Evening: Depart from USA on overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Morning: Arrive at the Ministro Pistarini International Airport (a.k.a. Ezeiza International Airport) in Buenos Aires.

Proceed through Immigrations, Baggage Claim and Customs before exiting the secured area of the airport. The Road Scholar representative will be waiting outside the exit door with a Road Scholar sign (only applies to Road Scholar group flights).

Transfer to the hotel. **Please note that early check-in is subject to hotel availability. Participants who wish to have a guaranteed early check-in on this day will need to pay for an additional hotel night (at own expense).



Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Return to the hotel and check-in.

Time at leisure to enjoy the surrounding area or to rest after the long international flight. The group leader will be available to offer suggestions for free time activities in Buenos Aires.

A 4 p.m. program orientation will be followed by an introductory lecture: Argentina's Cultural History.

Before dinner, treat your tastebuds to a selection of delicious Argentinian wines during a private wine tasting session. A local wine specialist will discuss the special properties of the wines and introduce you to the history of wine production in Argentina.

Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: NH Latino Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Morning lecture: Argentina's Current Social, Economic and Political Situation.

Embark on a cultural and historic exploration of Buenos Aires with a local expert. Your orientation to the city will include visits to the Mayo Square, Parliament, La Boca, San Telmo, and the Plaza Dorrego. Examine some fine examples of French-style architecture in the affluent Recoleta neighborhood and walk through its famous cemetery to see Evita's resting place. Continue to Plaza San Martin, Puerto Madero and the Rose Garden at Palermo Park.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant serving typical Argentinian fare.

Afternoon: Return to the hotel to freshen-up before dinner. A lecture with audiovisual presentation (Lecture: History of the Tango) will prepare you for your evening activities.

Dinner: Dinner and Tango show at a local restaurant. A visit to Buenos Aires would not be complete without experiencing the music of Carlos Gardel and the sensual dance moves of the Tango. Sample a bit of porteño culture while savoring local wines and authentic Agentinian cuisine.

Lodging: NH Latino Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Buenos Aires - Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur/
Flight to Ushuaia/Typical Fuegian Dinner.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Transfer to Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur for a walking excursion in search of River Plate fauna. This wildlife sanctuary is a haven for birds and riverine fauna. It is also a place where locals go to relax and take a break from the fast paced rhythm of Buenos Aires.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Afternoon flight to Ushuaia (departing about 3:00 pm)
Arrival to Ushuaia (about 8:00 pm)
Transfer to hotel

Dinner: Enjoy a typical "Fuegian" dinner at a local restaurant.

Lodging: Los Acebos Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: Check out of the hotel and head to Tierra del Fuego National Park. A morning field trip through the park will take you past archaeological sites and introduce you to some of the unique vegetation and wildlife found in this southernmost region of Argentina.

Tierra del Fuego National Park was founded in 1960. Located close to the city of Ushuaia, the national park stretches 60 km north from the Beagle Channel along the Chilean border. Its 630 square kilometres include parts of the Fagnano and Roca lakes, the second of which opens into the Lapataia Bay on the southern coast, a popular point for treks. The park has dramatic scenery, with waterfalls, forests, mountains and glaciers. Twenty species of terrestrial mammals include guanacos, foxes and beavers, which were introduced to the area and have caused serious damage, as have rabbits and muskrats. 90 species of bird include carancas, Torrent Ducks, Austral Parakeets, condors and oystercatchers.



Lunch: Traditional lamb barbecue lunch.

Afternoon: Transfer to the port and embark on the MV Ushuaia.

Begin sailing along the Beagle Channel, heading to the Falkland Islands (a.k.a. Islas Malvinas).

Dinner: Welcome dinner on board the ship.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Cruising toward the Falkland Islands.

The Falkland Islands archipelago of over 200 islands is well-known for its important role in the early whaling and sealing fisheries. The islands are home to a fantastic collection of wildlife, scenery, whaling and old sailing ship relics, and even an English-style pub. The astounding wildlife includes tens of thousands of penguins, albatrosses, huge flocks of smaller seabirds, Sea Lions, Elephant Seals, whales and dolphins.

Watch for seabird and marine life from the decks.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Enjoy introductory lectures in preparation for your activities in the up and coming days.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Morning field trip to West Point Island, one of the westernmost islands in the Falkland archipelago.

During our landing we hope to pay a visit to a large colony of Black-browed Albatross and Rockhopper Penguins who commonly nest along the island cliffs.

Have your cameras ready! There are many great photo opportunities during this walk. Although resident wildlife often steal the show, take a moment to enjoy the beautiful views of the island's landscape along this route.

