's a perfect blend of nature and elegance, ideal for guests seeking to explore and relax.

Wake up early this morning to watch the sun rising over the falls, a truly unforgettable experience. Then enjoy a leisurely tour to discover the Brazilian side of the falls. Stand on the walkway in the middle of the falls and be awed by this vast spectacle with 275 individual cascades spread over a four-kilometre crescent shaped cliff. Enjoy a lunch with a beautiful view inside the National Park.After lunch, take an exhilarating jet boat ride towards the base of the falls and feel its spray on your face.Optional helicopter flightSoar over Iguazú Falls on an optional helicopter flight (additional cost, please book on tour).

This morning, visit the Argentinian side of the falls, before the park gates open to the public. Around 80 per cent of the falls are on this side of the border and the many walkways that thread between the upper and lower falls allow you to get closer into the cliff face. Walk to the lookout where you will see the famous Devil’s Throat, the largest and most formidable waterfall within the entire system. Be awed by the sheer volume of water cascading over the falls.

After one final glorious sunrise, farewell Iguazú Falls. This morning you will fly south into Argentina and the vibrant capital, Buenos Aires, and transfer to your elegant hotel for a three-night stay. Set in the stylish La Recoleta neighbourhood.

Glamorous and gritty, Buenos Aires is two cities in one. What makes Argentina's capital so fascinating is its dual heritage—part European, part Latin American. Plaza de Mayo resembles a grand square in Madrid, and the ornate Teatro Colón would not be out of place in Vienna. But you’ll know you’re in South America by the leather shoes for sale on cobbled streets and impromptu parades of triumphant soccer fans. Limited-production wines, juicy steaks, and ice cream in countless flavors are among the old-world imports the city has perfected.

Discover the highlights and the hidden secrets of the famed ‘Paris of the Americas’ with your local guide today. Buenos Aires is an elegant city with pockets of colourful character, like Casa Rosada (the Pink House), the executive mansion and office of the Argentinian President. Explore soulful Recoleta, where leafy streets are lined with stylish boutiques, lavish townhouses and former palaces, as well as the famed Recoleta Cemetery. Discover La Boca’s colourful Caminito, with its multicoloured houses, street stalls and festive atmosphere.Scenic EnrichThis evening, experience the passion of Argentine tango at the Gala Tango show, accompanied by a sumptuous dinner and Argentinian wine.

Indulge in another delicious breakfast at your hotel’s L’Orangerie restaurant before delving deeper into Buenos Aires with a choice of Scenic Freechoice experiences.  Choose a tour with a local artist to uncover the city's vibrant urban art scene or embark on a culinary journey of authentic Argentinian cuisine on a food walking tour.Scenic Freechoice: Buenos Aires Street Art: Take a tour with a local artist to discover the vibrant urban art scene. Go off the beaten path to visit hidden art spots and open-air galleries.Buenos Aires Culinary Delight: Learn about Argentinian cuisine and authentic flavours on a culinary tour of the city. Enjoy local restaurants, traditional parrillas (steakhouses) and Argentinian wine.

Board your flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica and the world’s southernmost city, nestled on the rugged shores of Tierra del Fuego. The captain and crew will warmly greet you as you board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht.Raise a glass of Champagne as you set sail through the legendary Beagle Channel, tracing the path of Charles Darwin’s historic voyage. From your private verandah or the Observation Deck, take in breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andean peaks and pristine Patagonian wilderness—marking the beginning of an unforgettable expedition. Due to the extraordinary nature of this region, Discovery excursions throughout your Expedition Voyage are dependent on the weather conditions. Your experienced Captain and specialist polar Discovery Team, who have made countless journeys to Antarctica, Falkland Islands & South Georgia will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, making the most of your time in this spectacular destination.

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).

Remote and unspoiled, the Falkland Islands offer a breathtaking sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts. Home to the world’s largest Gentoo penguin population, watch as they waddle along the shores, nesting and interacting in their natural environment. Spot black-browed albatross soaring above and keep an eye out for Cobb’s wren and the Falkland flightless steamer duck, two rare species only found here. For a deeper appreciation of this remarkable ecosystem, engage with the specialist polar Discovery Team—a dedicated group of geologists, historians, ornithologists, marine biologists, and glaciologists who bring the magic of the Falklands to life through their unparalleled knowledge and passion. Scenic Discovery: Daily experiences during your expedition voyage may include cruising on Zodiacs, landing ashore to view vast penguin rookeries, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, soar above in the helicopter^ and dive below in the submersible^.  

While in the Falkland Islands, you will visit capital Stanley (subject to weather and operational conditions). This town offers a unique British outpost feel. Visit local shops, see the Christ Church Cathedral with its whalebone arch, or share a pint at an English pub. It could be a good night to share stories with new friends over dinner at Sushi @ Koko’s (available by on board reservations). Enjoy entertainment in the state-of-the-art theatre and unwind with a nightcap at the Scenic Lounge Bar. 

