Mar 2 - Mar 25, 2025
Argentina/Antarctica
Beyond Antarctica: South Shetlands, South Georgia & the Falklands
Program No. 23704RJ
Sail to the Antarctic on an expedition to the South Shetland Islands, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, learning about the wildlife and geologic forces that shaped Antarctica.
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24 days
23 nights
60 meals
21B 19L 20D
1
In Transit for Program
In Flight
4
Flight to Ushuaia, Free Time
Ushuaia
6
Drake Passage.
Drake Passage
8
Antarctic sound and Weddell Sea.
At Sea - Antarctica
9
Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea
At Sea - Antarctica
10
Antarctic sound and Weddell Sea.
At Sea - Antarctica
11
Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea
At Sea - Antarctica
12
Drake Passage, South Georgia
South Georgia Islands
13
South Georgia
South Georgia Islands
14
South Georgia
South Georgia Islands
15
At Sea, South Georgia.
At Sea
16
South Georgia
South Georgia Islands
17
South Georgia
South Georgia Islands
18
Cruising South Atlantic
At Sea - Antarctica
21
Falkland Islands, At Sea
At Sea
At a Glance
As you cross the Drake Passage from Ushuaia, you’ll sail past towering icebergs slowly drifting away as the Antarctic finally comes into view — it’s like a dream come true. Penguins waddle through the snow and seals snooze on the sea ice, but when you see them up close from a kayak or Zodiac, you’ll be in awe of the natural wonderland that is Antarctica. With seasoned experts, navigate past whales feeding in rich waters and the delight in vivid hues of icebergs bobbing in the sea while comparing the landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. While at sea and on land, learn from naturalists who will reveal the true nature of the world’s driest desert and the ecosystem that thrives there.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles at a time over varied terrain including hills, mud, gravel, and ice. Most embarkations and disembarkations will be via Zodiacs requiring the ascent and descent of steep stairs between the Zodiacs and the ship. Zodiac landings will generally entail disembarking onto wet surfaces which may be slippery. Wind and choppy water may result in more turbulent Zodiac transfers.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Explore Tierra del Fuego before embarking your expedition ship and conquering the Drake Passage.
- Step foot on the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands to see penguin rookeries, research stations and abandoned whaling stations.
- Enjoy lectures about geology, wildlife and issues facing the Antarctic.
Suggested Reading List
(28 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Beyond Antarctica: South Shetlands, South Georgia & the Falklands
Program Number: 23704
Hoosh: Roast Penguin, Scurvy Day, and Other Stories of Antarctic Cuisine
Antarctic traveler Jason Anthony tells the story of the continent's exploration through the celebrated 'hoosh' of early days and other polar fare.
Penguins, The Ultimate Guide
Featuring more than 400 photographs, this is the traveler's ultimate guide to the world's 18 species of penguins. Includes scientific discussions on penguin conservation, profiles, facts and tips on where to see them in Antarctica.
Frozen in Time, Murder at the Bottom of the World
A scientist with the 16th Chilean Antarctic Expedition in the 1960s, Professor Cohen turns his experiences and actual events from the time into a novel with a strong setting at Deception Island and the South Shetlands.
Moon Handbook Patagonia
A practical guide in the Moon series, packed not only with travel necessities (hotels, restaurants, sights), but also with a good overview of history and destinations throughout Patagonia.
Southern Light, Images from Antarctica
Photographer David Neilson has turned his six journeys to the ice over the last 20 years, often with the Australian Antarctic Program (and sometimes lugging a 30-pound large format camera), into a coffee-table tribute to the continent and its wildlife. Includes 130 color and 100 rich black-and-white oversized photographs, gate-folds and double-page spreads that portray the drama and beauty of the Antarctic.
Where the Earth Ends, A Journey Beyond Patagonia
A spirited tale of adventures in the southern tip of South America, south from the Pampas and Patagonia to Punta Arenas, the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia -- and Antarctica.
