Itinerary
- Day 1
Buenos Aires
You'll arrive in Buenos Aires and check into your hotel for the night. The city has plenty to see if you want to wander around on your own, with Belle Epoque buildings, cafes along the sidewalks, and parks scattered throughout. La Boca is worth a visit for its colorful street art, or you could head to San Telmo where there's a more bohemian feel, boutique hotels, antique shops, and tango clubs if that interests you.
Optional Activities
- Visit La Boca art walk
- Explore San Telmo bohemian neighborhood
- Dine on traditional asado (flame-cooked meats)
- Experience tango clubs
Landmarks/POIs La Boca San Telmo - Day 2
Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
From Buenos Aires you'll fly to Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. After boarding the Scenic Eclipse, you'll get a warm welcome from the captain and crew before toasting to the start of your expedition. The yacht then heads through the Beagle Channel where you can take in the dramatic Andean mountain views from your private verandah or the Observation Deck.
Included Activities
- Cruise through Beagle Channel
- Board Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yacht
Landmarks/POIs Beagle Channel Ushuaia - Day 3
Drake Passage
Today you're crossing the Drake Passage, the waterway between South America and Antarctica. You'll have breakfast at your own pace in your suite or join other guests at the Yacht Club. The Polar Discovery Team gives an introductory talk about the expedition and how the Zodiac excursions work. Later in the evening there's entertainment with live productions.
Included Activities
- Introductory presentation by Polar Discovery Team
- Evening entertainment performances
Landmarks/POIs Drake Passage - Day 4
Antarctic Waters
You'll spot icebergs for the first time from the Observation Deck and watch for whale blows in the distance while the Polar Discovery Team shares information about the region. This evening the ship celebrates New Year's Eve with Champagne and festivities as you enter Antarctic waters.
Included Activities
- Iceberg spotting from Observation Deck
- Expert Polar Discovery Team presentations
- New Year's Eve celebrations on board
- Complimentary polar parka provided
Landmarks/POIs Antarctic Waters - Day 5
New Year's Day in Antarctica
Wake up on New Year's Day to iceberg and glacial mountain views from your suite's verandah. Antarctica has over 40 bird species here, including wandering albatrosses, shearwaters, and giant petrels. The captain and Polar Discovery Team plan each day's Discovery excursions based on ice and weather, taking advantage of the 18 to 20 hours of daylight available.
Included Activities
- Wildlife observation and birdwatching
- Scenic Discovery excursions (weather/ice dependent)
Landmarks/POIs Antarctica - Day 6
Antarctic Exploration
Potential landing sites today include Portal Point, a former British refuge hut, or Deception Island in the South Shetland Islands. Deception Island lets you sail into the center of a submerged volcanic caldera and see hundreds of thousands of chinstrap penguins. If you're interested, there's optional specialty dining at Sushi @ Koko's later this evening.
Included Activities
- Zodiac excursions and landings (weather dependent)
- Penguin colony viewing
Optional Activities
- Sushi dining at Koko's
Landmarks/POIs Portal Point Deception Island - Day 7
Antarctic Wildlife
The Polar Discovery Team takes you close to penguin colonies where around 12 million penguins live on the Peninsula, including Adelie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, and rare Emperor penguins. You'll watch them waddle around and hear their calls. From the yacht, Zodiacs, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards, you can also encounter whales like minke, humpback, or Orca.
Included Activities
- Guided penguin colony tours
- Whale watching excursions
- Zodiac cruises
- Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding around ice formations
Landmarks/POIs Antarctic Peninsula - Day 8
Lemaire Channel
You navigate the Lemaire Channel, nicknamed 'Kodak Alley' for its views. The 11-kilometer channel narrows to just 700 meters at its widest point, with dramatic rocky mountains and blue icebergs right next to the ship. Grab a specialty tea or coffee in the Observation Lounge and use the Swarovski telescopes to get an even closer look.
Included Activities
- Lemaire Channel transit
- Specialty tea and coffee service in Observation Lounge
Landmarks/POIs Lemaire Channel - Day 9
Anvers Island
Mount Francis, Anvers Island's highest peak, stands tall on clear days. Every day here is different, so you might hike or spend time on pebbled beaches surrounded by curious penguins. Back on the yacht, check out the Observation Lounge or Senses Spa where you can use the sauna, heated therapy lounge, try yoga or Pilates, then choose from up to 10 dining options.
Included Activities
- Hiking and beach exploration (weather dependent)
- Senses Spa access
- Yoga or Pilates classes
- World-class dining experiences
Optional Activities
- Senses Spa treatments
Landmarks/POIs Mount Francis Anvers Island - Day 10
Polar Plunge
This could be your polar plunge day, a rite of passage where you jump into freezing Antarctic waters if you're brave enough. The yacht stops and the team sets up the marina for swimmers. If you'd rather watch, grab a good viewing spot and join others for hot chocolate or whiskey afterward.
Included Activities
- Polar plunge setup and opportunity
Optional Activities
- Polar plunge (optional participation)
- Hot chocolate or whiskey celebration after plunge
- Day 11
Drake Passage Return
You're cruising back through the Drake Passage with plenty of time to use the yacht's luxury amenities and think back on your Antarctic journey. This morning, butler service brings freshly squeezed juice, barista-made coffee, or tea to your suite. The gym, Pilates class, guided stretching, or aerial yoga are available, and the Scenic Lounge Bar has premium beverages this evening.