Today, venture into one of the most breathtaking wildlife sanctuaries in the Southern Ocean. If weather allows, explore the rugged coves and sweeping shores, where extraordinary wildlife abounds. With its untouched beauty and remarkable biodiversity, South Georgia offers an awe-inspiring experience for those seeking true wilderness. Scenic Discovery: You may have the chance to explore this fascinating landscape on Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, self-paced hikes, and submersible excursions. Your expert Discovery Team will guide you on enlightening excursions, bringing you close to South Georgia's stunning wildlife and nature. 

Step back in time at Grytviken, a historic settlement that tells the story of early Antarctic exploration and industry. Pay tribute to legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton at his final resting place and explore the remnants of the island’s past, where weathered whaling stations and rusting ships stand as enduring symbols of a bygone era. Scenic Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). 

A paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, South Georgia offers breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled wildlife encounters. If conditions allow, explore its dramatic shores, where untouched wilderness and striking scenery create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture this awe-inspiring destination. Scenic Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, with potential shore landings, beach walks, and hikes to historical sites (weather and ice permitting). To further discover South Georgia book a submersible^ experience. 

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. True magic awaits as you witness the incredible wildlife spectacle: from the graceful seals to majestic whales and delightful colonies of penguins that dot the landscape. Antarctica is a birdwatcher's delight, home to a variety of species, so keep your eyes peeled for wandering albatrosses, shearwaters, giant petrels and more. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, excursions throughout your Expedition Voyage are dependent on weather conditions. Your experienced Captain and Discovery Leader, who have made countless journeys to Antarctica, will use their expertise to design a bespoke voyage, making the most of your time in this spectacular destination.  Scenic 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.

Every day, set out on unforgettable Zodiac excursions to explore breathtaking glaciated bays, tranquil channels, and pristine landing sites. Your dedicated Discovery Team will guide you as you trek across the awe-inspiring Antarctic wilderness, and meet the adorable chinstrap, Adélie, and gentoo penguins that inhabit this magical region.Tonight could be the night you enjoy Sushi^ @ Koko’s (available by on board reservation) with your new friends. Stay up late in the bar or retire to the Observation Lounge for a moment of blissful solitude before bed.Scenic Discovery: Enjoy daily Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, step onto islands to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak or stand-up paddleboard past icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding below. Soar above the horizon in one of two  the two helicopters^ or dive below in the submersible^ for further discovery.

Various species of penguins can be found in Antarctic and the sub-Antarctic region, with around 12 million living on the Peninsula, including Adélie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, and the rare Emperor. Guided by the expert Polar Discovery Team, you’ll witness colonies up close.  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 Discovery Team member, or from their level in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard – a breathtaking experience. Scenic 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 enjoy these incredible moments while cruising on the Zodiacs, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding around impressive ice formations.

From the moment it was discovered, Antarctica has held an irresistible allure for intrepid adventurers. The bold exploits of legendary explorers like Scott, Shackleton, and Amundsen have fueled its mystique, inspiring generations to venture into this untamed wilderness. On this unforgettable day, you’ll cruise past Antarctica's stunning icy mountains, before stepping ashore by Zodiac to immerse yourself in the true polar wilderness.  In between discovery excursions, enjoy a specialty tea or coffee in the Observation Lounge and watch the world float by through Swarovski telescopes. 

Aboard our ultra-luxury yacht, every moment is designed for comfort and camaraderie, with our inviting lounge offering the perfect space to relax and share unforgettable experiences with like-minded travellers. For those seeking an exhilarating experience, the legendary Polar Plunge awaits—an unforgettable moment of pure adrenaline in the icy waters, carefully planned by the Expedition Leader and Captain. If you prefer to stay warm, find a prime viewing spot and enjoy the spectacle as fellow guests take the plunge, then join them for a toast with a glass of whiskey or a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Scenic 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 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).

This morning, bid farewell to your expert crew and fellow travellers as your extraordinary journey comes to an end. After a final indulgent breakfast on board, disembark in Ushuaia and board your flight to Buenos Aires, carrying with you memories of an unforgettable adventure in the pristine landscapes of Antarctica. Please book your flight to depart out of Buenos Aires after 09:30 PM.#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits.  Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board. ^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.Helicopter not operational in South Georgia.The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Locations listed within South Georgia, Falkland Islands and Antarctica are subject to weather and operational conditions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Glamorous and gritty, Buenos Aires is two cities in one. What makes Argentina's capital so fascinating is its dual heritage—part European, part Latin American. Plaza de Mayo resembles a grand square in Madrid, and the ornate Teatro Colón would not be out of place in Vienna. But you’ll know you’re in South America by the leather shoes for sale on cobbled streets and impromptu parades of triumphant soccer fans. Limited-production wines, juicy steaks, and ice cream in countless flavors are among the old-world imports the city has perfected.