Lonely Planet Antarctica
Alexis Averbuck, author of the new edition of this compact and surprisingly handy guide, expands coverage of Ushuaia, the Falklands and South Georgia. With a wildlife guide and contributions from 26 Antarctic experts on the history, geology, wildlife and future of Antarctica.
Tropical Nature
Two uncommonly observant and thoughtful field biologists offer a lucid portrait of the tropics through 17 marvelous essays that introduce the habitats, ecology, plants and animals of the Central and South American rainforests.
Antarctic Wildlife
Produced by a shipboard naturalist, this handy identification guide focuses on the Beagle Channel, Drake and Peninsula regions.
Endurance, Shackleton's Incredible Voyage
Lansing's gripping day-by-day story of Shackleton's legendary perseverance is essential reading for any Antarctic traveler.
Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego Map
This handy map shows all Patagonia on one side (1:2,000,000), with a more detailed map of Tierra del Fuego (1:750,000) on the reverse.
Antarctic Marine Wildlife: Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea & Scotia Sea
Melting Away, Images of the Arctic and Antarctic
In her masterful series of 75 portraits and essays, Camille Seaman shows how climate change has wreaked havoc on both the North and South Poles.
Destinations of a Lifetime, 225 of the World's Most Amazing Places
Ideal for inspiring and planning a dream trip, this National Geographic bucket list brings readers a little closer to visiting 225 of the world’s most breathtaking natural and man-made locales.
Birds of Southern America & Antarctica
With color plates, range maps and brief descriptions, this is a compact regional guide
End of the Earth, Voyaging to Antarctica
In this fine book, the result of two voyages, Matthiessen captures the magic of polar landscapes and wildlife, along with the camaraderie of a ship-based polar expedition.
Forgotten Footprints, Lost Stories in the Discovery of Antarctica
A frequent lecturer aboard expedition ships to the Antarctic, John Harrison mixes his own adventures with tales of the seamen, sealers, whalers and plain lunatics who have journeyed to the Ice to make their fame and fortune. He focuses not on Shackleton, Scott and Amundsen but lesser-known tales of the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetlands and Weddell Sea.
Patagonia, A Cultural History
A journalist with the Buenos Aires Herald, Moss follows a colorful cast of characters -- from Magellan and Darwin to mad kings, gauchos, and Nazi fugitives -- in this vivid overview of the culture and history of Patagonia.
Alone in Antarctica, The First Woman to Ski Solo Across the Southern Ice
In this inspirational memoir, Felicity Aston describes her pioneering journey -- skiing across the whole of Antarctica -- while meditating on human vulnerability, struggle and the experience of solitude in the Information Age.
Antarctica, A Call to Action
Copeland's collection of striking photographs includes a three-page list of sensible suggestions to protect the planet.
The Antarctic Book of Cooking and Cleaning, A Polar Journey
An insightful miscellany from a 55-person environmental cleanup expedition in Bellingshausen, Antarctica. The authors’ travelogue is supplemented by 42 recipes, anecdotes, journal entries, vignettes and captivating photography.
The Oceanites Site Guide to the Antarctic Peninsula
The guide, which supports the Antarctic Site Inventory Project, covers 40 prime visitor sites in detail. It also includes some of the best photography we've seen. Second edition.
Antarctica, A Guide to the Wildlife
Designed for the field, this compact handbook features all the species of birds, seals and whales the traveler is likely to encounter on an Antarctic voyage.
Antarctic Explorer Map
A full-color map of the Antarctic Peninsula, including Tierra del Fuego, the Falklands and South Georgia, at a scale of 1:2,750,000. With a map of the Antarctic continent on the reverse.
Travelers' Tales Central America
Organized thematically with contributions set in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama, this collection of eyewitness reports includes Joan Didion, P.J. O'Rourke and Paul Theroux.
