Beyond Antarctica: South Shetlands, South Georgia & the Falklands

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 7:00 a.m. 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.

Breakfast: We will get to enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel upon arrival; coffee, tea, water, and juices available.

Morning: Our rooms will be ready to check in to upon arrival at the hotel. After dropping our bags in our rooms and filling up on breakfast, we will meet our local expert and board a motorcoach for a field trip in Buenos Aires lasting approximately 3.5 hours. We will get to explore the city both by coach and on foot.

Lunch: A plated 3-course lunch will be served at a local restaurant within walking distance of the hotel. Water or a soft drink, and coffee or tea are included in the meal.

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. We’ll then gather in the hotel lobby for our walk to dinner.

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.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out, flight transfer, and embarkation tomorrow.

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: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll transfer by motorcoach to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) for our charter flight to Ushuaia.

Lunch: At a local restaurant upon arrival in Ushuaia, with coffee, tea, water.

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: We will enjoy a plated 3-course meal at a local restaurant with water and a glass of wine or beer, and coffee or tea included.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach several times during field trip. Walking short distances on a boardwalk and unpaved ground.

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. Our luggage will be loaded onto the coach and transferred to the ship with us this afternoon.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we will order from a select menu with choice of a main course and dessert plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Next, we will transfer to the port and board the Ocean Atlantic for nine 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 open seating for our a la carte dinner with coffee, tea, water included; 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.

Activity note: At sea for the day and night.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today, we will begin a two-day voyage through the Mar de Hoces, better known as the Drake Passage. The Ocean Atlantic is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded, never-ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. At some point on the second day at sea, we will cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer sub-Antarctic water moving in the opposite direction. When we pass this zone, we will have entered the most nutrient rich waters on earth — the Southern Ocean. The best way to experience wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out.

Lunch: In the dining room aboard ship, choose what you like from the lunch buffet.

Afternoon: As we make the passage, we will have time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library, and lecture hall where we will meet our leaders, ship’s crew, and expedition staff. Everyone is invited to attend lecture and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region. Tea and coffee are available in the lounge.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: At sea for the day and night.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will continue crossing the Drake Passage. Wandering black-browed and light-mantled sooty albatross, prions, and cap petrals are some of the species of seabirds that may join us on our journey as we cross into Antarctica.

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.

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: Situated in the scenic Errera Channel, Cuverville Island offers a large colony of Gentoo penguins. This narrow channel provides a spectacular passage to the island with glorious trapped and grounded icebergs.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: We will continue to explore the South Shetland Islands.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

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.

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.

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 leisure.

Activity note: At sea for the day and night.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we will leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage toward South Georgia Island. In between bird watching, whale watching, and some final lectures by our expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia. Remember, the best way to experience wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for albatross, prions, and whales.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: We’ll continue taking advantage of the amenities and activities aboard the ship, including onboard lectures provided by the expedition team.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

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 our journey through the Drake Passage and approach South Georgia. Weather permitting, we will hope to make a landing here today.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Our exploration of South Georgia will continue.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

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 ice conditions that we encounter.

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.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

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.

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 begin sailing back to South America. 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 simply relax.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Our educational program will continue this afternoon.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

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.

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: We continue crossing the South Atlantic toward Argentina. Take advantage of the onboard educational programming and other amenities.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

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: Enjoy more educational programming onboard the ship as we cruise towards South America. Take this time to reflect on our journey together to Antarctica.

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.

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 continue crossing the South Atlantic toward Argentina. Take advantage of the onboard educational programming and other amenities.

Lunch: On board the ship.

Afternoon: Our onboard educational programming will continue this afternoon.

Dinner: On board the ship.

Evening: At leisure.

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.

Activity note: Getting off the ship; getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1 mile and standing up to 1 hour at a time. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: On board the ship.

Morning: We will disembark the ship and board a motorcoach to transfer to the airport.

Lunch: At a local restaurant on the way to the airport. This concludes our program.

Afternoon: 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!