West Point Island is situated in the northwest section of the archipelago. Like so many other parts of the Falklands, this island was targeted by sealers who hunted the animals for their oil and skins. The unrestrained killing of seals led to a drastic drop in their population and contributed to the end of sealing in the area. The island is now used predominantly for sheep farming.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, we will head to Carcass Island, near West Point. The combination of dense ground cover and lack of natural predators has made Carcass Island a haven for small bird species. Be on the look for Striated Caracaras, Cobb's Wrens, and nesting Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins.

If we are lucky, we might have the opportunity to meet Rob McGill, the island's owner, and have a friendly chat over a cup of tea.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Disembark at Port Stanley.
Orientation to Stanley and opportunity to view local wildlife.

Pt. Stanley is the capital and only town in the Falkland Islands. The city grew as a strategic location for shipping and trade prior to the Panama Canal, with local inhabitants becoming experts in ship repair and then taking on whaling and sealing in the South Atlantic and Antarctic Oceans. British occupation of the Falkland Islands led to war with Argentina in 1982, when Argentine troops tried to seize the city. British troops prevailed and the islands remained in British control.

During our explorations we hope to spot Kelp Gulls, Southern Giant Petrels, Falkland Thrushes, Black-chinned Siskins, Red-breasted long-tailed Meadowlarks, and Falkland Steamer Ducks.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: This afternoon, we will lift anchor and head east, making our way to the South Georgia Islands.

Time at leisure to enjoy ship amenities.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Stand watch on the bridge, looking for whales and the numerous seabirds that frequent these waters.

Lunch: Lunch on board

Afternoon: Experts will provide insight into the wildlife, landscapes and human history of the up and coming ports of call.

Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the ship's amenities.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Stand watch on the bridge, looking for whales and the numerous seabirds that frequent these waters.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Experts will provide insight into the wildlife, landscapes and human history of the up and coming ports of call.

Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the ship's amenities.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Stand watch on the bridge, looking for whales and the numerous seabirds that frequent these waters.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Experts will provide insight into the wildlife, landscapes and human history of the up and coming ports of call.

If weather conditions are favorable, we might encounter King Penguins this afternoon!

King Penguins are often mistaken for Empire Penguins due to their similar orange and gold markings and large size. These regal and dramatically colored birds can be found in many sub-Antarctic islands such as the South Georgia Islands and Prince Edward Islands.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Explore sites on South Georgia Islands. During the next few days we hope to include the following ports of call (weather permitting): Grytviken, Salisbury Plain, Gold Harbour, Cooper Bay, St. Andrews Bay, Stromness, and Drygalski Fjord.

South Georgia is a group of islands situated in the southern Atlantic Ocean. The South Georgia Islands were once an important sealing and whaling center, responsible for the killing and processing of thousands of animals. The first and longest operating Antarctic whaling station was established at Grytviken in 1904. By some accounts, more than 175,000 whales were slaughtered in South Georgia between 1904 and 1966. Fortunately, despite the unrestrained killings that once took place on these islands, much of the resident wildlife managed to make a comeback once hunting ceased. Antarctic Fur-seals, King Penguins, Macaroni Penguins, reindeer (introduced in 1911), and a number of seabird species now thrive at South Georgia.

NOTE: The exact order in which the sites are visited and program activities take place are dependent on local sea and land conditions, and are subject to change.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Landings continue on South Georgia.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Explore sites on South Georgia.

Among some of the more interesting historical sites to visit include the South Georgia Museum, Whalers' Church and the Whalers' Cemetery. The museum occupies what was once the former whaling station manager's house (built in 1916) and has interesting exhibits documenting South Georgia's history and its wildlife. The Whalers' Cemetery contains a number of old graves, but its most famous belongs to Ernest Shackleton. The famous British explorer died of a heart attack (January 1922), during his last Antarctic expedition. Towards the northwestern edge of the deteriorating station, visitors will be able to spot a typical Norwegian church. Shackleton's funeral service was held here and the church continues to serve the local community.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Landings continue on South Georgia.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Exploration of sites on South Georgia.

The largest King Penguin rookery on South Georgia is located at St. Andrew's Bay, though another good nesting site can be found further north at Salisbury Plain.

Other notable residents include noisy fur and elephant seals that congregate in large numbers at St. Andrews Bay (especially in November). No longer hunted and slaughtered for its pelt, the Antarctic fur seal population has grown into the millions.

Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: Landings continue on South Georgia.

Dinner: Dinner onboard.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: A final day in South Georgia.
Glaciers and fjords create surreal and strikingly beautiful landscapes in South Georgia.
While navigating the Drygalski Fjord, admire the imposing Risting and Jenkins Glaciers and search for Cape and Snow Petrels nesting in the cliffs and mountain ridges. Keep your eyes peeled for Antarctic Terns, Blue-eyed Shags, and Wilson's Storm Petrels feeding in the fjord's nutrient-rich waters.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Landings continue on South Georgia.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Full day sailing to the South Orkney Islands.