1912, The Year the World Discovered Antarctica
Turney looks at the great leap forward in Antarctic science that was made 100 years ago with the expeditions of not just Scott and Amundsen but also those of Mawson, Filchner and Shirase. A brisk and engaging history of science and exploration in the Antarctic. An Australian scientist himself, Turney sees Mawson as the scientific hero of the age.
Buenos Aires, A Cultural History
An exhilarating, erudite guide to Buenos Aires as it has been portrayed by writers, poets and thinkers; serves well as a guidebook, too, with a street map and detailed neighborhood descriptions.
The Penguin History of Latin America
Beginning with the Spanish conquest, this brisk history covers questions of empire, colonialism and nationalism through the 1980s.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
24 days
23 nights
What's Included
60 meals (
21B, 19L, 20D
)
11 expert-led lectures
23 expert-led field trips
1 flight during the program
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
21 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit for Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Buenos Aires, Orientation, sightseeing and welcome dinner
Location:
Buenos Aires
Meals:
D
Stay:
Intersur Recoleta
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving approximately 3.5 hours. Walking up to 1 mile at a time and standing up to 1 hour at a time. Sidewalks, paved roads, some uneven terrain. Do not forget to refill your reusable water bottle at the hotel before getting into the bus.
Morning:
Arrival to Buenos Aires Airport. Meet and Greet and transfer to the Hotel for participants who have purchased the international air segment to Road Scholar. They will have the room ready for check in at arrival to the hotel. Get some rest before the official start of the program with the orientation meeting
Afternoon:
Afternoon Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat “Expedition” program. Expedition ships — more rugged than traditional vessels — are designed to venture into remote landscapes, enabling us to seek opportunities for getting up close to nature and wildlife. There may also be serendipitous occasions to experience something unexpected. The itinerary may change based on weather, sailing conditions, and potential wildlife sightings. Routes, port stops, field trips, and excursions could be impacted; the cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. Updates will be provided aboard ship. Thank you for your understanding. In addition to lectures, field trips, and activities exclusively for our Road Scholar group, you are invited to take advantage of activities and events offered by the cruise line that are separate from Road Scholar. While on board, there will be educational presentations on a variety of topics by members of the ship's resource staff. Many are active researchers with expertise in areas such as history, paleontology, geology, and biology. Due to the remote location of the ports, some embarkation and disembarkation will be via Zodiac rafts. Staff will be available for assistance. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we will enjoy a 3-course plated welcome dinner with a glass of wine and coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. Y
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
La Pampa: Gauchos. Local traditions and home made asado.
Location:
Buenos Aires
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Intersur Recoleta
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach; total driving approximately three hours with one stop for restroom, Walking short distances and standing; unpaved ground at the ranch. Hat, sunblock, and mosquito repellent strongly recommended. Do not forget to refill your reusable water bottle at the hotel and at the ranch
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we will enjoy a breakfast buffet, including water, juice, coffee, and tea.
Morning:
We will depart by motorcoach to experience the famous La Pampa, land of the gauchos, or Argentine cowboys. We’ll spend the day at an local family ranch, to learn the culture of thee gauchos, watch their horse-riding skills, listen to their songs strummed on the guitar, and learn the tradition of yerba mate, a local teadrunk out of a special, gourd-shaped cup. Also we will visit a typical country side small town of the flat lands.
Lunch:
At the estancia, we will enjoy a typical Argentine asado—barbecue of meats and poultry, with side salads and garnishes. Water, soft drinks, wine included.
Afternoon:
Returning from La Pampa and our experience with the Gauchos, the rest of the afternoon will be at leisure.
Dinner:
On your own to explore local cuisine.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Flight to Ushuaia, Free Time
Location:
Ushuaia
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Cilene del Faro Suites & Spa
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Flight time under 4 hours. Up to 2 miles of walking, approximately 1-2 hours; sidewalks, paved roads, some uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet meal with juice, coffee, tea, water included.
