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A large colony of Gentoo penguins walks across a vast white sand beach next to turquoise water under a dramatic cloudy sky.
Antarctica

Antarctica & South Georgia: A Southern Ocean Expedition

Program No. 25741RJ
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Itinerary
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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
25 days
24 nights
What's Included
63 meals ( 22B, 20L, 21D )
14 expert-led lectures
24 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
1 hands-on experience
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Arrival day. Orientation meeting. Remember to bring your name tag to the meeting.
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, and 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, or water; other beverages are available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Remember to bring your name tag. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 10 miles, approximately 3.5 hours riding time including stops. Walking up to 1 mile at a time and standing up to 1 hour at a time. Sidewalks, paved roads, and some uneven terrain. Do not forget to refill your reusable water bottle at the hotel before getting into the bus. Stairs with rails at Tango house.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
The city tour begins in Recoleta, the most sophisticated neighborhood in Buenos Aires, where elegant French-inspired mansions, refined avenues, and neoclassical architecture reflect the wealth and European influence that shaped the city during its golden age. The journey then continues to Plaza de Mayo, where it all began. Colonial buildings and monumental public architecture tell the story of Argentina’s political foundations and the rise of modern Buenos Aires. In San Telmo, cobblestone streets, iron balconies, and historic residences reveal the character of the city’s immigrant expansion and the vibrant social life of the late 19th century. The experience concludes in La Boca, where colorful conventillos, working-class architecture, and the atmosphere of the old port embody the energy, diversity, and cultural spirit brought by generations of immigrants who helped define the identity of Buenos Aires.
Lunch:
We will enjoy a 3-course plated lunch with a glass of wine and coffee, tea, or water; other beverages are available for purchase
Afternoon:
To visit Buenos Aires without experiencing tango would be to miss a part of the city’s soul — not only its dance, but also its music. Tango was born from the emotions of nostalgic immigrants who arrived in these new lands searching for a brighter future. Within tango converge melancholy, hope, passion, and joy. Its music carries the echoes of longing and resilience, while its dance, much like the music itself, becomes a labyrinth of emotions and sensations, expressing the deep spirit and history of Buenos Aires. After the Lunch with the full performance we will go to the hotel. rest of the afternoon is free to explore Buenos Aires. Your group Leader will be happy to offer options.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and it is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out, transfer to the airport, and our flight to Ushuaia in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Getting on/off an aircraft; flight time under 4 hours. Paved roads, and some uneven terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Checking out of the hotel, we’ll take a motorcoach back to the Buenos Aires airport and board our flight to Ushuaia. After a 3.5-hour flight, we will arrive at Aeropuerto Internacional de Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas, transfer to the hotel, and check in.
Lunch:
On your own. Depending on the flight schedule, we will have the opportunity 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. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. Before dinner, we will gather to enjoy the first Road Scholar lecture, welcoming us to the journey ahead. The “Introduction to Antarctica” lecture is designed to provide context for the experiences that await us in the days to come.
Dinner:
Welcome to the end of the world! We will walk to a nearby hotel for dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out, transfer, and ship embarkation tomorrow.
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 motorcoach. Embarking the ship.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our bags will be picked up by the cruise line to be transferred to the ship. Keep your personal belongings in your handbag as well as medicines and passports, because you will see your luggage 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 luggage you will send to the ship. 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 seabirds, including terns, geese, ducks, gulls, and, of course, albatross. We may get lucky and see condors, Magellanic 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 traditional local cuisine.
Afternoon:
Next, we will transfer to the port and board the ship 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. 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.
Dinner:
In the dining room aboard ship, there is a sector for the Road Scholar group. 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 or have a look at the booklet we provided to understand better what you are about to see, listen to, and feel.
Activity Note
At sea for the day and night.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
As we commence our journey we wil cruise up the Beagle Channel, towards the Drake Passage Crossing. Take time to settle into life at sea. The Expedition Team will prepare you for your first landings with important wildlife guidelines, biosecurity procedures, and informative lectures on the region’s history, wildlife, and environment. Along the way, enjoy the opportunity to observe and photograph the many seabirds that accompany the ship, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels soaring effortlessly on the air currents created by the vessel.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
Days at sea offer the perfect opportunity to attend lectures, photography sessions, and daily recaps; browse the ship’s library; observe storm petrels and albatrosses from the outer decks; or simply relax and enjoy the rhythm of life at sea while spending time with fellow participants.
