Fly overnight from London to Buenos Aires, Argentina. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for a 1-night stay.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, your group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be taken from the airport to a central location in the heart of the town, where you will have free time to explore quaint Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, before making your way to the pier. After embarking in the late afternoon, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which cuts through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the far south of South America. Enjoy the sense of anticipation as you depart, for the next land you see will be the Antarctic.

The unpredictable and exhilarating Drake Passage, which lies at the meeting point of the Pacific, Atlantic and Southern oceans, is an adventure in its own right. While being attentively looked after by our expert onboard staff and expedition team, you will have ample time to gaze out over the vast ocean, photograph seabirds as they wheel around the ship, and become acquainted with your Expedition Team and fellow travellers.

Onboard presentations by highly respected experts will enrich your polar journey, offering insight into what life was like a century ago for the courageous explorers who ventured into the unknown. You will also gain a deeper understanding of the ice-dwelling emperor penguins.

Your journey towards Snow Hill Island will ignite your spirit of exploration as the captain and Expedition Leader provide regular updates on weather and sea ice conditions, with the ice thickness determining how close Ultramarine can approach before the twin-engine helicopters take over. From there, groups will fly across a striking landscape of snow-covered peaks and towering tabular icebergs before landing as near as safely as possible to the emperor penguin colony on the sea ice. You will then walk across the frozen surface towards this extraordinary rookery, hearing the wind, feeling the ice beneath your boots and following penguin-made paths as the distant calls of thousands of emperor penguins grow louder. The aim is for every guest to reach this remote site once, accompanied by knowledgeable experts who will help you appreciate the complex social behaviour of the birds and their distinctive ways of moving across the ice. When not ashore or in the air, you will immerse yourself in the Weddell Sea environment through Zodiac cruises, ice excursions, kayaking and engaging educational programmes led by scientists and historians. Should weather or ice prevent a Snow Hill landing, alternative sites such as Brown Bluff, Paulet Island or Seymour Island may be explored.

The journey back across the Drake Passage offers a final chance to breathe in the invigorating Southern Ocean air. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and scanning the waves for whales, enjoy insightful presentations from your Expedition Team, and take a moment to celebrate the extraordinary experiences you have shared while venturing far off the beaten track in the remarkable realm of Antarctica.

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast, before making your way to your group charter flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Buenos Aires to relax and settle in. If you arrive early, take the opportunity to start exploring the city, perhaps strolling along lively streets or stopping at a sidewalk cafe or restaurant for a drink while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Later, join your Welcome Moment to meet your CEO and fellow travelers, learn more about your tour, and get tips for making the most of your stay. You can also choose to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Check the hotel lobby or ask at reception for the official time and place to meet the group. This first day gives you a gentle introduction to Buenos Aires, balancing rest, exploration, and connection with your fellow travellers so you can begin your adventure in comfort and style.

Fly from Buenos Aires to the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls. Begin your day with a meaningful G for Good Moment at the G Adventures supported Jasy Pora community, guided by a local Guarani expert. Explore the lush Misiones rainforest, learn about traditional uses of plants and animals, and gain insight into the community’s culture, language, and sustainable practices that preserve their heritage. Afterwards, cross the border into Brazil by private vehicle and arrive at the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls, where a guided tour offers stunning panoramic views of over 275 individual waterfalls stretching across 3 km. After settling in, you can choose from optional adventures such as a helicopter ride over the falls or a visit to the nearby bird park, before spending the next two full days exploring this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site.

Return to the Argentine side to explore the trails and enjoy incredible views of Iguassu Falls. Walk along paths that lead directly over the Devil’s Throat, the highest and deepest section of the falls, or take trails through the forest to see other stretches of the waterfalls. For a closer experience, opt for a boat tour that brings you to the base of the thundering falls. Guided tours are available throughout the day and make it easy to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, cross back into Brazil by private vehicle and return to Foz do Iguacu for one more night in town, reflecting on the breathtaking natural beauty you have experienced.

Fly from Foz do Iguacu to Sao Paulo in the morning and continue by shared van to the beautiful coastal town of Paraty. Along the way, enjoy a stop for lunch and take in the scenery as you travel. Once in Paraty, wander the cobblestoned streets and explore the shops of the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town’s charming architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it a perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in its culture.

Enjoy a free day to explore the charming town of Paraty at your own pace. Wander the cobblestoned streets of the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a well preserved example of Portuguese colonial architecture. Consider visiting a cachaça distillery, taking a boat tour in the bay to explore nearby islands and beaches, kayaking, horseback riding, or going on a jeep tour. Your Discover Moment allows you to relax or join optional activities, such as the Paraty Caipirinha Boat Tour, a puppet show, or a guided visit to a local distillery. Your CEO can offer additional suggestions to help you make the most of your day in this picturesque and laid back coastal town.

Travel by shared van along the scenic coast from Paraty to Angra dos Reis, then board a ferry to Ilha Grande, known for some of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches. Once on the island, enjoy free time to hike to remote beaches, relax on the sand, snorkel in clear waters, or explore hidden trails. In the evenings, unwind in the village plaza, sample fresh seafood, and sip caipirinhas while taking in the laid-back island atmosphere. This day offers a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.

Enjoy a free day on Ilha Grande to relax and explore at your own pace. Optional activities include hiking to Pico do Papagaio or walking to Lopes Mendes Beach, taking a boat to nearby beaches, or snorkelling in the clear waters. Your Discover Moment gives you the flexibility to enjoy the island your way, whether soaking up the sun, exploring trails, or joining guided activities suggested by your CEO. This day is designed for a balance of adventure and relaxation in one of Brazil’s most beautiful island settings.

Travel by ferry from Ilha Grande back to the mainland at Angra dos Reis, then continue by shared van along the scenic coast to Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy the incredible scenery along the way, including the cliffs at Vidigal, and take in your first views of this iconic city. Once in Rio, you will have free time to begin exploring at your own pace or join an optional city tour to see the highlights. This day offers a smooth transition from the relaxed island atmosphere to the vibrant energy of one of the world’s most memorable cities.

Check out and transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back home.