Argentina/Antarctica
“Land Ho!” Icebergs and Penguins in Otherworldly Antarctica
Program No. 23705RJ
Experience nature in its purest form on an expedition to the beaches, glaciers and islands of the Antarctic Peninsula as seasoned experts shine a light on the seventh continent.
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
Read More.
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
16 days
15 nights
What's Included
34 meals (
13B, 10L, 11D
)
7 expert-led lectures
11 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
13 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Buenos Aires, Orientation, sightseeing and welcome dinner
Location:
Buenos Aires
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel 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 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, geology, and biology. Due to the remote location of the ports, 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. . After the Orientation 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.
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:
Return to the hotel for a deserved night of sleep.
Day
3
La Pampa: Gauchos. Local traditions and home made asado.
Location:
Buenos Aires
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel 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’ll have a buffet meal with juice, coffee, tea, water included.
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 andpoultry, 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:
At your own to explore the local cuisine. The Group Leader will be happy to point some options according to your interest.
Day
4
Arrive Ushuaia, Dinner at the end of the world.
Location:
Ushuaia
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Cilene del Faro Suites & Spa
Activity Note
Included flight Buenos Aires-Ushuaia. 3.5 hours of flight. Transfers.
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 restaurant 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. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
5
Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Location:
Ushuaia
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Cilene del Faro Suites & Spa
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 leaving the hotel.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, choose what you like from the breakfast buffet that includes coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
After breakfast, 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. Sea birds are abundant along the coast and include albatross, terns, geese, ducks, and gulls. Also be on the lookout for condors, Magellanic woodpeckers, and Austral conures. A 5-mile trail that leads west from Bahia Ensenada passes through an area of archaeological importance with grass-covered shell mounds left by the Yamaná (a/k/a Yahgan) inhabitants hundreds of years ago.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we will order from a select menu with choice of a main course and dessert plus water or soda.Other beverages available for purchase.
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. Do not forget to stamp your passport with "end of the World Stamp" or visit iconic places such as The End of the World Museum or "The Jail of the end f the World" that are located walking distance from the Hotel. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At your own to explore the local cuisine and walk around the picturesque town.
Day
6
Embark Ship
Location:
Aboard the Ocean Victory
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Boarding the ship.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will check out of our rooms this morning. Our bags will picked up by the Cruise Line to be transferred to the Ship. Keep your personal belonging in your handbag as well as medicines, passports due you will see your lugagge again when you get aboard in the afternoon. Your Group Leader will deliver your Road Scholar tag with your cabin number to be attached to each piece of lugagge you will send to the ship.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will transfer to the port and board the Ocean Albatros 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 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
7
At Sea, 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:
Today, we will begin a two-day voyage through the Mar de Hoces, better known as the Drake Passage. The Ocean Albatros 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. It is the largest biological barrier on earth and is marked by a change in temperature, salinity, and nutrient levels. 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 guides, 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. Topics we may hear about include climate change, marine life and the marine ecosystem, birds/wildlife in general, geology and geography, weather systems, and expedition history. Tea and coffee are available in the lounge.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
At Sea, 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:
We will continue crossing the Drake Passage. Wandering Black-browed and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Prions, and Cap Petrals are among 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.
Day
9
South Shetland Islands
Location:
South Shetland 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:
This is what we've all been waiting for: a chance to explore and step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next six days, we will navigate southwards, making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through to the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt two outings per day while we navigate through the area, but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions we encounter. All outings will be via Zodiacs, the famous inflatable boats used throughout the world.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We will continue to explore the South Shetland Islands.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
South Shetland Islands
Location:
South Shetland Islands
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
Getting on/off Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Wet landing. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We’ll board the Zodiac boats and explore the South Shetland Islands.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Zodiac boat trip continued.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
Antarctic Peninsula
Location:
Antarctic Peninsula
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
Getting on/off Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today’s Zodiac boat trip will see us exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Zodiac boat trip continued.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Antarctic Peninsula
Location:
Antarctic Peninsula
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Victory
Activity Note
Getting on/off Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Zodiac boat trip along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Zodiac boat trip continued.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
13
At Sea, 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:
Today we will leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. 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:
Our educational program will continue as we cross the Drake Passage.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
14
At Sea, 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:
Our educational program will continue as we cross the Drake Passage.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Our educational programming at sea will continue.
Dinner:
Aboard ship. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation after arrival in Ushuaia and departure in the morning.
Day
15
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. When arriving to Buenos aires the program ends.
Breakfast:
Aboard 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
16
Arrival to the US
Location:
In Flight
Please Note:
This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Feb 20, 2026 - Mar 07, 2026
Jan 06, 2026 - Jan 21, 2026
Jan 15, 2026 - Jan 30, 2026
Jan 24, 2026 - Feb 08, 2026
Feb 02, 2026 - Feb 17, 2026
Feb 20, 2026 - Mar 07, 2026
Feb 20 - Mar 7, 2026 Itinerary Differences:
This departures sails on the M/V Ocean Victory.