Dinner:
Aboard the 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. At sea for the day and night.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
Continue our journey crossing the legendary Drake Passage, where the cold waters of Antarctica meet the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Known for its strong westerly winds, rolling seas, and the nickname "The Roaring Fifties," the Drake is one of the world's most famous ocean crossings. While conditions can be challenging, you can travel with confidence aboard our purpose-built expedition vessel, equipped with stabilizers, powerful engines, and operated by a highly experienced crew. For many travelers, crossing the Drake Passage is a milestone in itself. You wil be able to spot seabirds, whales, and other marine wildlife.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
Enjoy your first Antarctic landing.
Dinner:
Aboard the 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 the ship
Morning:
It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge (open at the captain’s discretion) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Listen out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve into sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of the pristine paradise of the splendid white continent.
Dinner:
Aboard the 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 the ship.
Morning:
We will continue our Antarctic Odyssey expedition. In Antarctica, experience the serenity and grandeur of the most remote place on the planet, where penguin chicks are quickly fattening, whales make a marathon migration to feed on plentiful krill and ice seals are hauled out on ice floes.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
We will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled at by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way.
Dinner:
Aboard the 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 the ship.
Morning:
Our exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula will continue. On this voyage, under favorable conditions, we plan to cross the Antarctic Circle, an imaginary line located at latitude 66°33' south. This is certainly a special highlight for many expeditioners, and the moment will be celebrated with a toast on deck (conditions permitting). As we approach The Circle, we will notice subtle changes in the landscape and in the distribution of wildlife. The waters at this time of year are rich with krill, and we hope to see plenty of whales, particularly humpbacks and minkes. We also hope to enjoy the spectale of penguins feeding their ravenous chicks.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
The eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore. With so many possible landing sites and Zodiac excursions, each day offers new opportunities for discovery. Because we are so far south, we will experience nearly 24 hours of daylight, allowing for full days of exploration.
Dinner:
Aboard the 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 the ship.
Morning:
If time and weather permits, we may attempt to follow the coastline of Elephant Island, a half-submerged mountain cloaked with an ice sheet at the outer limits of the South Shetland Islands.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
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.
Dinner:
Aboard the 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 the ship.
Morning:
Between Shetlands Islands and South Georgia, we will be enthralled by the ceaseless flight of the many seabirds that follow and circle the ship. Our onboard lecture program will continue with presentations from our team of experts.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
Attend informative lectures to learn about South Georgia before arriving there. As we near the rugged island of South Georgia, spare a thought for Captain James Cook, who arrived here in 1775 and believed it to be the northern tip of a great southern continent! In fact, it is a small island only 110 miles long, but with a 9,842-foot snow-capped mountain range, some of the world’s largest congregations of wildlife, and a truly fascinating human history, South Georgia is an island of incredible riches.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
At sea for the day and night. Aboard activities.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge (open at the captain’s discretion) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendor.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
Attend informative lectures to learn about Antarctica as we sail across the Scotia Sea towards the white continent. You may want to relax in the sauna and jacuzzis or stay active in the gym; the choice is yours on how you want to enjoy days at sea.
Dinner:
Aboard the 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 the ship.
Morning:
Sea and weather conditions will determine our arrival time into South Georgia today. Attend lectures, engage in shipboard activities, spend time with fellow participants, and feel the rhythm of the cruise.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
We will continue exploring.
Dinner:
Aboard the 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 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:
In addition to Zodiac excursions and shore excursions, we may cruise through fjords with towering cliffs of ancient stone or into deeply indented bays towards dramatic glacier fronts. This is a great time to find a comfy spot in the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge (open at the captain’s discretion) to enjoy uninterrupted views of South Georgia’s majestic coast.
Dinner:
Aboard the 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 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:
Our Zodiacs will also transport you ashore, where you can visit some of the largest king penguin colonies on Earth, take an expert-led walk among fur seals and elephant seals (making sure you listen to your guides and keep your distance!), and wander along pebbled streams and grassy glacial outwash plains. We also hope to visit the remnants of South Georgia’s thriving whaling stations and pay our respects to Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose incredible voyage of survival is synonymous with this island. If you have chosen an elective activity, you will have time to do that whenever conditions allow.