Included Activities
- Butler service with beverage delivery
- Gym access
- Pilates classes
- Guided stretching and aerial yoga
- Bar access with complimentary premium beverages
Landmarks/POIs Drake Passage - Day 12
Scenic Eclipse Return
Thanks to the captain's open bridge policy, you can visit the bridge to learn about how this Discovery Yacht operates and see it in action. It's also one of the best viewing spots on the ship. Book a spa treatment at the Senses Spa before your expedition ends, with options like ESPA facials or treatments such as Ayurvedic massage or Japanese shiatsu.
Included Activities
- Open bridge visits
Optional Activities
- Senses Spa treatments (ESPA facials, Ayurvedic massage, Japanese shiatsu)
- Day 13
Ushuaia to El Calafate
Your cruise ends this morning in Ushuaia after breakfast, where you'll say goodbye to fellow travelers and crew. Then you fly to El Calafate in Argentine Patagonia, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park known for glacier fields and colorful glacial lakes backed by rugged mountains. The town's name comes from the calafate berry, and legend says eating one means you'll return. Your Tour Director will meet you for a three-night stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast (On board Scenic Eclipse before disembarkation)
Included Activities
- Breakfast on board before disembarkation
- Arrival transfer in El Calafate
Landmarks/POIs Los Glaciares National Park El Calafate - Day 14
Perito Moreno Glacier
You visit the World Heritage-listed Los Glaciares National Park, established in 1937. Cruising on the milky waters of Lake Argentino brings you close to the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier, whose face rises about 74 meters above the water. Huge ice blocks calve and crash down with loud cracks. A guided walk along the boardwalk gives you spectacular views across the 250 square kilometer glacier.
Included Activities
- Lake Argentino cruise
- Perito Moreno Glacier viewing
- Guided boardwalk tour
Landmarks/POIs Perito Moreno Glacier Lake Argentino - Day 15
Patagonian Estancia
Today you experience the traditional way of life on an estancia (ranch) in the Argentine countryside surrounded by glaciers, snowy peaks, and lakes. You'll learn about authentic Patagonian culture and the frontier spirit in these vast properties. Guides teach you about gaucho history and explore the rugged landscapes with you on horseback.
Included Activities
- Estancia visit
- Horseback riding and landscape exploration
- Gaucho history and culture experience
Landmarks/POIs Argentine Patagonia Estancia - Day 16
Torres del Paine
You drive to Patagonia and arrive at your hotel at the entrance of Torres del Paine National Park for a four-night exclusive stay. The park serves as the main gateway to spectacular southern Chilean fjords. You'll have time to explore the park's wonders and nearby Puerto Natales. Your rooms are elegantly designed and each day includes complimentary excursions with refreshing beverages and Patagonian cuisine.
Included Activities
- Hotel arrival and check-in
- Complimentary excursions (program to be determined daily)
Landmarks/POIs Torres del Paine National Park Puerto Natales - Day 17
Torres del Paine Exploration
Your exploration of one of the world's most spectacular national parks begins now. Torres del Paine is known for shimmering glaciers, turquoise lakes, dramatic peaks, and golden pampas with unique wildlife like guanacos and the elusive puma. You'll spend multiple days discovering this region. Each evening you return to your luxurious lodge to relax, swap stories with other travelers, and enjoy the views.
Included Activities
- Torres del Paine National Park exploration
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activities (details to be selected from available options)
Landmarks/POIs Torres del Paine National Park - Day 18
Torres del Paine Trekking
You continue exploring Torres del Paine's diverse landscapes. Walking trails here fit different fitness levels. Hike to the base of the iconic rock towers, trek through French Valley scenery, or explore Grey Glacier on ice crampons if you're an experienced trekker. Alternatively, saddle up and discover the rolling pampas on horseback with an experienced guide.
Included Activities
- Access to walking trails (varying fitness levels)
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activities including base tower hike, French Valley trek, Grey Glacier trek with ice crampons, horseback pampas exploration
Landmarks/POIs Torres del Paine French Valley Grey Glacier - Day 19
Torres del Paine Waterways
Consider discovering Torres del Paine's magical waterways today. Kayaking along vibrant blue lakes and calm rivers offers incredible views of the Grey Glacier face as you paddle the River Grey. The Serrano River also has excellent fly fishing for trout and salmon. After each activity, return to the lodge for exceptional meals inspired by the Patagonian environment, paired with South American wines.
Included Activities
- Access to kayaking and water activities
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activities including kayaking on River Grey, fly fishing for trout and salmon on Serrano River
Landmarks/POIs River Grey Serrano River - Day 20
Torres del Paine to Santiago
This morning you take in your last views of Torres del Paine's rock formations before flying to Santiago, the vibrant and sophisticated Chilean capital. The city sits in the Central Valley at the foot of the Andes Mountains, with a modern skyline, natural scenery, neoclassical buildings, expansive museums, and lively public squares.
Landmarks/POIs Santiago Andes Mountains - Day 21
Departure
You say farewell to your Tour Director and fellow travelers as you transfer to Santiago airport, carrying wonderful memories from your entire trip.
Included Activities
- Airport transfer