Morning:
Check out. Transfer to Buenos AIres Airport on time to take our flight to Ushuaia. After 3.5 hours flight we will arrive to Aeropuerto Internacional de Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas. Transfer to the Hotel and check in. (2 PM)
Lunch:
This lunch was excluded from the program. Depending of the flight schedule we will have the oportunity to get something to eat at Buenos Aires Airport or Ushuaia.
Afternoon:
Free Time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
Welcome at the end of the world! We will walk to a nearby hotel for dinner and order from a select menu with choice of a main course and dessert with water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Tierra del Fuego National Park, Embarkation
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach several times during field trip. Walking short distances on a boardwalk and unpaved ground. Do not forget to refill your reusable water bottle before getting on the bus!
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will board a motorcoach for an expert-led field trip to Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego — Tierra del Fuego National Park — approximately 7.5 miles west of Ushuaia. This was Argentina’s first shoreline park. Native forests of lengas, coihues, ñires, canelos, and mossy foliage are home to guanacos, foxes, and muskrats. Short trails follow the southern edges of the park, providing scenic views of the Ensenada and Lapataia Bays, and the famous Beagle Channel. In the park, we will see several species of sea birds including terns, geese, ducks, gulls, and of course, albatross. We may get lucky and see condors, Megellanic woodpeckers, and Austral conures too. The park is also home to an important archaeological site left by the Yamaná (a/k/a Yahgan) from hundreds of years ago. The site is accessible by a 5-mile trail westbound from Bahia Ensenada.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we will enjoy a traditional local cuisine Salad and dessert is included as well one soft drink or water.
Afternoon:
Next, we will transfer to the port and board the Ocean Victory for eighteen nights. After completing boarding procedures and getting your cabin, take some time to start becoming familiar with the ship. There will be a mandatory passenger briefing and safety drill before departure.
Dinner:
In the dining room aboard ship, there is sector for Road Scholar group. Menu is a la carte and some selected alcoholic beverages are included as well as coffee, tea, water ; other beverages available for purchase. Road Scholars are invited to sit together as a group on our first night out. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, we will always have three meals a day. Hours of operation will be posted around the ship, as they are subject to change based on the activities planned for each day.
Evening:
At leisure. You might like to check out the library that offers a wide range of multilingual books ranging from fiction to travel literature. You can curl up with a book, watch a DVD, and broaden your understanding of the region's history, flora, fauna, climate, scientific contributions, and more.
Day
6
Drake Passage.
Location:
Drake Passage
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
At sea for the day and night.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for strong westerly winds, heavy sea, and its nickname ‘The Roaring Fifties’. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, Ocean Victory, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement – and soon you can tick it off on the list yourself! In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view with our first sight of seals, penguins and albatrosses.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
The onboard educational programming will continue as we cross the Drake Passage.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Gym facilities and a sauna are available.
Day
7
Drake Passage, King George Island
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
At sea for the day and night.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Having crossed the Drake, we will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way. Weather permitting, we hope to make our first landfall on King George Island before continuing further south to the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We will continue to explore the South Shetland Islands.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Antarctic sound and Weddell Sea.
Location:
At Sea - Antarctica
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
Getting in/out of Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
As we continue to explore the South Shetland Islands, our goal is to attempt two outings per day while we navigate through the area, but the itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Attend lectures, engage in shipboard activities, spend time with fellow participants, feel the rhythm of the cruise.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea
Location:
At Sea - Antarctica
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
Getting in/out of Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will continue to explore the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt two outings per day while we navigate through the area, but the itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Our exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula will continue.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Antarctic sound and Weddell Sea.
Location:
At Sea - Antarctica
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
Getting in/out of Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will continue to explore the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt two outings per day while we navigate through the area, but the itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Attend lectures, engage in shipboard activities, spend time with fellow participants, feel the rhythm of the cruise.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At lesiure.