Lectures and wildlife viewing from the ship decks.

Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: Experts will provide insight into the wildlife, landscapes and human history of the up and coming ports of call.

Dinner: Dinner onboard.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Enjoy a field trip to a British or Argentinian research base (weather dependent).

The South Orkney Islands are located northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula and are jointly administered by Britain and Argentina. The archipelago is composed of four larger islands: Coronation, Signy, Powell and Laurie, as well as number of smaller islands (including the Inaccessible Islands). They were first discovered by British and American sealers in 1821; unfortunately, uncontrolled hunting almost decimated the entire seal populations. Despite the incredibly hostile environment (85% of the island group is covered by glaciers), life continues to thrive in the outlying areas. Colorful lichen and short grasses; as well as Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap colonies can be seen on the rocky shores. Other wildlife found in the area include: petrels, skuas, albatross, and seals.


Lunch: Lunch onboard

Afternoon: Continue with activities at the South Orkney Islands.

Dinner: Dinner onboard

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: More lectures this morning as we move further south, towards the Weddell Sea.

Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: Time at leisure onboard the ship, watching for wildlife and iceberg formations.

Dinner: Dinner onboard.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: In the ice-filled fjords of the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands, expect two or more Zodiac landings each day. The abundance of wildlife is amazing with penguin rookeries (primarily Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap), seals in the water and basking on the ice (the most common being Weddell, Leopard, Crabeater, and Elephant Seals) and seabirds.

Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: There is a good possibility of close encounters with whales including minkes and humpbacks. Visits are likely to be concentrated in the northern part of the Peninsula.

Dinner: Dinner onboard.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Weather permitting, we hope to explore King George Island and Deception Island in the South Shetland Islands as well as the Antarctic Sound, Brown Bluff, Esperanza Station at Hope Bay and Astrolabe Island.

The Weddell Sea received its name in honor of James Weddell, a British sailor who explored the area in the early 1800s. The sea's southern region is mostly covered in permanent ice and it was here that the Endurance, led by Shackleton, sank in 1915 after being crushed by pack ice.



Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: Continue with shore explorations.



Dinner: Dinner onboard.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Landings on the South Shetland Islands, including Deception Island and Livingston Island. This group of islands is situated in the northern section of the Antarctica Peninsula and is well-known for its beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife.

Deception Island is a periodically active volcano with a flooded caldera that opens to the sea via a narrow channel. This gives it a unique horseshoe shape and has created one of the safest harbors in the continent. Deception Islands has a steaming black-sand beach; the result of emerging heart from subterranean volcanic vents.

At the volcanic Deception Island there is an opportunity to soak in the staff-dug hot pool in the lava sands. Once you've heated up, perhaps dash for a quick dip in the chilly Antarctic waters.



Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: King George Island is home to various international research stations and is the largest island in the South Shetland archipelago. Shore explorations provide an opportunity to view moss beds, two types of grasses, and uniquely colored lichens. Southern elephant seals and nesting colonies of Adelie and Chinstrap Penguins can be found along the shores.

Dinner: Dinner onboard.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Lectures and wildlife viewing from the ship decks.

Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: Stand watch on the bridge, looking for whales and the numerous seabirds that frequent these waters.

Dinner: Dinner onboard.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Sail west across the Scotia Sea and back up the Beagle Channel. Lecture.

The famous Beagle Channel passes through both Chilean and Argentine territory, in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, in the southernmost region of South America. It is approximately 3-8 miles wide and 150 miles long. The channel’s name was given in honor of the HMS Beagle, the ship used by Charles Darwin during his explorations in the area.

Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: Afternoon at sea.
Time at leisure to reflect on your voyage, share photos and gather memories.

Dinner: Farewell dinner onboard.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark in Ushuaia/Field trip to Lago Escondido
Flight to Buenos Aires/Depart for USA.

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Disembark in Ushuaia and set off on a field trip to Lago Escondido. Observe the Antiguo Presidio (now a museum) as you pass through the industrial sector of the town. Continue your journey through forested lands and past the Velo de Novia waterfall. The snowy peaks of Sierra Alvear and panoramic views of Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano offer breathtaking photo opportunities.


Lunch: Light lunch at Cerro Castor.

Afternoon: Transfer to the Ushuaia Airport.
Afternoon flight to Buenos Aires.

In the evening, depart from the Ministro Pistarini de Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires Airport on an overnight flight to the USA.

Lodging: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Arrive To: Arrive to the USA.