Dinner:
Aboard the 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 the ship.
Morning:
South Georgia offers stunning wildlife experiences with a wealth of breeding penguins, seabirds, sea lions, and seals, all seeking shelter in this oasis amidst the roaring Southern Ocean. Previous whaling history pops up in most of the fjords we will explore, 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 explore the fjords of the north coast for four days and take as many shore landings as time and the swelling sea will allow.
Lunch:
Aboard the 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 enjoying a lecture. Your experienced expedition team will use their local knowledge to plan your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea state and wildlife opportunities.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
The extent and duration of elective activities aboard the ship depend on personal choice.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
Sea and weather conditions will determine our departure time from South Georgia today. Attend lectures, engage in shipboard activities, spend time with fellow participants, and feel the rhythm of the cruise.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
Our educational program will continue this afternoon. While departing South Georgia, jagged mountain peaks rise steeply, while seabirds are often spotted soaring around the ship. We will sail down the coast, taking in the spectacular glaciated scenery. This enchanting coastline is yours to explore! If time and weather conditions permit, en route, we could pass close to Shag Rocks, a fascinating group of jagged rocky islets protruding from the sea.
Dinner:
Aboard the 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 the ship.
Morning:
Between the South Georgia and Malvinas- Falklands, you will be enthralled by the ceaseless flight of the many seabirds that follow and circle the ship. Our onboard lecture program will continue with presentations from our team of experts. You can also enjoy the many facilities on the ship, borrow a book from our well-stocked library or perhaps stay active in the fitness centre.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
Our onboard educational programming will continue this afternoon. Keep your Road Scholar journal updated with all the discoveries.
Dinner:
Aboard the 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 the ship.
Morning:
Free time aboard the ship to select among the options to keep learning about the area, this time, the fantastic history of the Malvinas-Falkland Islands.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
We approach the Malvinas- Falklands and, weather permitting, make our first landing by Zodiac. Throughout the voyage, we generally make two landings or Zodiac excursions each day. Although we are north of the Antarctic Convergence, temperatures can still be quite chilly, so be sure to dress in layers before boarding the Zodiacs. Along the way, keep watch for seals, sea lions, dolphins, penguins, and other wildlife found along the rocky coves and sea cliffs.
Dinner:
Aboard the 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 the ship.
Morning:
The Malvinas- Falklands comprises two large islands (East and West Falkland) with over 700 islands scattered off the coast. All but seven of these are uninhabited, with windswept coastlines, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear water. These beautifully barren islands are true wildlife havens, sheltering an impressive diversity of birdlife, including the largest black-browed albatross colony on earth. The cold, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands make this a prime location for spotting marine life.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
There are many beautiful areas to explore across the Falklands-Malvinas, each offering a unique perspective on this magnificent archipelago. Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing winds, weather, and wildlife opportunities.
Dinner:
Aboard the 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 the ship.
Morning:
You will want to layer up before joining Zodiac cruises into rocky coves or along sea cliffs, keeping watch for seals, sea lions, dolphins and penguins. On landings we may visit albatross colonies, penguin rookeries and perhaps even have a traditional English ‘tea and scones’ at a local cottage.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
Conditions permitting, we aim to land in historic Stanley, the capital of the Falklands~Malvinas. This charming town has a distinctly British character, with terraced town houses, pioneer cottages and even an iconic red telephone box! Colourful buildings house cosy cafes, English pubs, souvenir shops, a post office and the fascinating Historic Dockyard Museum, with displays on the maritime history of the Falkland Islands, natural history and links to Antarctica.
Dinner:
Aboard the 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 the ship.
Morning:
With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced. We hope you become ambassadors for Antarctica telling your family, friends and colleagues about your journey to this magical place, advocating for its conservation and preservation so that they might one day visit the region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do here.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
As we sail towards Ushuaia, Your Group Leader will organize our farewell "wrap-up" meeting where we can share discoveries, and we can make the last updates in our journal.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation and transfer to the airport in the morning.
Activity Note
Disembarkation is scheduled to begin at approximately 8:00 AM following breakfast. You will then board a motorcoach for your transfer to Ushuaia Airport in time for your included flight to Buenos Aires.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
During the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we will be free to disembark. 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 will arrive at 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!