Day
11
Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea
Location:
At Sea - Antarctica
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
Getting in/out of Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will continue to explore the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt two outings per day while we navigate through the area, but the itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounte
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Our exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula will continue
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Drake Passage, South Georgia
Location:
South Georgia Islands
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
Getting in/out of Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
From the Weddell Sea we continue our journey into the open sea, just as Ernest Shackleton and his men did more than hundred years ago. Having lost their ship Endurance deep south in the Weddell Sea they moved slowly north on ice floes and later in open lifeboats until they reached Elephant Island. From here started one of the most remarkable boat journeys in the polar history, when Shackleton and five of his men for two weeks navigated the 720 nautical miles to South Georgia to call for recovery of the stranded crew on Elephant Island. We on the other hand will reach the mighty South Georgia after just a few days at sea!
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Attend lectures, engage in shipboard activities, spend time with fellow participants, feel the rhythm of the cruise.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
13
South Georgia
Location:
South Georgia Islands
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
Getting in/out of Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
South Georgia offers stunning wildlife experiences with a wealth of breeding penguins, sea birds, sea lions and seals, all seeking shelter in this oasis amidst the roaring Southern Ocean. Previous whaling history pops up in most of fjords we will explorer – not least in Grytviken the only inhabited settlement on this mountainous island. Grytviken is also the last resting place for Ernest Shackleton, after he died on yet another Antarctica voyage in 1922. We will explorer the fjords of the north coast for 2-3 days and take as many shore landings as time and the swelling sea will allow us.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
This is a great time to go out on the outer decks looking for wildlife and taking in the beautiful views from the ship and enjoy a Lecture.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
14
South Georgia
Location:
South Georgia Islands
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
Getting in/out of Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will continue to explore South Georgia. Our goal is to attempt two outings per day while we navigate through the area, but the itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ocean conditions.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We will continue exploring South Georgia.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
15
At Sea, South Georgia.
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
At sea for the day and night. The extent and duration of elective activities aboard the ship depend on personal choice.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will continue to explore South Georgia. Our goal is to attempt two outings per day while we navigate through the area, but the itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ocean conditions
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We will continue exploring South Georgia.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
16
South Georgia
Location:
South Georgia Islands
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
Getting in/out of Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will continue to explore South Georgia. Our goal is to attempt two outings per day while we navigate through the area, but the itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ocean conditions.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship
Afternoon:
We will continue exploring South Georgia
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
17
South Georgia
Location:
South Georgia Islands
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
Getting in/out of Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
We will continue to explore South Georgia. Our goal is to attempt two outings per day while we navigate through the area, but the itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ocean conditions.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
We will continue exploring South Georgia
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
18
Cruising South Atlantic
Location:
At Sea - Antarctica
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
At sea.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Days at sea are great for participating in lectures, photo sessions and recaps, reading books in the ship library and watching the ubiquitous storm petrels and albatrosses from top deck. Or just to relax.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Attend lectures, engage in shipboard activities, spend time with fellow participants, feel the rhythm of the cruise.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
19
At Sea, Cruising Towards the Falkland Islands
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
At sea for the day and night. The extent and duration of elective activities aboard the ship depend on personal choice.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Attend lectures, engage in shipboard activities, spend time with fellow participants, feel the rhythm of the cruise.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Our educational program will continue this afternoon.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
20
Port Stanley and the Falkland Islands
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
The extent and duration of elective activities aboard the ship depend on personal choice. Getting in/out of Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
During the morning we approach Falkland Islands and in the early afternoon Ocean Victory will cast anchor the sheltered natural harbor of Port Stanley. Utilizing our Zodiacs, we will land in town center, and take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Stanley.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time aboard ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
21
Falkland Islands, At Sea
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
Getting in/out of Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we will make landings – weather permitting – at two of the islands’ many magnificent wildlife spots.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Our onboard educational programming will continue this afternoon.
Dinner:
Aboard ship. Share favorite experiences from our time at sea.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
22
At Sea, Approaching Argentina
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
At the sea for the day and night. The extent and duration of elective activities aboard the ship depend on personal choice.
Breakfast:
On board the ship.
Morning:
This begins our last full day at sea. As we near the end of our program, take some time to reflect on the journey we have been on together.
Lunch:
On board the ship.
Afternoon:
Free time. Enjoy the amenities onboard the ship.
Dinner:
We will enjoy one last meal as a group at our farewell dinner. During this time, we will get to share with each other what we learned and our favorite moments from the exciting journey we embarked on together.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
23
Disembarkation,transfer & flight back to Buenos Aires
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Disembarkation is scheduled to begin at approximately 8:00 a.m. after breakfast. Transfer to Ushuaia Airport on time to take your included flight to Buenos Aires.
Breakfast:
On board the ship.
Morning:
After completing disembarkation procedures from the ship, we will transfer to the airport to take our included flight back to Buenos Aires. After 3.5 hours we wil larrive to Buenos Aires Airport. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Day
24
In Transit From Program
Location:
In Flight
MEALS
60 Meals
21 Breakfasts
19 Lunches
20 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025
- Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 7 Reviews
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My "Beyond Antarctica" trip with Road Scholar turned out to be the trip of a lifetime for me! I'm a nature geek and was thrilled with the variety of what I learned, saw, and experienced on this trip. The animals were plentiful and beautiful, the lectures were interesting and professional, the Zodiac rides and field excursions were varied and well-chosen and the people I met were great! I could not have asked for anything more
— Review left February 20, 2024
RS customer service is outstanding. The trip overall is outstanding. The travel department is incompetent, I would recommend do not use them!
— Review left February 15, 2024
This was an amazing trip. Our Road Scholar guide, Nicole Flores Jara, was wonderful. The Ocean Victory was a lovely ship. The expedition staff on the ship were first rate. I can't say enough good things about them. The programming was very informative too. I would highly recommend that if you are thinking of going to Antarctica with Road Scholar you take the trip that has you spend 18 days on the boat and also goes to South Georgia and the Falklands. Only downside was the travel division of Road Scholar which needs a lot of improvement. Their service is not up to par.
— Review left February 13, 2024
Although the trip was long, it would have been less enjoyable if South Georgia were not included. I can't imagine the trip without South Georgia.
— Review left November 25, 2022
This program was unique in so many ways that it will be hard to duplicate. Even our Lead Expedition guide extolled this experience as the one he had always dreamed of leading. Not only were we able to land on Elephant Island, where most expeditions are stymied by the nearly ever present katabatic winds that roil a heavy surge, but also we were in the Weddell Sea the same time as a South African research team was searching for Shackleton's ship, Endurance. Their success and the photo of the ship in 10,000 feet of water captured via submersible were published throughout our ship the morning after we had been on Elephant Island, learning about the 127 days Shackleton's men spent there awaiting rescue. This fillip added to our already high excitement at seeing such a wealth of wildlife in the Southern Ocean, not to mention the extraordinary ice sculptures and tabular icebergs we cruised among during our time aboard the Ocean Victory, a brand new ship whose crew was so impressed with its efficiency and stability that they added a whole new destination to our itinerary, the South Orkney Islands, en route to South Georgia Island, where we toasted Shackleton in his grave. At our final destination, the Falkland Islands, we found a culture celebrating the 130th anniversary of their Anglican cathedraf, and making preparations for the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Falklands war. We also found there two more species of penguins to add to the five we had already seen on the cruise. In short, the only part of the program not worthy of duplicating was the nearly daily Covid testing administered before breakfast. But even that inconveniece does not dampen the lasting and brilliant memories of a true "trip of a lifetime."
— Review left June 25, 2022
An outstanding program in all respects. I encourage you to take it at your earliest opportunity. You will not be disappointed.
— Review left April 7, 2022
This was a "dream come true" adventure! Thanks so much, Road Scholar, for this incredible expedition on the Ocean Victory, & including the South Shetlands, South Georgia and the Falklands.
— Review left March 27, 2022
